The UK and Italy led the European new car market’s recovery in 2023 as the world emerged from the Covid pandemic and the subsequent supply chain disruption, while the US and Japan also bounced back significantly, Tesla set a new sales record and China’s BYD emerged as a global force. After three years of doom… Continue reading Key stories from global car market after 2023’s return to form
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
UK “sleepwalking into EV crisis” after government budget snub
Car makers have accused the UK government of “sleepwalking into an EV crisis” after chancellor Jeremy Hunt snubbed calls from across the industry to introduce EV incentives. During his hour-long spring budget statement, Hunt announced nothing to either incentivise buying or reduce the cost of owning an EV as the UK gears up to ban new… Continue reading UK “sleepwalking into EV crisis” after government budget snub
British firm launches off-the-shelf hydrogen FCEV powertrain
The first off-the-shelf hydrogen powertrain has been developed by UK engineering firm Viritech and is targeted at manufacturers that are looking to “rapidly deploy” FCEVs. The powertrain, named VPT60N, has been created to demonstrate the advantages of FCEV technology over conventional electric powertrains. Primarily for use in prototype and development vehicles, the system is designed to be as flexible… Continue reading British firm launches off-the-shelf hydrogen FCEV powertrain
My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 78)
Episode 78 of the Autocar podcast My Week In Cars finds our resident car hacks Steve Cropley and Matt Prior talking about spending days in many electric cars, commercial vehicle speed limits, news from the Geneva show and much else besides, including your correspondence. Make sure you never miss an Autocar podcast. Subscribe to our podcasts… Continue reading My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 78)
Tesla stops production at Berlin factory after arson attack by activists
Tesla has stopped production at its Berlin factory after a group of activists set fire to an electricity pylon servicing the factory and nearby towns. The activists, who call themselves the Volcano Group, published a 2500-word letter claiming responsibility for the attack while calling CEO Elon Musk a “technofascist”. It accused Tesla of “consuming earth, resources, people,… Continue reading Tesla stops production at Berlin factory after arson attack by activists
Geneva motor show plots return in February 2025
Prior to this year’s show, Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) CEO Sandro Mesquita told Autocar that this push for “bespoke content for the public” was designed to help visitors “decode the theme of Auto Future Now”. He said the different show zones would evolve year by year according to emerging themes and technologies but “the brands will… Continue reading Geneva motor show plots return in February 2025
New Volkswagen T-Roc in development as firm’s final combustion car
The new Volkswagen T-Roc is in the final stages of development ahead of its launch as the last pure-ICE car from the German firm, new spy shots have revealed. Set for launch in 2026, the second-generation T-Roc has been given a front end similar to the new Tiguan, with a redesigned grille and refreshed LED headlights. Its side… Continue reading New Volkswagen T-Roc in development as firm’s final combustion car
Mercedes-Benz EQV
Were it not for the van-style, cliff-face geometry of the wide, wood-effect dashboard and the expanse between the front seats (nicely sculpted and with useful armrests), you could almost be forgiven for thinking you had climbed aboard one of Mercedes’ saloons. Gone are dramatically hooded instrument binnacles and the bulbous curvature of the centre-console seen… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz EQV
Gerhard Berger’s stolen Ferrari found after 29 years
A missing Ferrari 512M has been recovered by the Metropolitan Police nearly three decades after it was stolen from F1 driver Gerhard Berger. It was one of two Ferraris reported missing after the San Marino Grand Prix in April 1995, and is thought to have been shipped to Japan shortly after its theft. According to the… Continue reading Gerhard Berger’s stolen Ferrari found after 29 years
Radical new shape for electric Range Rover Velar
The first electric Range Rover prototype has been spotted testing, as the brand prepares to reveal its first EV in the coming months. It is thought to be a test car for the the electric successor to the Velar, which has a similarly sleek and low-slung profile. The electric version of the flagship Range Rover model, which… Continue reading Radical new shape for electric Range Rover Velar