Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of a new engineering programme aimed at reducing the embedded carbon footprint of its future cars by rethinking how components are designed, manufactured and recycled. Called Tomorrow XX, the initiative sets out what the German company describes as a “technical pathway to lower upstream CO2 output” – although most elements remain… Continue reading New Mercedes sustainability scheme promises significant CO2 cut
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Radical Skoda EV edges closer to production with Vision O prototype
The Skoda Vision O concept, unveiled at the Munich motor show earlier this year, has taken a further step towards reality with the debut of a fully functioning prototype. The electric estate remains some distance from showrooms, however, and senior Skoda executives say that any production version is at least five years away. Tipped to morph into a… Continue reading Radical Skoda EV edges closer to production with Vision O prototype
New Kia Seltos inbound as “expressive” SUV to rival VW T-Roc
Kia has revealed the second-generation Seltos, and the big-selling SUV is planned to be sold in the UK and Europe for the first time next year. Not quite as long, wide or tall as the Sportage, and slightly larger than the Niro, the new Seltos has been positioned as an “expressive” alternative to its Sportage best-seller… Continue reading New Kia Seltos inbound as “expressive” SUV to rival VW T-Roc
Vauxhall Astra update brings bold new face and EV range boost
The Vauxhall Astra has been updated with a new look that draws on the brand’s 2023 Experimental concept, as well as a range boost for the electric version. The reworked front end emphasises the brand’s ‘Compass’ motif, which was previously a much subtler element of the Astra’s design. The crease that runs through the centre of… Continue reading Vauxhall Astra update brings bold new face and EV range boost
Citroen rethinks small cars with tiny six-seat supermini
“The brief of this project was very simple: we wanted to revolutionise the interior in a very small platform.” One of the headline features of this radical new cabin concept is a novel three-by-three interior configuration, with a McLaren F1-style central driving position. Leclerq said this is a logical format for urban motoring – “if… Continue reading Citroen rethinks small cars with tiny six-seat supermini
Exclusive: Rimac developing solid-state battery for Bugatti
Rimac Technology, the Croatian car maker’s stand-alone engineering division, will “build Rimac out from its position as a start-up” by revolutionising the EV world with solid-state batteries, more power-dense packs, high-performance powertrains and more, its chief operating officer, Nurdin Pitarevic, has told Autocar. A company that was spawned from its Rimac namesake in 2022 following… Continue reading Exclusive: Rimac developing solid-state battery for Bugatti
Ford to use Renault platform for two affordable EVs in Europe
Ford has announced a landmark strategic partnership with Renault, setting it up to launch at least two new electric cars based on the French firm’s Ampr EV platform – including a Fiesta successor. The first of these new “affordable” EVs will arrive in early 2028 and is expected to be a successor to Ford’s hugely popular supermini, closely related… Continue reading Ford to use Renault platform for two affordable EVs in Europe
How Chinese brands’ influence over Europe could shrink
A visit to the Guangzhou motor show recently threw up an important question: does China’s accelerated development point to the future of automotive globally or merely its own? China is leading on battery tech but its gung- ho, bitterly fought and highly cash-intensive battle to appeal to local customers in other areas is widening the gulf… Continue reading How Chinese brands’ influence over Europe could shrink
Company car tax ‘easement’ creates loophole for luxury PHEVs
The Treasury’s “easement” protecting plug-in hybrid drivers from incoming company car tax hikes has opened a loophole for the highest-emitting and most luxurious models, Autocar has learned. New Euro 6e-bis emissions rules came into force across the EU on 1 January, including a new way of calculating CO2 emissions for PHEVs. It assumes their electric driving accounts for… Continue reading Company car tax ‘easement’ creates loophole for luxury PHEVs
A car like the Bugatti Veyron may never happen again
Two decades ago, Autocar drove the Bugatti Veyron for the first time – and it blew us away. “The noise – a peculiar cacophony that sounds a bit like two TVRs on full reheat plus an industrial-strength air hose – is accompanied by mind-bending, heart-stopping acceleration, the like of which has never been felt before in a… Continue reading A car like the Bugatti Veyron may never happen again