German FAZ: Kia’s smallest edge 010540

There is a lot of movement in the world of small electrical boxes. Renault has the R4 with cult status at the start, Fiat is introducing the Grande Panda, in Wolfsburg a remarkably impressive trio is warming up to the VW Polo, and we’ve probably forgotten one or two. Strength of character can hardly do… Continue reading German FAZ: Kia’s smallest edge 010540

“It was a hairy drive!” – Living with a BAC Mono in winter

When he bought his BAC Mono in sunny Dubai four years ago, did Jason Goddard ever imagine that one day, back home living in England after 14 years working in the Middle East, he’d be driving it in the middle of winter on lifeless carbon brakes up the M6 to BAC’s Liverpool factory for its… Continue reading “It was a hairy drive!” – Living with a BAC Mono in winter

Chinese Automakers Extend Car Loans to Eight Years to Boost Sales, Reuters Reports

Automakers operating in China are extending vehicle repayment terms to as long as eight years in an effort to attract consumers amid stagnant demand in the world’s largest auto market, according to Reuters. Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng joined at least 10 other car brands, including Xpeng, Xiaomi and Geely, on Tuesday in offering longer-term… Continue reading Chinese Automakers Extend Car Loans to Eight Years to Boost Sales, Reuters Reports

Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be first of five new B- and C-segment cars

Hyundai will launch five new electrified models in Europe over the next 18 months, including three small B- and C-segment cars, beginning with the Ioniq 3 hatchback in April. The Korean company has confirmed that it will unwrap its new electric hatchback – a rival to the Volkswagen ID 3, Renault Megane and Peugeot e-308… Continue reading Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be first of five new B- and C-segment cars

Pride in the workplace: How the automotive industry supports the LGBTQ+ community

Companies that embrace diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices contribute to a better and more tolerant society – but by attracting a wide range of talented staff with different backgrounds and experiences, they also tend to be more innovative and profitable. Vehicle manufacturers, operators and suppliers across the automotive industry have been working closely… Continue reading Pride in the workplace: How the automotive industry supports the LGBTQ+ community

German FAZ: How Dacia wants to get away from the cheap image010536

Although Dacia, the cheaper brand of the Renault Group, has recently had great success, the new boss Katrin Adt does not want to enjoy her laurels in peace. On the contrary: “We need change because the world around us is changing,” Adt told the F.A.Z. “Dacia has to reinvent itself so that we can remain… Continue reading German FAZ: How Dacia wants to get away from the cheap image010536

Horse Powertrain Plans India Entry; Puts Hybrids at Core

Global powertrain supplier Horse Powertrain, backed by France’s Renault and China’s Geely, is evaluating multiple ways to enter the Indian market as the company looks at India as a key strategic growth market. The €15 billion company is placing hybrid technologies at the centre of its powertrain strategy, positioning strong hybrids, plug-in hybrids and range-extender… Continue reading Horse Powertrain Plans India Entry; Puts Hybrids at Core

‘Kei jidosha’: How tiny cars had a massive impact in Japan

The EU’s leaders recently accepted an industry proposal for a new class of small, low-cost cars as European manufacturers struggle to remain competitive while being forced into electrification. Named E-car, this takes inspiration from Japan’s thriving kei jidosha (‘light vehicle’) class, which arose from a very different scenario in 1949. Pre-war Japan lagged far behind… Continue reading ‘Kei jidosha’: How tiny cars had a massive impact in Japan

The Toyota bZ is now among America’s top-selling EVs after a surprise sales surge

Toyota is finally selling electric vehicles in the US, thanks to the new and improved bZ. After sales shot up in January, the bZ was among the best-selling EVs in the US, outpacing the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Toyota bZ proves to be a top-selling EV in January Better late than never. After a slow start… Continue reading The Toyota bZ is now among America’s top-selling EVs after a surprise sales surge