(LEAD) Renault Samsung to launch XM3 SUV next week

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 5-7) SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) — Renault Samsung Motors Corp., the South Korean unit of Renault S.A., said Tuesday it will launch its all-new XM3 sport utility vehicle next week to revive lackluster sales. The XM3 SUV, which hits the domestic market on Monday, comes in two versions, one… Continue reading (LEAD) Renault Samsung to launch XM3 SUV next week

Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains

Mercedes will dramatically reduce its model line-up as well as platform and powertrain options, as the maker seeks to reduce complexity and optimise profit. Markus Schafer, Mercedes R&D boss said the drive came as a result of its focus on electric vehicles, and would range from cutting car lines to single components used in its… Continue reading Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains

Mercedes R&D boss: EQC production is “learning curve”

The supply chain issues for Mercedes’ EQC electric SUV have presented a steep learning curve, according to Mercedes R&D board member Markus Schafer, but he says the maker is back on track to produce 50,000 EQCs this year.  Issues with Mercedes’ battery supplier, LG Chem, had led to widespread reports that Mercedes would not fulfil its… Continue reading Mercedes R&D boss: EQC production is “learning curve”

Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne is 1099bhp performance EV

Revived luxury car marque Hispano Suiza has revealed an upgraded version of its Carmen electric grand tourer, inspired by the brand’s motorsport heritage.  Called the Carmen Boulogne in reference to one of the Spanish firm’s historic race cars, the limited-run luxury car is claimed to offer substantial performance and handling upgrades over the standard car,… Continue reading Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne is 1099bhp performance EV

Mega-power electric hypercar “not a priority” for Porsche

Porsche has no desire to follow the array of electric hypercars with four-figure power outputs into the market, according to the brand’s design chief.  Talking to Autocar in a phone interview that would have taken place at the cancelled Geneva motor show, Michael Mauer expressed that he has other ideas about what is important for enthusiasts. … Continue reading Mega-power electric hypercar “not a priority” for Porsche

@Geely: Operations Resume at Kandi Technologies and Subsidiaries

JINHUA, CHINA, March 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (the “Company,” “we” or “Kandi”) (NASDAQ GS: KNDI), today announced that full operations have resumed at the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Affiliate Fengsheng Automotive Technology Group (“Fengsheng”), which produces the Maple Model 30X, resumed production at the end of February.  The… Continue reading @Geely: Operations Resume at Kandi Technologies and Subsidiaries

@Daimler: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG present product highlights live on Mercedes me media

Stuttgart.   A swift alternative programme for the Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG presented the highlights of their product premieres live on the media portal Mercedes me media.  The digital press conference, which is available as an on-demand video, focuses on the world premiere of the comprehensively updated E-Class with numerous model variants – including… Continue reading @Daimler: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG present product highlights live on Mercedes me media

Valmet Automotive set production record in 2019

In 2019, Valmet Automotive manufactured a total of 114,000 vehicles at the Uusikaupunki, Finland plant. This is a new production record for the plant, the previous record was made in 2018, when 110,000 vehicles were completed. In recent years, the production volumes at the Uusikaupunki plant have been steadily growing. The value of the production… Continue reading Valmet Automotive set production record in 2019

BMW, Daimler aim to cut emissions 20% this year with new electric models

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – New electric models will help BMW and Daimler cut emissions from the cars they sell by an average of 20% this year, the German automakers predicted on Tuesday, as they strive to meet tough new European pollution rules. FILE PHOTO: BMW i3 drives during electric car E-Rallye Baltica 2019 near Iecava, Latvia… Continue reading BMW, Daimler aim to cut emissions 20% this year with new electric models

Nikola Corporation, a Global Leader in Zero-Emissions Transportation Solutions, to Be Listed on NASDAQ Through a Merger With VectoIQ

PHOENIX, March 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —  Nikola to use proceeds to accelerate its portfolio of battery-electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) targeting zero emissions globally Nikola will build out a hydrogen station infrastructure to support its FCEV vehicles Nikola has more than 14,000 pre-orders representing more than $10 billion in potential revenue and… Continue reading Nikola Corporation, a Global Leader in Zero-Emissions Transportation Solutions, to Be Listed on NASDAQ Through a Merger With VectoIQ