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Spain Gets Its First Commercial Robotaxi

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Autonomous mobility is picking up pace in Europe, with WeRide , Uber and Avomo confirming Spain’s first commercial robotaxi pilot in the Region of Madrid. The service is expected to go live in 2026 and will be accessible via the Uber app. The rollout will begin with trained safety operators behind the wheel, before gradually transitioning to fully driverless operation as the system meets performance benchmarks. It’s a cautious but calculated approach, aimed at building trust while scaling the tech. Madrid becomes the fourth city under the WeRide-Uber partnership, which has ambitious plans—15 cities and tens of thousands of robotaxis globally by 2030. The duo already runs fully driverless services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with Riyadh next in line. Unlike traditional fleet models, WeRide follows an asset-light strategy. In Madrid, fleet ownership and operations will be handled by Avomo, a company already experienced in managing Uber fleets in cities like Atlanta and...

Next-Gen Audi Q7 Set for 2026 Debut Alongside New Q9

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Audi is preparing a major shake-up of its SUV lineup, confirming that the third-generation Audi Q7 will debut in summer 2026. The reveal will happen alongside the all-new Audi Q9 , a model set to sit above the Q7 for the first time. First introduced in 2005, the Q7 played a key role in establishing Audi in the large luxury SUV segment. Two generations later, it remains a cornerstone of the brand’s global portfolio. Now, the upcoming third-gen model is part of a broader product push across Audi’s SUV range. Details are still under wraps, but Audi has confirmed a fresh exterior design, a more versatile cabin, and updated tech. The driving experience is expected to span both comfort and performance, staying true to the Q7’s dual personality. Sharing the spotlight will be the Q9—an entirely new nameplate. Slated to debut in the second half of 2026, it will take position as Audi’s flagship SUV, pushing the brand further into the top-end luxury space. f...

Bridgestone UltraWeather Tyre Debuts with Better Snow and Wet Grip

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Bridgestone has introduced the new UltraWeather tyre, replacing the outgoing WeatherPeak with a more capable, tech-forward alternative designed for year-round performance. Certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake rating, the UltraWeather is built to handle severe winter conditions while maintaining strong all-season usability. It uses Bridgestone’s Enliten technology, which focuses on improving tread life, lowering rolling resistance, and boosting overall efficiency—making it suitable for both internal combustion cars and EVs. Performance gains are a key highlight. In internal testing, the UltraWeather delivered 3% better wet braking than its predecessor, stopping four feet shorter. It also showed a significant edge in snow, outperforming the Goodyear WeatherReady 2 by 14% in braking tests and beating the Pirelli WeatherActive by 10%. Bridgestone is backing the tyre with a 60,000-mile limited warranty. It is available now in select sizes, with plans to expa...

Polestar Enters Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Eyes Stronger Europe Presence

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Polestar is continuing its aggressive European push, confirming entry into Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. With this move, the EV maker will expand its global footprint to 31 active markets. Instead of building a network from scratch, Polestar is tapping into the existing retail infrastructure of Volvax Baltic. It’s a smart, low-risk approach that allows the brand to scale quickly while maintaining a premium retail experience. The rollout begins with the first Polestar Space in Tallinn, scheduled to open in June 2026. This will be followed by additional locations in Riga and Vilnius later in the year, ensuring coverage across all three Baltic capitals. Europe continues to be Polestar’s strongest market, accounting for a dominant 78% of its global retail sales in Q1 2026. Expanding deeper into the region only strengthens that position. Crucially, the Baltic region already offers a solid EV ecosystem. Customers will gain access to Polestar Charge, which includes over...

Mini Countryman C to Launch in India on June 17

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Mini is gearing up to expand its India lineup with the launch of the Mini Countryman C on June 17. Bookings are already underway, hinting at strong interest ahead of its arrival. Positioned as a more accessible alternative to the range-topping JCW All4, the Countryman C will be locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai facility. It shares its platform with the BMW X1, giving it a solid foundation in the premium compact SUV space. Under the hood, expect a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Power will be sent to the front wheels, keeping things simple and efficient for urban buyers. Mini is pitching the Countryman C as a practical yet premium offering. The SUV promises improved cabin space and comfort, while retaining the brand’s signature design flair. On the outside, it features a two-tone finish, LED headlamps, a bold grille, and stylish alloy wheels. At the rear, Matrix LED taillights add a modern touch. ...

Scania Unveils First Electric CrewCab Ahead of Interschutz 2026

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Scania is set to make a strong statement at Interschutz 2026 with the debut of its first-ever battery-electric CrewCab, highlighting its push toward cleaner emergency response solutions. The new CrewCab will be showcased alongside a P-cab battery-electric truck, both aimed at meeting the growing demand for low- and zero-emission fire and rescue vehicles. These models underline Scania’s strategy of supporting operators as they transition toward greener fleets. Complementing the electric duo are two combustion-powered offerings—the CP28 normal-roof and CP31 low-roof trucks—equipped with the Super 11 engine. Scania claims this unit delivers up to 10% better fuel efficiency, offering a cleaner alternative for fleets not yet ready to go fully electric. Rounding off the display is a Rosenbauer-bodied turntable ladder truck, built on a 4×2 chassis and powered by a nine-litre engine, reinforcing Scania’s continued focus on high-performance firefighting equipment. Beyond v...

Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Launched in India at ₹3.64 Lakh

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Royal Enfield has taken a bold step forward by launching the all-new Bullet 650 in India, bringing its most iconic nameplate into the 650cc era. First introduced in 1932, the Bullet remains the world’s longest-running motorcycle in continuous production. Now in its 94th year, the machine has evolved into its most powerful form yet, while retaining the unmistakable silhouette, upright stance, and that signature old-school appeal enthusiasts swear by. At its heart sits Royal Enfield’s proven 650cc parallel-twin engine, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The setup promises smooth power delivery, making it equally at home on relaxed highway cruises and more spirited weekend rides. Underneath, the Bullet 650 is built on a steel tubular spine frame and gets Showa suspension, ensuring a stable and composed ride. Classic proportions are preserved with a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup, keeping that commanding road presence intact. Design remains pure Bullet. The t...