motornews

Hyundai Motor has hit a major milestone with its Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks, clocking over 20 million kilometres across Europe in just five years. The achievement comes from a fleet of 165 Class-8 hydrogen-powered trucks operating in Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Austria. Launched in Switzerland in October 2020, the Xcient Fuel Cell has steadily proven itself in real-world commercial use. By mid-2024, the fleet had already covered 10 million kilometres in Switzerland alone, serving demanding roles such as food and beverage logistics, supermarket distribution, and specialised applications including refuse collection and crane operations. Hyundai says the milestone reinforces the case for fuel cell electric vehicles as a viable alternative to diesel in long-haul and heavy-duty transport. The trucks offer zero tailpipe emissions while maintaining the range and refuelling times needed for commercial operations. In 2025, Hyundai introduced an updated Xcient F...

Audi is rolling out a comprehensive set of hardware and software upgrades for its 2027 A6 Sportback e-tron and Q6 e-tron line-up, with US showroom arrivals expected in the second quarter of 2026. The updates sharpen both the digital experience and on-road character of Audi’s latest electric models. Inside, Audi has refreshed its MMI infotainment interface and brought back a physical scroll wheel on the multifunction steering wheel—a small but welcome nod to usability. Buyers can also opt for an integrated dashcam, while driver assistance systems and voice control functions have been expanded for smoother daily use. ALSO READ: This Audi RS 6 Avant Is What Happens When Stock Isn’t Enough On the EV front, Audi has refined its one-pedal driving system. The updated regenerative braking is now efficient enough to bring the car to a complete stop without relying on the friction brakes, enhancing energy recovery in traffic. A new “Power Nap” mode also debuts, creating a calm cabin env...

SkyDrive is bringing urban air mobility a step closer to reality in Japan, with demonstration flights of its SD-05 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft scheduled in Tokyo from 24–28 February 2026. The flights, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight, will mark the company’s first-ever demo operations within the Japanese capital. The initiative is part of a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-led project to explore real-world business models for eVTOL services, with support from Mitsubishi Estate and Kanematsu Corporation. A temporary take-off and landing zone will be set up in the outdoor parking area of Tokyo Big Sight’s East Wing, with two flights planned each day at 9:30 am and 12:05 pm. The SD-05 has already proven itself at Expo 2025 in Osaka and at the OsakaKo Vertiport. In Tokyo, the aircraft will fly without an onboard pilot, relying instead on automated flight controls and remote piloting technology—highlighting SkyDrive’s focus on safety and scalable urban operations. ...

Jaguar Land Rover is set to begin local assembly of the Range Rover Evoque at Tata Motors’ brand-new Panapakkam facility in Tamil Nadu from 9 February, marking a major step in strengthening its India-focused manufacturing strategy. The $994 million plant is Tata Motors’ first new factory in years and signals renewed momentum after the cyberattack that disrupted JLR’s global operations in 2025. Built with an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles, the Panapakkam site will gradually take over more JLR assembly work currently handled at Tata’s Pune facility. Evoque production will start modestly, with under 10,000 units planned for the Indian market, but the factory has been designed with future expansion in mind, including exports and electric vehicle assembly. India’s premium SUV market continues to show strong demand, even as JLR faces pressure in traditional strongholds like China and the US. By localising production, the brand aims to sharpen pricing and compete more aggressively wit...

Vertical Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian private aviation operator JetSetGo for the proposed purchase of 50 Valo electric aircraft, marking a significant step towards advanced air mobility (AAM) in India. Beyond the headline numbers, the partnership goes deeper. Vertical Aerospace and JetSetGo will jointly work on developing route networks, operating models and regulatory engagement tailored for India’s metro and short-haul regional corridors. JetSetGo will lead market research, technical evaluations and feasibility studies across select routes to assess real-world viability. The Valo electric aircraft is designed to fly up to 160 km at speeds of around 240 km/h with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric version, which is expected to offer extended range, making it more suitable for regional connectivity. ALSO READ: Vertical Aerospace Brings Valo Electric Air Taxi to the US, Eyes Manhattan Routes Vertical A...

Jaguar celebrated a major milestone by bringing its past and future together in the heart of London. To mark 90 years since its first name-bearing car, the brand displayed the original 1935 SS Jaguar alongside the futuristic Type 00 concept outside The Chancery Rosewood hotel—marking the first time the two have ever appeared together. The spotlight wasn’t just on history. The Type 00 concept debuted in a striking new London Red finish, a bespoke shade inspired by the city’s redbrick Victorian architecture and unmistakable icons like red phone booths and double-decker buses. It’s a bold nod to Jaguar’s British roots, wrapped in a thoroughly modern design. Parked beside it, the SS Jaguar reminded onlookers why the brand made waves back in 1935. Designed by Sir William Lyons, the car broke away from the upright, utilitarian British cars of the era with its low roofline and long bonnet—early signs of the sleek, performance-led design language Jaguar would become known for. Lyons’ desi...