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Mercedes-Benz eArocs 400 Electric Truck Completes -20 deg C Arctic Testing

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Mercedes-Benz Trucks has successfully wrapped up winter testing of its upcoming eArocs 400 electric construction truck near the Arctic Circle, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C. The extreme testing phase focused on evaluating traction, stability on snow and ice, cold-start capability, as well as battery performance and charging behaviour in subzero conditions. Engineers also analysed the efficiency of the electric powertrain in harsh climates—critical for real-world construction use. Set to go on sale in April 2026, the eArocs 400 will be built at the company’s Wörth am Rhein facility starting Q3 2026. Final electric powertrain integration will be handled by Paul Group in Germany. ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Conquers Gruelling Arctic eNordkapp Challenge Designed for urban construction duties, the eArocs 400 promises locally CO₂e-free operation along with significantly reduced noise levels—making it a cleaner and quieter alternative for city-based projects. ...
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Toyota RAV4 PHEV Debuts in Japan with 150km EV Range

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Toyota Motor Corporation is set to launch the new plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota RAV4 in Japan on 9 March 2026, expanding its sixth-generation lineup. The RAV4 PHEV will be offered in two trims—Z and GR SPORT—with prices starting at JPY 6 million. At its core is a new-generation plug-in hybrid system producing 242kW, paired with a larger battery and silicon carbide-based power control unit to improve efficiency. The biggest highlight is its extended electric-only range, now up to 150km—significantly higher than the outgoing model. Beyond performance, the RAV4 PHEV doubles as a mobile power source. It can supply up to 1,500W via a 100V outlet, making it ideal for outdoor use or emergencies. Toyota claims it can power a household for up to 6.5 days under a 400W load, or up to seven days in a dedicated power-saving mode. ALSO READ: 2027 Toyota Highlander Goes Electric, Built in the USA The sportier GR SPORT variant brings added edge with GR Performance Dampers developed wi...
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Škoda’s Infotainment Goes Next-Level with 3SS Partnership

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Software firm 3SS has partnered with Škoda Auto to roll out a new in-car entertainment platform via the automaker’s Škoda Play service. The system is powered by 3SS’s 3Ready Automotive solution, aimed at delivering a more personalised and content-rich in-cabin experience. The platform aggregates video content from multiple sources, including news, educational programming, and branded material from Škoda. It intelligently tailors content based on user preferences and vehicle type, making it more relevant for drivers and passengers alike. Škoda Play supports both livestream and on-demand formats, allowing users to access content anytime. It also enables the brand to push service guides, product updates, and marketing content directly to the vehicle’s infotainment system. ALSO READ: Skoda Brings Smartphone Gaming to EVs with AirConsole Integration On the backend, the platform offers advanced content management and analytics tools, helping Škoda track engagement and optimise deli...
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Audi RS 5 Goes Hybrid: 639 PS Performance Unleashed

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Audi Sport has revealed the all-new Audi RS 5, marking its first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It combines a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor to deliver a massive 639 PS and 825 Nm, rocketing from 0–100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. A standout innovation is the new “quattro with Dynamic Torque Control” system. This electromechanical torque vectoring setup can redistribute torque between the rear wheels every five milliseconds, with up to 2,000 Nm variation—promising razor-sharp handling and improved cornering stability. The RS 5 packs a 25.9 kWh battery (22 kWh usable), offering up to 87 km of pure electric range in city conditions. Charging is handled via an 11 kW AC setup, taking roughly 2.5 hours for a full top-up. ALSO READ: Audi MMI Now Lets You Pay for Parking, Fuel and Charging In-Car Available in both Sedan and Avant body styles, the RS 5 blends performance with practicality. In Germany, prices start at €106,200 for the Sedan and €107,850 for the A...
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Nissan Gravite Launched in India at ₹5.65 Lakh

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Nissan has introduced the new Nissan Gravite in India, priced from ₹5.65 lakh (introductory). The seven-seat MPV is locally manufactured at the brand’s Alliance partner facility in Chennai and marks the first of three upcoming India-focused launches. Next in line are the Tekton C-SUV in mid-2026 and another seven-seat C-SUV slated for early 2027. Powering the Gravite is a 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 72PS and 96Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. While performance remains modest, the focus here is clearly on practicality and affordability—classic entry-level MPV territory. The cabin is designed with flexibility in mind. The third-row seats can be removed entirely, freeing up to 625 litres of luggage space. Tech on offer includes a 20.3cm infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with wireless charging. ALSO READ: Nissan Aura Nismo RS Concept Breaks Cover at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Safety is a strong highlight, with over 3...
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Volkswagen Group Names Andreas Mindt as Head of Design

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The Volkswagen Group has appointed Andreas Mindt as its new Head of Group Design, effective 1 March 2026. He will take on this expanded role alongside his current position as Head of Design for the Volkswagen passenger cars brand. Mindt succeeds Michael Mauer, who is stepping down as part of a broader generational shift within the company. A long-time Volkswagen Group insider, Mindt joined the company in 1996 after graduating from Pforzheim University School of Design. Over the years, he has played a key role in shaping some of the group’s most recognizable models, including early work on the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Volkswagen Golf Mk7. Between 2014 and 2021, Mindt led the evolution of Audi’s exterior design language, contributing to models such as the A1, e-tron GT, Q3, and Q8. He later moved to Bentley in 2021, where he defined a new design direction for the marque before returning to Volkswagen in 2023. ALSO READ: Volkswagen Group Hits 5 Million Electric Drive Units Miles...
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Toyota C-HR EV Launched in the US from $37,000

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Toyota has introduced the all-new C-HR battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in the US, with prices starting at $37,000 and deliveries set to begin in March 2026. It becomes the third BEV in Toyota’s US lineup, based on the e-TNGA platform. The C-HR EV packs a dual-motor setup producing 338 hp, enabling a claimed 0–60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Power comes from a 74.7kWh battery, offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 287 miles (SE variant) and 273 miles (XSE variant). The SUV supports DC fast charging via a North American Charging System (NACS) port, allowing a 10–80% charge in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Inside, the C-HR offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It will be available in two trims—SE and XSE—both equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual wireless chargers, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. ALSO READ: 2027 Toyota Highlander Goes Electric, Built in the USA The XSE trim adds features li...
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