motornews

Pioneer has announced that its latest display audio system is now available as a factory-installed option on Suzuki ’s new Jimny mini 4WD and Jimny Sierra compact 4WD in Japan. Both models went on sale in November 2025, and the new infotainment upgrade adds a modern tech layer to Suzuki’s iconic off-roaders. The Pioneer system features a nine-inch high-definition touchscreen that is shaped to follow the contours of the Jimny’s dashboard, ensuring a clean, integrated look. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, calls and messaging. Audio and radio content can be accessed via Bluetooth and USB, while the customisable home screen is split into clear sections for vehicle information and media controls. The display also supports a live feed from the rear-view camera, enhancing everyday usability and parking convenience. In addition, the system can show real-time vehicle data such as travel distance, distance to empty ...

Honda has confirmed it will showcase a mix of cutting-edge concept models and race-bred machines at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, scheduled to run from 9 to 11 January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The brand’s display will carry the theme “Honda Sports DNA,” highlighting its performance heritage and motorsport influence. Headlining the stand will be three world premieres. The first is the Civic Type R HRC Concept, developed by Honda Racing Corporation and infused with motorsport-derived enhancements aimed at elevating the performance of the already potent Civic Type R. Joining it is the Prelude HRC Concept, based on the new-generation Prelude that debuted in September 2025, featuring HRC-developed components designed to sharpen driving dynamics. The third debut is the Civic e:HEV RS Prototype, a sport-focused iteration of Honda’s hybrid Civic. This model becomes the second Honda, after the Prelude, to feature the brand’s new S+ Shift control technology, which is intended to deliver a...

Lexus has announced the launch of the RZ 600e F Sport Performance, a new high-performance special edition in its battery electric SUV lineup. The model will go on sale through Lexus dealerships across Japan from 2 March 2026. Based on the RZ 550e F Sport, the RZ 600e F Sport Performance has been developed with inputs from air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and racing driver Masahiro Sasaki. Both were also involved in shaping the limited-run RZ 450e F Sport Performance that debuted in early 2024, bringing motorsport-inspired fine-tuning to Lexus’ electric portfolio. Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering a combined system output of 313 kW. Each electric motor produces 167 kW, translating into stronger acceleration and improved high-speed performance over the standard RZ variants. To better handle the additional power, Lexus has lowered the ride height by 20 mm compared to the RZ 550e F Sport, a move aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing stability. Br...

Tata Motors has crossed a major milestone in India’s electric mobility journey, surpassing 250,000 cumulative electric vehicle sales. The automaker currently commands a dominant 66% share of the Indian EV market and has confirmed an ambitious product expansion plan running through FY30. A key highlight of this achievement is the Nexon EV, which has become the first electric car in India to cross 100,000 cumulative sales since its launch in 2020. Tata Motors’ existing EV portfolio spans multiple segments and includes the Tiago EV, Punch EV, Nexon EV, Curvv EV, Harrier EV, and the Xpres-T for fleet operators. Looking ahead, Tata Motors plans to strengthen its EV lineup further with the launch of the Sierra EV and a new Punch EV in 2026. These will be followed by the introduction of the Avinya range of premium electric vehicles later the same year. By FY30, the company aims to roll out five all-new EV nameplates, alongside regular updates and refreshes across its current range. Charg...

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Hajime Aota as the new Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, effective 1 January 2026. The move signals Yamaha’s continued focus on strengthening its long-term strategy and leadership in the Indian market. Mr. Aota brings extensive global experience in corporate strategy, planning, and new business development within the automotive and mobility space. Prior to this role, he served as Executive Officer at Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Chief General Manager – Corporate Strategy Center at the company’s global headquarters in Japan. In this capacity, he led key initiatives spanning corporate strategy, sustainability, and digital transformation. His international exposure includes senior leadership roles across Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Aota has also been closely associated with Yamaha’s future-facing initiatives, having served as Chairperson of Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silico...

As millions prepare for Christmas journeys to visit family and friends, motorway service stations will be packed with travelers grabbing quick meals and snacks. But for those choosing to eat these purchases in their cars rather than inside the services, there are hidden health risks they should know about. Vehicle interiors can harbor surprisingly high levels of bacteria - and the festive travel season, with its longer journeys and rushed meal stops, makes this problem even more pressing. Research has found that several areas inside vehicles actually contain more contamination than the average toilet seat, a comparison that might make you reconsider that next drive-through meal. “The combination of factors inside a vehicle creates an environment where bacteria can flourish,” explains Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko , one of Europe's largest online marketplaces for used car parts. “When drivers eat inside their cars without understanding these risks or tak...

Volvo Cars has confirmed it will discontinue the V60 Cross Country for the US market from April 2026, as shifting customer demand continues to favour SUVs over wagons. Final orders for the rugged estate will be accepted until late January, after which US buyers will have to rely on remaining dealer inventory. Production of the V60 Cross Country will continue for other global markets. The announcement coincides with Volvo’s 70th anniversary in the United States. The Swedish automaker entered the market in 1955 with the PV444 and has since sold around five million vehicles across the country. Over the decades, Volvo has steadily evolved its lineup to align with American preferences, most notably by expanding its SUV portfolio. That strategy began with the launch of the XC90 in 2003 and continues today with models like the US-built EX90, which is assembled at Volvo’s South Carolina plant. The company has also revealed plans to further expand its American manufacturing footprint, with ...

Car color impacts how fast other drivers see your vehicle on the road. Some colors jump out in almost any environment, while others disappear into the background and reduce reaction times. For years, drivers have asked how car color and crash risk are related, particularly since visibility changes with weather, lighting, and the rest of the landscape. While color can never dictate safety, it does determine how easily others perceive your vehicle when in a real-world traffic situation. This article examines how visibility shifts with various colors and how safety is affected in various situations. How Car Color Affects Visibility Visibility depends on contrast. When a vehicle blends into the road, drivers cannot register it quickly, especially during lane changes, merges, or unprotected turns. Black, grey, and deep blue are colors that often blend into pavement, building shadows, or at night. Conversely, light or strong shades have greater contrast. They remain visible in dim plac...

BMW Group Plant Munich has completed key functional checks of its manufacturing equipment ahead of production of the new BMW i3. The automaker confirmed that equipment installed in the new body shop and assembly line has successfully undergone dry-run testing, marking an important step in the plant’s transformation. The functional checks involved running every stage of the production process without vehicle parts. Production planners and plant technicians tested machinery cycle by cycle to ensure systems operate seamlessly before series production begins. BMW will shift assembly of the i3 from its Research and Innovation Centre to Plant Munich in January, with series production scheduled to start in summer 2026. The move brings future electric vehicle manufacturing into the heart of BMW’s historic Munich facility. The new body shop and assembly line were digitally planned and constructed using BMW Group’s Virtual Factory approach. Existing press shop and paint shop facilities were...

BYD has crossed a major global milestone with the production of its 15 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), underlining the rapid scale-up of the Chinese automaker’s electrification drive. Remarkably, the company moved from 10 million to 15 million NEVs in just 13 months, with the 14 millionth vehicle rolling off the line in October 2025. The milestone was marked at BYD’s Jinan manufacturing facility in China, which has been in mass production for only three years. The 15 millionth vehicle was a DENZA N8L, a six-seat SUV from BYD’s premium sub-brand. Built on the Super Hybrid and e3 platform, the N8L shares its architecture with the Z9GT and forms part of DENZA’s preparations for its European debut in 2026. BYD defines new energy vehicles as battery electric models and electrified vehicles using its Super Hybrid system with DM technology. The company’s NEV journey began in 2008 with the launch of the F3DM plug-in hybrid, taking 13 years to reach its first million units before acceler...

Ather Energy has announced a price increase across its electric scooter lineup, effective 1 January 2026. The revision will see prices go up by up to ₹3,000, with the company citing rising global costs of raw materials, foreign exchange pressures, and higher prices of key electronic components as the reasons behind the hike. For prospective buyers, December offers a window to secure current prices before the increase comes into effect. Ather is currently running its ‘Electric December’ campaign, offering benefits of up to ₹20,000 in select cities. These benefits include instant credit card EMI discounts, cash incentives, and a complimentary eight-year extended battery warranty under Ather’s Eight70 programme on select models, along with financing support from multiple partners. Now in its third year, Electric December continues to underline Ather’s focus on delivering long-term value to EV customers during the year-end buying season, backed by its integrated hardware-software approa...

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved a major production milestone with the WagonR, as cumulative output across three generations reaches 35 lakh units. Introduced in India in December 1999, the WagonR becomes the third Maruti Suzuki model after the Alto and Swift to cross this landmark, underlining its enduring popularity among Indian car buyers. The WagonR is currently manufactured at the company’s Gurgaon and Manesar plants in Haryana. Globally, the WagonR story began earlier, with Suzuki launching the model in Japan in 1993. Designed as a semi-bonnet mini wagon, it quickly gained recognition for its practicality and ease of use. Today, the WagonR is produced in multiple markets including Japan, India, Hungary and Indonesia, and is sold in over 75 countries and regions worldwide. In August 2025, global cumulative sales of the Suzuki WagonR crossed the one-crore mark. In India, the WagonR has consistently evolved to meet changing customer expectations while retaining its core ...

Bajaj Auto has introduced the updated 2026 Pulsar 220F in India, giving its iconic fully-faired motorcycle a subtle yet relevant refresh. Priced at ₹1.28 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Pulsar 220F is now available across Bajaj dealerships nationwide. For 2026, the Pulsar 220F gets refreshed graphics and four new colour options — Black Cherry Red, Black Ink Blue, Black Copper Beige, and Green Light Copper. Adding to its modern appeal, Bajaj has equipped the motorcycle with new LED turn indicators, bringing the ageing design in line with current styling trends while retaining its familiar sporty silhouette. Feature-wise, the Pulsar 220F continues to offer a well-rounded package aimed at everyday riders. It comes with a digital instrument console featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Ride Connect app support, and turn-by-turn navigation. Braking duties are handled by front and rear disc brakes supported by single-channel ABS, while five-spoke alloy wheels complete the setup. Powering the mo...

KTM has updated its popular 160 Duke in India with a major tech upgrade, introducing a new 5-inch colour TFT display with bonded glass and smartphone connectivity. Borrowed from the Gen-3 KTM 390 Duke, the new screen adds a premium touch to the entry-level streetfighter. The updated KTM 160 Duke with TFT display is priced at ₹1,78,536 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the base variant continues at ₹1,70,545. The 5-inch TFT display is paired with a new switch cube featuring four-way menu controls, allowing riders to access vehicle functions and connected features with ease. When paired via Bluetooth using the KTM My Ride app, the system enables turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call alerts, and music control, all displayed clearly on the TFT screen. Navigation is handled through the KTM Connect app, which mirrors directions directly onto the instrument cluster, helping riders stay focused on the road. Bluetooth connectivity also allows riders to view and manage incoming calls, with the op...

Remember the family car from twenty years ago ? It got you from point A to point B. Maybe it had a CD player. That was about it. Today, stepping into a new vehicle feels different. It feels like entering a tech hub on wheels. Modern cars are not just transportation. They have become intelligent companions. This shift is huge. It is not about one single gadget. It is about a complete technological revolution. Our vehicles are now smarter than ever. Let us explore the reasons why. Photo by Vladimir Srajber The Brain Behind the Beauty Every modern car has a powerful computer. This is not your average laptop. It is a robust electronic control unit, or ECU. Some luxury models have over one hundred of these little brains. They manage everything. They control the engine’s fuel mixture. They operate the advanced climate system. They even monitor tire pressure. This network of computers makes millions of calculations every second. It’s your car’s central nervous system. Without it, all th...

Toyota has launched the sixth-generation RAV4 in Japan, introducing the SUV with a hybrid electric (HEV) powertrain and confirming a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version will follow within the current fiscal year ending March 2026. The new RAV4 also marks a major milestone for Toyota as the first model to use its Arene software development platform, laying the foundation for the brand’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) strategy. Arene enables simultaneous over-the-air updates across multiple vehicle systems, allowing Toyota to enhance functionality and features over time. In Japan, the RAV4 is offered in Z and Adventure trims, priced at ¥4.9 million and ¥4.5 million respectively. A more performance-oriented GR Sport variant is scheduled to arrive within fiscal 2025, with Toyota targeting monthly sales of 3,000 units. Power comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 177 kW (240 hp). The E-Four electric all-wheel-drive syste...

Stellantis has launched a European demonstration tour to highlight the potential of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a renewable fuel for existing diesel vehicles. Branded as the HVO Aurora Trial, the initiative uses a Citroën Berlingo and a Fiat Ducato to showcase how the fuel can be adopted without any vehicle modifications. Conducted in partnership with French sensor specialist SP3H, the trial monitors fuel consumption and estimates carbon emissions in real time. Stellantis says all of its diesel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles are compatible with HVO, offering an immediate pathway to lower lifecycle carbon emissions for fleets and private owners alike. HVO is produced from waste cooking oil and animal fats, making it a renewable alternative to conventional diesel. According to Stellantis, many Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles already in use across Europe can also run on the fuel, widening its potential impact. The project originated from Stellantis’ internal S...

Cambridge has taken another step toward future-ready public transport with the launch of two 26-seat electric autonomous buses under the Connector trial. The self-driving buses now operate between the Trumpington and Babraham park and ride sites and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, offering free rides to passengers from Monday to Friday. The trial is being led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and aims to assess whether autonomous buses can be safely and effectively integrated into the city’s public transport network. The larger Connector buses build on the success of a smaller autonomous shuttle already operating in West Cambridge, which has carried more than 800 passengers and covered over 2,000 miles since its launch in June. The new vehicles are Enviro100AEV electric buses manufactured by Alexander Dennis and fitted with an SAE Level 4 automated driving system developed by Fusion Processing. The model recently received industry recognition, winning Vehicle of the Year a...

Audi has officially revealed the name and logo of its Formula One outfit, confirming it will compete as the Audi Revolut F1 Team when it enters the championship in 2026. The announcement comes ahead of a major launch event scheduled for 20 January 2026 in Berlin, where the team will also unveil its race livery for its debut season. The team name reflects Audi’s title partnership with global fintech company Revolut, a collaboration first announced in July 2025. Following the closed launch on 20 January, Audi will host an immersive public event in Berlin on 21 January, giving fans an up-close look at the team’s new identity as it prepares for its first year on the Formula One grid. The Berlin launch will showcase the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s complete visual identity, building on the design language previewed by the Audi R26 Concept revealed in November. This marks a key milestone in Audi’s transition from concept to full factory-backed Formula One operation. As part of the organisatio...

Toyota has revealed the Urban Cruiser, a new battery-electric B-segment SUV designed to strengthen the brand’s EV presence in Europe. Built on a dedicated electric platform, the Urban Cruiser joins the bZ4X in Toyota’s lineup ahead of the arrival of the all-new C-HR+ in 2026, giving the brand coverage across key electric SUV segments. The Urban Cruiser will be offered with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The entry-level front-wheel drive variant uses a 49 kWh battery, producing 106 kW and delivering a WLTP range of up to 344 km. A larger 61 kWh battery is available in front-wheel drive form with 128 kW and a range of up to 426 km. The all-wheel drive version pairs the 61 kWh battery with a dual-motor setup producing 135 kW, offering a WLTP range of up to 395 km. All variants support DC fast charging, with a 10–80 per cent top-up taking around 45 minutes, and can tow braked loads of up to 750 kg. The AWD model ad...

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its all-electric VLE will make its world premiere on 10 March 2026 in Stuttgart, marking the debut of the brand’s new modular and scalable van architecture. The VLE signals what Mercedes-Benz describes as the start of a “completely new era” for its global van lineup. Positioned as a crossover between a limousine and a multi-purpose vehicle, the VLE is designed to blend premium comfort with everyday versatility. The model will offer seating for up to eight occupants and aims to deliver limousine-like ride quality and handling, combined with the flexibility expected from an MPV. Mercedes-Benz says the VLE brings together the strengths of both segments in a single, all-electric package. While technical specifications such as battery capacity, range and powertrain details are yet to be revealed, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the VLE range will cater to a wide spectrum of customers. The portfolio will include family- and leisure-focused variants, as w...

Bentley Flying Spur Speed has claimed a new winter lap record after conquering an ice-covered circuit in northern Sweden. The luxury performance sedan completed the 2.05-mile Drivecenter Arena track in Fällfors in 2 minutes 58 seconds, setting the fastest recorded lap on the frozen surface. Located around 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, the former military airbase was blanketed with nearly 12 inches of ice and snow. Despite the extreme conditions, the Flying Spur Speed reached a top speed of 120 mph during the record run. The car used was a production-spec Flying Spur Speed, running on studded 21-inch winter tyres. Bentley credits the car’s variable four-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering for maintaining stability and agility on the low-grip surface. Notably, the run was completed with all electronic stability systems switched off, highlighting the underlying mechanical capability of the platform. Powering the Flying Spur Speed is Bentley’s Ultra Performance Hybrid setup...

GWM has officially launched its flagship Tank 700 SUV in the Middle East, marking another major step in the brand’s global expansion. The new premium off-roader is now available across UAE showrooms and the wider Middle East, with its Qatar debut scheduled for next month. Alongside the Tank 700’s regional launch, GWM confirmed that its Hi4 intelligent four-wheel-drive hybrid system will be introduced to Middle Eastern and African markets in 2026. Developed for demanding conditions, the Hi4 system is engineered to deliver confident performance across diverse terrains and extreme environments, reinforcing the Tank brand’s off-road-focused identity. The automaker also used the launch event to preview its next-generation 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine platform, underlining its commitment to high-performance powertrains for future SUVs. In addition, GWM showcased an off-road grading system designed to clearly define vehicle capability levels, ranging from urban use to hardcore, profess...

Toyota has completed a major upgrade of its Arizona Proving Ground, strengthening the facility’s capabilities for vehicle development, validation and third-party testing. Located near Wittmann, around 60 miles northwest of Phoenix, the site now features a new 5.5-mile oval track, expanded off-road testing zones and a dedicated noise pass-by area for evaluating vehicle sound emissions. The newly added oval has been built within the existing 10-mile high-speed loop and is designed for mileage accumulation, stop-and-go testing and vehicle dynamics evaluation. Toyota has also rebuilt the north straight of the original oval into a dog bone straight course, supporting advanced vehicle testing, including ADAS calibration and validation. As part of the upgrade, the dog bone layout incorporates a 1.75-mile coast-down section, enabling precise efficiency and fuel economy measurements. The proving ground has also received an improved 1.5-mile ride and handling track, with repaving of the vehi...

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has started series production of the second-generation eActros 400 at its Wörth plant in Germany, expanding its electric heavy-duty lineup ahead of a wider rollout of new EV truck variants from late 2025. The latest model shares its foundation with the larger eActros 600, already in production since 2024, and will be offered both as a tractor unit and a flatbed chassis. Unlike the eActros 600, which carries three battery packs, the new eActros 400 features two battery packs, targeting operators who require a lighter, more versatile configuration. Customers will also be able to select from two cab options, adding flexibility for different business needs. Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to dominate the electric heavy-duty segment, holding nearly 50% market share in Europe during Q3 2024. The company’s manufacturing strategy is becoming more streamlined as well—the eActros 400 is now fully built on the existing A-series assembly line, where electric trucks and dies...

The BMW 3 Series has completed an impressive 50-year production run, with more than 18 million units built across 18 plants in 13 countries since its debut in 1975. The iconic sedan remains one of BMW’s most important global models, anchoring the brand’s manufacturing network for five decades. Today, the seventh-generation 3 Series is produced in Munich, Shenyang (China), San Luis Potosí (Mexico), and regional facilities including Chennai, Rayong, and Araquari. BMW is gearing up for the next chapter, with the fully electric eighth-generation model scheduled to begin production in Munich in late 2026 on the automaker’s Neue Klasse platform. Production began at BMW’s Munich plant in 1975, and by 1982 the second generation introduced a groundbreaking fully automated body shop, achieving over 90% automation with industrial robots. As demand grew, manufacturing expanded to Plant Dingolfing in 1980 and Plant Regensburg in 1986. The 3 Series also played a major role in BMW’s global expan...

The Tata Sierra has officially entered the India Book of Records after achieving an impressive 29.9km/l fuel efficiency during a certified 12-hour run at the Natrax proving ground in Indore on 30 November 2025. The test was conducted by the Pixel Motion team, who drove the SUV continuously from 7am to 7pm, pausing only for quick driver changes, surpassing the previous national benchmark for long-duration efficiency. Powering this record run was Tata’s new 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, a unit built around an advanced combustion system and friction-optimised architecture designed to maximise thermal efficiency. Alongside the efficiency test, the Sierra also completed a parallel top-speed run, clocking 222km/h under controlled conditions at Natrax. However, Tata confirmed that customer vehicles will be electronically limited to 190km/h for safety and durability. Tata Motors emphasised that the tests were carried out in a controlled, supervised environment by trained drivers, and u...

Cold mornings can quickly turn into a nightmare when you try to start your car and the engine just won’t turn over. In freezing temperatures, your battery has to work much harder to deliver the power needed to start the engine (often with less capacity than usual), often leaving drivers stranded at the worst possible time. The cold does more than make you shiver, putting serious strain on your car's electrical system. Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko , one of Europe's largest online marketplaces for used car parts, sees the impact firsthand through increased demand for replacement batteries during colder periods. “Whenever temperatures drop significantly, we notice a spike in battery-related enquiries,” says Urbonas. “Drivers often don't realize how much cold weather affects their car's power system until they're stuck with a dead battery.” With over 23 million parts available across Europe, Ovoko connects thousands of auto dismantlers and...

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has wrapped up 2025 on a strong note, securing a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in the organisation’s final assessment round of the year. Tested in both electric and petrol formats, the four-door coupé impressed with 94% adult occupant protection, 89% child safety, and 93% vulnerable road user protection, reaffirming Mercedes’ focus on safety across powertrains. Euro NCAP’s December results delivered a wave of top performers. The Mazda CX-5, Deepal S05, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen T-Roc, and Hyundai Nexo all earned five-star ratings, contributing to what the agency notes as its highest number of vehicles tested in a single year. Among the highlights, the Mazda CX-5 matched the CLA with 93% vulnerable road user protection, while the Deepal S05 posted an impressive 94% adult occupant score. The hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo also stood out, becoming only the third hydrogen vehicle tested by Euro NCAP and securing 90% adult protection. Euro NCAP further em...

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with autonomous driving specialist Momenta to develop a Level 4 robotaxi service based on the new S-Class, with the first phase scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi. The project will be operated by Lumo, a mobility subsidiary of UAE tech company K2, marking a major step toward commercial autonomous ride-hailing in the region. The advanced operating system of the new S-Class is the backbone of this driverless service, offering processing power and integration capabilities required for Level 4 automation. After the testing phase in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes-Benz aims to expand the service to other global markets. K2 has already secured federal approval to deploy autonomous vehicles in the UAE. As part of the rollout, Lumo will begin operating S-Class robotaxi test vehicles on public roads in Abu Dhabi before transitioning to full commercial service. This initiative adds to Mercedes-Benz’s broader autonomous strategy, which includes multiple Level 4 projects targeti...

Ferrari Middle East has unveiled the all-new 849 Testarossa at the exclusive Casa Ferrari event held at Yas Links Golf Club, coinciding with the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Marking its regional debut, the flagship supercar drew Ferraristi and guests for a first look at Maranello’s latest hybrid masterpiece. Replacing the SF90 Stradale, the 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid berlinetta that pairs a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, producing a combined 1050 cv. It now sits at the top of Ferrari’s performance lineup, delivering extreme acceleration while maintaining ride comfort and cabin refinement. At its core is Ferrari’s award-winning twin-turbo V8, now fitted with the largest turbocharger ever used on a Ferrari production model, enabling unprecedented throttle response and power delivery. The hybrid system—with one motor at the rear and two on the front axle—adds 220 cv, enhancing traction, responsiveness and efficiency. Ferrari engineered the vehic...

Citroën has revealed the Elo concept, a compact 4.10-metre electric vehicle designed as a multi-purpose living space that adapts to rest, work and play. The concept will make its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show on 9 January, showcasing a highly flexible interior aimed at modern urban lifestyles. The Elo features a 100% electric platform with a standard four-seat layout and a centrally positioned driver’s seat that looks out through a wide 180-degree windscreen. Two additional seats can be deployed, allowing the vehicle to carry up to six occupants. The driver’s seat can also rotate 360 degrees, converting the cabin into a social or workspace environment. For overnight stays, the interior transforms into a sleeping setup for two, using inflatable mattresses made from Decathlon’s Dropstitch material. Citroën designed the Elo as a configurable space that can switch from mobility mode to lounge, office, or entertainment zone within minutes. The concept was developed in collab...

Kia PV5 Cargo has secured a five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety assessment, placing it among the safest electric commercial vans on European roads. The model achieved 75% for occupant protection, 80% for safety assist and crash avoidance, and 80% for post-crash safety, reinforcing its strong safety credentials. The recognition adds to the PV5’s growing list of global accolades, including the 2026 International Van of the Year title and honours at the BBC Top Gear Awards. Euro NCAP commended the PV5 Cargo for its robust suite of standard ADAS features. Its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, paired with forward collision warning, performed impressively—reacting effectively at higher speeds and avoiding impacts in most pedestrian and cyclist tests. The lane support system also received notable praise for providing timely steering corrections and more assertive interventions to prevent unintended road departure. Additionally, a speed assistance system ...

Stellantis and Bolt have announced a major partnership to develop and deploy Level 4 autonomous vehicles for commercial ride-hailing across Europe. Pilot trials are scheduled to begin in 2026, with production of the first autonomous models targeted for 2029. Under the collaboration, Stellantis will supply its AV-Ready Platforms, including the eK0 medium-size van and STLA Small architectures. These platforms are engineered for large-scale autonomous use, featuring integrated sensor systems, high-performance computing, redundancies, and safety-focused hardware designed to meet stringent European regulations. Stellantis says the setup also lowers total cost of ownership for fleet operators—an essential factor for mobility services. Bolt, which operates in over 50 countries and 23 EU member states, plans to integrate these autonomous vehicles directly into its ride-hailing ecosystem. The partnership supports Bolt’s long-term goal of having 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its shared mobil...

Renault Group and Ford have entered a major strategic partnership to co-develop two all-new Ford-branded electric vehicles, built on Renault Group’s Ampere platform. Production is planned to begin in early 2028 at Renault’s ElectriCity facility in northern France, strengthening Europe’s growing EV manufacturing ecosystem. Designed by Ford and engineered in collaboration with Renault Group, the upcoming electric models will feature distinct Ford driving dynamics and brand identity, marking the start of a renewed EV push for the American automaker in Europe. The alliance allows Ford to tap into Renault’s advanced EV architecture and established manufacturing network, helping accelerate its rollout of next-gen electric passenger vehicles. The agreement goes beyond passenger EVs. Both brands have also signed a letter of intent to explore joint development and manufacturing of light commercial vehicles for Europe. The move aims to combine Ford’s long-standing expertise in vans with Ren...

Kia has celebrated its 80th anniversary with a special ceremony at Kia Vision Square in Yongin, Korea, attended by around 400 guests, including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song. The milestone event also saw the global debut of the Vision Meta Turismo concept car, alongside the opening of an extensive heritage exhibition that will remain on display until 2029. The Vision Meta Turismo is a bold exploration of future mobility, blending high-performance driving with a lounge-style cabin inspired by 1960s long-distance touring machines. Inside, the concept features a next-generation steering interface offering three digital driving modes —Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer. These modes use advanced AR head-up display technology to adapt the experience to different driving scenarios, from spirited runs to immersive digital journeys. Kia’s heritage exhibition highlights the brand’s evolution through 17 iconic vehicles arranged across eig...

Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have expanded their co-developed premium motorcycle range with the launch of the all-new Harley-Davidson X440 T. The new model brings enhanced performance, sharper agility, and a classic Harley design, now backed with modern riding tech. The original X440, launched in July 2023, was a breakthrough success, welcoming a wave of new riders into the Harley fold. Building on this momentum, the new X440 T brings key updates aimed at refining everyday usability and broadening appeal. Key Highlights Harley-Davidson X440 T Features: New Ride-by-Wire system Switchable Traction Control Switchable Rear ABS Two Ride Modes: Road & Rain Reworked rear sub-frame, new tail section, and improved grab handles for better pillion comfort Segment-first Panic Braking Alert – indicators flash rapidly during hard braking (deceleration over 2.4 m/s²) Bookings open December 7, 2025 across Harley-Davidson & Hero Premia dealerships Online booki...