motornews

Hyundai Motor Group turned heads at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, blending motorsport with cutting-edge mobility tech. The event marked Genesis Magma Racing’s debut in the Hypercar class at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, and Hyundai used the stage to showcase its latest innovations. Supporting the team behind the scenes was the Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck, handling race logistics with zero tailpipe emissions. Already in operation across five European countries, the 175-strong fleet has collectively clocked over 21.8 million kilometres, underlining its real-world viability. Inside the pit lane, Hyundai introduced its X-ble Shoulder wearable robots. Designed by the Group’s Robotics Lab, these assistive devices reduce shoulder strain by up to 60 percent and cut muscle load significantly, helping crew members manage tyres and heavy equipment more efficiently during intense race conditions. Adding a futuristic twist to the paddock was the Genesis Box Buggy Concep...

BMW Group has kicked off production of the updated 7 Series Sedan at its Dingolfing plant, marking a major milestone for the brand. For the first time, Neue Klasse technologies are being integrated into an existing model, signalling a significant shift in BMW’s product strategy. This facelift is being described as the most extensive update the company has undertaken, with the same tech suite set to expand across nearly 40 models by the end of 2027. At the heart of it lies a new centralised electronics and software architecture, designed to streamline vehicle systems and improve overall performance. Leading the charge is the all-electric i7 60 xDrive, now equipped with sixth-generation battery cells. It delivers a claimed WLTP range of up to 727 km, while a 10 to 80 percent charge can be completed in roughly 28 minutes. Inside, the BMW Panoramic iDrive takes centre stage, paired with the new Symbiotic Drive system that integrates driver assistance features more seam...

Ashok Leyland has taken a big leap in the commercial vehicle space with the launch of India’s first trucks equipped with air suspension. The new AVTR lineup includes three models—4525, 4625, and 4925—spanning gross vehicle weights from 45 to 49 tonnes. Built for heavy-duty applications, these trucks promise a payload advantage of up to four tonnes over conventional setups. But the real highlight is the air suspension system at the rear, which not only improves ride quality but is also maintenance-free. Reduced vibration levels and better tyre life further add to the efficiency equation, making them more cost-effective for long-haul operators. The range includes the AVTR 4525 (8x2), AVTR 4625 (10x2), and AVTR 4925 (10x2), each offered in both cowl and cabin configurations. Multiple loading span options ensure flexibility across different freight requirements, from bulk cargo to long-distance logistics. Ashok Leyland has also equipped the trucks with intelligent vehi...

Mercedes-Benz is tapping into connected car technology to help improve road infrastructure across Europe. The brand is now sharing anonymised vehicle data with public authorities in Germany and the Netherlands, aiming to identify road damage, poor signage, and accident-prone zones more efficiently. The idea is simple—use real-world data collected from vehicles instead of relying solely on manual inspections. With modern cars acting as rolling sensors, authorities can get a clearer and more frequent picture of road conditions at a much larger scale. In Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, the data is being used to build a comprehensive digital traffic sign registry. This open-source system is expected to cover all types of road signs, reducing the need for on-site surveys while improving traffic management accuracy. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services has been selected as an innovation partner for the second phase of the Dutch Road Mon...

Fiat has turned the spotlight on micromobility with a dedicated showcase in Rome, underlining its dominance in Europe’s electric quadricycle segment. The brand reports a strong 30 percent year-on-year surge in Topolino orders for Q2 2026, reinforcing its growing appeal in dense urban environments. Since 2025, the Topolino has led its category, with an impressive electric adoption rate exceeding 60 percent—the highest across any car segment in Europe. Orders this year are on track to hit record levels, highlighting how quickly micromobility is becoming a key pillar of electrification. Fiat is expanding the lineup with fresh variants, including the Corallo colour, Dolcevita edition, a sportier version, and the exclusive Vilebrequin Collector’s Edition. There’s even a quirky collaboration with Monster, resulting in the ‘Monsterlino’—a set of magnetic Bluetooth speakers designed specifically for the vehicle. Beyond the Topolino, Fiat also introduced an updated versio...