The automotive industry opens 2026 by redefining the relationships between East and West. While the Chinese market shows a slowdown (-19.5% in January), pushing giants like BYD and Dongfeng towards a global offensive, Europe responds with a new "tariff diplomacy". The case of Cupra Tavascan sets an example: exemption from surcharges in exchange for commitments on prices and local investments outlines a viable route to avoid a head-on clash with Beijing. In this scenario, Germany is struggling: energy costs and bureaucracy are leading 72% of the supply chain to ...

Starting in April, the new Ford Kuga in Europe will be equipped with BlueCruise, the hands-off, eyes-on technology that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certified motorway sections, called "Blue Zones." Debuting in 2023 on the Mustang Mach-E as the first system of its kind approved by European authorities, BlueCruise now covers approximately 95 percent of motorways in 16 European markets. The system actively manages steering, acceleration, and braking, maintaining lane position and a safe distance even in stop-and-go traffic, with the aim of dramatically reducing ...

Subaru has begun production of electric vehicles at its Gunma Plant, Japan. The production launch follows the on-schedule completion (January 2026) of line upgrades that began in August 2025. The modifications have enabled the creation of a flexible mixed-model production line, capable of assembling electric vehicles, gasolinepowered models, and hybrids on the same line. This approach leverages Subaru's expertise in multimodel production and strengthens the company's ability to quickly adapt to market evolution. This marks a key moment for the brand: for the first time, Subaru is producing ...

The European Commission has granted the first exemption from heavy import duties for an electric vehicle produced in China, marking a potential turning point in trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing. The measure concerns the Cupra Tavascan, a compact SUV from the Volkswagen Group produced in Anhui, which will no longer have to pay the 20.7% countervailing tariff introduced in 2024. The agreement, made official on February 9, is based on a new "minimum price commitment" mechanism: Volkswagen has committed to selling the Tavascan at an agreed-upon minimum price ...

In addition to the Zafira Electric, the Opel MPV is now also available with a latest-generation 2.2-liter diesel engine. With 180 hp and 400 Nm of torque, the newly developed engine delivers powerful performance with reduced fuel consumption. Customers can purchase their Opel Zafira starting at €43,250, and Opel offers buyers complete freedom to decide which powertrain best suits their needs. The Euro 6e-compliant 2.2- liter turbo diesel, with its new-generation direct injection and optimized exhaust gas recirculation system, offers superior efficiency and lower emissions than previous ...

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Lamborghini renews its commitment to addressing the gender gap in STEM disciplines. For the Raging Bull brand, nurturing female talent in fields such as engineering and digital technologies is now a strategic pillar for addressing the technological transition in the high-performance sector. The 2025 numbers confirm the concreteness of this vision: the company currently employs approximately 680 female workers and has recorded a 25% rate of new female hires in white-collar positions. From the factory, Lamborghini operates ...

Cupra is the Title Partner of the first Formula E race in Madrid, officially named the "2026 Cupra Raval Madrid E-Prix." By joining forces with the electric championship, the brand is helping bring the competition to Madrid for the first time. On March 21, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will celebrate its inaugural event at the Circuito de Madrid Jarama - Race, raising the profile of electric mobility and positioning Madrid as the global stage for sustainable, high-performance racing. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the brand ...

The Hongqi HS6 SUV PHEV has conquered its second Guinness World Record in just a few months, setting the record for the largest distance traveled by a plug-in hybrid SUV in extreme cold conditions. The vehicle covered 1,131.133 km without refueling or charging, operating at temperatures consistently below -20°C. This achievement follows the record achieved in November 2025, when the same model traveled 2,327.343 km (from Shangri-La to Guangzhou) on a single tank and a full charge, setting the absolute record for a production vehicle ...

China is further accelerating its autonomous driving race with the inauguration of the world's first ADAS laboratory capable of simulating traffic scenarios and extreme weather events. Located in Chongqing and operated by the China Merchants Testing Vehicle Technology Research Institute, the facility has welcomed Changan as its first official customer for validation testing. The 5,000-squaremeter laboratory represents a breakthrough for the safety of intelligent vehicles. Thanks to cutting-edge environmental control systems, the facility can recreate conditions such as dense fog (reducing visibility from 1 km to 10 meters ...

Honda Motor reported a sharp decline in operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2025, dropping 61.4% to 153.4 billion yen (approximately $987 million). The result, well below analysts' expectations, reflects the Japanese manufacturer's growing difficulties in the face of weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the impact of U.S. trade tariffs. Honda's automotive division slipped to a loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, weighed down by restructuring costs and EV-related asset write-downs totaling approximately 267 billion yen. Further complicating the ...