The global automotive landscape reveals a China advancing decisively, while Europe seems confined to a strategic slowdown, more focused on defense than offense. Beijing is considering sending giants like BYD, Catl, and Xiaomi to Washington not only to assert its industrial power, but to negotiate on tariffs and trade barriers, suggesting that the real approval for electric vehicles lies in political negotiations. Meanwhile, Thailand is putting a spoke in the wheel of imports, discouraging the arrival of foreign EVs with a 30% duty. An obvious signal: the interest is no …

Historic achievement for zero-emission mobility: German driver Rainer Zietlow, already holder of multiple Guinness World Records, has completed the round-the-world trip aboard the 100% electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz van. The "ID. Buzz World Tour" expedition, which started in July 2025 from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles headquarters in Hannover, concluded with the return to the German city after over a year of travel. The itinerary saw the van from the Wolfsburg-based company cover 99,767 km in 445 days, crossing over 92 countries and six continents. For the feat, a long-wheelbase version …

Lepas brings the Italian press behind the wheel of the L8 for the first time, the model with which it is introduced to the national market. The Forlì Media Test Drive follows shortly after the car's presentation at the Turin Auto Show and comes two months after the opening of orders in July, when the first 1,500 units destined for six European markets set sail from the port of Wuhu. Understated elegance, a spacious interior sized on a 2.80-meter wheelbase, and a plug-in hybrid system designed for daily electric use …

The Thai government is considering the introduction of an excise tax of around 30% on fully imported electric vehicles. The measure, revealed by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, aims to discourage direct imports - particularly from China and Europe - and to encourage foreign manufacturers to invest directly in local plants and supply chains. The plan includes a three-tier tax structure: the lowest rate for those producing in the country with local components, an intermediate rate for those importing with already approved production plans, and the highest rate (around 30%, compared …

This year's IAA Transportation highlights the offensive of Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers, ready to replicate in the heavy transport sector the expansion strategy already underway in the passenger car sector. Historic and emerging brands have presented a wide range of electric trucks, vans, and buses at competitive prices, launching a direct challenge to the traditional giants of the Continent. Among the main novelties, BYD has announced the debut of its first heavy truck in Europe for next year, with the aim of locally producing the entire range and offering a …

Waymo, the autonomous driving division controlled by Alphabet, has announced the launch of its autonomous and 100% electric ride-hailing service in Singapore by 2028. This operation marks the company's official debut in the Southeast Asian market. The strategic roadmap includes the arrival of the first fleet vehicles - based on the Jaguar I-PACE SUVs - in the coming months to conduct initial field surveys. Throughout 2027, safety specialists will manually drive the vehicles to map the road network and calibrate the "Waymo Driver" software to the specific road conditions and …

The top executives of technological and automotive giants such as BYD, Catl, and Xiaomi could be part of the business delegation accompanying Chinese President Xi Jinping on his upcoming state visit to Washington. According to sources close to the matter, the governments of Beijing and Washington are finalizing the list of company executives who will participate in the summit with US President Trump. The presence of the leaders of BYD, a global electric vehicle manufacturer, and Catl, a battery giant, would send a significant signal amidst the ongoing trade and …

Toyota Motor has estimated that the modernization and automation of its production plants could require an investment of up to 1 trillion yen per year (equivalent to approximately $6.4 billion) starting from 2028. The world's largest automaker intends to decisively accelerate the integration of advanced robotics and automated systems in assembly lines. The extensive financial plan aims to increase the operational efficiency of production sites, optimize assembly processes, and address the growing shortage of workforce. The investment estimate covers Toyota, some Group companies, and key suppliers. The company has not …

The BWT Alpine Formula One Team has announced the arrival of Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer. His task will be to lead and oversee the technical and engineering activities at the Enstone facility. For Elliott, this is a return: he had previously worked with the Enstone team as Head of Aerodynamics from 2008 to 2012. With 23 years of experience in F1 with Renault, McLaren, and most recently Mercedes, where he served as Chief Technical Officer, he will bring his expertise to the French team. Throughout his career, Elliott …

The new Torcal, the fourth model line in Bentley's range, is taking shape in Crewe. Bentley confirms its historical connection with the Crewe plant in England, where the new vehicle is designed, engineered, and built entirely on-site, with the collaboration of British suppliers such as Fox Brothers from Somerset for the woolen interior trimmings. The production of the Torcal is part of an investment plan (self-financed) of over £350 million aimed at modernizing the production site, which includes a new paint shop and the renewal of infrastructure. The new assembly …