Author: M.Chen

UK Automotive Trade Association Seeks Government Support to Boost Sector Growth
Industry & Business, News

UK Automotive Trade Association Seeks Government Support to Boost Sector Growth

The UK automotive industry is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to bolster the government's Modern Industrial Strategy, aiming to restore vehicle manufacturing capacity to 1.3 million units by 2035 from a forecasted output of around 700,000 passenger cars this year.According to GlobalData, UK car production has dropped significantly since its peak in 2018 when it reached an annual total of 1.5 million vehicles. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is calling for an annual Autumn Budget statement that would support the sector as a hub for advanced manufacturing investment.The SMMT highlights recent government commitments, including the £2.5 billion fund to boost innovation, productivity, and inward investment in the automotive industry. Additionally, landmark trade deals with...
VinFast VF 8 Owners Sue Over Slow Charging Speeds
EV & Electric Cars, News

VinFast VF 8 Owners Sue Over Slow Charging Speeds

Owners of the VinFast VF 8 Plus AWD are taking legal action against the Vietnamese automaker, alleging that their vehicles charge at an unexpectedly slow rate of under 2 kW. This is far below the advertised charging capacity of up to 6.6 kW and results in a full day's wait for a complete battery recharge.The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California claims that the vehicles' performance falls short of expectations set by other electric vehicle manufacturers. For instance, competitors like Tesla Model Y offer charging speeds up to 11 kW and above, significantly reducing the time needed to reach a full charge.Plaintiffs Gil Swigi and Joseph Mizrahi assert that their cars shut down when attempting to charge at the advertised rate of 32 amps. They were for...
Mercedes-Benz Aims to Revive A-Class Sedan Sales with New Strategy
EV & Electric Cars, News

Mercedes-Benz Aims to Revive A-Class Sedan Sales with New Strategy

Mercedes-Benz has announced a new strategy for its A-Class sedan, aiming to boost sales and market share in the compact luxury segment. The automaker plans to offer enhanced features and improved performance specifications compared to previous models.The revised A-Class Sedan will feature an updated engine lineup, with options including a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing up to 161 horsepower. This model competes directly with BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi's A3 sedan, both of which offer similar power outputs.Mercedes-Benz is also focusing on technology upgrades for the A-Class Sedan, integrating its latest MBUX infotainment system that includes over-the-air updates and augmented reality navigation. This advanced feature set aims to attract tech-savvy consumers who priori...
SMMT Warns Against Pay-per-Mile Tax on EVs
EV & Electric Cars, News

SMMT Warns Against Pay-per-Mile Tax on EVs

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has strongly opposed the potential introduction of a pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, as suggested in Rachel Reeves' recent Budget statement. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes criticized the timing of such a proposal during a speech at the organization's annual dinner.Hawes argued that introducing a 12p per mile charge on EVs would send a negative message to consumers and could hinder efforts to increase EV adoption, which is crucial for meeting ambitious targets set by manufacturers. The UK government has previously supported EV sales through various incentives such as the zero-emission vehicle grant.The current zero-emission vehicle grant offers discounts of £1,500 or £3,750 depending on eligibility criteria, signific...
Dacia Updates Jogger with Hybrid Option and Fresh Look
News

Dacia Updates Jogger with Hybrid Option and Fresh Look

The updated Dacia Jogger has been unveiled at a price point that remains competitive, starting from £18,995 – just £25 more than its predecessor. This mid-life facelift comes four years after the initial launch of this seven-seat estate model.One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new Hybrid 155 powertrain option, which pairs a 108bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine with an integrated starter-generator and a 49bhp electric motor to produce a combined output of 154bhp and 125lb ft of torque. This system includes a 1.4kWh battery that allows for short periods of engine-off driving.Compared to its predecessor, the Hybrid 155 offers a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency, achieving up to 61mpg – an increase of 10% over the previous model's claimed consumption figures. This t...
NIO’s Firefly Brand Expands Internationally with Right-Hand Drive Models
EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

NIO’s Firefly Brand Expands Internationally with Right-Hand Drive Models

NIO has launched its firefly brand in several international markets, including the UK, India, Singapore, Australia, and South Africa, expanding beyond its initial focus on China. The company commenced production of a right-hand drive (RHD) model specifically for these regions, with deliveries beginning in Singapore.Since its introduction in April 2025, firefly has rapidly expanded globally, achieving European market entry within four months. Currently available in the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, the brand is set to enter Denmark, Greece, Austria, Portugal, and Luxembourg soon. This swift international rollout underscores NIO's commitment to global expansion.The firefly model targets urban mobility with a focus on safety, design, space efficiency, intelligent features, and dynamic dri...
Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New EV Performance Standards at Nürburgring
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New EV Performance Standards at Nürburgring

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has made significant waves in the automotive world with its groundbreaking performance metrics, particularly after setting a new benchmark for electric vehicles (EVs) at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. On August 22, 2025, it completed a lap in just 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds, marking an improvement of over five seconds compared to previous EV records.This achievement is not only a testament to the capabilities of electric propulsion but also highlights the shift towards high-performance vehicles that rely on advanced engineering rather than traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). The U9 Xtreme's success underscores the potential of Chinese EV manufacturers like Yangwang, which are increasingly challenging established European and American supercar br...
Mercedes AMG Unveils Electric GT 4 Door Coupe with Brad Pitt’s Endorsement
EV & Electric Cars, News

Mercedes AMG Unveils Electric GT 4 Door Coupe with Brad Pitt’s Endorsement

Mercedes-AMG is set to launch its all-electric GT 4 Door Coupe, a high-performance vehicle that aims to rival Porsche’s Taycan and Audi’s RS e-tron GT. The car, which made its debut at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, boasts an impressive power output of approximately 1,000 horsepower from three axial flux motors.During the unveiling event, Hollywood actor Brad Pitt joined Mercedes-AMG to promote the new model. In a promotional video, Pitt was shown picking up his ride from a valet service, with Formula 1 driver George Russell performing impressive driving maneuvers in the car's underground garage before handing it over to Pitt.The AMG GT 4 Door Coupe is based on the AMG-EA platform and features an aluminum and composite construction. Its sleek design is intended to compete directly with its Germ...
Tesla Pushes for FSD Approval in the Netherlands Amid Regulatory Hurdles
EV & Electric Cars, News

Tesla Pushes for FSD Approval in the Netherlands Amid Regulatory Hurdles

Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) technology has faced regulatory delays as it seeks approval to operate in the Netherlands, a country known for its rainy climate and stringent traffic regulations. The Dutch Road Vehicle Authority (RDW), responsible for vehicle safety standards, is currently reviewing FSD Supervised but has emphasized that any pressure from Tesla fans will not expedite the process.According to CNBC, RDW issued a statement on November 22, 2025, addressing concerns raised by Tesla enthusiasts urging faster approval of the technology. The regulatory body stated its commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety standards set for autonomous driving systems in Europe, emphasizing that market and competition-sensitive information will not be disclosed.Tesla's FSD Supervised sy...
Tesla Unveils World’s Largest Supercharger with 168 Stalls
Industry & Business, News

Tesla Unveils World’s Largest Supercharger with 168 Stalls

Tesla has completed the construction of its largest Supercharger station in Lost Hills, California, boasting a total of 168 charging stalls. The facility, known as Project Oasis, spans over 30 acres and was fully operational by November 25, 2025. Tesla initially opened half of the stalls back in July 2025, with full certification enabling the remaining 84 stalls to become active.The Lost Hills Supercharger is powered entirely off-grid, relying on a combination of 11 MW solar panels and 10 Megapack batteries for energy storage. This setup ensures that the station generates approximately 20 GWh annually, sufficient to power around 1,700 homes. The site's completion marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s efforts to expand its charging infrastructure into more rural areas.With over 70,000 ac...