Automotive Industry and Business News

Zeekr Enters South Korea with Dealer Deals and Zeekr 7X SUV

3Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Zeekr Enters South Korea with Dealer Deals and Zeekr 7X SUV

Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr is set to enter the competitive South Korean market, signing dealer agreements that will see its first showroom open in Seoul by early next year. The company’s entry marks another milestone for Chinese EV brands expanding their global footprint.Key TakeawaysZeekr signs deals with four South Korean dealers to launch showrooms across the country, starting in Seoul by Q1 2026.The Zeekr 7X SUV will be its first model available in South Korea, competing against established models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.Zeekr appointed a former Audi Korea executive to lead operations as it prepares for market entry through an extensive network of luxury vehicle dealerships.The Zeekr brand is making waves with its latest move into South Korea, following in the fo...

New BMW 3 Series and i3 Colors Leaked Ahead of Launch

3Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

New BMW 3 Series and i3 Colors Leaked Ahead of Launch

BMW fans are buzzing over leaked details about the new 8th generation 3 Series sedan and its electric sibling, the i3. Set to hit dealerships in 2026, both models will offer a range of paint finishes that promise to add some flair to your daily commute.Key TakeawaysThe new BMW 3 Series and i3 sedans are set for release in 2026, offering a variety of color options.Premium colors like Polarized Grey and Le Castellet Blue will be available on the gas-powered model but not on its electric counterpart due to manufacturing differences.BMW's Munich plant won't produce combustion engine cars after 2027 as it shifts fully towards EV production.The new BMW 3 Series, dubbed 'G50,' will come in a range of colors including Alpine White and Fire/Vegas Red. These finishes are designed to appeal to car en...

Ford CEO Emphasizes Electric Focus for Survival

3Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Ford CEO Emphasizes Electric Focus for Survival

Ford's Jim Farley emphasizes the necessity of electric vehicle (EV) focus during a podcast interview, stating it is crucial for survival and competitiveness in the global market. He warns that stepping back from zero-emission goals would cede dominance to Chinese automakers.Key TakeawaysFord CEO Jim Farley stresses electric vehicle focus as non-negotiable for survival and competitiveness.The company faces challenges in EV complexity compared to competitors, particularly Chinese manufacturers.A new division, Ford Model e, aims to streamline production processes and accelerate innovation.Jim Farley's comments highlight the critical importance of electric vehicles (EVs) for Ford's future success. He asserts that abandoning zero-emission goals would lead to irrelevance in a rapidly evolving ma...

Forvia Confirms Divestment Plans for Interior Business Unit

3Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Forvia Confirms Divestment Plans for Interior Business Unit

French automotive technology company Forvia has confirmed it is moving forward with the divestment of parts of its portfolio, focusing on its interiors business group. The announcement comes after recent media speculation about a potential sale.Key TakeawaysForvia confirms ongoing strategic review and divestment plans for certain assets in its vehicle interiors division.The company is being cautious with market rumors, not disclosing specific details about the valuations or timing of potential asset sales.Forvia aims to narrow down its portfolio and reduce debt through targeted asset sales as part of a broader strategic transformation plan.Since Forvia was formed in 2022 from the merger of Faurecia and Hella, it has been actively working on reducing its financial burden. The company's dive...

Lotus Reverses Course with High-Performance PHEV SUVs

3Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News, SUV & Crossovers

Lotus Reverses Course with High-Performance PHEV SUVs

Lotus, the storied British marque known for lightweight sports cars and a commitment to electrification, has unveiled plans for an ambitious lineup of plug-in hybrid SUVs. CEO Feng Qingfeng announced during an earnings call that the first model will debut in January 2026 with a staggering 710kW output, placing it firmly in the realm of supercars.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus PHEV SUV lineup will include three models, starting with an Eletre-based variant and followed by a smaller Vision X model.The first PHEV model is expected to achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in under three seconds, thanks to its powerful hybrid powertrain.Lotus aims to expand into markets like Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia with these new PHEVs, where EV adoption rates are slower compared to other regions.The upcoming Lotus PHE...

Paul Philpott Named SMMT’s 84th President

3Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Paul Philpott Named SMMT’s 84th President

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has announced Paul Philpott as its new president, effective January 1, 2026. Philpott, currently the President and CEO of Kia UK, will succeed Mick Flanagan after a two-year tenure.Key TakeawaysPaul Philpott becomes SMMT's 84th president from January 1, 2026.Mick Flanagan steps down after completing his two-year term as the association’s leader.The automotive industry faces significant challenges including zero-emission transitions and legislative changes.Philpott's appointment marks a new era for SMMT, bringing with it 37 years of experience in the UK automotive sector. His career began at Ford of Britain before he moved to Toyota GB and later joined Kia UK as Managing Director in 2007.As president of Kia UK since 2021, Philpott has ov...

Elon Musk Reveals SpaceX’s Disaster Response Policy: Starlink Free for Natural Disasters

3Dec

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Elon Musk Reveals SpaceX’s Disaster Response Policy: Starlink Free for Natural Disasters

Elon Musk recently shared on social media that SpaceX has a standing policy to offer free Starlink internet service during natural disasters worldwide. This move highlights the company’s commitment to aid over profit, as seen in recent efforts in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.Key TakeawaysSpaceX's standard practice is to provide free Starlink services during any natural disaster globally.The company recently offered free service for those impacted by severe flooding in Sumatra, Indonesia, and Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.Musk emphasized that profiting from misfortune would be morally wrong.Starlink’s initiative to provide free internet during natural disasters is a significant humanitarian effort. In the wake of severe flooding in Sumatra, Indonesia, Starlink partnered with local authorities to d...

iCaur V23 Off-Road EV Unveiled in Malaysia: A Unique Take on Electric Adventure Vehicles

3Dec

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

iCaur V23 Off-Road EV Unveiled in Malaysia: A Unique Take on Electric Adventure Vehicles

The automotive world buzzes with excitement as iCaur introduces its latest electric vehicle, the V23, in Malaysia. This off-road marvel is available in two variants priced at RM119,800 for RWD and RM132,800 for iWD. With a quirky design that hints at both FJ Cruiser and Morris Minor influences, the V23 promises to be an eye-catcher on any terrain.Key TakeawaysThe V23 is priced at RM119,800 for RWD and RM132,800 for iWD in Malaysia.It offers a unique blend of retro aesthetics with modern tech inside the cabin.The V23 comes with impressive off-road capabilities and generous cargo space.Stepping into the world of electric adventure vehicles, the V23 stands out for its distinctive design. While it shares some dimensions with the iCaur 03, the V23 boasts a more boxy silhouette that gives it an ...

Chevy Brightdrop Electric Van: A Great Deal for Fleet Managers

2Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Chevy Brightdrop Electric Van: A Great Deal for Fleet Managers

When General Motors announced it would stop producing the Chevy Brightdrop electric van, many fleet managers might have thought their chance to get a piece of this innovative vehicle had passed. However, GM's decision has actually opened up an incredible leasing opportunity that could save your company thousands.Key Takeaways$699 monthly lease with $2,999 down payment available through January 2ndAdditional $3,000 discount for Costco Executive MembersPrecious manufacturer support and parts longevity ensure long-term reliabilityThe Chevy Brightdrop electric van was designed specifically with fleet needs in mind. Now that GM has decided to stop production, they're offering an unbeatable lease deal: $699 per month for 39 months with a down payment of just $2,999. This is on top of the already...

German Electric Car Fleet Approaches 2 Million Mark

2Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

German Electric Car Fleet Approaches 2 Million Mark

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on German roads nears the two-million mark, it marks a significant milestone in the country's transition to sustainable transportation. This rapid growth is driven by supportive government policies and increasing consumer acceptance of EV technology.Key TakeawaysThe number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) on German roads has reached 1.93 million, with a projected increase to over 2 million by year-end.The share of purely electric cars in Germany's total vehicle fleet is now nearly 4%, up from less than 0.5% when the country hit the one-million mark three years ago.Germany aims to support EV adoption among low- and middle-income groups with a new €3 billion scheme, including purchase and leasing subsidies.The latest data reveals that Germany's fle...