Tag: Automotive

Nissan Pledges Bold Future Design with New Micra Launch
News

Nissan Pledges Bold Future Design with New Micra Launch

Nissan is set to revamp its design philosophy, aiming for a more distinctive and impactful aesthetic as it launches the new Micra. The automaker’s vice president of Nissan Design Europe, Giovanny Arroba, has revealed that the Micra will lead the way in a series of upcoming models, each showcasing unique personality traits.Key TakeawaysNissan introduces new Micra with bold design to regain brand identity lost over previous generations.New Juke and Qashqai set for electrification and radical redesigns in the next two years.Ambition is to lead market through distinctive designs rather than generic models.The new Micra, arriving early next year, marks a return to form after its predecessors were designed with global appeal at the expense of individuality. Arroba emphasizes that Nissan will no ...
Gordon Murray S1 LM Sets New Auction Record at $20.63 Million
News, Supercars

Gordon Murray S1 LM Sets New Auction Record at $20.63 Million

RM Sotheby’s auctioned off the first Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM, fetching a record-breaking $20.63 million during the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix Weekend. This sale surpasses previous records and establishes the S1 LM as the most expensive new car sold at auction.Key TakeawaysThe S1 LM is the first of five units to be built, with this being the highest publicly verified sale for a brand-new supercar.The car was flown over Las Vegas by helicopter during live bidding, creating an unprecedented spectacle and capturing global attention.Shelby Myers from RM Sotheby’s highlights the S1 LM's significance in modern automotive collecting due to its direct connection to Gordon Murray and his vision for a bespoke supercar without production constraints.The S1 LM, inspired by the...
IM Motors LS9 SUV Draws Controversy with In-Car Shower and Heated Floor
EV & Electric Cars, News, SUV & Crossovers

IM Motors LS9 SUV Draws Controversy with In-Car Shower and Heated Floor

Launched on November 12, 2025, the IM Motors LS9 SUV has garnered significant attention for its hybrid powertrain and six-seat layout. The base price of the LS9 starts at 322,800 yuan (≈44,900 USD), offering a 66 kWh battery pack that supports an electric range of up to 402 km and a combined driving range of up to 1,508 km. The vehicle's unique selling points include its optional graphene-based underfloor heating system and an 'outdoor-luxury' package with a hidden water tank for showering.The LS9’s innovative features have sparked debate among automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers. Critics argue that the 10-liter heated water tank is impractical, as it limits the duration of use for washing purposes. They also point out that adding bathroom elements to an SUV could complicate design...
GWM Eyes Europe with Ambitious Plant Plans
News

GWM Eyes Europe with Ambitious Plant Plans

Great Wall Motors (GWM) is setting its sights on the European market with ambitious expansion plans, aiming to construct a plant capable of producing up to 300,000 vehicles annually by 2029. This move underscores GWM's strategic focus on overseas growth as competition in China intensifies.According to Reuters, GWM is currently scouting potential locations across several European countries including Spain and Hungary. The decision-making process involves a meticulous evaluation of factors such as labor costs, logistics efficiency, and overall operational feasibility.Parker Shi, president of GWM International, emphasized the importance of selecting an optimal site for long-term sustainability. He noted that initial production will require shipping components to the chosen location for assemb...
GWM Aims for 300,000 Unit Plant in Europe to Compete with BYD
EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

GWM Aims for 300,000 Unit Plant in Europe to Compete with BYD

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is making significant strides towards establishing its first full-vehicle manufacturing plant in Europe, targeting an annual output of 300,000 units by 2029. The company’s international president, Parker Shi, revealed this ambitious plan during a recent interview, highlighting the strategic importance of selecting sites in Spain and Hungary based on factors such as labor costs and logistics efficiency.GWM’s decision to consider these locations is not just about immediate cost savings but also future-proofing against potential shifts in European Union industrial policies. The company aims to balance the initial reliance on imported critical components with a long-term vision of local supply chain integration, mirroring strategies employed by older automotive giants li...
BYD’s Zhao Changjiang Joins Huawei and Chery’s Luxeed as Marketing Chief
EV & Electric Cars, News

BYD’s Zhao Changjiang Joins Huawei and Chery’s Luxeed as Marketing Chief

Zhao Changjiang, former head of sales for BYD's premium Denza brand, has joined Luxeed, a new automotive venture backed by tech giant Huawei and automaker Chery. The announcement comes after Zhao left his position at Denza in October 2025 following a 16-year career with the company.Zhao’s appointment as marketing general manager at Luxeed marks a significant shift for both him and the new brand, which aims to leverage Huawei's technological expertise and Chery's manufacturing capabilities. Local media outlet Jiemian reported on the move based on three unnamed sources, while Zhao confirmed he was still on a break without denying the report.At Denza, Zhao played a crucial role in launching several models including the D9 MPV, which remains the brand’s primary sales model since its launch in ...
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...
News

Automakers Seek Rare Earth Alternatives in Electric Motors

Stunned by frequent shortages of essential materials from China, automakers in the United States and Europe are quietly trying to reduce or eliminate their reliance on rare-earth metals used in electric vehicle motors. This shift is driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.BMW has taken a lead role with its iX SUV model, which uses electric motors that do not require neodymium or other rare earth elements. The company's approach reflects growing concerns about the stability of global rare-earth supplies, particularly as China controls most mining and processing operations for these materials.Researchers at Northeastern University and other institutions are exploring synthetic materials with magnetic properties similar to those found in meteorites. These efforts aim to d...
Teijin Trials Digital Product Passports for Recycled PC in EV Parts
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Teijin Trials Digital Product Passports for Recycled PC in EV Parts

Japanese materials supplier Teijin is testing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) system to track recycled polycarbonate (PC) used across its automotive supply chain. The trial aims to comply with upcoming EU regulations on end-of-life vehicles, ensuring transparency about the origin and recycling content of materials. In this pilot phase, Teijin is working closely with Circularise Japan, focusing specifically on recycled PC resins obtained from automotive headlamps. These DPPs provide detailed information about each resin's material origin, composition, environmental impact, and end-of-life management procedures. The digital passports enable every stakeholder in the value chain—from suppliers to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and consumers—to verify the materials used in specific pr...