The electric Topolino will join a growing list of small EVs designed with affordability and efficiency in mind. The vehicle’s compact dimensions—similar to those of Japanese kei cars—are ideal for urban environments where space is limited.

Kei cars, originally developed by the Japanese government after World War II to stimulate car ownership and industry growth, have a maximum length of 3.4 meters (11.2 feet), width of 1.48 meters (4.9 feet), height under 2.0 meters (6.6 feet), and engine displacement under 660 cc.

Stellantis’s decision to bring the electric Topolino to America reflects a growing trend in automotive manufacturing toward smaller, more affordable EVs that cater to urban drivers seeking practicality and sustainability without breaking the bank.

Stellantis’s announcement highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio with a model designed specifically for urban drivers looking for an efficient, affordable option.

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Manufactured by Stellantis in Argentina, the Ram Dakota is set to compete in one of the most fiercely contested segments. The Warlock edition, with its rugged appearance and off-road capabilities, was unveiled alongside plans for an additional trim level at the commercial launch. This move signals a strategic push into the mid-size pickup market.

During the event, Peter Fassbender, Vice President of Design for South America, highlighted the meticulous design process that ensured the Dakota fits seamlessly within the Ram brand’s aesthetic lineage. From the front grille to the interior details, every element was crafted with precision and intent to reflect the essence of Ram.

The choice of Ushuaia as the launch venue underscored the brand’s commitment to making a statement. The old airport converted into an aeroclub provided a unique backdrop for the presentation, despite challenging weather conditions. This location choice also highlighted Stellantis Argentina’s dedication to showcasing their latest offering in a memorable setting.

In conclusion, the return of the Ram Dakota to Argentina signals a renewed focus on the mid-size pickup segment. With its blend of classic design elements and contemporary features, the Dakota is poised to make waves in an already crowded market.

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The exterior design of the Ram Dakota is immediately recognizable as part of the Ram family, thanks to its distinctive front end that differentiates it from the Fiat Titano. The Warlock model comes with a darkened grille and badges, while the Laramie variant features chrome accents on the grille, mirrors, and bumpers.

Underneath the hood, the Dakota offers robust performance metrics, including an 80-liter fuel tank and a ground clearance of 317mm. The truck’s wheelbase is set at 3456mm, providing ample space for cargo in its 1.584mm deep bed.

Inside, the Dakota has been updated with modern amenities such as improved ergonomics and enhanced infotainment systems, making it a comfortable ride for both daily commutes and long hauls. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, offering a significant upgrade over its predecessor in terms of comfort and technology integration.

With a blend of classic Ram styling cues and modern enhancements, the Ram Dakota stands out as a strong contender in the mid-size pickup truck segment. Its debut in Ushuaia marks an exciting moment for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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Sitting in the back of a Lafa 05, I was struck by its potential. It’s like having a blank canvas where you can add your favorite touches. The design is clean and restrained, with high-quality materials that make it feel premium. Swap out some trim pieces, bumpers, and headlights, and suddenly it could be an Opel or even a Peugeot. This flexibility is what makes the Lafa 05 so exciting.

The A10 is another gem in Leapmotor’s lineup. At just 4.2 meters long, this SUV/crossover offers impressive range with its 500 km of CLTC and LiDAR-based ADAS. It’s designed for value-conscious buyers who want the latest tech without breaking the bank. The A10 could easily fit into a European brand’s lineup or even become a Jeep in certain markets.

Both models are priced to be competitive in Western markets. The Lafa 05 starts at 92,800 RMB ($13,100), making it adaptable to European tariffs and manufacturing costs. This pricing strategy shows Leapmotor’s commitment to global expansion. With its solid build quality and comfort-oriented tuning, the Lafa 05 could quickly find a home in Western driveways.

While not the most exciting vehicles at Auto Guangzhou, the Lafa 05 and A10 are intriguing for their adaptability and potential under Stellantis’ guidance. Imagine driving an Opel or Peugeot with Leapmotor’s engineering efficiency! The possibilities are endless.

Auto Guangzhou was a treat this year with Leapmotor’s offerings. The potential to see these vehicles rebadged and customized for European tastes makes them stand out from the crowd. As we look ahead, who knows? Maybe you’ll be driving an Opel or Peugeot that started life as a Lafa 05.

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This isn’t the first time Stellantis has faced issues with intrusive ads in their cars. Earlier this year, another owner reported receiving repeated notifications for an extended warranty they didn’t qualify for due to exceeding mileage requirements. While the company claims these ads are meant to inform customers about important updates and offers, many see them as unwanted spam.

According to a Stellantis spokesperson, these advertisements appear only during startup or when the vehicle is stationary. Once activated, they disappear after 15 seconds unless the driver interacts with them. However, this hasn’t appeased everyone; Dube’s post garnered numerous comments from disgruntled customers who have sworn off purchasing any future Stellantis vehicles.

The spokesperson added that customers can opt-out of receiving in-vehicle messages by contacting Stellantis customer care at 800-777-3600. Despite the inconvenience, Dube took advantage of the offer and became the owner of a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X. However, his success story hasn’t changed the overall negative sentiment among many drivers.

As concerns grow about the proliferation of ads in vehicles, it’s worth noting that other manufacturers like Ford have patents for technology that scans billboards and displays them on your infotainment screen. With tech companies also looking to incorporate advertising into cars, it seems inevitable that this trend will spread across the industry.

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The decision to build the Chinese EVs at its Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza was not just about avoiding tariffs on electric cars imported from China but also about gaining traction in the European market. Despite initial considerations of using manufacturing facilities in Vigo and Madrid, it appears that Figueruelas will take charge.

Stellantis plans to invest around €200 million for this project. Although significant, this is a small amount compared to the €1.5 billion spent on acquiring a 21% stake in Leapmotor in October 2023.

The production of these models is expected to start mid-2026 for the B10 and late 2026 for the compact B05. The move aims at addressing overcapacity issues across several European plants, particularly those in Italy and Eastern Europe. Prior to this decision, Stellantis had been assembling the Leapmotor T03 from kits imported from China but faced challenges due to high import tariffs.

Leapmotor remains an independent entity, responsible for development, manufacturing, and sales within China while Stellantis focuses on international markets outside of China. The tariff rates imposed on electric vehicles from China have been a major deterrent for Stellantis in importing these models directly into Europe.

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