Auto industry news covering car manufacturers, vehicle sales, automotive technology, recalls, and automaker business developments.
Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Cross, a €28,000 electric compact SUV, targeting budget-conscious European buyers. The model aims to compete with Tesla, Stellantis, and Chinese rivals amid Volkswagen's restructuring and a 31% stock decline this year.
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume will answer employee questions at extraordinary staff assemblies in August about the company's restructuring plans. The works council will hold assemblies at Wolfsburg on August 25 and at Emden and Zwickau on August 26, two of four German plants at risk of closure.
This commentary argues that surging new car prices and monthly payments require consumers to approach car buying with careful research and preparation. It suggests getting pre-approved for loans, comparing vehicles online, and avoiding same-day purchases to secure better deals.
This commentary argues that the current labor disputes at Hyundai, Kia, and GM Korea represent a pivotal moment in automotive labor relations, as unions confront management over profit-sharing and job security amid the introduction of humanoid robots. The author contends that the strikes are not merely routine wage negotiations but a test case for future automation conflicts across the global auto industry.
The author argues that Chinese electric vehicles are not yet ready for global markets, citing a dangerous high-speed steering malfunction in a BYD Denza Z9 GT during a test drive in Germany. The piece contends that despite media hype about Chinese EV dominance, fundamental safety and stability issues remain unresolved, challenging the narrative of inevitable Chinese automotive triumph.
This podcast episode features an interview with Brabus CEO Constantin Buschmann, discussing his leadership of the German tuning company and the debut of the $1 million Bodo. The hosts also compare the BMW M2 and M4, and raise awareness about tinnitus in the automotive world.
The author recounts driving a Lamborghini Revuelto in metro Detroit, describing the car's performance and the public's reactions. The piece argues that while supercars remain distinct, the speed gap with other vehicles is narrowing, and hybrid systems add power without diminishing the experience.
This commentary argues that the Bentley Continental GT S defies expectations by handling nimbly despite its large size, as demonstrated by a test drive up a challenging hill. The author suggests that Bentley's engineering excellence creates a surprising blend of power and agility.
This commentary argues that the Brabus Bodo represents a significant milestone for the German tuning company, reflecting its evolution under CEO Constantin Buschmann. It also suggests that the automotive industry should pay more attention to health issues like tinnitus among enthusiasts and professionals.
This commentary argues that European carmakers can catch up to Chinese electric vehicle rivals by 2028-2029 through EU policies like the Industrial Accelerator Act and continued access to Chinese technology. It suggests that Chinese openness to collaboration is key, though European job losses may be a trade-off.