Chinese carmakers continue to accelerate their presence across Europe, steadily carving out a larger slice of the market. Once regarded as niche entrants, they now account for a 6.8 percent share of total European sales in October, with powerhouses like SAIC and BYD leading the charge while Tesla’s momentum falters.

Chinese Brands Gain Ground

In that month alone, around 75,000 vehicles from Chinese brands were sold across the European Union, the UK, and EFTA nations, which include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

SAIC enjoyed a particularly strong month, with sales soaring from 17,552 in October last year to 23,860 this October. Across the January-October period, its sales have also risen 26.6 percent from 197,686 to 250,250 units.

Read: BYD’s European Expansion Is About to Explode

BYD is also enjoying a surge in demand and has almost triple Tesla’s sales. In October, the company sold a total of 17,470 vehicles across the region, a 206.8 percent rise from 5,695 last October. Year-to-date, its sales have increased by a monumental 285 percent, from 35,949 to 138,390 units.

Tesla’s Bloodbath

Things are not looking so pretty for Tesla. In October, its European sales slipped 48.5 percent from 13,519 units in the same month last year to just 6,964 in 2025. That means it fell even behind Porsche, which itself recorded a 26 percent sales decline but still usurped Tesla with 7,653 sales. Through the first ten months of the year, the American brand’s local sales have fallen 29.6 percent to 180,688.

Of the new cars sold by Chinese brands across the region in October, 36 percent were battery-electric vehicles. Of these, the small BYD Dolphin was the best-seller.

EU + EFTA + UK New Car Sales

Europe Sales Rise

Across Europe, new car registrations have edged up 1.4 percent, with battery-electric vehicles now holding a 16.4 percent share.

In the first ten months of 2025, 1,473,447 new battery-electric cars were registered across the EU. This growth owes much to the four largest markets, including Germany (+39.4%), Belgium (+10.6%), the Netherlands (+6.6%), and France (+5.3%), which together make up 62 percent of the total. In October alone, year-on-year battery-electric registrations rose by 38.6 percent.

Hybrid-electric cars continue to dominate as the most popular powertrain, holding a 34.6 percent share of the market. Between January and October 2025, registrations reached 3,109,362 units, led by Spain (+27.1%), France (+26.3%), Germany (+10.3%), and Italy (+8.9%).

Plug-in hybrids are also on the upswing, totaling 819,201 registrations, a 43.2 percent increase over last year. Demand has been especially strong in Spain (+109.6%), Italy (+76.5%), and Germany (+63.4%). Plug-in hybrids now represent 9.1 percent of all EU registrations, up from 7 percent a year ago.

Petrol-powered cars still hold 27.4 percent of the market, though their share has dropped from 34 percent last year as combustion sales continue to contract. Through October, petrol registrations fell 18.3 percent across major markets, with France down 32.3 percent, Germany 22.5 percent, Italy 16.9 percent, and Spain 13.7 percent.

Diesel continues its downward trend too, shrinking by 24.5 percent to a 9.2 percent market share.

Tesla took to X over the weekend to announce that Dutch automotive safety regulator RDW had committed to approving its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in February 2026. As it turns out, Elon Musk’s company jumped the gun, and the agency made no such commitment.

Watch: Tesla Fans Gave FSD The Wheel For Elon’s Coast-To-Coast Trip

The claim sparked quick clarification from the regulator and a flurry of online chatter about Tesla’s ongoing bid to expand FSD beyond American roads.

While Tesla has been offering its Full Self-Driving system in the United States for years, it hasn’t been able to do the same in Europe.

Europe’s Roadblock

According to the carmaker, it has already provided FSD demonstrations “to regulators of almost every EU country” and believes the most effective path to rolling out the system across the continent is through the RDW, with the goal of securing an exemption for the feature.

In its X post, Tesla Europe & Middle East proclaimed that “RDW has committed to granting Netherlands National approval in February 2026.” The company even urged followers to contact the regulator directly to “express your excitement & thank them for making this happen as soon as possible.”

However, the regulator quickly pushed back. In a statement published on its website, the regulator explained that it expects Tesla to demonstrate FSD next February, but it denied making any commitment to approval.

Tesla has been working hard toward shipping Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Europe for over 12 months now. We have given FSD demos to regulators of almost every EU country. We have requested early access, pilot release programs or exemptions where possible.

We have developed…

— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) November 22, 2025

“We do not share details about ongoing applications from manufacturers, as this concerns commercially sensitive information,” it wrote. “Both RDW and Tesla are aware of the efforts needed to reach a decision on this matter in February. Whether this timeline will be met is yet to be determined in the coming period.”

Regulator Grows Tired of Tesla Fans’ Calls

The regulatory agency also asked Tesla’s fans to stop contacting it about FSD, noting that “it takes up unnecessary time for our customer service,” adding “this will have no impact whatsoever on whether or not the schedule will be met.”

Recently, Tesla boss Elon Musk said, “pressure from our customers in Europe to push the regulators to approve would be appreciated.”

Speaking with Bloomberg, the head of safe autonomy at the University of Warwick, Siddartha Khastgir, said it’s unusual to see a carmaker attempting to pressure the RDW.

“An approval process of an automated driving system is a deeply technical one to ensure the safety of the public,” he explained. “The sanctity of any such approvals is ensured by its independence and rigor, not force. While public sentiment is important for all authorities, this shouldn’t undermine the rigor of the approval process.”

Guangzhou Automobile Group, better known as GAC, is positioning itself to join the growing list of Chinese carmakers setting up shop in Europe to sidestep rising import tariffs. The company has also chosen an established partner to make it happen, teaming up with contract manufacturer Magna to handle production.

GAC has confirmed that its all-electric Aion V will be built at Magna’s facility in Graz, Austria. Over the years, this plant has built several models for a variety of carmakers, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Jaguar I-Pace and E-Pace, BMW 5-Series, BMW Z4, and even the Toyota GR Supra.

Read: Does The New Aion V Electric SUV Remind You Of A T-Rex? GAC Thinks So

Recent changes in client contracts have left Magna with open capacity. Several models, including those from Jaguar, have already departed the Graz lines, while agreements with BMW and Toyota will end next year. As a result, the company has been on the lookout for new manufacturing partners.

How Xpeng Does It

Guido ten Brink/SB-Medien

In September, Magna’s Graz facility began assembling Xpeng’s G6 and G9 SUVs for Europe. The process is somewhat unconventional: the vehicles are built in China, partially disassembled, shipped to Austria, then reassembled for final delivery.

This approach lets Xpeng pay tariffs only on parts rather than complete vehicles, a practical workaround in the current trade climate. Whether GAC’s Aion V will follow the same method remains unconfirmed, though the option certainly seems plausible.

The Chinese company unveiled the Aion V in the second quarter of last year and has been enjoying strong sales in recent months. It is underpinned by the firm’s modular AEP architecture and is equipped with an electric motor producing 181 hp.

Buyers can choose between 62 kWh, 75 kWh, and 90 kWh battery packs, the largest offering a CLTC range of up to 466 miles (750 km).

Global Aspirations

It’s too early to say how popular the Aion V will prove to be in Europe, but it certainly has the potential to sell well and appears to be a compelling alternative to the likes of the Geely EX5 and BYD Atto 3.

GAC plans to launch the SUV in more than 30 global markets, including Australia and various European countries, as it continues to expand its international footprint.

When BYD burst onto the global stage a few years ago, it arrived with a certain sense of experimentation that was hard to ignore, and the most visible example was its infotainment display that could spin 90 degrees and run in either portrait or landscape modes.

While mostly a gimmick, it has helped the brand’s models stand out from the competition. However, the Chinese conglomerate has revealed its spinning screen won’t be around for much longer.

Read: BYD’s European Expansion Is About to Explode

BYD’s vice president, Stella Li, said that while the company’s customers liked having the rotating screen, it is limiting for some apps, in particular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As such, the automaker has ditched it for the new Atto 2 and will eliminate it from other models, too. Moving forward, the screens will be locked in their landscape position.

“We are starting to engage in a lot of apps,” Li told Autocar. “The Atto 2 will be the first model with Google and Apple CarPlay. And if they want to give the best experience, then a rotating screen will limit their apps. And then secondly, we saw the feedback in the market. People love the rotating screens, but the usage is very small.”

Tech Trade-Offs

According to BYD, its infotainment screen had been easier to use in portrait mode when stationary and while on the move, in addition to being better for navigation.

However, in the models that we’ve driven, we’ve always found it easier to operate the screen in landscape mode, perhaps because this is the orientation of the screens in the vast majority of modern cars. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only function in that mode.

Review: BYD Sealion 6 Makes Plug-In Hybrids Feel Seamless But Fun Is Optional

During the same interview, Li also noted that BYD plans to deepen its collaborations with companies like Apple and Google, and locking the display orientation simplifies that process. A fixed screen means fewer interface compromises and smoother integration.

BYD is also ramping up its global ambitions. The company has set its sights on a major push in Europe for 2026. Just this week, its regional managing director announced plans to double the brand’s retail footprint across the continent next year, targeting around 1,000 retail points.

Source: Autocar

BMW’s latest step into its electric future comes with more stamina than we expected. The second-generation iX3 , unveiled a few months ago with a projected range of 497 miles (800 km) under the WLTP cycle, has quietly outperformed even BMW’s own estimates, though, as always, there are a few caveats tucked in the fine print.

In a real-world run, the electric SUV managed to stretch its legs to more than 621 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge.

Read: The iX3 Is BMW’s Neue Klasse Future Now With A Surprising Price Tag

Eager to see how far their new creation could really go, a small team from BMW decided to take the iX3 on a proper road trip. They set off from the Debrecen plant in Hungary, where the model is built, and pointed it toward Munich, the automaker’s home base in Germany.

Not only did they complete the 626.1-mile (1,007.7 km) journey, but they did so with 2 percent charge remaining, which could have been enough to travel an extra 12 miles (20 km).

What Are The Caveats?

As you could have probably guessed, the team did everything they could to extend the iX3’s driving range. For example, they avoided highways during the journey, sticking to smaller and lower-speed roads where the SUV’s regenerative braking system would be most effective.

Additionally, the iX3 was equipped with smaller 20-inch wheels, rather than the 21- and 22-inch wheels it’s also available with. They also didn’t use the heating, cooling, or radio during the test, to save as much energy as possible.

BMW picked the iX3 50 xDrive, the only version announced to date, which has a pair of electric motors delivering 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque, meaning it can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds, and a sizeable 108.7 kWh battery pack.

The Ford Puma returned in 2019 as a compact SUV, followed by a mid-cycle update in 2024 and the arrival of the fully electric Gen-E later that year. Now, Ford has introduced a subtly revised 2026 version of the EV, delivering a longer driving range and more advanced driver assistance features.

The standout figure is an improved WLTP range of 400 km (249 miles), up by 24 km (15 miles) from the outgoing model. Within the urban cycle, the 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E can manage up to 550 km (342 miles), which should mean fewer plug-in stops for most owners.

More: Ford Quietly Ends Focus Production After 27 Years Without Even Saying Goodbye

The added distance comes from an “optimised battery design” that maintains the same 43 kWh capacity. Ford hasn’t specified whether that figure applies to the base Gen-E with 17-inch wheels or the Premium trim on 18-inch alloys.

Power remains at 166 hp (124 kW) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels through a single electric motor.

That 400-km WLTP rating positions the Puma Gen-E well within its segment, closely matching rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Opel Mokka Electric, Peugeot E-2008, Renault 4 E-Tech, and Mini Aceman. Even so, it still trails the Kia EV3 Long Range, which claims up to 604 km (375 miles) on the same cycle.

Hands-Free Driving

Starting from spring 2026, the smallest Ford in Europe will be available with the BlueCruise system, allowing hands-off highway driving as part of the optional Driver Assistance Pack. The technology is gradually spreading across the range, now confirmed for the Kuga and Ranger PHEV as well.

More: A Ford Bronco Just Took Google Street View Where No Camera Had Gone Before

Since its European debut in 2023, BlueCruise has expanded to 16 markets and covers more than 135,000 km (84,000 miles) of approved highways.

Any Visual Changes?

Predictably, there are no styling updates, with the Puma Gen-E retaining its grille-less design. The rest of the bodywork is shared with the facelifted mild-hybrid version.

The same goes for the interior, with the digital cockpit comprising a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment. Another highlight of the Puma is the “Gigabox” storage compartment under the boot. The cargo capacity is 574 liters (20.3 cubic feet) at the back and another 43 liters (1.5 cubic feet) in the frunk.

The 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E is open for orders in the UK, priced from £26,245 ($34,500). That’s unchanged from the current model, though it now benefits from updated local incentives.

Ford

Not too long ago, BYD vehicles were a rare sight on the roads of Europe. But over the past five years, the car manufacturer has grown into a global powerhouse, expanding into new markets quicker than any of its competitors. Next year, its models will become even more commonplace throughout Europe.

Read: Stellantis Dealers Are Embracing BYD And Making Things Awkward

Despite the added weight of European tariffs on Chinese-made cars, BYD has no intention of slowing down. The company views Europe as one of its key new territories and expects to reach around 1,000 retail points across the continent before the year closes. That milestone, however, is only the start of what’s planned for 2026.

How Big Will BYD Go?

At a recent event in Frankfurt, Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional managing director for Europe, outlined the company’s next move. She confirmed that BYD will double its footprint in the region next year, calling the expansion essential for winning over customers in a highly competitive landscape.

“In line with successful competitors, we need to have proximity and win proximity to the European customers,” Davino said, reports Reuters.

Currently active in 29 European markets, BYD is pursuing what Davino describes as a “long-term localization strategy.” The plan centers on building more of the vehicles it sells within Europe itself, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening its ties to local economies. Key to this effort is a major new production hub in Hungary, set to open soon.

So far this year, BYD sales in Europe have more than tripled, reaching 80,807 vehicles in just the first nine months.

Even though the Hungarian site has yet to open its doors, BYD is also weighing up the possibility of building a factory in Turkey and a site in Spain.

“Localizing in a mature region like Europe is a very important project. It requires knowledge, dedication, investments, and resources at all levels,” Davino added.

Source: Reuters

Update: This story now includes new photos and fresh details on the Leapmotor A10 / B03x, following its world premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China and Stellantis’ confirmation of its launch in Europe.

Stellantis’ Chinese partner Leapmotor continues to expand its model lineup, this time setting its sights on one of the most competitive corners of the market: small SUVs. Its latest offering is called A10 in China and B03x in Europe, positioned below the slightly larger B10.

The new EV made its first public outing at the Guangzhou Auto Show and has also been confirmed by Stellantis for European markets including Germany. The SUV is expected to be joined by a mechanically-related small hatchback set to be unveiled in 2026.

More: Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

The bodywork reflects the smooth surfacing and rounded contours seen across Leapmotor’s lineup, complemented by a Citroen-like wraparound greenhouse, discreet plastic cladding, and LED lighting with darkened clusters. The graphics on the taillights look like smiling emojis, adding a playful note to the rather generic design.

The model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and will be available in six shades – including the pictured Seaweed Green and Acorn Brown. A roof-mounted Lidar unit and visible sensors along the profile indicate that the model will include a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

New Platform And Modern Tech

According to the company, the SUV measures over 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) long, 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) wide, and 1,600 mm (63 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of over 2,600 mm (102.4 inches), placing it within the small SUVs segment.

More importantly, the A10/B03x is the first model to ride on Leapmotor’s new global A-Segment platform. While technical details remain undisclosed, the EV will be fitted with an “extremely high-energy-density LFP battery” offering a CLTC range of 500 km (311 miles), most likely combined with a single electric motor.

More: Stellantis’ Leapmotor Found An Unlikely Ally In Germany’s Tuning Scene

While no interior photos were released and the show car’s windows remained heavily tinted, the cabin is expected to carry on Leapmotor’s familiar minimalist theme, combining a large infotainment display with a clean, uncluttered dashboard and seating for five. The company promises generous space inside, an AI-driven cockpit, and full over-the-air update capability throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.

The A10/B03x and the related supermini are both planned for European release, joining the T03, B05, B10, and C10 already offered there. In China, Leapmotor’s lineup is broader, spanning the B01 and C01 sedans along with the C11, C16, and D19 SUVs.

Who It’s Up Against?

At home, the A10 will go head-to-head with the BYD Yuan Up (also known as the Atto 2), priced between ¥96,800 and ¥119,800 (equivalent to about $13,600–$16,900 at current exchange rates).

In Europe, it will enter a crowded field of compact electric crossovers including the Citroen e-C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera Electric, Renault 4 E-Tech, Kia EV3, Peugeot E-2008, Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Junior, Ford Puma Gen-E, and the forthcoming VW ID.Cross and Skoda Epiq.

Stellantis says the B03x is intended for “rational customers who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality second vehicle, as well as newcomers to electric mobility who are switching from a compact car with a combustion engine, without wanting to compromise on safety, space or intelligent technology.”

Joint Venture And Growth

Stellantis holds a controlling 51 percent stake in Leapmotor International, the joint venture managing the Chinese brand’s distribution across Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions outside China. The partnership followed Stellantis’ €1.5 billion ($1.73 billion) investment in Leapmotor back in 2023.

Between January and September 2025, Leapmotor delivered 395,516 vehicles globally, a 129% increase year-on-year that pushed its cumulative sales past the one-million mark. October extended its winning streak to a sixth consecutive month of record-breaking results, with 70,289 units sold.

While the loss of the federal EV tax credit in the United States threw a wrench into sale figures in October, the global picture told a more upbeat story. New data shows worldwide sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles climbed 23 percent, powered by a surge in demand across Europe and China.

Read: Hyundai And Kia EV Sales Collapse After Tax Credits Vanish Overnight

According to data from Rho Motion, an estimated 1.9 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold globally last month, a 23 percent rise over October 2024.

The figure, however, was slightly lower than the 2.1 million plug-in passenger cars and light-duty vehicles sold in September.

Unsurprisingly, Rho Motion’s data reveals that China continues to lead the way with a total of 1.3 million EVs and PHEVs sold last month, marking a 6 percent increase over the same month last year.

EV SALES 2005 YTD (JAN-OCT) VS 2024 YTD

• Global: 16.5 million, +23% 
• China: 10.3 million, +22%
• Europe: 3.4 million, +32%
• North America: 1.6 million, +4%
• Rest of World: 1.3 million, +48%

Over in Europe, October deliveries jumped 36 percent from last year to 372,786 units, including 32 percent growth in BEVs and an even steeper 47 percent climb in PHEVs. Although the total was down from the 427,000 vehicles registered in September, year-to-date EV growth across Europe remains at 32 percent.

Germany’s EV sales have risen 45 percent year-to-date, while the UK is up 31 percent. France, however, remains slightly in the red at minus 2 percent. Spain has more than doubled its tally, and Italy has matched Germany’s pace with a 45 percent year-to-date increase.

Beyond these regions, EV and PHEV sales in the rest of the world climbed 37 percent to 141,368 units. The contrast with North America, however, could hardly be sharper.

What Happened in North America?

After the Trump administration axed the EV tax credit worth up to $7,500 for newly-purchased and leased vehicles, sales in North America collapsed by 41 percent to 100,370, This follows record highs in August and September, when buyers rushed to secure incentives before the cutoff on September 30, 2025.

Month-on-month comparisons show how steep the drop was. Ford’s BEV sales fell 60 percent (Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit), Hyundai’s plunged 77 percent (Ioniq models), Kia’s dropped 77 percent (EV6, EV9), Honda’s fell 83 percent (Prologue), and Subaru’s nearly vanished, down 97 percent (Solterra). Each brand also saw year-over-year declines.

In Canada, Rho Motion says EV sales have stayed sluggish through 2025, weighed down by reduced purchase incentives and the government’s decision in September to pause the 2026 EV mandate.

Market Outlook

Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester expects the European and Chinese markets to remain strong through the rest of the year: “In Europe, the overall year-to-date growth figure remains relatively high and we’re expecting strong sales towards the end of the year,” he told Reuters.

He added that the Chinese market should stay robust through November and December, aided by a “pull forward” effect as the country transitions from a full purchase tax exemption on new energy vehicles to a 50 percent exemption.

Ford is widening the reach of its “hands-off” driving tech, showing just how quickly features once kept for top-tier models are filtering into everyday vehicles. BlueCruise now targets the brand’s most accessible SUVs in Europe, giving buyers a taste of advanced driver assistance without having to climb the price ladder.

Besides the Puma and the fully electric Puma Gen-E, the system will soon be offered on the Kuga compact SUV and the Ranger PHEV midsize pickup as part of an optional Driver Assistance Pack.

The BlueCruise made its European debut with the Mustang Mach-E in 2023, before gradually expanding from the UK to 16 countries across the continent.

More: Ford Racing Is Readying A Secret ‘Road Car’ For January

Starting from spring 2026, Ford’s small and compact SUVs and its midsize pickup will also be offered with the hands-free system. That leaves only the VW-based Capri and Explorer EVs, the Transit/Tourneo range, and the ICE Mustang without access to the technology.

The BlueCruise, which is based on the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel while keeping their eyes on the road. It manages acceleration, braking, and steering, with cameras and sensors monitoring traffic, lane markings, and even the driver’s gaze and head position to ensure attentiveness.

More: Ford’s Ranger Street Truck Just Got Louder And Greener With New PHEV Punch

In Europe, the BlueCruise can be activated on over 135,000 km (84,000 miles) of highways, which are marked as “Blue Zones”. For example, one could use it to travel from Stockholm to Rome, covering 2,000 km (1,500 miles) across six countries and totaling around 25 hours of hands-free driving.

Globally, Ford and Lincoln owners have logged over 888 million km (552 million miles) using BlueCruise-equipped vehicles. However, the majority of those were most likely covered in North America.

The company says that the tech will be available in “selected new model year vehicles” of the Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, and Ranger PHEV starting in spring 2026. Subscription options and pricing for the Driver Assistance Pack will be announced closer to that date.

The BlueCruise is currently available in select European markets, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

Among Europe’s more unconventional small SUVs, the Nissan Juke has always stood out for its offbeat quirkiness, and now, it’s preparing to take a major leap forward. A camouflaged prototype of the fully electric, third-generation Juke has been seen undergoing testing on public roads, signaling its progress toward a 2026 market debut.

The upcoming Juke first appeared in an official teaser back in March, sharing the spotlight with the next-generation Micra and Leaf.

More: Nissan’s Smallest Hatch Is Back And It’s Unrecognizable

Interestingly, the EV won’t replace the current combustion-powered model. Instead, Nissan plans to keep selling the petrol and hybrid versions alongside the new electric one, giving buyers a broader mix of powertrains for a while yet.

Even under heavy camouflage, the prototype’s proportions reveal plenty about its direction. Its compact, muscular stance brings to mind the Ford Puma Gen-E, yet the Nissan still shows its personality through angular fender flares, sharp split LED headlights, and a distinctive, tapering greenhouse that nods to the Juke’s earlier generations.

SH Proshots

The tail borrows some cues from the Nissan Kicks playbook, but the rear glass is more slanted, and the tailgate is more sculpted for a sportier look. The prototype rides on futuristic-looking, large alloy wheels finished in black.

We can also see the pop-out door handles on the front doors, and the hidden door handles mounted on the C-pillars – just like in the original. Overall, the design has been significantly toned down compared to the Hyper Punk Concept from 2023.

More: Nissan Fixed The Ariya Right After Ghosting America

While Nissan has yet to share details about the underpinnings of the new Juke, we know that the model will be manufactured at the Sunderland plant in the UK.

Chassis and Powertrain

The new Juke EV is expected to use a shortened version of the AmpR Medium (CMF-EV) platform that also underpins the Leaf and Ariya, both built at the same facility. A smaller-scale alternative could be the AmpR Small (CMF-BEV) platform from the Micra, assembled in Douai, France.

Whatever the choice, a single front-mounted electric motor seems likely, possibly paired with two available battery sizes to broaden appeal and price flexibility within the segment.

When it arrives in 2026, the new Nissan Juke EV will compete with the likes of the Peugeot e-2008, Fiat 600e, Jeep Compass, Opel Mokka Electric, Mini Aceman, Ford Puma Gen-E, as well as the upcoming VW ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq twins.

Chinese automakers are no longer content with regional dominance, as they’re eyeing the world stage. And if you ask Carlos Tavares, the former head of Stellantis, they might actually pull it off.

The outspoken executive believes Chinese manufacturers could end up rescuing Europe’s car industry from its slow decline. Names like BYD and Geely, he says, may not just survive the global shake-up but emerge as the last few standing.

Read: The Guy Who Broke Stellantis Now Thinks It Might Break Up

Since stepping down from Stellantis nearly a year ago, Tavares has spent his time writing a memoir and touring the press circuit to promote it, offering a steady stream of predictions about where the auto industry is headed.

Will China Save Europe’s Factories?

He’s claimed that Stellantis itself might split apart and even floated the idea that Tesla could exit the car business entirely. Now he’s suggesting that within the next 10 to 15 years, Chinese brands could step in to save Europe’s automotive sector, though not without cost.

“There are lots of nice windows being opened up for the Chinese,” he told The Financial Times. “The day a western carmaker is in severe difficulty, with factories on the verge of closing and demonstrations in the street, a Chinese carmaker will come and say ‘I’ll take it and keep the jobs’, and they’ll be considered saviors.”

Tavares has experience dealing with Chinese car firms. He orchestrated Stellantis buying a 20 percent share of Leapmotor to help launch it into international markets. He also acknowledges that Leapmotor likely entered the deal because “they want to swallow us [Stellantis] some day.”

Trouble in Europe’s Auto Core

The former Stellantis boss hasn’t softened his criticism of Europe’s automotive policy. He argues that the European Union’s ban on new internal combustion cars by 2035 has forced local automakers into massive, and potentially wasted, investment.

According to Tavares, European car companies have poured more than €100 billion into electrification since the rule was introduced. He now predicts the EU will backtrack on the plan entirely.

More: Carlos Tavares Thinks Tesla Might Not Exist In 10 Years

“Who is holding the EU to account for the €100bn of investments that won’t be used? No one,” he said.

The global car industry is in such a dramatic state of flux that Tavares thinks most current brands won’t survive. In fact, he predicts that as few as five or six carmakers will survive.

These could include Toyota, Hyundai, BYD, and likely another Chinese firm, possibly Geely. In this scenario, the rest of the brands would likely be gobbled up by these conglomerates.

Interestingly, Tavares doesn’t include Stellantis among the survivors. Whether that’s professional detachment or a parting shot from a man who knows too much is anyone’s guess.

Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender.

German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” For now, Opel has declined to comment on any speculation surrounding its future product plans.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact SUV with fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to reach the Old Continent.

Built on the LEAP3.5 platform shared with the B05 compact hatchback, it features a high-tech cabin and a full suite of driver-assistance systems that reflect the brand’s growing technical capability.

What Could It look Like?

While the scope of Opel’s redesign remains uncertain, we produced a speculative rendering that applies a few subtle styling tweaks. These include the brand’s Blitz emblem, Vizor grille, and Compass lighting signature to the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the bodywork stays untouched

In terms of size, the B10 measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, which makes it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter than the Grandland, so it slots between the two. Rivals in Europe include the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3, among others.

The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but it is currently being imported from China. However, Stellantis is reportedly considering producing it in Zaragoza, Spain starting from 2026. The same factory is where Opel builds two subcompacts, the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka SUV.

More: This Stellantis SUV Without An Infotainment Screen Has Everyone Confused

Local production would also help sidestep the European Union’s steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles, which add 20.7 percent in duties on top of the standard 10 percent import fee.

Fighting China with China

The aim, insiders suggest, is to keep pricing competitive, possibly undercutting the current €29,900 ($34,700) starting figure in Germany. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera begins at €28,990 ($33,700) in the same market.

According to Dataforce, Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe in the first nine months of 2025. These can be broken down to 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV.

The automaker recently passed the one-million-vehicle production milestone and now aims for 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, a sign that Stellantis’ Chinese partner is becoming a more significant player in global EV manufacturing.

Sources: Automobilwoche

BMW officially entered its Neue Klasse era after unveiling the 2026 iX3 at last month’s Munich Motor Show. Not only does it usher in a new period for the broader BMW model range, it also has the ingredients to be competitive on the world stage.

And based on early responses, consumers appear to be excited about the new-age model.

Read: BMW Is Cranking Out Cars “Like Pretzels” And Says Even China Can’t Keep Up

Less than two months after the Munich unveiling, BMW Group head Christian Ach shared that interest in the iX3 has surpassed even their most optimistic forecasts. “We have received over 3,000 orders for the iX3 in the first six weeks after its launch at the IAA in Munich,” he told Automobilwoche, likely referring to demand within Germany alone.

One might argue that 3,000 orders sound modest compared with figures from China, but the context tells a different story. Germany recorded 2.8 million new passenger car sales last year, while China’s total exceeded 31 million.

The response appears all the more impressive given that BMW hasn’t begun offering test drives. In Germany, the 2026 iX3 will start at €68,900 ($80,600), with a lower-priced variant expected next year, starting closer to the €60,000 ($70,200) mark is expected next year.

Just one version of the iX3 will be available at launch. Known as the iX3 50 xDrive, it employs two electric motors to deliver a combined 463 hp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a rapid 4.7 seconds.

Of equal, if not more, importance is the driving range: 400 miles (644 km) as per the EPA, thanks to the 108 kWh battery pack, which can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes.

While speaking with Automobilwoche, Ach added that the company’s planned production rate for the iX3 through 2026 “will not be able to meet the high demand”.

The next model in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup will be the i3. Despite the familiar badge, this version will arrive as a fully electric 3-Series rather than the compact, unconventional hatchback or MPV the name once denoted. It’s expected to share much of its powertrain technology with the iX3.

Sources: Automobilwoche

The race to make electric cars affordable has produced plenty of overcomplicated ideas, but Dacia’s Hipster concept goes the opposite way. Think Citroen 2CV and Fiat Panda in its simplicity. It’s unapologetically basic, designed to get people moving without the frills or inflated promises that often come with an EV badge.

More: Dacia’s New 4×4 Hybrid Wants To Kill Fuel Bills And Range Anxiety In One Shot

Now, the Hipster is officially still just a concept, but its production intent is clear. It’s expected to undercut Dacia’s most affordable electric model, the Spring, which starts at just under €17,000 euros (around $18,400) in Germany and roughly £15,000 (about $18,900) in the UK.

According to Dacia, the average price of new vehicles in Europe climbed by an eye-watering 77 percent between 2010 and 2024, far outpacing household income. With the Hipster, the brand aims to bring electric mobility to a broader audience, pushing beyond what the already budget-friendly Spring offers.

Compact By Design

The Hipster measures 3 meters (118.1 inches) in length, 1.55 meters (61 inches) in width, and 1.54 meters (60.6 inches) in height, making it even smaller than a kei car. Only a few micro-sized quadricycles like the Citroen Ami manage to come in beneath it on the size chart.

Dacia describes the Hipster’s shape as “a block sitting firmly on four wheels at the four corners.” It looks like a scaled-down mix between a Jeep and a Land Rover Defender, with a stubby front, upright nose, and flat window surfaces that give it a utilitarian charm. There are virtually no overhangs, and the proportions seem designed more by common sense than by committee.

The bodywork is painted in a single color with three colorful parts and protecting cladding made of a partly-recycled material called Starkle. Other cost-cutting measures include straps instead of door handles, taillights mounted behind the rear glass, and sliding windows.

Small And Lightweight

Despite its tiny footprint, the Hipster promises enough room for four adult passengers in comfort-oriented bench seats. Behind the split tailgate there is a 70 lt (2.5 cubic feet) boot that can grow to 500 lt (17.7 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded.

More: Dacia Made A Pickup Out Of The Duster And Forgot The Pickup Part

The interior makes full use of the brand’s “You Clip” accessory mounting system with 11 anchor points for cupholders, armrests, lights, toys etc. In typical Dacia flavor, the user’s smartphone is mounted on a docking station serving as a digital key, a navigation device, and an infotainment system connected to a portable Bluetooth audio speaker. There is also a digital instrument cluster behind the futuristic steering wheel, and dual airbags.

At just 800 kilograms (1,764 pounds), the Hipster weighs roughly 20 percent less than the Spring subcompact hatchback. That weight-saving mindset carries through to its environmental goals, as Dacia aims to cut the car’s full lifecycle carbon footprint in half compared to conventional EVs by using less material and energy overall.

Enough Range For Half Of The Week

The exact battery capacity and motor output remain undisclosed, but Dacia hints that the Hipster’s range is tailored for real-world habits rather than marketing numbers.

According to the company, research shows that 94 percent of French drivers cover fewer than 40 kilometers (25 miles) daily, or about 280 kilometers (174 miles) a week. The Hipster is designed to manage typical routines with only two recharges per week, suggesting a usable range near 93 kilometers (58 miles).

From Idea To Reality

Dacia’s take on reinventing the car is not just a design study. It is clear that the company wants the Hipster to evolve into a production offering that could shake up the EV market in Europe. This could happen with the upcoming regulatory changes allowing smaller and more affordable EVs to be sold across the continent.

Interestingly, the Hipster is different from the budget-friendly electric hatchback that was teased earlier this year promising a sub-€18,000 starting price and a mid-2026 debut. Besides unveiling the new concept, Dacia has also introduced an updated Spring EV, alongside facelifted versions of the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Loggan, and Jogger.

Dacia

New Poll: American Voters Support Federal Investments in Electric Vehicles Broad, Bipartisan Support for EV Investments and Incentives that Lower Costs, Expand Access, and Help the U.S. Beat China in the Race for Auto Manufacturing WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bipartisan national poll conducted by Meeting Street Insights and Hart Research finds broad public support …

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