Tesla’s refreshed Juniper Model Y lineup has already introduced several variants, from the Launch Edition to the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive versions. But if you’ve been holding out for something with more kick, the Performance version is next on the menu. Up until now, we hadn’t seen any confirmed prototypes, but that’s changed. Our spies caught one while it was out testing at the Nurburgring, still under camouflage, of course.

Now, don’t get too attached to this version just yet. This Model Y prototype might not represent the final production model, so some of these features could change on the cutting room floor. Still, here’s what we can confirm from our first look at the electric crossover.

What’s New? Spoilers and Wheels

The most obvious updates are the elongated spoiler on the trunk lid, which closely mirrors the one on the older Model Y Performance, and the chunky wheels, which look strikingly similar to the Arachnid rims found on the Model S Plaid. While we couldn’t check the exact size of the Pirelli P Zero tires, they appear to be 21-inch rims, possibly with a staggered setup, meaning the rear tires are wider than the front.

More: Tesla Debuts Its Cheapest Model Y In The US

Interestingly, unlike the Model 3 Performance, which gets an entirely new front bumper with additional aerodynamic tweaks, this Model Y prototype sticks with the standard bumper. But as we pointed out before, that could change before the car actually rolls off the assembly line.

We couldn’t get a peek inside, but our spies report that there are sport seats up front with added bolstering, likely borrowed from its sedan counterpart. The only other changes we expect over the standard trims are the Performance badges and graphics on the infotainment screen, as Tesla likes to keep things minimal.

Lower Ride Height and Track Features

This prototype also sits lower than the standard models, which makes sense given the performance upgrades. Not only does this improve driving dynamics, but it also gives the car a more aggressive stance, especially when paired with those larger wheels. Tesla will also offer an adaptive damper setup, similar to the Model 3 Performance, allowing drivers to toggle between Standard, Sport, and Track modes.

Also: Tesla Unleashes $2K Upgrade That Makes Your Model Y Juniper Faster In Seconds

Red brake calipers are also visible, and while there’s no official word yet, we’re hoping these signal more capable brakes, preferably ones that don’t overheat after a lap on the track, which has been a common gripe with the Model 3 Performance. For what it’s worth, our spies didn’t spot any dramatic brake failures or fiery moments while the car was tearing it up on the Ring. We’re also expecting some tweaks to the steering system to make things even sharper.

The Actual Performance Part

When it comes to performance, don’t expect any earth-shattering changes. The Model Y Performance should use the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive system as the Model 3 Performance, pushing out 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of peak torque, paired with a 79 kWh battery. If the sedan’s 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds (with rollout) is any indication, the new Model Y will be able to hit 0-60 in about 3.2-3.3 seconds, down from 3.5 seconds in the previous 470-hp Model Y Performance. As for range, unless Tesla opts for a bigger battery, it should stick around 290ish miles per charge.

Release and Pricing

While there’s no official launch date (because, well, it’s Tesla) we’re expecting the production version to debut later this year, possibly in the fourth quarter. As for pricing, it should land about $7,000-$8,000 above the Long Range AWD model, which starts at $48,990 before any federal tax incentives. That puts the Model Y Performance somewhere around $55,000, give or take.

The German auto industry seems to be in the midst of an identity crisis. No, really. Mercedes has decided to ditch its EQ label for its EVs, BMW’s “i” series is about as consistent as a toddler on a sugar high, and Audi’s odd/even naming plan was clearly just a suggestion. Now, it’s Volkswagen’s turn to throw its own wrench into the mix and rethink its entire naming strategy.

More: Audi Ditches Odd-Even Naming Plan For ICE And EVs After Buyers Bamboozled

In an effort to simplify its lineup and make it more accessible, Volkswagen is planning to phase out the “ID” prefix that’s become synonymous with its electric vehicles. Starting as soon as 2026, the company intends to replace this alphanumeric branding with more traditional car names. Though details are still scarce, the change is meant to address growing confusion in the market around these designations.

The ID sub-brand was launched in 2017 with the concept version of the ID.3 hatchback, which later became the first production model in 2019. Over the years, VW expanded its offerings, introducing the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 SUVs (the latter available exclusively in China), the ID.7 sedan, and the ID. Buzz minivan. The brand had plans to further expand the ID lineup with the ID.1 city car and the ID.2 supermini by 2027, but it seems the game plan is now changing.

Shifting to Familiar Names

Martin Sander, a member of Volkswagen’s Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, revealed during an interview with Auto und Wirtschaft that the company intends to return to using conventional names for its EVs. “The cars will get proper names again,” he said. “This will become apparent when we launch new models – neither the ID. 2all nor the ID. Every1 concepts will carry these names in production.”

Although Sander did not go into detail, Volkswagen has previously indicated that established nameplates might make their way into the EV world. For instance, the upcoming ID.2, set for launch in 2026, could adopt the Polo name, celebrating the model’s 50th anniversary this year. Meanwhile, the ID.1, expected in 2027, could take inspiration from previous names like Lupo, Fox, or Up!, or even receive an entirely new name.

New Names, New Beginnings

Earlier this year, Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s Board Member for Technical Development, mentioned that starting in 2026, the ID models will undergo a significant facelift. This would be an ideal time for Volkswagen to start phasing in the new names for its existing EV models.

Volkswagen is also working on an electric version of the Golf, which is set to arrive toward the end of the decade, along with an electric T-Roc SUV. There’s a good chance that familiar nameplates like Passat and Tiguan will eventually be used for future electric vehicles. The challenge for Volkswagen, however, will be distinguishing the EV models from their internal combustion counterparts, which will remain in production for a few more years.

Big Sales Targets For EVs

When discussing Volkswagen’s EV sales, Sander expressed confidence, saying, “We are very satisfied with the demand. We have a high order backlog for the ID.3, and we’re already selling more ID.7s in Europe than Passats.” He also highlighted the ID. Buzz, noting that it “plays an incredibly important role for the brand, especially given the significant hype surrounding it in the U.S.”

More: VW’s 1 Millionth EV Is Here, But It’s Crushing Them

Sander also highlighted Volkswagen’s ambitious sales targets, particularly for the upcoming ID. 2all, which is expected to launch in Europe at a starting price of €25,000 ($27,900). “With the production version of the ID. 2all, we are entering a completely different price range,” he said.

The ID. Every1, scheduled for 2027, is projected to start at an even more affordable €20,000 ($22,300). Thanks to falling battery costs and cost-cutting measures, this price point is within reach. “Everything regarding costs is being scrutinized,” Sander emphasized, noting that Volkswagen will leverage new production methods to ensure the vehicle is profitable from the start.

According to Sander, the target price of the urban EV that will be produced in Portugal will be made possible thanks to the declining cost of batteries, and extensive cost-cutting measures: “Everything regarding costs is being scrutinized. We have to leave no stone unturned and will use new production methods. Everything we change now will bring us to the point where the car will be profitable. The entire company will benefit from what we learn from this vehicle. You can’t build a project like this on hope – instead, we rely on solid success figures and plans.”

Sander also remains confident that electric vehicles will outpace internal combustion engines, stating that VW is “convinced that electromobility will prevail because electric cars are the better product”.

What About China?

Finally, the VW Board Member also touched on the competitive landscape in China, where Volkswagen’s EVs, like the ID.7, are facing pressure from lower-priced competitors. Despite the tough market conditions, the company is focused on long-term growth. “We are not buying market share,” Sander said, “but investing in our long-term strategic goals.”

“The electric car market in China is extremely competitive on price; even new models are sometimes launched by competitors with deep discounts,” he told the publication. “This also presents a challenge for the ID.7, which has been so successful in other markets. However, in this difficult environment, we are not focusing on short-term market success, but rather pursuing a sustainable growth plan.”

More: VW’s Concepts Mark The Start Of 30 New Models For China’s EV Future

Volkswagen aims to strengthen its position in China starting in 2026 with a new generation of market-specific electric cars. “We are the clear market leader in China in the still highly profitable segment of vehicles with combustion engines,” Sander added. As part of its strategy, Volkswagen is gradually hybridizing its combustion engine portfolio, positioning itself to lead the transition to electrified vehicles in the region.

Update: A Dodge spokesperson reached out to confirm that the base Charger R/T will indeed be discontinued from the lineup, leaving the Scat Pack as the sole option in the electric Daytona range, at least for the 2026 model year.

“Production of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies,” the company told us in a statement. “The Charger’s flexible, multi-energy STLA Large platform allows us to focus on the Charger Daytona Scat Pack’s performance as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car, add the new four-door model to the Charger mix for the 2026 model year and lean into the new Charger SIXPACK models that will launch in the second half of the year.”

Original story follows below.

Dodge has found itself in a bit of a pickle with the Charger Daytona, and let’s just say, the ‘brotherhood of muscle’ isn’t exactly embracing the EV revolution. In fact, it seems like their idea of “muscle” is still firmly rooted in gas-powered engines, leaving expensive electric coupes to languish on dealership lots, forcing huge markdowns.

A quick search online reveals a $61,590 Charger Daytona R/T listed for a mere $34,184 in Florida. Over in Texas, Richardson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has their $61,590 Charger Daytona R/T priced at $39,055.

More: Dodge Desperate To Sell Charger Daytona EVs, Prays Huge Discounts Will Lure Buyers

While those are just two examples, it’s clear the Charger Daytona was an answer to a question no one asked. Dodge might finally be acknowledging that as a new report suggests the entry-level R/T variant will be killed off for 2026.

We’ve reached out to Dodge for a comment and are still waiting for a response (as of this writing), but Mopar Insiders is reporting that the R/T was originally going to be an “order-only” model for 2026. However, given the dismal reception, Dodge is apparently preparing to pull the plug on it entirely.

Scat Pack and New Models

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is rumored to survive and it’s notable for featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. That’s considerably more than the R/T’s 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm).

While the 2025 Charger Daytona Scat Pack starts at $68,195 before a $1,995 destination fee, the 2026 model is reportedly getting a price cut. There’s no word on how much, but it appears to be dropping equipment and perks including the previously standard Track Pack.

Aside from the rumored elimination of the Daytona R/T, a four-door model is set to join the lineup in 2026. It will be accompanied by the previously announced twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. The publication also says the 2026 Charger lineup will gain a new wheel design as well as a stripe package that was previewed at Springfest.

Just when you thought Toyota was finally ditching complicated names, it introduces the 2026 bZ Woodland. While it’s natural to assume this is an off-road-inspired trim of the facelifted bZ (formerly the bZ4X), it’s actually a different vehicle, albeit one that shares a lot in common with the original.

That decision probably leaves many scratching their heads, but what matters is that this is essentially Toyota’s version of the Subaru Trailseeker, with both models based on their respective Solterra and bZ cousins. As a result, the bZ Woodlands is part crossover and part wagon, not unlike Subaru’s Outback.

More: Toyota Kills bZ4X To Welcome New bZ EV

Set to arrive early next year, the bZ Woodland follows in the footsteps of the bZ as it features a hammerhead front end with familiar lighting units. They’re joined by black fenders and plastic body cladding.

QUICK FACTS

While it’s easy to confuse the bZ and bZ Woodland at first glance, the latter model is more wagon- esque as it’s almost 6 inches (152 mm) longer and nearly an inch (25 mm) taller than its counterpart. Furthermore, the bZ Woodland has roof rails and unique 18-inch wheels that can be wrapped in available all-terrain tires. The model also sports 8.3 inches (211 mm) of ground clearance, which is only a hair less than the RAV4.

A Minimalist, But Well-Equipped Cabin

The déjà vu design theme continues inside as drivers will find a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by a bulky steering wheel and more than 30 cubic feet (850 liters) of rear cargo space.

The bZ Woodland will be sold in a single trim that comes equipped with heated SofTex front seats, a dual wireless smartphone charger, and a six-speaker audio system. A Premium package will be available and it adds a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and a radiant heater.

Speaking of equipment, the bZ Woodland comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist (Lane Centering), and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. There’s also Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Rounding out the highlights are Safe Exit Alert, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Panoramic View Monitor with a Multi-Terrain Monitor.

375 HP And 260 Miles Of Range

The ‘wagonover’ rides on the e-TNGA platform and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS). Toyota didn’t say much about the powertrain, but noted the model has an X-Mode system and a Grip-Control function. The latter promises to leverage “motor drive power modulation to achieve capable off-road performance.”

More: Toyota’s C-HR Returns For 2026 As An All-Electric Coupe-Crossover

The electric motors are powered by a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which promises to deliver a so-so range of up to 260 miles (418 km). When the battery is low, it can go from a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes with a DC fast charger. Other notable charging features include a North American Charging System (NACS) port, a pre-conditioning function, and a Plug & Charge capability. Toyota also said the EV will have a 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) towing capacity.

Global Availability

While US and Canadian pricing will be announced closer to the launch date in early 2026, expect the bZ Woodland to cost more than the less powerful dual-motor bZ4X (Toyota has yet to reveal pricing for the facelifted bZ), which currently ranges from around $41,000 to $46,000. That said, it’s likely to be priced at around $50,000.

The bZ Woodland will also be sold worldwide, including in Japan starting in the second half of next year and in Europe from spring 2026. However, in these markets, it will be sold under a different name: bZ4X Touring.

The 2025 Lexus ES is big on premium value and short on visual and behind-the-wheel excitement. But at this week’s Shanghai Auto Show Toyota’s luxury division set out to redress that balance with a new eighth-generation sedan that showcases a modern, angular design and the model’s first ever electric powertrains.

Drawing inspiration from both the brand’s current RZ electric SUV, its RX ICE counterpart and the 2023 LF-ZL concept, the ES gets a more exaggerated fastback shape than before that has more than a hint of Audi about it. But you’d never find the aggressive (or just overdone?) door coving on an Audi and the face is undeniably a Lexus one.

Related: Lexus Plots 3-Row Electric SUV To Take On The Kia EV9

It’s not just the ES’s design that’s changed. So has the amount of road it occupies. A 116.1-inch (2,950 mm) wheelbase is 3.2-inches (80 mm) longer than the current sedan’s and the 202.4-inch (5,140 mm) overall length is also up by 6.5-inches (165 mm).

A subtle difference in the front-end styling depending on model tells you what powertrain is stashed under the hood. Hybrids get a cooling slot below the Lexus badge, while the EV variants have a smoother nose. In both versions the old, oversize bobbin-shaped grille is no more.

Minimalist interior

The interior receives an equally modern overhaul that’s light on physical buttons but big on screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard but some trims get a duplicate touchscreen on the passenger side. Also new is the ‘L-E-X-U-S’ lettering on the steering wheel, which replaces the traditional badge, and the contemporary bamboo wood trim.

Base hybrids for most markets get a 2.0-liter engine that sends 194 hp (197 PS) to the front wheels alone and needs a yawning 9.4 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 kmh). America will skip that and jump straight in with the 2.5-liter AWD ES 350h hybrid whose 244 hp (247 PS) drops the sprint time to a more respectable, if still hardly knockout 7.8 seconds. These are both inline fours, by the way. There are no sixes in the new lineup.

Electric, but not electrifying

Want more hustle? It doesn’t sound like you’ll find it in the least expensive of the two available EV options. That delivers 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW) to the front wheels and the ES 350e to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds, Lexus claiming 300 miles (483 km) on the optimistic Chinese CLTC cycle. Stepping up to the dual-motor ES 500e cuts the range to 379 miles (610 km) but boosts output to 338 hp (343 PS / 252 kW) and gets the hottest ES to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds.

The ES goes on sale in 2026, meaning it’ll probably end up as a MY27, and we’ll have to wait until much closer to that date to find out how much it’ll cost in North America. What do you think of the ES’s new, angular look, and are those powertrains too weedy? Leave a comment and let us know.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a brilliant EV, but its design has always been a little controversial. Now, the brand has launched a facelifted version of the Ioniq 6, and it certainly looks a lot sleeker while retaining the streamlined shape of the model we’re all familiar with.

This new Ioniq 6 has been unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show, although no clear images of the revised rear-end have been published. Fortunately, we have been provided with a good look at the overhauled front fascia. Not only does it look more refined than the old model, but it’s also more aggressive, particularly in N Line guise.

Read: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Could Be Even Better Than The 5 N

One of the more peculiar parts of the outgoing model was the headlights. Just like Hyundai did with the Sonata, the carmaker has ditched these weird lights in favor of split lights, consisting of thin LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps positioned lower in the bumper. It makes a world of difference to the EV’s design.

Those who want something a little more aggressive would be wise to opt for the new Ioniq 6 N Line. It opens up the front fascia, and much like the Elantra N, includes a gaping wide grille and air intakes. Hyundai is also promising a new rear bumper that incorporates more black parts, and has showcased the N Line with distinctive silver and black wheels.

The rear of the new Ioniq 6 retains the LED light bar of the outgoing model, but now includes a large ducktail lip spoiler. It’s also ditched the odd second spoiler that was positioned at the base of the rear window, and it looks much better because of it.

“IONIQ 6 has evolved from a single Electrified Streamliner into a lineup, each model expressing its own character while staying true to one refined vision,” the head of Hyundai Design Center, Simon Loasby said of the new model. “Under the evolved design concept of ‘Pure Flow, Refined’, we’ve enhanced every line and detail to make IONIQ 6 simpler and more progressive.”

Some minor tweaks have been made to the cabin of the new Ioniq 6, too. For example, there’s a different three-spoke steering wheel, the window switches have been repositioned, and there are new USB ports. No technical details about the new model have been announced.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Perhaps the most exciting titbit from these images is our first proper teaser of the long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. It’s inspired by the RN22e concept from a few years ago and has been showcased with a bespoke rear fascia, a large fixed rear wing, and new LED taillights. There’s no word on its power, but it should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Ioniq 5 N, producing the same 641 hp and also featuring synthetic exhaust sounds and a simulated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It will be unveiled in July.

Nissan is having a rough go of it. Between plummeting sales, financial struggles, failed merger talks with Honda, and the resignation of its CEO, things aren’t exactly looking up. But rather than giving up, the Japanese automaker is making its move. With a fresh strategy in place, Nissan is gearing up to unveil a series of new and revamped models by 2027.

The brand’s revamped lineup will feature a mix of combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. Nissan has already dropped teasers of several models set to roll out over the next two years, targeting various markets across the globe.

For North America, Nissan will roll out a batch of fresh cars, including new generations of the Nissan Leaf EV, the Sentra sedan, and the Rogue SUV, alongside a facelifted version of the Pathfinder.

The New Leaf Becomes A Crossover

First up, the Leaf. No longer a plain-Jane hatchback, the new version is going full crossover, complete with sleeker styling, 19-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. It will be built on the CMF-EV platform, borrowed from the larger Ariya, and will have “significant range improvements” over its predecessor. Oh, and it will be the first Nissan to feature the NACS charging port, so it’s officially Tesla Supercharger-compatible.

More: Is Nissan Bringing Back The Primera As An Electric Sedan?

It’s worth mentioning that the new Nissan Leaf will be a global offering, not just for North America. It will also be available in Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Rogue and Pathfinder Updates

The 2026 Nissan Rogue (aka the X-Trail in other markets) is getting a powertrain upgrade. It’ll be available in gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. The e-Power hybrid, which uses a 1.5-liter engine that acts as a generator for the electric motor powering the wheels, is back for another round.

And in case you haven’t been paying attention, the Rogue PHEV will actually be a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander. Yes, Nissan is using its Renault-Mitsubishi-Nissan alliance to repurpose a Mitsubishi design for this one. If you were hoping for something entirely new, you might want to adjust your expectations.

More: Mitsubishi Ready To Dump Nissan Platforms

The Pathfinder, meanwhile, gets a mid-lifecycle facelift, with a new nose that should bring it into line with the rest of Nissan’s lineup. Expect that to be unveiled later this year.

New Sentra And More SUVs

Alongside it, a redesigned Sentra compact sedan will make its debut, with sharper looks that may or may not make you care more about compact sedans in general.

Finally, Nissan has also teased an “adventure-focused SUV” with an electric powertrain that will be manufactured at the Canton Mississippi plant in the US starting in 2027. The yet-unnamed model has a boxy stance and futuristic LEDs, and appears to be smaller than the Rogue and the Pathfinder.

Electric Micra and Juke for Europe

Over in Europe, Nissan is set to launch the fully electric Micra, which will finally get its production version after being teased since 2022. Sharing its underpinnings with the Renault R5 E-Tech, this little EV will likely appeal to those who want to go green while still having a cute, compact car to get around in.

Another important debut for Europe will be the fully electric version of the Nissan Juke, inspired by the Hyper Punk concept. The zero-emission subcompact SUV is different from the ICE-powered Juke, featuring a heavily sculpted bodywork while retaining some of its quirkiness.

In the same region, the Nissan Qashqai will receive the third-gen e-Power hybrid powertrain, which promises better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

A New Frontier / Navara For Latin America And A Different Pickup For Australia

Another notable debut is the new Navara/Frontier midsize pickup, set to arrive in 2026. Unfortunately, this rugged truck will be exclusive to Latin American markets (LATAM). From the teaser image, it appears to be a heavily redesigned version of the old Navara, boasting an “evolved design,” upgraded infotainment, and a promising suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

More: 2027 Navara Will Be A True Nissan, Despite Mitsubishi Triton Roots

The successor of the global-spec Nissan Navara will be a different model, sharing its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Triton. This one is described as an “all-new one-ton pickup” that will be launched in Australia in 2026.

Indian-Built SUV And Minivan

Nissan is gearing up to launch two new models in India, both of which will be produced at the company’s Chennai factory for domestic sales and exports. First up is a budget-friendly minivan with crossover styling, set to debut in 2025.

This will be followed by a five-seater SUV in 2026, which will be Nissan’s version of the Dacia/Renault Duster, complete with a redesigned front end. Additionally, the company has announced a five-seater SUV for select African markets, though it’s unclear if it will share the same design as the India-bound model.

In Nissan’s home market of Japan, the company will release a facelifted kei car in 2025, along with a new generation of a large minivan featuring the latest hybrid powertrain in 2026.

Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s current chief planning officer and future CEO, had this to say:

“Over the next two years, we are excited to roll out an impressive lineup that will redefine the road! This includes the reimagined Nissan LEAF, and a daring new Micra EV. But that’s not all – we’re refreshing our range of SUVs to elevate the driving experience, and our next-generation e-POWER promises new levels of refinement and efficiency. We are committed to investing in products that embody the very best of Nissan. To our passionate fans and loyal owners around the world, I can assure you, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.”

Tesla has been dominating headlines lately, largely due to its plummeting sales in Europe and other global markets. But here’s the thing: it’s not just Elon Musk’s electric empire in trouble. Lancia is facing its own crisis, with sales in Europe dropping by a staggering 73% so far in 2025. This steep decline makes it clear that the so-called “rebirth” of the Italian brand is going to be anything but smooth.

According to official sales data for the EU, EFTA, and UK regions provided by the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), Lancia sold just 2,208 units in January and February 2025, a steep drop from 8,098 units during the same period last year. This decline is particularly striking considering the launch of a new generation of the Lancia Ypsilon supermini and the brand’s expansion outside Italy for the first time in years.

More: Tesla’s European Sales Have Collapsed, Down 45% As EV Market Surges 31%

For a bit of perspective, the old Lancia Ypsilon—discontinued after 13 years—sold nearly four times more units in the first two months of last year than the all-new, shiny model did. To make matters worse, the former was only available in Italy, while the new Ypsilon has already expanded to markets like France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. A drop of that magnitude certainly raises some serious questions.

Lancia’s Price Tag Problem

So, why this massive dip in sales? Well, one of the biggest factors is likely the higher pricing on the new Ypsilon’s mild-hybrid and electric variants compared to the non-electrified predecessor – something we’ve also seen with Stellantis brands in North America as well.

For a brand that’s been absent from many European markets for so long, it’s not surprising that buyers might be reluctant to shell out more cash for a car that feels a bit… neglected. Competing with well-established supermini brands doesn’t exactly help Lancia’s case, either.

Lancia is looking to rebound by opening 70 new showrooms across Europe by the end of 2025. Whether that’ll generate any real traction for the brand remains to be seen. The Ypsilon will eventually be joined by the Gamma flagship crossover in 2026, followed by a new version of the Delta hatchback in 2028.

Other Winners And Losers

Lancia isn’t the only one with a rough start to 2025. Alongside the 72.7% drop in Lancia’s sales, Tesla is also seeing a significant slump, with a 42.6% drop. Other brands experiencing notable sales declines include Smart (-55.4%), Jaguar (-53.4%), and Mitsubishi (-35.4%). Meanwhile, Stellantis brands like DS (-30.3%), Opel/Vauxhall (-27.2%), and Fiat (-26.9%) are all struggling. Porsche isn’t immune either, down 23.2% this year.

On the flip side, some brands are clearly having a moment. Alpine, for example, has seen a massive 137.8% sales increase, largely thanks to the launch of the A290 GT hot hatch. Cupra is also having a great year, up 42.3%, with 40,869 units sold, just shy of Seat’s 42,212 sales for the same period.

For Stellantis, Alfa Romeo is a bright spot with a 29.6% boost in sales, mostly thanks to the Junior subcompact SUV, which contributed 9,788 sales in just two months. Other companies enjoying positive results include Lexus (+32.2%), SAIC (+21.2%), and Renault (+18.5%). Volkswagen also saw a healthy 12% increase in sales, reaching 216,565 units. VW is currently the only brand with a double-digit market share in the EU, EFTA, and UK regions, holding steady at 11.1%.

Overall, the VW Group leads in Europe, having sold 525,346 units, up 4.3%. Stellantis follows with 310,091 sales, down 16.1%, while Renault Group (205,005 sales / +8.2%), Hyundai Group (156,526 sales / -5.5%), and Toyota Group (151,589 sales / -4.9%) round out the top five.

Europeans Love Hybrids And BEVs

On the powertrain front, Europeans are clearly embracing electrification. In the first two months of 2025, hybrid vehicles saw a significant jump, with 687,709 units sold, a 17.6% increase. EVs also continued their upward trajectory, with 330,584 units sold, marking a 31.4% increase.

Meanwhile, more traditional gasoline-powered cars saw a sharp decline, with sales dropping by 21.9% to 562,513 units. Diesel vehicles didn’t fare much better, falling by 27.5% to just 172,758 units.

EUROPEAN CAR SALES JAN-FEB 2025

Volkswagen’s ID.4 sales have rocketed in the first part of 2025 and now the automaker is redoubling its electric efforts and readying a new family of smaller EVs. But while European VW fans will get access to all members of that family, it sounds like their American counterparts won’t get the chance to put the smallest of them, the ID.1, in their garages.

Earlier this week, VW revealed the ID.Every1 concept, a thinly disguised preview of the ID.1 (name TBC) production EV that goes on sale in Europe in 2027. But a year before that lands in showrooms, the German carmaker will launch the production version of 2023’s ID.2all concept, and this fall we’ll get a look at an SUV spinoff of that model, the ID.2X.

Will the USA Get Any of VW’s New Small and Affordable EVs?

However, when we asked VW North America if it had any plans to offer the ID.1 or larger ID.2 in the US, it was quick to tell us not to get our hopes up for the little guy making the cut. A spokesperson told Carscoops it was “highly unlikely” that the ID.1, which is sized between the now-dead Up! and Polo subcompacts, would be sold in the US.

The prospects for the ID.2, on the other hand, look rather better. The VW rep told us they “can’t confirm anything about the ID.2,” which isn’t the same thing as saying it’s definitely coming, but it’s no denial either.

Related: ID.Every1 Previews VW’s Cheapest EV

Which version of the ID.2 they were not confirming anything about, they didn’t say. The crossover model seems the most likely to get the nod given America’s love for utilities and general lack of enthusiasm for hatchbacks. But then the ID.2 hatch would be no ordinary hatch because it could tap into the love for the Golf, which has been a part of the US auto landscape for almost 50 years.

What Do These Small EVs Bring to the Table?

All three junior ID cars share the same new MEB platform, which, unlike the current MEB architecture found in EVs like the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.Buzz, features a motor at the front of the car driving the front wheels. The 3,880 mm (152.8 inches) ID.Every1, whose production version is expected to cost just €20,000 (£17k / $21k), is powered by a tiny 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW) motor and can only travel 155 miles (250 km) on a charge.

The ID.2all hatch concept unveiled two years ago measured 4,050 mm (159.4 in), had a 223 hp (225 PS / 166 kW) motor and was claimed to be capable of 280 miles (450 km) – stats that would be fare more palatable to an American audience. VW is targeting a €25,000 (£21k / $26k) price for the production car.

So, if VW were to bring one of these smaller EVs stateside, which would you want to see?