SUVs may dominate sales charts across Europe, yet compact hatchbacks still hold a quiet appeal that refuses to fade. Following the facelift of the Peugeot 308, Stellantis is turning its attention to the updated Opel Astra, a sibling in spirit and a direct contender for the VW Golf’s enduring territory.

The sixth-generation Astra (L), launched in 2021, marked a clean break from its GM past, adopting Stellantis architecture for the first time. Four years on, it’s due for a mid-lifecycle update designed to keep it relevant in buyers’ minds and strengthen its position against Opel’s steadily expanding SUV range.

More: Irmscher Wants To Turn Opel Astra Into A Widebody Hot Hatch

The teaser hints at mild styling revisions, with most of the attention centered on the front end. The Opel Vizor grille now incorporates broader LED elements framing the illuminated Opel Blitz badge.

Together, these create what the company refers to as the Opel Compass, a design signature that will appear across all upcoming models.

Elsewhere, there are signs of larger bumper intakes and a more contemporary alloy wheel design featuring three double spokes and a two-tone finish. The rear looks mostly unchanged, though subtle adjustments to the bumper may help refine its proportions.

Besides the traditional five-door hatchback, Opel has confirmed that the facelift will also be applied to the Astra Sports Tourer wagon.

More: Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

CEO Florian Huettl described the refreshed Astra lineup as one that will “delight customers with new, even sharper and more precise design highlights as well as innovative technologies.”

Inside, that likely means a reworked cockpit with larger digital displays, new trim combinations, and an upgrade to the latest driver-assistance systems.

Powertrain Parity

As for the powertrain lineup, it will likely follow the same structure as the facelifted Peugeot 308. That range includes a 1.5-liter turbodiesel producing 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS), a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter turbo petrol with 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS), a 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid delivering a combined 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS), and a fully electric version rated at 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS).

Opel is set to release full details of the facelifted Astra soon. Once it arrives, it will face a competitive field still led by the VW Golf and the related Peugeot 308, while also contending with the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30, as traditional players like the Ford Focus and the Renault Megane have recently abandoned the segment.

EV adoption in India, the world’s most populous nation, has been slower than policymakers anticipated, but the country’s Supreme Court now believes it may have found a new lever to accelerate change.

The judges have urged the government to consider a gradual phase-out of luxury ICE cars, arguing that a targeted approach could push cleaner mobility without disturbing the broader market.

Also: EU May Quietly Ban Gas Rentals Starting In 2030

The bench suggests that withdrawing luxury and premium models with combustion engines, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, could act as a test case for a measured “phased transition” toward electric mobility.

According to Autocar India, EVs already account for around 12 percent of sales in the premium segments, far higher than the 2–3 percent share seen among mass-market models.

Could a Luxury Ban Spark an EV Shift?

Critics point out that luxury vehicles represent a tiny fraction of India’s automotive landscape, arguing that the proposed ban would have a limited impact on national emissions. Others blame the weak scrappage policy for the country’s aging fleet of cars and LCVs which poses a far bigger pollution problem.

Others point instead to the weak vehicle scrappage framework, which leaves aging cars and light commercial vehicles on the road far beyond their prime, an issue that poses a much larger pollution challenge.

More: ‘We’ll Be Driving Full Speed Into The Wall’ Warns Mercedes Chief On Europe’s EV Future

Even so, the court maintains that an EV-only requirement for high-end models would send a clear signal without harming affordability for the masses and disrupting the nation’s new car market.

As India Today reports, Justice Kant noted that carmakers already offer a range of premium electric models matching the comfort and performance of their combustion counterparts.

He explained, “Since these vehicles cater to a very small and affluent segment, imposing restrictions on high-end petrol and diesel cars can be a starting point. The common man will not be affected.”

The Government’s Willing To Discuss

Luxury brands such as Mercedes and BMW already maintain substantial zero-emission lineups, yet an internal combustion ban would inevitably reshape their operations in India, bringing possible ripple effects for local employment and supplier investment.

More: EU May Quietly Ban Gas Rentals Starting In 2030

For now, the idea remains a proposal without firm timelines. However, the Supreme Court has asked the government to review its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, with another hearing scheduled for December.

India’s Attorney General confirmed that the administration is “alive to the idea,” citing ongoing coordination across 13 ministries and departments, covering everything from manufacturing incentives to charging infrastructure.

Sources: Autocar India, India

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.

Smart might be eager to reconnect with its roots when the next-generation Fortwo arrives in late 2026, but the brand has a surprising second act in the works, one that ventures far from its comfort zone.

The company that’s a joint venture between China’s Geely and Mercedes-Benz is developing its first-ever sedan, a move that pushes into new territory. The four-door model is expected to join Smart’s lineup in the coming months, marking an important shift for the company best known for its pint-sized city cars.

More: Smart Just Killed Hopes Of A ForFour Comeback

Rumors of the Smart #6 first surfaced in early 2025, hinting that it might go head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3. Those reports now carry weight, as fresh photos of camouflaged prototypes have appeared on Chinese social media, offering an early glimpse of the newcomer.

One prototype was spotted by a Weibo user during road testing in Cixi, Ningbo. Its aerodynamic shape fits the modern electric sedan template, complete with a smoothly tapering roofline that blends into the rear deck.

Compared to other Smart models, the upcoming sedan sports aggressive headlights that will likely be connected by a full-width LED bar.

Weibo

We can also see the slim DRLs flanking the large bumper intake and the roof-mounted Lidar section. The rear looks more like a baby Mercedes, with an active rear spoiler reminiscent of the McLaren SLR.

The other prototype appears to be less advanced as it is covered in heavier camouflage. However, a photo under the rear reveals dual exhaust pipes, confirming the presence of a combustion engine under the hood. The sedan will most likely feature a range-extender powertrain, just like the one offered in the Smart #5 SUV.

More: Smart’s New #5 Compact SUV Isn’t Coming To The US And That’s A Mistake

Weibo

The powertrain in that model pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) with a single electric motor rated at 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). Battery options include 20 kWh and 41 kWh packs.

In the boxy Smart #5, the larger battery offers an electric-only range of 252 km (157 miles) and a combined CLTC range of 1,615 km (1,004 miles). The sleeker, more aerodynamic profile of the #6 should deliver even better numbers, benefiting from its streamlined shape and lower drag.

The sedan is expected to share its underpinnings with the Zeekr 007, using Geely’s PMA2+ architecture. The platform supports both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, giving Smart flexibility in how it positions the car.

Judging by the current state of the prototypes, the Smart #6 seems to be nearing production readiness. What remains uncertain is whether it will stay exclusive to China or make its way into global markets.

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.

Toyota has announced plans to invest an additional $10 billion in the United States over the next five years. The company didn’t say where the money is going or what it will fund, but it will bring their total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion.

While the automaker was coy on specifics, the move comes amid tariffs and pressure from the Trump administration to build more vehicles in the United States.

Just last month, the White House said “Toyota plans to export its U.S.-made vehicles to Japan and open its distribution platform in Japan to U.S. automakers.”

The country also decided to allow sales of American-made vehicles and “U.S. safety-certified vehicles” without additional testing.

An American Battery Plant

Putting politics aside, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina has officially opened and begun production. Located in Liberty, the $13.9 billion plant is the company’s eleventh manufacturing facility in America and Toyota’s only battery plant outside of Japan.

It’s expected to generate up to 5,100 jobs and be capable of producing 30 GWh of battery capacity annually. While the opening comes shortly after the clean vehicle tax credit was eliminated, Toyota noted the plant has 14 battery production lines that support not only electric vehicles, but also hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Speaking of which, batteries made at the plant will be used in the Camry Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid. It will also make batteries for the company’s upcoming three-row EV.

While production is just getting started, Toyota plans to open additional assembly lines by 2030. The company also noted that once construction is complete, the facility won’t just be a workplace as it will also house a pharmacy, a medical clinic, a fitness center, and on-site childcare.

Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa remarked, “Today’s launch of Toyota’s first U.S. battery plant and additional U.S. investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history. Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”

BOGOTÁ, NOV. 12, 2025 – Atlas Renewable Energy, a leading international provider of renewable energy solutions, officially inaugurated the Shangri-La solar project, located in Ibagué, Tolima. It marks the start of operations of its first project in the country. Shangri-La has an installed capacity of 201 MWp, representing a decisive step in the expansion of …

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New tariffs and a federal leasing freeze compound cost pressures and regulatory challenges, limiting growth prospects. Houston, 12 Nov. 2025: The US offshore wind pipeline contracted sharply over the past year, falling to 23 projects from 45, as developers face a closing window for tax credits, a freeze on federal leasing and new trade frictions, …

The post US Offshore Wind Pipeline Halves as Policy Shifts and Costs Rise appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

Volkswagen has stepped back from its earlier plans to introduce fully electric or plug-in hybrid versions of the global-spec Amarok, choosing instead to stick with its familiar lineup of diesel and gasoline powertrains for now. The decision keeps the pickup rooted in its traditional formula, at least for this generation.

Unlike the South American Amarok, which still rides on Volkswagen’s own ladder-frame platform, the global model is built on the same underpinnings as the Ford Ranger.

More: VW Just Dropped An Electric Pickup And It’s Not The One You’re Expecting

Ford’s pickup truck already offers a plug-in hybrid setup combining a turbocharged 2.3-liter gasoline engine with a single electric motor, producing 277 hp (207 kW / 281 PS). A modest 11.8 kWh battery enables around 40 km (25 miles) of electric-only driving.

Why Skip Electrification?

Earlier this year, reports suggested Volkswagen was seriously evaluating an electrified Amarok, especially given it already had access to the Ranger’s compatible hybrid system. Yet that interest appears to have faded.

According to Australian outlet CarExpert, Nathan Johnson, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ brand director, explained that CEO Stefan Mecha “made it clear … the PHEV and BEV Amarok is no longer being discussed at this point in time, in this generation,” emphasizing that it’s a global decision.

That doesn’t mean the idea is gone for good. Johnson hinted that the door remains open for the next Amarok, which could arrive near the end of the decade.

The current generation debuted in 2022, so a successor is still some years off, but by then electrification will likely be standard practice among midsize pickups, making a hybrid or electric version all but inevitable.

Another Hybrid Amarok Is Under Development

Volkswagen’s approach looks different in South America. There, the company continues to evolve the first-generation Amarok, which remains in production on VW’s original chassis. A refreshed version of that truck launched last year, and an all-new hybrid successor is already scheduled for 2027.

More: VW’s New Pickup Shares DNA With A Chinese Pickup You’ve Never Heard Of

The upcoming truck will ride on a ladder-frame chassis sourced from Chinese automaker SAIC, as part of its collaboration with Volkswagen. However, it will be manufactured at the General Pacheco factory in Argentina, backed by a $580 million investment.

Early teasers point to a close relationship with the Maxus Interstellar X, LDV Terron 9, and MGU9 pickup twins, though Volkswagen will apply its own design language to set it apart. The new hybrid Amarok will be limited to South American markets, sidestepping overlap with the global version.

Porsche has used their third quarter earnings call to reveal time is almost up for three different vehicles including the current gas-powered Macan. This is worth noting as the crossover is the brand’s most popular vehicle as 64,783 units have been delivered in the first nine months of the year.

During the call, Finance and IT Board Member Dr. Jochen Breckner said the current internal combustion Macan will continue production “well into 2026,” and that it will remain on sale throughout that year, “and in some markets even in 2027 based on final stocking that we will do.”]

Breckner clarified that the exact production end date hasn’t been determined, though it’s expected to occur “more or less in the middle of 2026.” He added, “As I’ve said, customers will get their cars also throughout 2026 and some even in 2027.”

More: This Audi Q5 Could Actually Be The New ICE Porsche Macan

It appears that the company will stockpile vehicles in important markets to help buy time until the redesigned crossover arrives. Speaking of which, the second-generation Macan will be offered with conventional and plug-in hybrid powertrains. They will be sold alongside the current Macan Electric.

Previous reports have suggested the upcoming model will be based on the Audi Q5 and spy photographers caught an early development prototype being tested by Porsche earlier this year.

The move makes sense as the brand is throttling back their EV push as part of a product realignment that will see “additional models featuring combustion and plug-in-hybrid powertrains.”

As Breckner noted, “Starting in 2028, a more balanced drivetrain offering will further strengthen our market position and support sustainable long-term growth.”

This effort will be supported by ICE-powered versions of the redesigned 718 as well as the next Macan, which is apparently being referred to as the “B-SUV.” Furthermore, Porsche’s flagship SUV has abandoned electric power and will instead offer gas and plug-in hybrid options.

Getting back to the 718, the current Boxster and Cayman are quickly approaching the end of the line. Production wraps up later this month and Breckner said “we are producing the very last cars these days.”

However, the automaker will still have a handful of models in inventory to help tide things over until the next-generation sports car arrives.

Porsche Is Having A Terrible Year

As for the financials, they weren’t pretty despite record deliveries in the United States. Through the first nine months of the year, Porsche’s operating profit plummeted from over €4 ($4.6) billion in 2025 to a mere €40 ($46) million this time around.

The company blamed the massive drop on a variety of factors including their product realignment strategy, challenging market conditions in China, and “one-off effects” relating to battery activities. Tariffs also played a role and it sounds like they’ll cost the company around €700 ($814) million this year alone.

To help offset the impact of tariffs, Porsche will “further strengthen” their pricing position throughout 2025 and 2026. The company has also increased prices to keep their margins at a “decent level.”

Despite the grim headline numbers, Porsche highlighted that automotive net cash flow increased from €1.24 billion ($1.44 billion) to €1.34 billion ($1.56 billion). The company said this “demonstrates the resilience of the business operations and shows that Porsche is performing robustly even under challenging conditions.”

Porsche Q3 Overview

As more homes in the UK move away from gas heating systems, the need for a sustainable but effective method of heating and providing hot water for the home has become paramount. Heat pumps are rapidly emerging as a lead player in the game of decarbonised energy systems. But they are more than just efficient …

The post How Heat Pumps Fit Into the Future Grid appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: California’s demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is surging despite federal attempts to derail the Golden State’s pursuit of a 100% clean energy future. A record 29.1% of all new cars purchased in Q3 of 2025 were ZEVs. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Californians purchased 124,755 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the third …

The post California Smashes ZEV Sales Record in Q3   appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

Lithium is a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, grid storage, and a host of personal electronics. It is also relatively scarce, so being able to efficiently isolate it from various host minerals is very important. Canada holds substantial stores of lithium: It’s estimated we have 5.7 million tons in total reserves (including …

The post Optimizing the recovery of lithium appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

The all-electric age at Lamborghini might be about to short out before it even starts. After promising the Lanzador as its first-ever dedicated battery-electric model, the Italian marque is now wavering and could instead launch its high-riding GT as a plug-in hybrid.

According to multiple news reports, Sant’Agata will make the call within weeks on whether its sleek 2+2 grand tourer goes full battery or blends volts with V8 thunder in preparation for its production debut at the end of this decade.

Related: Lamborghini’s Next Surprise Might Be A V12 Supercar You Can Take Camping

Unveiled as a concept in 2023 as a rolling preview of Lamborghini’s electric future, the Lanzador looked like a mashup of the Urus SUV and Huracan Sterrato supercar, showcasing sci-fi surfacing and promising more power than a small solar farm.

Lambo claimed over 1 MW (1,350 hp / 1,369 PS) of output and next-gen 980-volt tech, pitching it as a figurehead for its post-gasoline ambitions. But somewhere between the concept stand and the balance sheet, reality hit. Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann now admits the brand is rethinking the plan.

“We could do a BEV, but I think it is a bad offer for the next few years,” he told Autocar, adding that Lambo buyers “don’t see BEVs as an alternative today.”

Photos Lamborghini

If the decision tips hybrid, expect some familiar hardware under the skin. The plug-in systems from the new Temerario and Urus SE are ready-made for the job, combining a twin-turbo V8 with electric assist for both punch and conscience-soothing emissions.

Ironically, the Urus was also meant to go fully electric before Lamborghini quietly changed course earlier this year.

A move to PHEV power for the Lanzador would put Lamborghini slightly out of sync with Ferrari, which is preparing to unveil its first EV, the Elettrica crossover, soon.

But this isn’t exactly a company afraid to be loud or different. And Winkelmann is the kind of level-headed, pragmatic boss who goes where the money takes him.

“‘It’s not important what you can achieve in technology, it’s important what the customer wants,” the Lamborghini boss told Car Magazine recently.

Which powertrain would you give the green light to if you were in Winkelmann’s pointy shoes?

Source: Car Magazine , Autocar

Ferrari has used their Capital Markets Day event to unveil their 2030 Strategic Plan. It will have them pretty busy as the company is aiming to introduce four new cars annually between 2026 and 2030.

The automaker didn’t say much about the upcoming models, but promised each car will be “designed with a distinct positioning, tailored to different client profiles, in line with our strategy: Different Ferrari for different Ferraristi, and different Ferrari for different moments.”

More: Ferrari Drops First Details About It’s Upcoming EV Arriving In 2026

While Ferrari is embracing electrification, they believe in “technology neutrality” and giving customers “true freedom of choice in how their car is powered.” This means the brand will “continue to offer and innovate our V6, V8 and V12 combustion engines, in line with new global regulations, focusing on increasing specific power output and ensuring compatibility with alternative fuels.”

That’s good news for purists, and Ferrari said ICE-powered vehicles will make up 40% of their lineup in 2030. Another 40% will be hybrid, while the remaining 20% are electric.

Ferrari also used the event to talk about the next generation of hybrids. They’ll be a “combination of the finest combustion and electric technologies, featuring electrical and electronic components developed and manufactured in-house.”

The company is also working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, compared to 2024 levels. However, this isn’t being done in the way you’d think, as the drop will primarily be achieved by using recycled aluminum in engines and chassis.

Customization And Exclusivity

Putting powertrains aside, Ferrari isn’t chasing sales as they’ll continue to “sell one car less than the market demands.” This helps to make their vehicles special, as owning a Ferrari has to be an experience.

Speaking of which, the company said 100% of its vehicles are personalized by customers. Ferrari is celebrating this by announcing plans to open two new Tailor Made centers, in Tokyo and Los Angeles, in 2027. A new paint shop will also aid in customization requests, and it’s scheduled to open in 2027 as well.

Ferrari isn’t just focused on new models, as they’ve built approximately 330,000 vehicles since the company was founded. Of these, over 90% are still in existence and require maintenance.

The Financials

In other news, Ferrari raised their guidance as it’s already beating their 2026 profitability targets. Now, they’re expecting revenues in excess of €7.1 ($8.2) billion as well as earnings of more than €2.72 ($3.15) billion.

In 2030, the company expects to increase revenues to around €9 ($10.4) billion, while earnings climb to €3.6 ($4.2) billion. They’re aiming to achieve this thanks to a strong product mix, limited edition vehicles, customizations, and some growth.

Photos Ferrari

EV sales are on the rise in the UK, thanks in part to surging demand for vehicles from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD. Plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids have also enjoyed strong growth, pushing total electrified vehicle sales beyond the combined total of petrol and diesel cars last month.

Read: EVs Poised To Exceed Half Of Europe’s New Car Sales Sooner Than Expected

In September, 72,779 new battery-electric vehicles were registered nationwide, marking a 29.1 percent jump from the 56,387 sold during the same month last year.

The pace hasn’t slowed over the course of the year either. So far, 349,414 BEVs have been sold, up 29.4 percent year-on-year. That now gives electric models a commanding 22.1 percent share of the UK’s new car market, a sharp climb from 17.8 percent a year ago.

Hybrid Uplift

The demand for plug-in hybrids has increased significantly. In September, PHEV deliveries increased by 56.4 percent to 38,308 units, and year-to-date, sales have reached 172,639, resulting in a 10.9 percent market share.

Regular hybrid models have followed suit, with sales rising 23.5 percent in September and 8.6 percent across the year to 222,669 units in total. The steady growth across all electrified categories shows that buyers are increasingly open to alternative powertrains, even if they’re not ready to go fully electric just yet.

While the electric tide rises, traditional fuels are losing ground. From January through September, petrol vehicle sales slipped 8.2 percent to 749,794, and diesel fared worse, down 14.3 percent to just 83,656.

China’s Growing Footprint

A major contributor to the electrified upswing has been BYD, whose presence in the UK has expanded dramatically. In September alone, the brand sold 11,271 cars, representing an eye-catching 880 percent increase compared with the same month last year.

Over the first nine months of 2025, BYD has sold 35,000 vehicles in the UK, capturing a 2.2 percent share of the market. That performance makes the UK its largest single market outside China.

To put BYD’s results for this year into perspective, it sold just 5,260 vehicles in the UK in the first three quarters of 2024.

MG, another Chinese brand with established roots in the UK, also enjoyed strong results. September sales jumped 62.71 percent to 14,577 units, while year-to-date growth sits at 4.11 percent, totaling 65,394 vehicles.

Other new Chinese entrants, including Changan, Chery, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, and Omoda, have also seen their sales increase, reflecting the growing influence of Chinese automakers across the UK market.

As for Tesla, its sales remained steady, rising 4.4 percent in September to 7,993 cars compared with 7,656 in the same month last year. Year-to-date, though, sales have dipped 3.4 percent to 36,160 units.

Ford just posted its seventh straight month of growth and capped off a successful third quarter. It wasn’t just one or two models that did the heavy lifting, either. Not only were traditional ICE vehicles like Bronco, Explorer, and Expedition big hits, but electrified cars, trucks, and SUVs smashed records. Here’s a look at the details.

More: Ford Sold More Than Twice As Many Electric Mustangs As Gas Ones

During the quarter, Ford and Lincoln sold a combined 85,789 electrified vehicles, which include both hybrid and pure battery-electric vehicles (BEV). That’s up 19.8 percent compared to last year, and it made up 15.7 percent of the brand’s sales mix. Last quarter, electrified cars made up just 13.5 percent of sales.

No doubt, some, well, scratch that, most of those sales came from buyers eager to grab a tax credit before it expired on September 30. Ford and GM, however, seem to have found a loophole to keep it alive a little longer, as we reported yesterday.

Battery Gains Build Momentum

That’s backed up in part by the huge gains Ford saw in its BEV sales. It delivered 30,612 EVs in the quarter. That’s a 30.2 percent increase over the same time period in 2024. Leading the way was the Mustang Mach-E, which recorded its best quarter since launching in 2020, climbing 50.7 percent to 20,177 units. The F-150 Lightning also posted a record quarter with 10,005 trucks sold. That’s up almost 40 percent.

Hybrids still make up the majority of Ford’s electrified sales. They accounted for 55,177 sales. The F-150 Hybrid continued its reign as the best-selling full-size hybrid truck in America with 22,212 sales. The Maverick Hybrid continued to dominate the midsize hybrid pickup segment with 63,516 sales, an 11.5 percent increase.

Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, said the results highlight the company’s balance across powertrains. “We saw strong performance in gas, hybrid, and electrified powertrains, while at the same time growing our paid software solutions, all embedded in vehicles such as Expedition, Explorer, and F-150.”

Balancing Old and New

While some big automakers are pivoting around a shifting market, Ford seems on track to move from strength to strength. It’ll likely outsell GM and Stellantis combined with regard to electrified sales this year. And it’s managing that while ICE-powered vehicles see success as well.

Rumors of the Volvo EM90 minivan launching in the United States have kicked into overdrive after the company made a recent filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Not only that, but the vehicle depicted in the patent images appears to be a plug-in hybrid, while the EM90 introduced in China is all-electric.

Read: New Volvo XC70 Dumps Its Wagon Past And Goes Full Crossover

Car and Driver spotted the filings and noted that the the Volvo EM90’s design is nearly identical to its Chinese counterpart, save for one detail that stands out. While the EV wears its charging port on the left rear quarter, the U.S. patent drawings add an extra flap on the right rear side.

What’s Behind The Extra Flap?

That second hatch led to speculation that the model in question could be hiding a fuel filler, keeping the charging port in its original place and thereby creating a plug-in hybrid setup. On the other hand, several manufacturers, Audi among them, have opted for dual charging ports on their electric models to make public charging easier. With that in mind, Volvo could just as easily be following a similar path with the EM90.

Volvo’s Hybrid Plans

The emergence of this patent prompted suggestions that a plug-in hybrid EM90 could be the new hybrid Volvo has been promising to build at its Charleston factory in South Carolina. However, in a statement issued in response to the original story, Volvo denied any plans of selling the EM90 in the US and downplayed the possibility of it being the hybrid to be built in the US.

“[Volvo does] not have any plans to bring EM90 to the U.S. [Volvo] will share more details about the future hybrid to come to our Charleston plant at a later date,” the automaker said.

Of course, this begs the question as to why Volvo went to the trouble of patenting the vehicle in the US if it has no intention of selling it locally? It may have done so on the off chance that it reconsiders and decides to sell the EM90 in the United States.

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