Nissan’s N7 beat the Buick GL8 and Toyoya Platinum 3X in China’s June sales battle.
The electric sedan was the best selling new-energy car from a non-Chinese brand.
Nissan, Buick and Toyota were close, but other foreigners were far behind in sales.
When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.
The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.
Tight Competition at the Top
Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.
Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.
CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS
#
Model
No. sold
1
Nissan N7
6,189
2
Buick GL8
6,082
3
Toyota bZ3X
6,030
4
VW ID.3
3,950
5
Smart #1
2,324
6
BMW i3
2,270
7
Mini Cooper Electric
1,658
8
VW ID.4X
1,546
9
VW ID.4 Crozz
1,437
10
Toyota bZ5
1,409
SWIPE
At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.
Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.
Rivian has introduced the second-generation R1T and R1S Quad, which launch later this month.
Both feature four electric motors producing a combined 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque.
The models have a NACS charging port and up to 400 miles of range in Conserve mode.
Rivian introduced the second-generation R1S and R1T last summer and now the company has unveiled the new quad-motor variants. They’re high-performance EVs that start at $115,990 for the truck and $121,990 for the SUV.
Designed to be more powerful and capable than ever before, the models are equipped with four electric motors that produce a combined output of 1,025 hp (764 kW / 1,039 PS) and 1,198 lb-ft (1,622 Nm) of torque. This enables the R1T to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds, while the R1S can accomplish the same task a tenth of a second later.
Rivian was coy on full details, but claimed both variants have an EPA-estimated range of up to 374 miles (602 km). That increases to 400 miles (644 km) in Conserve mode, which disengages the rear drive unit. However, Rivian’s configurator lists less impressive ranges of 338 and 360 miles (544 and 579 km) for the Launch Editions.
Putting that aside, Rivian said the vehicles are equipped with their newest drive units. Each features two electric motors that were designed and manufactured in-house. The company added the “rear drive unit has a larger gear ratio and is built for maximum performance and torque delivery, while the front drive unit is optimized for maximizing efficiency at cruising speeds.”
Rivian went on to say the new motors are oil-cooled, which helps to significantly improve their thermal performance during “high-torque, low-speed driving such as rock crawling.” They also help to improve efficiency during high-speed driving on highways.
Familiar Looks With A Handful Of Special Touches
Besides the new powertrains, there isn’t much to report as first- and second-generation R1s look virtually identical. That being said, the Quad variants feature an Ascend interior with quilted seats, extended stitching, and fancier door panels. They’re joined by plaid accents, bronze flourishes, and new fabric on the front seat backs. Other highlights include Brown Ash, Walnut, or Driftwood trim.
Moving outside, there are new 20- and 22-inch wheels that are backed up by Laguna Beach Blue brake calipers. Customers can also get Dark or Dune Satin Graphite wheels wrapped in 34-inch all-terrain tires.
Other highlights include a glass roof and a standard Darkout Package. They’re joined by an air compressor and underbody protection. More notably, there’s a rear-mounted Gear Guard mascot with “wind-swept hair” that hints at the vehicle’s performance.
Rivian is throwing in a number of high-tech toys including a Launch Mode with a Launch Cam. As the name implies, it records your Launch Mode adventures and then displays real-time stats when showing replays in the Videos app.
Quad-Specific Features Including A Kick Turn Function
More interestingly, Rivian announced a RAD Tuner is coming in September. It promises to give drivers “better control over their vehicle’s dynamic behavior” as there will be “intuitive sliders” that can be used to create personalized and savable driving modes. These can be built from scratch or based on presets such as Sport or Rally mode.
A Kick Turn function is also coming this fall and it promises to make tight off-road turns easier. As the company explained, “When you engage Kick Turn, your R1 Quad smartly adjusts the power to the inside wheels, slowing them down or even reversing them. This precise control over wheel slip ensures your vehicle turns exactly as quickly and smoothly as you intend.”
A more useful addition is a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which will come standard on every 2026 R1. It provides easy access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, although Quad-Motor variants will also come with a complimentary CCS adapter.
Launch Edition Arrives First
To celebrate the introduction of the new Quad, Rivian has announced a Launch Edition. It offers an exclusive Launch Green exterior and special badging on the dashboard. Buyers will also find added equipment including a Camp Speaker, a Gen 2 key fob, and lifetime access to Connect+ as well as the Rivian Autonomy Platform+.
The Launch Editions are unsurprisingly more expensive as pricing starts at $119,990 for the R1T and $125,990 for the R1S. The special edition will also be offered in Canada for $196,990 CAD and $207,990 CAD.
Deliveries of the R1 Quad will begin later this month and the initial focus is on Launch Editions. Rivian’s website shows customers can expect them to be available in two to three weeks.
VW CEO Thomas Schafer has promised a “whole group” of upcoming GTI models.
The new GTI models will be based on VW’s electric lineup and “mind-blowing” to drive.
Schafer has tested prototypes of the electric Golf GTI, with the ID.2 GTI arriving first.
Nearly fifty years ago, Volkswagen changed the hatchback world forever with the Golf GTI. The “GTI” moniker stood for Grand Touring Injection, a nod to the four-cylinder engine’s fuel injection system at a time when carburetors still ruled the roads. A lot has changed since then, but one thing remained constant: GTIs were powered by gas. Well, it looks like that’s about to change.
Volkswagen is now working on the next era for the GTI sub-brand, one that will see the performance label expanding into a variety of segments with new models. However, unlike what we’re used to, all future GTI offerings will feature fully electric powertrains, with VW promising to deliver a “mind-blowing” driving experience.
The company has already confirmed the production version of the ID.2 GTI, with plans to follow it up with the next-generation Golf GTI. But those two won’t be the only GTI-branded models. According to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer, these electric hot hatches will “start a whole group of GTIs,” hinting at even more electric performance models on the horizon.
The Electric GTI Revolution
While Schafer didn’t dive into specifics, there have been rumors about an ID.3 GTI, along with the possibility of an entry-level ID.1 GTI, assuming there’s enough demand for the slightly larger ID.2 GTI, which is set to arrive first. And let’s not forget about the potential for performance versions of VW’s electric SUVs, which have already proven their chops with the GTX models.
Schafer, speaking with Autocar, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the electric Golf GTI’s development. While the current gasoline-powered version of the hot hatch is expected to run “very well into the end of this decade,” Volkswagen is already testing prototypes of its fully electric successor, which will be built on the new SSP platform.
Schafer, who’s taken some GTI prototypes for a spin, says that an electric Golf can still offer an exciting, authentic experience. He describes the new setup as “mind-blowing,” promising that the electric hot hatch will be “a monster car.”
He also emphasized that the aim isn’t just to make it fast, as VW wants to make sure the electric GTI models feel distinct from their standard counterparts. Expect upgrades in sound and handling, along with the inevitable performance improvements.
This lines up with comments from VW’s technical boss, Kai Grunitz, who noted that electric GTIs will be about more than just raw power. The focus, he says, will be on “drivability,” ensuring that these models aren’t just fast, but fun.
A 2026 Debut?
While Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed a debut date for the first electric GTI, it could arrive in 2026, which would coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Golf GTI. With the ID.2 (or whatever VW decides to name it) set for release next year, it’s possible the first electric GTI will be unveiled next summer during the GTI festival in Wolfsburg. Looks like the future of hot hatches might be electrifying, after all.
Future VW EVs will drop the ID prefix and adopt more traditional names.
The announcement was made by VW Brand Board Member Martin Sander.
The change will start with the production version of the ID. 2all in 2026.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Ford may revive the Fiesta using Volkswagen’s MEB Entry architecture shared with ID.2
It already uses the same architecture as the VW ID.4 and ID.5 in the Explorer and Capri.
VW’s latest ID.2all Concept is just 0.7 inches (18 mm) longer than the old Ford Fiesta.
It hasn’t even been two years since the Ford Fiesta was unceremoniously retired, and yet, it may already be staging a comeback. This time around, though, the Fiesta could look very different. Instead of a traditional internal combustion comeback, the new version might arrive as part of Ford’s growing collaboration with Volkswagen, a partnership that has already produced models like the Explorer EV and Capri based on VW’s platforms.
VW’s head of sales and marketing, Martin Sander, says that the carmaker’s tie-up with Ford on EVs has already proven to be “very, very, very successful,” and is open to sharing technologies in a similar way in the future. Sander formerly worked at Ford in Europe and, as the Explorer EV and Capri use the same platform as the VW ID.4 and ID.5, Ford could conceivably develop new EVs with the same MEB Entry architecture as the ID.1 and ID.2.
Ford itself has not commented on the possibility of building a new entry-level electric hatchback, but Auto Express speculates that such a project is conceivable. Ford says it’s “confident in its ability to compete in the right segments,” so if it sees potential with an electric hatch, it may be wise to pursue it.
Looking at the numbers, the ID.2 could be a near-ideal blueprint for a new Fiesta. The ID.2all Concept is only 0.7 inches (or 18 mm) longer than the outgoing Fiesta, and it shares the same five-door layout. In terms of size and purpose, it’s almost a one-to-one match.
Of course, Ford would have to convince VW to let it use its underpinnings, even though a new Fiesta would likely snatch sales away from the ID.2, as well as the related Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. Unless VW thinks it will get something from the deal, it’s hard to see why it would be open to it. Admittedly, if a new Fiesta were sold in markets where the ID.2 won’t be, that would take away the threat of it stealing sales.
Meanwhile, Ford isn’t sitting still. A skunkworks team inside the company is reportedly working on a new budget-friendly EV aimed squarely at emerging rivals like BYD. This upcoming model could start at around $25,000 and may feature a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which offers cost advantages and improved durability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Regardless of the Fiesta’s return, Ford appears to be quietly assembling the pieces for a more affordable EV future, and it may not be long before we see what that actually looks like.
Fire was the primary cause of the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7 in New York City, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Fires were caused by debris from one of the center’s Twin Towers, according to NIST, a federal agency that investigates building failures.
The towers were struck by airplanes as part of a terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001.
More than 200 people, including scientists and engineers outside of NIST, produced the 2008 NIST report on the center attacks.
The consensus among them and other investigators was fire was the primary cause of the Building 7 collapse, international engineering academics wrote in 2020.
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, suggested April 21 that the 47-story building was felled by a “controlled demolition” and that the government has covered up something. He cited a film that raised the demolition conspiracy theory.
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