Ram now plans its first electric truck for a 2026 launch Series-hybrid Ramcharger on track for the first half of 2025 Stellantis—without a permanent CEO—says battery-electric demand is slowing The all-electric Ram 1500 REV full-size pickup truck has been delayed once again, with the series hybrid Ram 1500 Ramcharger now due to arrive...

Audi is recalling 4,616 plug-in hybrids because of a battery issue that could lead to fires. The recall includes certain 2022 and 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid crossovers, as well as 2022 Audi A7 plug-in hybrid hatchbacks. These vehicles may have defective battery modules that could overheat, presenting a fire risk, according to the National Highway...

Electric vehicle adoption rates fluctuate wildly sometimes. What doesn’t move around so much is loyalty after a person owns an EV. According to a new study, 92 percent of respondents said they would never go back to an ICE car. In fact, of all the available options, only one percent of the study population said they’d definitely go back to an ICE-only platform. As for the remaining 7 percent, 4 percent indicated they’d opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and the rest weren’t sure.

More: EV Batteries May Last Up To 40% Longer Than Expected

Notably, the survey comes from the Global EV Alliance (via Bloomberg) which, as its name might suggest, probably isn’t the most unbiased group when it comes to electric vehicles. It says online that “We believe that zero emission mobility is necessary to combat climate change,” and that “Our goal is a planet where all transportation is sustainable, clean, and electric!”

A Global Perspective on EV Trends

On the other hand, the study itself appears rather transparent. It includes responses from over 23,000 electric vehicle drivers in 18 countries including the USA, Canada, Austria, Brazil, France and India. On top of that, it weighs results based on each country’s share of the total EV fleet across the globe. This means that the results from the USA get weighted higher than those of, say, Sweden. That’s key because, in some smaller nations like Sweden, EV adoption rates are incredibly high.

By weighing the results, we get a more accurate picture of the reality EV owners are living in. According to almost all of them, electric cars are all they’ll buy from this point forward and that’s not all because of climate concerns either. Instead, nearly half of respondents (45 percent) championed the low operating cost of an EV when compared to a gas or diesel-powered car.

Climate friendliness was the second-biggest draw (40 percent), followed by helping the local environment (32 percent), solid driveability (21 percent), and lower maintenance costs (18 percent). In short: they’re cheaper to own, better to drive, and won’t leave your wallet crying every time you pull into a charging station (assuming it works, but we’ll get to that circus later).

Charging Woes Cast a Shadow

Here’s the part where the love affair stumbles: charging infrastructure. Or, more specifically, the lack of it. The study revealed that the biggest downside of driving an EV is the availability – or frequent unavailability – of fast chargers. This explains why Tesla, with its expansive Supercharger network, continues to dominate among buyers.

Read: Global EV Sales Shatter Records In November Thanks To China’s Unstoppable Growth

“When being asked about the disadvantages of driving an EV, the results indicate that the most significant drawbacks are the limited availability of fast chargers, the time-consuming nature of charging, and the frequent downtime of fast charging stations,” the study says. Certainly, that’s a major issue in the USA and clearly, Americans aren’t alone. 

Your Turn: Tell Us What You Think

Are you on the EV bandwagon yet? Or are you holding out for a fast-charging network that’s as reliable as your toaster and as conveniently located as your corner gas station? Whether you’re an EV diehard or still clutching your ICE keys like a security blanket, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite thing about EVs, and what grinds your gears (figuratively, of course)? Drop your hot takes in the comments below. We’ll be here, pretending we’re not refreshing every five minutes for responses.

Image Credit: GEVA

The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past 22 months, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin.

While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.

More: Mercedes Details New CLA’s Two EV And Three Hybrid Powertrains

The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.

At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.

The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).

Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.

We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.

If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.

Baldauf

Stellantis might be navigating a whirlwind these days, but amidst the chaos of searching for a new CEO after Carlos Tavares abruptly resigned last week, the company has managed to find time to confirm that the next generation of the Fiat 500 will debut in 2032—even as it continuously pauses production of the current electric variant because, apparently, no one is buying it.

Commitment to Mirafiori Production

Additionally, the group has assured that production of the iconic Cinquecento will continue at the Mirafiori plant in Turin well beyond 2030, underscoring their commitment to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in Italy.

Fiat might be having a hard time convincing people to buy the fully electric 500e, but the “Cinquecento” remains one of the most well-known nameplates in Europe’s city car segment. Jean-Philippe Imparato, former Alfa Romeo CEO and current Chief Operating Officer at Stellantis for the Enlarged Europe region, spoke about the model’s future during an interview with local media.

More: Abarth Is Done With ICE, Eyes A Larger Electric SUV

As reported by Quattroruote, Imparato has pledged to keep the Mirafiori plant busy with Fiat 500 production, even when the next generation arrives in 2032-2033. Before that happens, the Stellantis executive is trying to bring the mild-hybrid version of the current 500 model to the market as soon as possible. Imparato expects the Fiat 500 Ibrida to arrive around November 2025.

Revitalizing the 500 Lineup

According to COO, once the 500 lineup is complete with EV and mild-hybrid powertrain options, the goal is to “start again with about 100,000 cars a year.” Fiat recently had to pause production of the 500e due to slower-than-expected demand for the EV, a struggle that has persisted since 2020. The company kept the last-gen ICE-powered 500 in production until earlier this year before deciding to make the 500e compatible with mild-hybrid power.

According to Imparato, Turin is very important for Stellantis: “We’ll have the European organization, plus the sales people, plus the hybrid 500, plus the future of the 500 and this is a signal. In Turin we also have the e-Dct, which is the gearbox needed for the hybrid and is exported everywhere”.

Imparato offered his own explanation for the EV slowdown, attributing it to a financial crisis and pervasive uncertainty about the future:

“The global economic situation is not good and so people say: ‘Should I change my car now? I’m not sure. And should I get an electric, hybrid or traditional combustion engine?’. This is part of the uncertainty and beyond this it is said that individual mobility is about to change. But if I have to enter the center of a large Italian or even European city, what do I get? An electric? A hybrid? A plug-in? This fuels uncertainty. For me it is something that explains the current situation, beyond the economic crisis we are facing.”

The Chief Operating Officer added: “China will reach 90% electric within three years. We must push competitiveness and collaboration, to lighten costs: technology, batteries, software to be optimized. Stellantis is about to launch 14 models, including electric and hybrid, to face this competition. We will do it, it’s tough, we all know it, we need competitiveness, we need support.”

Stellantis is expected to make important announcements next week about its plans, as it’s trying to form an alliance with suppliers to continue the electric transition. Imparato is ensuring everyone that they won’t be closing down any factories in Italy, reaffirming Stellantis’ dedication to its Italian manufacturing roots.

From the Nissan Leaf to the Lucid Air and F-150 Lightning, with the Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt, and Tesla Model 3 among the many formative models in between, our Green Car Reports Best Car To Buy winners each year have offered not just what we think you should buy, but a glimpse of the future. Since the award's inception in 2010, for the 2011 model...

The 2025 Mercedes E 53 Hybrid can be DC fast-charged E 53 Hybrid has multiple regenerative braking modes but no one-pedal driving The E 53 Hybrid’s price may be too high for a mixed bag of attributes The latest AMG-badged E-Class gets its increased power output. That’s not because of a higher-output engine, but instead has to do with...

The ever-expanding electric vehicle market in China is welcoming yet another new entrant, as Avatr introduces its fourth production model, the Avatr 06 sedan, which serves as an entry point in the brand’s lineup. The low-slung sedan is closely related to the Avatr 07 SUV that debuted earlier this year, combining Changan underpinnings, CATL batteries, and Huawei tech.

At first glance, the sedan resembles a smaller version of the Avatr 12 Gran Coupe. However, a closer look reveals more conventional proportions and a subtle evolution of the brand’s signature styling cues. These include slim, split-design LED headlights, a cleaner front bumper, and sleeker surfacing along the profile.

More: We Get Up Close To The Avatr 11 And 12 EVs From China Aiming To Shake Up The Luxury Market

The 06 sedan is also equipped with a suite of advanced sensors as part of the Huawei Qiankun ADAS system, including a roof-mounted LiDAR. The side mirrors have been replaced with cameras, a design choice that supposedly eliminates the need for a rear window—a trend that’s gaining traction, but still hard to embrace.The rear is finished off with a third brake light integrated into the edge of the sloping roofline, along with a discreet spoiler mounted on the tailgate.

The Avatr 06 measures 4,855 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,450 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. That makes it 30 mm (1.2 inches) longer than the closely-related Avatr 07 crossover, and 135 mm (5.3 inches) longer than the Tesla Model 3.

Avatr / Weibo

While Avatr has yet to unveil the 06’s interior, it’s expected to follow in the footsteps of its more premium siblings, with a futuristic cockpit that includes large digital screens running Huawei’s Harmony OS and other high-tech features.

The 06 sedan shares the same CHN platform as the rest of the Avatr lineup. Although the company has not yet released full specifications, it’s safe to assume that the 06 will mirror the powertrain options of the 07 SUV. Expected variants include rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) electric versions. The RWD variant will likely produce 338 hp (252 kW), while the AWD model should generate around 590 hp (440 kW). Both will be powered by an 82 kWh battery pack.

Additionally, there will be EREV (extended range electric vehicle) versions, combining a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a 39 kWh battery and offering the choice of one or two electric motors.

The Avatr 06 is set for a launch in China in early 2025, with the automaker hoping it will boost sales, particularly as the larger Avatr 11 and 12 models have fallen short of initial targets in the competitive Chinese EV market. Avatr is headquartered in Chongqing, with a development center in Shanghai and a design center in Munich, Germany.

China’s EV market is booming. Sales of fully electric and hybrid cars have trebled over the last three years and are almost eight times higher than they were in 2020. It’s a great time to be an automaker selling electrified vehicles, but not so great if you’re an exec in the oil industry.

Almost one-fifth of the world’s oil production currently goes to China. The country has provided most of the industry’s growth since the millennium, as it has for the auto industry and others. But now analysts think China’s love for EVs will result in a marked drop in demand for gasoline, which accounts for 25 percent of the nation’s oil consumption.

Related: China Becomes First Country To Hit 1 Million Monthly EV Sales

One brokerage firm told reporters it expects Chinese gasoline use to drop by between 4 and 5 percent every year between now and the end of the decade. A demand reduction was always forecast, but China’s electric boom means it’s happening much faster than many experts had anticipated.

One in 10 cars currently on the road in China is electrified, but at the current sales rate, the mix is expected to double by 2027 and could reach 100 percent by the 2040s, Anders Hove, a China researcher at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, told Bloomberg.

That kind of shift would have a devastating impact on the oil industry, Hove predicting that China’s oil demand for light vehicles would plummet from its current 3.5 million barrels per day to just 1 million by 2040.

Though that’s a major problem for Big Oil, it can at least take some comfort in knowing that other nations are in far less of a rush to abandon their combustion cars – EVs only account for 10 percent of US car sales. And even in China, a big chunk of the growth in electrified vehicles has come from sales of PHEVs, which still need some gasoline, though exactly how much they need in real ownership scenarios across China still needs more investigation.

The German automotive industry is facing difficult times, caught in a storm of strikes, internal tensions at the Volkswagen Group, cost-cutting measures at Mercedes, Ford and BMW, and shifting market dynamics putting pressure on all brands. While the new vehicle market managed to hold its ground in November with 244,544 passenger car sales—a slight 0.5% dip compared to the previous year—the real drama is unfolding in the EV sector, where sales have taken another hit.

EVs Struggle in Germany’s Post-Subsidy World

The numbers don’t lie: EVs are in deep trouble in Europe’s largest market. According to figures released by the country’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt – KBA), November didn’t bring any relief, with EV sales plunging by 22% year-over-year. A total of 35,167 new electric vehicles were registered that month, accounting for 14.4% of all new registrations. While that’s still a decent share, it looks like they’ll struggle to meet the ambitious targets set just a few years ago.

More: Ford EV Sales Surge 21%, But F-150 Lightning Falls 17%, ICE Mustang Crashes 45%

Much of the current slump can be traced back to the German government’s decision to end subsidies for electric cars at the end of 2023. At the time, Transport Minister Volker Wissing argued that the EV market should be able to stand on its own without public aid, claiming that permanent subsidies aren’t a sustainable solution. It seems, however, the market isn’t quite ready to walk unaided. As Germany grapples with its EV slowdown, eyes will turn to other major European markets, like France and Spain, where similar subsidy cuts are on the horizon for 2025. Will they see the same fate?

Hybrids Keep the Flame Alive

If EVs are sputtering, hybrids are thriving in Germany. In November, 94,554 hybrid vehicles found new homes, marking an impressive 20.3% increase from the same month last year. Of these, 20,604 were plug-in hybrids, showing a 13.7% uptick. Hybrids now account for a solid 38.7% of all new registrations, proving that consumers are still drawn to greener options, but perhaps with a foot in both worlds.

More: America’s Best-Selling EVs In 2024

Meanwhile, traditional fuel-powered cars are showing mixed results. Gasoline-powered vehicles dipped by 5.4%, while diesel saw a sharper decline of 7.5%. LPG-powered cars, despite their niche appeal, recorded a modest 3.2% gain, though they still occupy a negligible share of the market.

Tesla and Polestar: The EV Struggles Continue

It’s not just the overall market that’s feeling the pressure; EV makers themselves are getting hit hard. Tesla, the top dog in the electric revolution, posted a dramatic 55.1% drop in sales in November, delivering just 2,103 units in Germany. Year-to-date, Tesla’s German sales have fallen by 43.6%, with only 33,669 units sold so far. And it’s not just Tesla that’s in trouble. Polestar, another EV-only manufacturer, saw its November sales plummet by 26%, with a massive 52.6% drop in total sales for the year.

Rising Stars and Declining Imports

While EV makers are in a pinch this year, some traditional and import brands are seeing a turnaround. Toyota, the poster child of hybrids, for instance, had a spectacular November, with sales up 104.5%, securing 4.2% of the market share. Peugeot (+78.5%), Citroen (+16.9%), and Skoda (+16.5%) also posted impressive gains. On the flip side, several high-volume import brands are heading in the opposite direction. Fiat saw a steep 39.1% decline, while Kia (-16.9%), Mazda (-14.3%), Hyundai (-11.8%), and Renault (-0.9%) all delivered negative growth in new registrations.

The Outlook for Germany’s Auto Industry

In sum, Germany’s automotive market remains a study in contrasts: steady sales overall, but with a marked shift away from pure electric vehicles. With the government scrapping subsidies and EV makers stumbling, the future of electric mobility in Germany appears less certain than ever. Meanwhile, hybrids are enjoying a surge, proving that the internal combustion engine still has life left in it. No doubt, it’s a confusing time for the auto industry, one that might require more than just a policy shift to right the ship. What’s more, it brings the EU’s ban on ICE-powered cars that’s set for 2035 into question, as buyers may not be ready yet for such a huge change.

PASSENGER CAR SALES GERMANY

After years of speculation, fans of Mazda’s rotary-powered sports coupes can finally breathe a sigh of relief. If you weren’t convinced by the words of Mazda’s head designer, Masashi Nakayama, the company’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has stepped in to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to producing a vehicle based on the well-received Iconic SP concept.

More: Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech

During a wide-ranging interview with Auto News, Moro was asked about a production version of the Iconic SP. He responded, “We still persist in making it happen, and we are marching towards it step by step”. While not exactly a hard launch date, his words are the closest thing we’ll get to a green light for the production version of the Iconic SP. After years of speculation, it looks like Mazda fans might finally get their hands on a legitimate successor to the RX-7 that we all miss.

Mazda’s Vision for the Future

Moro had shown his enthusiasm for the concept right from the start. During the Iconic SP reveal at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the CEO described it as a beacon of Mazda’s “commitment to the future”.

As mentioned earlier, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the company’s intent to bring the concept to production from a high-ranking official. Last month, design chief Masashi Nakayama stated, “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.”

During the same interview, the Mazda CEO revealed that the company is developing a new hybrid powertrain with two rotors, one that could cater to America’s thirst for power: “The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics”.

The Iconic SP’s hybrid powertrain is an interesting departure from what many expected. Instead of a traditional combustion (rotary) engine, Mazda opted for a dual-rotor engine that serves as a power generator for an electric drivetrain. This hybrid setup produces a combined 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS), which is more than we ever got from the RX-7 and RX-8 models.

A Hybrid with Purpose

The hybrid rotary engine powering the Iconic SP isn’t just a clever throwback. It also addresses one of the most significant challenges in the EV industry today—weight. By using a range-extender internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate electricity, Mazda can use a smaller battery pack, reducing weight and avoiding the cumbersome, energy-hungry batteries found in most BEVs.

Earlier this year, Mazda told Carscoops that a rotary-powered project would reach the market as soon as some “technical hurdles” were overcome.

The Road Ahead

We recently asked Mazda USA about a production version of the concept and received the following reply: “Iconic SP is a design study for future Mazda sports cars. Whether it’s an MX-5 Miata, or any other Mazda vehicle, the people who work at Mazda have a lot of passion for driving and encouraging others to also find that passion through the fun to drive cars that we make and will continue to make.”

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are among 226,118 vehicles Hyundai is recalling in the U.S. over damaged circuit boards that could prevent rearview camera displays from working. The recall includes 2021 and 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid crossovers and Elantra Hybrid sedans, as well as 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrids and non-hybrid versions of...

Mazda is riding high in the U.S. market in 2024, on track to smash its all-time sales record with expectations to hit over 400,000 units. In an industry still reeling from uncertainty, the Japanese automaker is sticking to its guns, pursuing a multi-pronged approach to powertrain development that spans combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range-extender, and electric models. It’s a strategy that seems to be paying off, at least for now.

2024: A Year of Record-Breaking Sales

Speaking with Auto News, CEO Masahiro Moro forecasted U.S. sales will reach between 410,000 and 420,000 units by the end of 2024, with growth possibly extending into 2025—up to 450,000 units, no less. Quite the prediction, especially when you consider the volatility in the market. So far, Mazda has moved 384,181 vehicles year-to-date, marking an 18.6% uptick compared to 2023. November alone was a record-setter, with 33,422 units sold, making it the brand’s best November performance to date.

More: Mazda Working On Two-Rotor Engine Tech To Satisfy America’s Thirst For Power

Despite being a relative old-timer, the CX-5 remains the best-selling Mazda with 8,733 units in November and 122,954 units year-to-date. Other key models like the CX-30 (87,640 units), the CX-50 (73,358 units), and the CX-90 (48,681 units). round out the top-sellers.

As for non-SUV offerings, the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan have sold a cumulative 34,830 units so far in 2024. Meanwhile, the MX-5 had its best November since 2006, with 798 monthly sales, representing a 76.9% increase compared to November 2023. However, its year-to-date figure of 7,489 units is down a significant 12.4%.

EV, Hybrid, And ICE Development

While Mazda has made some strides in hybrid and electric technology, Moro remains clear-eyed about the brand’s powertrain direction. His expectation? By 2030, hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will still make up about two-thirds of Mazda’s U.S. sales. That leaves a third for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs, a reasonable outlook given the current landscape. In the short term, Moro predicts that hybrids will account for roughly 40% of Mazda’s U.S. sales, a notable shift toward electrification, but still firmly rooted in the present.

EV Investment, But Not a Rush to the Finish Line

Despite the slower-than-anticipated EV uptake, Mazda isn’t abandoning its electric dreams. The company is continuing to pour resources into the development of fully electric vehicles, but with a more measured approach. According to Moro, pushing back the EV rollout gives them “a little more time for technology development,” a reassuring spin on an otherwise cautious strategy.

More: Ford EV Sales Surge 21%, But F-150 Lightning Falls 17%, ICE Mustang Crashes 45%

By 2027, Mazda will have completed the in-house development of its first EV-dedicated platform and its own hybrid powertrain. Furthermore, the company is working on next-gen, high-density lithium-ion batteries, also being developed in-house, with a 2030 target for PHEVs and EVs. Mazda is also building a “very advanced research base” for solid-state battery technology.

The Rotary Is Coming Back

We also have official confirmation that Mazda is developing a twin-rotor rotary engine for the U.S. market, likely to serve as a range extender in a hybrid setup. While Moro didn’t provide a specific launch timeline, he did mention that Mazda is close to meeting the emissions regulation targets.

Skyactiv-Z: Mazda’s Ultimate ICE Engine

Finally, the brand’s focus isn’t solely on electrification. Mazda is deep into developing its Skyactiv-Z powertrain, described by Moro as the “ultimate” combustion engine, with “unprecedented efficiency.” Set to arrive by 2027, the Skyactiv-Z promises to push Mazda’s internal combustion efforts “beyond 2030,” likely extending the lifespan of its gasoline engines in a world that’s increasingly electrifying. Alongside this, Mazda is working on the successor to the ever-popular CX-5, with high hopes of keeping its sales momentum alive for years to come.

Mazda’s rotary engine is coming back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not just a nostalgic callback to the RX-7 glory days. Instead, it’s quietly shaping the brand’s electrified future. Rather than following the well-trodden EV playbook, Mazda is taking an unconventional route by engineering a two-rotor hybrid system to balance power, efficiency, and the ever-tightening noose of emissions regulations.

Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, recently revealed that the brand’s rotary engine development is accelerating toward a two-rotor configuration, addressing what he described as a critical shortfall of the single-rotor setup: it simply doesn’t generate enough power to meet the needs of the U.S. market.

More: Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe Destined For Production

The news comes on the heels of another revelation, after the brand’s chief designer, Masashi Nakayama confirmed that the Iconic SP has been “designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future”. The Iconic SP’s hybrid setup also features a compact, dual-rotor rotary engine working as a range extender alongside an EV drivetrain. When unveiled in October 2023, Mazda boasted the system’s ability to reduce emissions by up to 90% when running on carbon-neutral fuels.

Two Rotors, One Goal: Power and Relevance

In an interview with Autonews, Masahiro Moro spoke about their rotary goals and the challenges of the project: “I want a rotary engine that complies with very stringent emission regulations. That is going to be a significant challenge. We are very close.”

The CEO added: “If we are thinking about the U.S. market, one rotor is not enough. Two rotors are needed to generate more power. We have tested with the single rotor. The next phase will be moving to two. The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics.”

What’s less clear is which vehicle will house this new powertrain. While the description vaguely mirrors the single-rotor setup of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a more likely candidate is the dual-rotor hybrid drivetrain of the Iconic SP. With 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS) and an emphasis on efficiency, it seems better aligned with Moro’s aspirations for a vehicle that marries performance with sustainability.

Could the Rotary Engine Do More Than Charge?

While the CEO clearly referred to the twin-rotor rotary engine as a power generator, a patent drawing filed in June 2024 hints that Mazda may be exploring alternative applications for the technology.

The patent, reported by Japanese media Best Car, outlines a two-seater sports coupe featuring a rotary engine mounted behind the front axle, which delivers power to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox. The system also includes hub motors in the front wheels, drawing energy from a battery pack located behind the seats. Unlike the range-extender configuration, the electric motors can be switched off, allowing the rotary engine to act as the sole power source.

More: How Mazda’s SUV Lineup Became The World’s Most Confusing Family Photo

This setup would mark a significant departure from the range-extender approach, offering a more traditional sports-car feel, something rotary purists would no doubt celebrate. However, such a design would face the same emissions hurdles Moro mentioned, unless Mazda doubles down on carbon-neutral fuels to make it viable for production.

Mazda’s Multi-Path Approach: Rotary, ICE, and Beyond

Mazda’s rotary developments aren’t happening in isolation. In May 2024, the automaker reaffirmed its dedication to internal combustion engines (ICEs) during the Multi-Pathway Workshop, collaborating with Toyota and Subaru on next-gen powertrains. Prototypes on display included both a twin-rotor range-extender system and a compact single-rotor engine, underscoring the brand’s determination to keep ICE technology relevant in an increasingly electrified world.

November is crunch time for automakers, with year-end targets looming and holiday deals in full swing. For Hyundai, it was a strong finish as the Korean carmaker posted its best-ever November sales performance in the U.S. with a total of 76,008 vehicles delivered. That marks an 8% increase compared to the same month last year, fueled in part by the rising popularity of its electrified models.

Among the standout performers is the Ioniq 5, which racked up 4,989 sales in November—more than double its numbers from the same time last year. This marks the EV’s best month in the U.S. since its launch, even with the recent announcement of the updated 2025MY landing in dealerships soon. Strong incentives, including attractive lease offers, undoubtedly played a key role in its success.

More: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

By comparison, the Ioniq 6 sedan delivered just 1,121 units. While that’s a far cry from the Ioniq 5’s numbers, it’s still a significant improvement over September’s 599 units. Clearly, Hyundai’s electric sedans still have some catching up to do, but the growing consumer appetite for its SUVs is hard to ignore.

Other hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also had strong performances, including the Santa Fe HEV, Tucson HEV, and Tucson PHEV, which all posted their best-ever November sales. Hyundai’s strategy to offer electrified options across its most popular models is paying off.

A Sonata Surprise

Not all the buzz is reserved for the EVs. The biggest surprise came from an unlikely source: the Hyundai Sonata. Long considered a shrinking segment, sedans don’t typically deliver massive sales gains, but the Sonata bucked that trend with a 200% increase year-over-year. A total of 6,971 units sold last month contributed to a 46% boost in year-to-date sales.

Meanwhile, the Palisade maintained its momentum, recording a solid 33% year-to-date sales increase compared to 2023. In contrast, the Santa Fe SUV and Santa Cruz pickup truck struggled to keep pace, with year-to-date sales down by 12% and 11%, respectively.

Looking at the bigger picture, Hyundai’s top three best-sellers in the U.S. market for 2024 remain the Tucson (185,954 units), Elantra (125,113 units), and Santa Fe (105,701 units).

More: New EV Sales Up 7%, Used EVs 64% Up Over Last Year

Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker credits this record-breaking November to the growing success of its electrified models, which have seen a 77% increase in EV sales year-to-date and 104% jump in hybrid sales. Parker’s optimism extends into 2025, as he highlighted the debut of the U.S.-built Ioniq 9, a three-row EV SUV with a massive 110.3-kWh battery that’s scheduled to hit the market next year. “We can’t wait to bring it to market,” Parker noted.

Below is a detailed breakdown of Hyundai’s U.S. sales for November 2024 compared to the same period last year.

HYUNDAI US SALES

Dedicated investment assures Genesis stays distinct in tech transition Genesis SUVs will go hybrid first Plug-in range-extended EV models arrive in 2027 Hyundai has in recent months upped its hybrid targets for the next several years, and its Genesis luxury brand is going to be a significant part of it. The company confirmed in August that Genesis...

BYD was the sixth-largest automaker in the third quarter of this year, selling more new vehicles than Ford for the first time in its history. It may even end the year having sold over 4 million vehicles and could overtake Ford for the entire 2024.

During the July-September period, BYD sold 1.13 million vehicles, representing a 38% increase from the same period last year and making it the most successful quarter ever for the brand. Ford sold approximately 40,000 fewer vehicles over the same period, slipping from the sixth-largest car manufacturer to seventh. Ford was holding on to a narrow lead for the January-September period, having delivered 3.3 million vehicles globally, slightly ahead of the 3.25 billion shipped by BYD.

Read: Leaked BYD Email Pressures Suppliers To Slash Costs For 2025 EV Price Wars

BYD is not the only Chinese company giving traditional legacy automakers something to worry about. Sales at Geely jumped 14% through the third quarter after it delivered 820,000 vehicles. That placed it ahead of Nissan and behind Honda in ninth position. China’s third-largest car manufacturer, Chery, also rose to 12^th in the ranking, reporting a 27% rise in sales to 550,000 units.

As Nikkei Asia reports, sales of many brands from Japan, Europe, and the US fell last quarter. For example, Toyota’s sales dropped 4% to 2.73 million, although it still holds a commanding lead over the VW Group which reported a 7% decline in sales to 2.17 million vehicles. Hyundai Motor Group retained its position in third, but its sales also fell, down 3% to 1.77 million units. Things were even worse at Stellantis as its sales plummeted by 20% to 1.14 million.

A surge in sales for brands like BYD is boosting their financials, too. During the third quarter, the carmaker posted revenues of 201 billion yuan, the equivalent of $27.6 billion, higher than Tesla at $25.2 billion.

The second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross was spotted testing ahead of its market launch in 2025. The compact SUV, which was shown in concept form at the Paris Auto Show in October 2024, will ride on the STLA Medium architecture, offering a choice between petrol, mild-hybrid, and EV powertrains.

The camouflaged prototype spotted by our spy photographers looks similar to the concept, with only a few toned-down features. The most obvious differences are the conventional door handles, the larger mirror caps, and the greenhouse with the thicker pillars that appear to be shared with the Opel Grandland.

More: Citroen Oli Concept Could Inspire Next-Gen C4

The production version of the 4,65m (183.1 inches) long SUV retains the slim LED headlights of the concept, although the taillights appear to protrude less from the bodywork. The front end and the boxy wheel arches look similar to the smaller C3 Aircross, but the surfacing is more sophisticated. Finally, the wheels are slightly smaller in diameter but still boast a futuristic design.

A closer look at the spy shots shows a hint of a digital cockpit, that appears to be integrated within the dashboard. Staying true to its heritage, Citroen has promised a spacious and comfortable lounge-like five-seater cabin, describing the SUV as “genuine cocoon on wheels”.

The Citroen C5 Aircross will be the fifth Stellantis model to ride on the STLA Medium platform, following the Peugeot 3008/5008, the Opel Grandland, and the upcoming DS N°8.

Citroen has confirmed that the SUV will be available in ICE, hybrid, and EV forms. Judging from the closely related Stellantis SUVs, the C5 Aircross will be fitted with the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine in non-electrified and mild-hybrid forms.

The fully electric versions are expected to be powered by single-motor (FWD) or dual-motor (AWD) setups, offering a choice between 73 kWh and 98 kWh battery packs for a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles) between charges. The architecture is also compatible with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, although it is not clear if Citroen will apply it to the C5 Aircross.

Citroen has not set a debut date for the new C5 Aircross, other than confirming it will be unveiled in 2025.

Baldauf

Kia says Tasman pickup revealed in Oct. isn't for U.S. market Brand hasn't decided on a U.S.-bound Kia electric pickup Push toward more hybrids and PHEVs may show the direction in a truck Kia is still considering a pickup for the U.S., but whether that amounts to a gasoline-fueled truck or an EV remains to be determined, according to two top U.S...

These days almost every major automaker has a tie-up with a partner firm in China, but it was Volkswagen that blazed the trail, joining forces with domestic company SAIC four decades ago. And this week, on the 40th anniversary of that original deal, the pair have signed up to extend their joint venture to 2040.

Controversial Xinjiang Plant Sale

At the same time, VW announced the sale of its Urumqi car plant in Xinjiang province, a region that has been under intense scrutiny due to alleged human rights violations. Owned by the VW-SAIC joint venture, the duo finally agreed to sell their controversial Xinjiang plant to Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification (SMVIC), Reuters says.

The manufacturing plant gained notoriety because the region has been the location of human rights abuses of the Uyghur people, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group in Xinjiang, though VW’s own audit claimed to have found no evidence of forced labor at the plant. It’s worth noting that the factory, which opened in 2013, has lost its relevance in recent years, now employing just 200 people for final checks and deliveries. Once capable of producing 50,000 cars annually, it hasn’t turned out a single vehicle since 2019.

Extended Agreement and Future Plans

The current agreement between VW and SAIC doesn’t expire until 2030,but the automakers opted to extend it now due to the “multi-year planning cycles of new products,” and boy do they have a ton of those new products in the pipes.

Related: VW Goes All-In On China With ID.UX Sub-Brand And 30 New Cars By 2030

SAIC Volkswagen is on target to introduce 18 new models, 15 of them specifically for the Chinese market. Six of the 18 are EVs, with two of those due to arrive in 2026 using the newly locally developed “Compact Main Platform” (CMP) and zonal electric architecture.

Chinese customers have switched on to EVs at a much faster rate than their counterparts in Europe and North America, but that doesn’t mean SAIC Volkswagen is going to ignore combustion tech. Arriving in 2026, the same year as the two EVs, are three plug-in hybrid models and two range-extender EVs.

“China is a driver of innovation for autonomous driving and electric mobility,” said Ralf Brandstätter, VW’s top man in the country. “With the new agreement, we are intensifying our integration into the Chinese ecosystem and consistently leveraging local innovation strength. This also creates a strategic competitive advantage for the Volkswagen Group worldwide.”

Sales Struggles in China

VW, like many western Automakers, has been struggling recently with falling sales in China. Having previously lapped up offerings from brands like VW, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes, Chinese buyers are increasingly choosing cars from rapidly improving domestic brands selling cars at prices European companies struggle to match. Before the pandemic German brands accounted for 25 percent of cars sold in China, but now they make up only 15 percent, Bloomberg reported last month.