Peter Sigal Peter Sigal covers the French market for Automotive News Europe. See All Staff Page Recent Stories Q&A: Magna CEO explains why the megasupplier expects a big boost from industry's EV shift CEO Swamy Kotagiri says the supplier's content per vehicle is poised to rise sharply in EVs for products such as all-wheel-drive systems, while Magna's new battery enclosures business is forecast to reach sales of more than $1.5 billion by 2027. Mercedes names McKinsey exec Paul Gao chief strategy officer Gao, who was most recently a senior partner at McKinsey in Hong Kong, will have a special focus on China, which is Mercedes-Benz's largest single market. How Geely built an auto empire in Europe Geely Chairman Eric Li has acquired established European brands in a strategy of becoming a diverse mobility business. Stellantis tapping Valeo lidar for Level 3 self-driving cars Stellantis' first generation of 'hands-free, eyes-off' self-driving cars will use Valeo's Scala lidar systems. Industry groups are uneasy after EU lawmakers back 2035 zero-emissions target The regulation to cut CO2 emissions from new cars 100 percent will cost thousands of jobs and increase prices for consumers, lobbying groups said.  How Geely quietly built a far-reaching European footprint Starting with the acquisition of Volvo in 2010, the Chinese conglomerate now has ties to more than a dozen automotive and related companies in Europe. Mercedes-AMG One brings F1 tech to the road for a price: $2.7 million The Mercedes-AMG One hypercar uses a Formula 1-inspired hybrid drivetrain. Mercedes has reportedly sold all 275 units planned for production at a price of $2.7 million. Stellantis to build large vans for Toyota in Italy, Poland The collaboration will give Toyota a large van to sell in Europe for the first time. Stellantis currently builds compact and midsize vans for Toyota, in both commercial and passenger versions. Mercedes unfurls factory-direct sales plans As Mercedes shifts to more of a digital retail model in Europe and other markets, it is realizing it does not need the number of dealerships it currently has. Global surge in EV sales adds to pressure on supply chains, energy agency says Prices surged for key raw materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt in the past 18 months. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and a lack of investment all had an effect, the International Energy Agency said. Mercedes to cut European dealerships, move to direct sales in global distribution overhaul Mercedes is also planning for 25 percent online sales by 2025. The automaker says the moves will cut distribution costs and allow it to rein in incentives as it seeks to move even farther upmarket with higher average selling prices. Mercedes' Vision AMG is a look at performance brand's EV future The electric supercar is based on the new AMG.EA architecture, and will use high-performance axial-flux electric motors developed by Mercedes subsidiary Yasa. VW ID Buzz electric van to start at $57,220 in Germany Passenger versions of the retro-styled van, which evokes the original air-cooled, rear-engine Microbus, will start at $67,891. Orders open May 20, with the first deliveries this autumn. EVs are key to GM's reentering Europe, CEO Mary Barra says GM says it is planning a "nontraditional mobility startup" operation in the region. Leoni says Ukraine output of wire harnesses nearly at prewar levels The German supplier was forced to halt production of the critical components at two factories in western Ukraine after Russia invaded the country. Load More