Nick Gibbs Nick Gibbs covers the UK market for Automotive News Europe. [email protected] See All Staff Page Recent Stories ID Aero speaks to the car crowd Volkswagen's full-electric ID Aero sales launch is planned for 2023, with debuts first in China and Europe. VW ID Aero flagship electric sedan targets China, U.S. and Europe The car will launch in 2023 as VW's "flagship" electric model, with a particular focus on China, where midsize sedans remain a vital segment. It will be built in China and Germany. Red Bull to build track-only, 1,100-hp RB17 hypercar Red Bull Racing says it will build 50 examples of the RB17 hypercar, with an output of more than 1,100 hp from a hybrid V8 engine. Bentley readies 'revolutionary' car manufacturing Using automated guided vehicles instead of a standard conveyor belt means the VW Group brand can vary the time given to build each car. Former BMW CFO plans EV van plant in U.S. Newly formed company B-On aims to use re-badged StreetScooter vans and three-wheel vehicle to become a global provider of last-mile delivery solutions. Ukraine war redrawing Europe's auto supply chain map In Europe, the industry is wondering if just in time is an idea of the past — while at the same time calculating how to bring suppliers closer. Ford to end car production at German plant, will seek 'alternative opportunities' for operations The automaker has no plans to replace Focus output at its factory in Saarlouis, Germany, in 2025. Instead, the company will seek "alternative opportunities" for the facility, Ford of Europe Chairman Stuart Rowley said.  What Xpeng has learned from 'big brother' Tesla's mistakes One key difference is that Xpeng decided not to install its own network of chargers in Europe. Xpeng also won’t handle all aspects of sales and service itself, a big change from Tesla’s vertically integrated model. BMW is launching an electric X1 crossover The iX1 will be BMW'S first full-electric car in the premium compact segment. Mercedes readies EV-focused MMA platform for 'entry luxury' models Mercedes cars built on the new platform will have a higher profit margin than current smaller models. The first cars on the architecture will be full electric, but it can also support internal-combustion powertrains. Bentley promises 'effortless overtaking' with first EV Rather than pure acceleration, Bentley believes its first EV will appeal to buyers because of its "effortless overtaking performance" from a huge amount of torque on demand. BMW expects new EVs to match internal combustion-engine cars on profit BMW is also targeting cost savings of 30 percent with the Neue Klasse platform’s new cylindrical cell format, which is similar in design to that used by Tesla. BMW will use Neue Klasse platform for midsize premium EV CEO Oliver Zipse said the target market -- the midsize premium segment -- will have developed by the platform's 2025 launch date to a size where it is reasonable to only offer one drivetrain: battery electric. Aston Martin's new CEO, Amedeo Felisa, is staying for foreseeable future Former Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa, 76, is 'energetic and is up for the task,' said Aston Chairman Lawrence Stroll. Hyundai is ending projects with Rimac Hyundai and sister brand Kia jointly invested 80 million euros ($84 million) in the electric startup in 2019 to take a 12 percent stake in the company. It is unclear whether the Korean company will sell its stake. Load More
Nick Gibbs Nick Gibbs covers the UK market for Automotive News Europe. [email protected] See All Staff Page