+++ Shipments of Chinese-made electric vehicles into Europe reached near record highs in September, just as the European Union prepares to slap imported EVs from CHINA with hefty new tariffs. Local customs data reveals that Chinese car manufacturers shipped 60.517 EVs to the European trade bloc last month, which consists of 27 countries across the continent. This represented a 61% increase from the year prior and was the second-highest level on record, only behind October 2023. The rush to export EVs to Europe comes just weeks before hefty new tariffs are expected to be enacted by the end of this month. On October 4, members of the European Union voted in favour of enforcing the new tariffs, despite 5 member countries voting against the tariff hikes. Tariffs would have been overturned if a qualified majority (15 EU members representing 65% of the bloc’s population) had voted against them. However, that did not happen. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, voted against the tariff hikes and fears potential trade retaliation from China, which could hurt their businesses. Officials from China and the EU continue to negotiate to see if a compromise can be reached. If a solution cannot be found in the coming days, the tariffs are tipped to go into effect at the end of the month. Beijing is already fighting back against the tariff hikes. Officials from China have claimed the tariffs violate World Trade Organization rules and have lifted tariffs on brandy imported from the EU from 30.6% to 39%. The country may also hit pork and dairy imports from Europe with new tariffs and is contemplating raising tariffs on imported vehicles with large-displacement engines. +++
+++ CUPRA ’s next EV offering, the supermini-sized Raval, is now in the final stages of testing. And judging by the latest pictures of the camouflaged models, it will stick closely to the design of the Raval Concept, while making use of the latest Volkswagen Group technology in the shape of the MEB-Entry platform. The Raval shares that platform with the incoming Volkswagen ID.2, but will beat its sister car to market, with an expected launch date of the second quarter of 2025. And as this latest spy picture shows, the Raval will look much more aggressive. The Raval Concept’s pugnacious styling has remained largely intact, marked out by a short wheelbase, large wheels and Cupra’s triangular lighting signatures in both the headlights and rear light bar. Look a little closer and you’ll see other styling elements from the concept set to make production, including the flush-fitting door handles. However, the duct tape over the charging port will, of course, be replaced with something a little more sturdy when the production model is revealed. With less camouflage to the rear we can see the rear diffuser-style bumper in better light, plus some faux side vents that help to give the Raval a more purposeful stance. Above, there’s what looks to be a full-width light bar, possibly including an illuminated Cupra badge in the middle, just as we saw on the concept. Cupra designer Rafael Gordo told: “We’re really really happy with the Raval design; we were given lots of great elements to work with and think it’s a really pure distillation of Cupra’s design language”. As for the cabin, Gordo told: “Inside, we’ve stopped using elements like textured plastics and complicated layering of materials for a simpler look”. However, Cupra will maintain the use of copper-coloured trim elements, ambient lighting and sporty, dark-coloured upholstery and trim. As with other models on this platform, the Raval will need to factor in some technical compromises to reduce costs. These include the use of a simple torsion-beam rear suspension. Volkswagen’s ID.2all concept utilises the MEB-Entry platform with the potential for 38 kWh and 56 kWh batteries. This would seem a likely match for the Raval, along with a front-mounted single motor with up to 225 hp. I expect the new Raval to be revealed in full in 2025; the first of an array of models from the Volkswagen Group brands to use this platform. +++
+++ For years, automakers from GERMANY relied on success in China to turn big profits and fuel growth. But the gravy train is running out of puff and storied Western brands are scrambling to keep buyers interested while wrestling with shrinking market share and grim sales forecasts. Sales figures for the last quarter painted a grim picture. BMW’s China sales dropped 30 percent, Porsche fell 19 percent, Volkswagen was down 15 percent and Mercedes deliveries slid 13 percent. It’s not that Chinese drivers don’t want to buy cars. They just don’t want to buy German cars, preferring to spend their money on newer, tech-heavy alternatives and more affordable alternatives from China’s own rapidly improving automakers. Although German cars still account for 15 percent of sales in China, their share is falling, and fast. Before the pandemic, they had 25 percent of the pie. And when it comes to EVs, a sector that’s far bigger in China than in the US or Europe, VW, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes are even further behind. Though all 4 brands offer electric cars, their models account for only 10 percent of the market. Why the shift? Chinese buyers who’ve switched away from German brands say domestic cars are better built and have more features. They’re also less expensive to buy, yet offer performance similar to, or in some cases far superior to, European models. That’s a blow no glossy marketing campaign or slick PR can easily mend. Competing with the likes of BYD, Xpeng and Nio looks like an impossible task, but German brands have no alternative. The European and American markets offer no further growth potential and some of the automakers have invested far too much in terms of production facilities (built on state-owned land) to be able to pull out even if they wanted to. So, what’s the plan? The Germans are doubling down. They’re forging relationships with Chinese companies that can help make their EVs better, and developing new China-only products that cost less to make and buy. +++
+++ JAGUAR has put the E-Type back into (very limited) production to mark 50 years since the seminal GT’s retirement. The firm’s in-house historic vehicles division, Jaguar Classic, has used original blueprints to build 2 new E-Types from the ground up for a client in Southeast Asia, revealing them a half-century after the final example of the original car rolled off the line in Coventry. Designed to original Series I E-Type specification but inspired by the run-out Series III Commemorative Edition, they are the only ‘new’ E-Types ever to leave the Jaguar Classic workshop, said the firm. Both are drophead coupés, one finished in Signet Green and the other in Opal Black; both variations of colour schemes that were on the options list in 1974. They draw their power from the 3.8-litre straight-6 that powered the E-Type from 1961-1964, though now equipped with electronic fuel injection in place of the original’s triple SU carbs and a 5-speed, rather than 4-speed, manual gearbox. Jaguar has not given a power figure, but no doubt it’s up on the Series I’s 265 hp. There are other subtle modernisation measures inside, where creature comforts including a Bluetooth radio and heated windscreen have been ‘discreetly’ integrated in a bid to enhance usability. In keeping with their highly exclusive positioning, the Commemorative E-Types are also fitted with hand-woven Bridge of Weir tan leather seats, an aluminium centre console engraved with an original E-Type design blueprint and knurled silver toggle switches on the dashboard. Meanwhile, renowned Birmingham jewellery firm Deakin & Francis has refinished the ‘growler’ badges in 18-carat gold and mother-of-pearl. It has yet to be revealed how much the 2 ‘new’ E-Types will cost their owner, but it will be significantly more than Jaguar Classic’s ‘Reborn’ E-Type from 2021; a restoration rather than a ‘new’ car. Each took more than 2.000 hours to build, said the firm. The Commemorative E-Types arrive not long after Jaguar ended production of the GT’s spiritual successor, the F-Type. The XE and XF have been retired, too, as has the E-Pace, and the final units of the F-Pace will roll down the line in Solihull over the coming weeks. Jaguar will reveal a concept for its first new-era electric car (a sleek, luxurious GT) in December but will have no new cars on sale for around a year after that, instead focusing on aftersales and brand-positioning activities as it ramps up for an all-out electric reinvention in 2026. +++
+++ Owners of a 2020-2022 LAND ROVER DEFENDER are taking Jaguar Land Rover to court, accusing the automaker of selling vehicles with windshields that seemingly shatter out of nowhere, or give way after the most insignificant of impacts. After all, nothing screams “rugged off-roader” like a windshield that can’t handle a pebble. The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey notes that several owner complaints have been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about faulty windshields. 1 of the 3 plaintiffs, Stephen Seiber, says he took delivery of a Defender in September 2020 and in March 2022, the windshield was cracked after being struck by a small pebble. The damage spread quickly, and when Seiber contacted Land Rover Boise to get it replaced, they told him that replacement windshields weren’t available at the time. It took the dealer more than a month to change the windshield, the lawsuit claims. However, Seiber’s bad luck didn’t stop there. In July 2023, the new windshield cracked, requiring yet another replacement that cost Seiber over $2,100. In March this year, this third windshield cracked and needed to be replaced at a cost of $2,471. Another plaintiff, Chris Robinson, seems to have had even worse luck. Over the past 4 years, his Defender has gone through 5 windshields. Yes, 5. In 4 years. For a vehicle that’s marketed to climb mountains and ford rivers, it’s barely surviving the driveway. The lawsuit claims the windshield used by Jaguar Land Rover is either made from deficient materials or there is a deficiency in the structure of the Defender itself. It also states that the car manufacturer is aware of a defect but has refused to repair or replace them under warranty. “The windshield defect poses an extreme safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians”, the lawsuit states. “A spontaneously shattering or cracking windshield can impair the driver’s view, distract the driver, and result in dislodged glass that can injure drivers, passengers and pedestrians”. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the damages caused by the alleged defect, along with attorneys’ fees, court costs, and a jury trial. +++
+++ It’s the end of an era as MORGAN has announced plans to cease production of the Plus Six early next year. To celebrate the occasion, the company has introduced the new Pinnacle edition, which has “features derived from customer special order requests”. The retro-inspired exterior is largely unchanged, although customers will find satin warm silver accents as well as a Le Mans style flip-up fuel filler cap with a polished finish. The roadster will be available in any exterior colour, including paint-to-sample, at no extra cost. Bigger changes occur inside as the car features Fawn, Explore, or Riviera leather that was created in partnership with Bridge of Weir. Besides the special upholstery, there are fancier seats with unique stitching and Pinnacle embroidery. They’re joined by natural sheepskin carpeting and teak wood trim. A particular highlight is an aluminum Pinnacle logo that has been inlaid into the center console veneer in a nod to Japanese marquetry. A BMW-sourced 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine resides under the hood, where it produces 340 hp and 500 Nm. It’s connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 267 km/h. Morgan will only build 30 Pinnacle editions and they’ll mark the end of 5 years of Plus Six production, which saw nearly 1.000 units built for customers in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. As for what the future holds, Morgan will introduce an all-new flagship in 2025. Little is known about it, but the model will apparently have a modern design as the Plus Six will be the “last high-powered Morgan sports cars with the traditional wing silhouette”. +++
+++ The battle between STELLANTIS and the UAW has officially gone thermonuclear, and this time, the fallout is spreading well beyond American borders. While the UAW cranks up the heat stateside: launching the ShitcanCarlos.com website (I kid you not) and branding CEO Carlos Tavares as “out of control”, things are just as explosive across the Atlantic. In fact, Italian autoworkers have held their first national strike in 20 years, marking a major escalation. Tens of thousands of autoworkers took to the streets of Rome to protest working conditions and secure the future of the Italian auto industry. Stellantis, which owns several Italian brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia and Maserati, is unsurprisingly in the crosshairs. “We are working 1 to 2 days a week when it goes well. So, what we are saying today is that the (ecological) transition cannot be exclusively paid for by the workers”, Riccardo Falcetta, a representative of metalworkers union UIL told. The strike comes shortly after the company paused production of the 500e and announced it would temporarily halt production at their Pomigliano d’Arco, Termoli and Pratola Serra plants next month. This has fuelled anger towards Stellantis has “slashed its Italian production by nearly 70%” over the past 17 years. The report also noted that CEO Carlos Tavares has blamed Europe’s emissions push for driving up costs and putting jobs at risk. Regardless of who’s to blame, unions and autoworkers aren’t happy. In a joint statement, several Italian unions said 20.000 workers have come together to “relaunch the future of the auto industry in Italy and Europe”. They went on to say the “automotive sector crisis risks having devastating effects on production and employment” and say “responses are urgently needed from the European Union, the Italian government, Stellantis and component companies”. Stateside, the UAW released a new video condemning the company’s “broken promises” and reiterating their demand that “Stellantis must get rid of Carlos Tavares”. The timing isn’t a coincidence as the UAW said the video’s release “coincides with a one-day general strike by Italian unions to protest Stellantis’ significant production cuts and the broader impact on metalworkers across Italy”. The union encourages workers to vote ‘yes’ on strike authorization votes due to delays at Belvidere Assembly as well as the possible relocation of Dodge Durango production. +++
+++ Spy photographers recently snapped the first photos of the SUBARU Forester Hybrid, but it’s playing second fiddle to the new Crosstrek Hybrid. Set to be launched in Japan this December, the model features a next-generation hybrid system that promises to greatly improve efficiency. The eco-friendly powertrain features a new developed 2.5-liter boxer engine that develops 160 hp / 209 Nm. It’s joined by a rear-mounted 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and a transaxle that has 2 electric motors. One is a motor-generator, while the other is a traction motor that develops 120 hp / 270 Nm. The traction motor can serve as the “main source of power in a wide range of situations”. It also sounds like it can power the vehicle exclusively in an EV mode for short distances. Since Subaru is known for all-wheel drive, it’s not surprising to see it here. However, the company has stuck with a mechanical setup rather than the rear eAxle favored by Toyota. That’s worth noting as Subaru has previously revealed they’re relying on their partner’s hybrid expertise. The so-called “strong hybrid” promises a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to their current hybrid system and Subaru said this should enable the Crosstrek to have a range in excess of 1.000 km. The Crosstrek Hybrid will be offered in 2 different trims in Japan. The entry-level model features e-Boxer badging and 18-inch aluminium wheels. Buyers will also find a two-tone interior with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black trim, and a 4.2 inch multi-information display. The range-topping EX variant goes a step further with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, GPS navigation, and an EyeSight system that has Active Lane Change Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Subaru is currently accepting reservations in Japan and those who act fast will receive a Crosstrek-branded portable refrigerator/freezer. +++
+++ Elon Musk has just confirmed that a drivable $25,000 TESLA isn’t on the horizon, a revelation bound to frustrate many who had pinned their hopes on an affordable Tesla in the near future. Now, the fate of an affordable model hinges on whether the company can actually overcome the enormous hurdles to achieving Level 5 autonomy. To Musk’s credit, he vaguely hinted at this several years ago, though it’s still a bitter pill for potential buyers. Musk and Tesla have been teasing the idea of the $25.000 (dubbed by the press the Model 2) production car since at least 2018. So far, though, nothing has really come close to that mark. Yesterday, in an earnings call today, Musk was directly asked: “When can we expect Tesla to give us the $25.000 regular non-Robotaxi car model?” To this, Musk fumbled his words before ultimately saying, “I think we’ve been very clear that the future is autonomous”. He then rambled for over a minute about how autonomy is the future, how Tesla has been saying that for years, and how the Cybercab is a revolutionary production vehicle. Only after this did he finally address the actual question stating, “Basically, having a regular $25.000 model is pointless. It would be silly. It would be completely at odds with what we believe”. Notably, Musk had already hinted at this stance back in 2020, during Battery Day, when he claimed: “About 3 years from now, we’re confident we can make a very compelling $25.000 electric vehicle that’s also fully autonomous”. What he conveniently didn’t mention at the time (perhaps because even he didn’t know yet) was that this supposed budget EV would likely ship without a steering wheel or pedals. Musk’s current logic seems to be, in part, that by making it drivable, it won’t be as good as a “dedicated autonomous car”. While that might hold some merit, it also means any such vehicle will be delayed until Tesla can crack Level 5 autonomy; something many experts believe is still a decade or more away. And even if Tesla manages to perfect the technology, they still face a regulatory mountain to climb, as approval for fully autonomous vehicles isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. Of course, he said something almost identical in 2018 to YouTuber Marques Brownlee. “I think in order for us to get up to a $25.000 car, that’s something we can do, but if we work really hard I think maybe we can do that in about 3 years”, he said. The pandemic undeniably slowed things down for everyone, but here we are 6 years later with no concrete date in sight for a $25.000 Tesla. Honestly, at this point, why even build the Roadster if “autonomy is the future”? Nobody wants a supercar that doesn’t have a wheel and pedals. +++