Automotive
Volkswagen's recent multi-billion pound investment and joint venture with electric vehicle start-up Rivian represents a pivotal moment for the automotive industry, signalling a strategic admission by the German giant of its need for external software expertise to overcome significant internal development challenges. The deal aims to address Volkswagen's past struggles with electric vehicle software, while providing much-needed capital to Rivian, an EV maker facing substantial financial pressures despite popular products.
By Jeremy Jones
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20 August 2026
Automotive
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has confirmed the electric vehicle start-up will expand into Europe, including the UK, with the new mid-size Rivian R2 SUV set to be the first model launched to take on the Tesla Model Y.
By Jeremy Jones
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18 August 2026
Automotive
The Fiat Panda, conceived by designer Giorgetto Giugiaro in August 1976, has sold almost eight million units and remains Europe's biggest-selling city car, as its creator marks his 88th birthday.
By Jeremy Jones
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18 August 2026
Automotive
The UK government has initiated a review of its electric vehicle (EV) sales targets, potentially lowering the 2030 mandate from 80% to 50% following extensive lobbying from car manufacturers. A public consultation will assess proposed changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which critics argue could undermine climate goals.
By Jeremy Jones
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15 August 2026
Automotive
The JCB Hydromax has achieved a new world land speed record for hydrogen-powered vehicles, registering an average speed of 406.320 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The vehicle, which uses twin hydrogen internal combustion engines, produced virtually no carbon emissions during its record-breaking runs.
By Jeremy Jones
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14 August 2026
Automotive
Kia has announced the official US pricing for its EV3 electric crossover, starting at $31,385, making it the manufacturer's most affordable EV in the American market. The vehicle, which has been available in other markets for nearly two years, faced delays in its US introduction due to tariffs before a shift in production plans made its launch more viable.
By Jeremy Jones
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14 August 2026
Automotive
Some Tesla drivers with older Hardware 3 computers say their Autopilot systems have overheated or failed since the rollout of Tesla's new FSD V14 Lite update, with some reporting the need for replacement hardware.
By Jeremy Jones
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10 August 2026
Automotive
A new government and Ofgem plan aims to make smart charging the default option for electric vehicle owners by 2025, with high-mileage drivers potentially saving up to £1,000 annually on energy costs.
By Jeremy Jones
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8 August 2026
Automotive
BMW’s oldest manufacturing site will stop building combustion cars from next year as the Munich plant shifts fully to electric vehicle production centred on the Neue Klasse-based i3.
By Jeremy Jones
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8 August 2026
Automotive
A high-speed test in Germany found an Audi Q6 E-Tron could cover about 104 miles on a full battery when driven close to 124mph, compared with around 250 miles at US highway test speeds.
By Jeremy Jones
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8 August 2026
Automotive
Independent testing by Out of Spec Studios showed the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric recording a 2.279-second 0-60mph time and unusually short braking distances for a 6,150lb SUV.
By Jeremy Jones
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7 August 2026
Automotive
The US-market Volkswagen Jetta Sport starts at $25,305 and offers modest running costs, though drivers should expect compromises in equipment and drivability.
By Jeremy Jones
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4 August 2026
Automotive
A recent case highlights the limitations of connected car features for tracking stolen vehicles. Industry experts advise drivers to seek dedicated tracking devices for security purposes.
By Jeremy Jones
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2 July 2026
Automotive
Hyundai’s three-row Santa Fe SUV is set to receive a facelift featuring a redesigned front end, revised lighting, and potential interior technology enhancements. The updates could help maintain the model’s strong sales position in the US market.
By Jeremy Jones
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30 June 2026
Automotive
More than 235,000 Kia and Hyundai vehicles are being recalled due to potential fuel pipe faults that could cause leaks and increase fire risk. Drivers must have dealerships check and remedy the issue before vehicles can be sold.
By Jeremy Jones
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17 May 2026
Automotive
New data from the Department for Transport and DVLA reveals the top UK local authorities where electric vehicles (EVs) represent the highest proportion of licensed vehicles, highlighting regional differences in the pace of EV uptake and implications for transport policy and infrastructure.
By Jeremy Jones
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16 May 2026
