The #5, Smart's biggest car to date, will compete with EVs including the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 E-tron, with 800-volt technology, dual OLED screens for driver and passenger, and a powerful Brabus variant.
The bZ4X Touring, which will launch next year, has one-third more cargo space than the standard bZ4X. It is a sister vehicle to the Subaru Trailseeker and will be sold in the U.S. as the bZ Woodland.
CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser, who started in the role last summer, says that Bentley's plan to annually debut a plug-in or full-electric car "leaves room for flexibility.'
Chinese automakers BYD, Chery and SAIC were sales winners in Europe in April, at the expense of European, Japanese and South Korean companies.
A panel discussion, "A Bumpy Road to Electrification," will feature speakers from automakers, battery companies, trade groups and data providers at the Automotive News Europe Congress on June 11-12 in Turin.
The Clio ended the Dacia Sandero's three-month streak as Europe's bestselling car. The VW Tiguan was No. 3, while the Toyota Yaris Cross got a big sales boost.
MG, one of Europe's fastest-growing brands, aims to align its marketing across the region.
Chery will have more brands – Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Exlantix, Lepas, Jetour and iCaur – on sale in Europe than Renault Group and BMW Group combined by next year.
The Skoda Elroq was the bestselling EV for the month, followed by the Volkswagen ID3, ID7 and ID4. The Tesla Model Y fell to 10th place.
Tesla is sticking to its plan to double output at its plant in Germany and further expand its logistics and battery-making capabilities, a company executive said.
Executives from robotics, software and autonomous driving companies will discuss the role of AI in a panel discussion at the Automotive News Europe Congress in Turin in June.
Nissan's only European factory is not part of CEO Ivan Espinosa's plan to close seven plants globally. New electrified models will be added at the plant in Sunderland, England, he said.
Jaguar Land Rover aims to turn around its Chinese business with the new Freelander brand that will use Chery technology.
