Nick Gibbs Reporter covering the UK market for Automotive News Europe [email protected] +44 7703 229 557 See All Staff Page Recent Stories VW gives new Tiguan sleeker design, upgraded tech VW's new Tiguan has a sleeker design and improved cockpit features that run on the automaker's MIB4 digital architecture. Magna skeptical about Tesla-driven move to megacasting Magna International is a world leader in metal body parts, but it has been very cautious when it comes to moving into so-called megacasting, which combines multiple underbody parts in one. "It's not as easy as it seems," Magna's new head of Europe, Uwe Geissinger, told Automotive News Europe. How BMW -- with an EV focus -- saved Mini production in the U.K. Building cars on two separate platforms on the same production line required heavy investment from BMW and the UK government. 5 stars of the Munich auto show New models and concepts from Mercedes, BMW and VW were the top debuts at the show, while Chinese brands BYD and Avatr also made a splash. Lotus reveals ultra-quick Emeya electric sedan The large sedan is the second full-electric Lotus after the Eletre SUV to be launched as part of the automaker's so-called Lifestyle range. Avatr, premium EV startup backed by Chinese tech giants, plans Europe launch The automaker revealed the 12, a large fastback sedan, during the IAA Mobility show in Munich. Avatr is a JV of the automaker Changan, the battery maker CATL and the cellphone company Huawei. SUVs achieve major sales milestone Sales of SUVs grew 23 percent in the first half to 3.37 million, giving them a market share of 51 percent, up from 48 percent the same period last year. Xpeng will expand into Germany, France U.K. The automaker will sell its G6, G9 and P7 models in Germany and France, and will develop a right-hand-drive version of the G6 for the U.K. VW will power into EV era with GTI small electric hatchback VW described the ID GTI concept as a "sports car for the electric age” and said it will have enhancements such as a front-axle differential lock that better helps the wheels put down power to the road. BMW Neue Klasse EV gets futuristic design, 'skips a model generation' The new EV concept is based on the Neue Klasse platform that the automaker says is the “biggest investment in the company’s history.” Mini launches China-built electric hatchback and new Countryman EV The China-built Minis feature a new design language know as Charismatic Simplicity, which the brand says presents a purer look with less distraction. VW Passat grows in size, drops dials for screen-based controls The Passat gets infotainment upgrades but the sedan version will be dropped to focus on the station wagon. BYD's Denza brand to launch sales in Europe BYD's Denza premium brand, which has Mercedes as a stakeholder, will give the D9 electric minivan a European debut at the IAA Mobility show. JLR to reposition Discovery lineup amid sales slump Demand for the Discovery and Discovery Sport SUVs has dropped steeply while the Defender has become the automaker’s bestseller after its relaunch in 2020. ABB 'very close' to first orders for high-tech paint robot Robotics specialist ABB says orders for its inkjet PixelPaint robot are imminent. ABB in 2020 first revealed the painting system, which it says cuts energy cost, speeds up paint application and allows easy personalization. Load More
Nick Gibbs Reporter covering the UK market for Automotive News Europe [email protected] +44 7703 229 557 See All Staff Page