After the global financial crisis Italian supplier Brembo focused on its core brakes business. It sees its small size compared with giants such as Bosch and Continental as an advantage but is now looking to grow, Executive Deputy Chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said in an interview.

Kia Europe Chief Operating Officer Emilio Herrera says the transition to EVs creates a two- to three-year “window of opportunity” for the automaker. Herrera discussed Kia’s strategy of accelerated electrification with Automotive News Europe.

Hyundai's market share in Europe climbed above 4 percent in September for the first time despite rivals offering big discounts before the new WLTP testing regime came into effect. Hyundai expects to reach its sales target this year but will not push for volume if the region's incentives war continues, Hyundai Europe Chief Operating Officer Thomas Schmid said.

Registrations in Italy declined 6 percent in November, according to figures published by the nation's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

Dealers blamed the "negative" climate sorrounding cars for a 13 percent fall in Spanish registrations in November as consumers worriy about the threat of diesel bans and even a complete ban on internal combustion engine vehicles in the future.

Fiat Chrysler will partially lay off more than half the workforce at its under-used Mirafiori plant in Turin, as it retools the factory to build EVs.