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Opinion: Europe's Electric Transition Proceeds Despite Industry's Reluctance to Lead It
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association ( ACEA)'s registration data released 25 November reveals an automotive market transformation that industry executives publicly claim cannot happen whilst simultaneously presiding over its steady progression. October year-to-date figures show battery-electric vehicles capturing 16.4% of European market share, up from 13.2% the previous year, a 25.7% volume increase delivering 1.47 million electric registrations through October. Ye
Dec 2, 20254 min read


Zipcar to Close UK Operations Amid Financial Pressures and Policy Shifts
Zipcar, the world’s largest car-sharing operator, will shut down its UK business at the end of the year, ending access to its shared fleet across London. The company, owned by US rental group Avis Budget, said it will stop accepting new bookings after 31 December as it begins a formal consultation on proposed redundancies. Zipcar UK employed 71 staff last year, according to its most recent filings. The withdrawal represents a significant setback for advocates of car-sharing a
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Germany calls on the EU to promote the use of green steel in the automotive industry
Eleven prime ministers of Germany’s federal states have appealed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen support for the use of low-carbon steel in the EU automotive industry. This is stated in a press release from the German steel association WV Stahl. The initiative was launched by the states of Saarland and Lower Saxony, where a significant part of the country’s steel production and car manufacturing is concentrated. They insist on establishing
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Surpass Fossil Fuel Cars in European Market Marking Historic Powertrain Shift
European Union new car registrations witnessed historic powertrain transition during October 2025, with combined battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and standard hybrid models capturing approximately 63.9% market share compared with 55.4% during same period previous year. Battery-electric vehicle registrations increased 38.6% year-over-year reaching 1,473,447 units through October, representing 16.4% market share compared with 13.2% during 2024. Standard hybrid-electric vehicle
Nov 28, 20252 min read


EU Carmakers Press for Shift on 2035 Engine-Ban as EV Momentum Wobbles
Brussels is bracing for a shake-up in Europe’s auto policy after carmakers from Volkswagen to Stellantis signalled they want to dilute the bloc’s 2035 ban on new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles, citing a stumble in electric-vehicle (EV) momentum. The shift in tone marks a remarkable turn from the early 2020s, when EU automakers had embraced electrification with bullish forecasts. According to the industry association European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (A
Nov 27, 20251 min read


Chinese Automaker BYD Commits to Doubling European Retail Network Amid Aggressive Expansion Strategy
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD announced plans to double its European sales network to 2,000 outlets by end-2026, representing aggressive continental expansion despite facing 27% European Union import duties on Chinese-made battery-electric vehicles. Maria Grazia Davino, BYD's regional managing director for Europe, stated at Frankfurt event company will reach approximately 1,000 sales points across continent before year closes, serving as foundation for 2026 doubli
Nov 26, 20251 min read


German Automakers Report Billions in Tariff-Related Losses Amid US Trade Tensions
Volkswagen Group reported €1.3 billion hit to operating profit in first half 2025, with Audi and Porsche divisions particularly affected, experiencing profit drops of approximately 64% and 91% respectively. Consequently, both brands lowered full-year margin forecast to 4-5% from 5.5-6.5%, underscoring mounting pressure from escalating trade barriers affecting European manufacturers. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume stated the group's US plants were heavily affected by tariff hikes
Nov 25, 20251 min read


Auto Sector Navigates Supply Chain Shock as Nexperia Crisis Exposes Structural Vulnerabilities
The global automotive industry confronts fresh disruption as a geopolitical standoff over Dutch chipmaker Nexperia threatens production across multiple continents, exposing the sector's continued dependence on concentrated supply networks despite years of pledges to build resilience. US new vehicle sales are projected to decline 5.2 per cent year-over-year in November to reach 1.26 million units, reflecting persistent headwinds from affordability pressures and the aftermath o
Nov 24, 20252 min read


European Automotive Sector Confronts Battery Technology Mismatch as China Dominates LFP Production
Europe's automotive industry faces mounting competitive pressure as manufacturers struggle to address a strategic mismatch between regional battery production capabilities and evolving market demand, with Chinese producers controlling over 99% of lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturing whilst European investment remains concentrated in costlier nickel-based chemistries, according to industry analysis published mid-November. European battery electric vehicle demand for 20
Nov 19, 20252 min read


European Automotive Suppliers Face 350,000 Job Losses as Commission Prepares Policy Response
Europe's automotive supply industry confronts an existential crisis as component manufacturers face cost disadvantages reaching 35% compared to Asian competitors, with 350,000 jobs at risk by decade's end without decisive policy intervention, according to research published by CLEPA, the European automotive suppliers association. A Roland Berger study commissioned by the Brussels-based trade body warns that European value creation in automotive components could decline 23% by
Nov 18, 20252 min read


Europe's Auto Sector Navigates Chip Crisis as Nexperia Dispute Eases
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday that it was relaxing export restrictions on chips produced by Nexperia, granting exemptions for civilian purposes, averting widespread production shutdowns that had threatened Europe's automotive industry. The move follows weeks of escalating tensions after the Dutch government seized control of the Chinese-owned chipmaker in late September citing national security concerns. Nexperia provides 40% of the automotive chips in the
Nov 17, 20251 min read


EU under pressure as Stellantis urges reform ahead of key regulation deadline
On 17 November 2025, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann delivered a stark warning that Europe’s car industry might face “irreversible decline” unless the European Commission grants significant flexibility in upcoming emissions rules. The plea comes just weeks before the Commission is set to publish a major auto-industry regulatory package — a critical moment for manufacturers grappling with sluggish demand, shrinking margins and stiff competition from Chinese and American automa
Nov 17, 20251 min read
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