u/tom_zeimet

Renowned German economist Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for Global Economics (Kiel Institut für Weltwirschaft) warns of a severe shift in the European automotive industry. VW notably has announced planned layoffs of up to 100,000 staff largely focussed on German production, as well as 4 German plants are under review including Hannover, Zwickau, Emden and Neckarsulm. This follows from poor performance and profitability.

The VW Group's executive board has voiced concern that the current model, i.e. to produce cars in Europe for export no longer works, [perhaps also due to the one-sided trade deal with the US, noting that Audi has extensively relied on the aforementioned strategy].

Economic historian Niall Ferguson of Stanford and Moritz Schularick gave an interview to German broadsheet newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung sharing this view.

Schularick believes it is possible that VW could be bought out by a Chinese manufacturer e.g. BYD. [VW is already in negotiations with Chinese manufacturers to build models in their factories, and to import Chinese Joint-Venture developed cars to Europe].

However he believes that Europe can catch up economically, provided the necessary investment in key sectors.

Original Link: https://www.vol.at/vw-wird-wahrscheinlich-von-einem-chinesischen-hersteller-aufgekauft/10294532

The Citroën E-C5 Long Range was initially announced in July 2025, and orders began in France. However due to supply shortages affecting the ACC sourced cells for the long-range version, it is only now that orders have been opened for the German market. The E-C5 Aircross SUV offers a 97kWh battery pack found in other Stellantis cars, with a WLTP range just shy of 680km.

It appears that production at the ACC plant in Northern France has improved which has led to the 97kWh Citroën to be offered on the website.

The E-C5 is only offered in front-wheel-drive guise, although an AWD variant exists for the platform it has not been made available to the Citroën brand.

The Citroën E-C5 97kWh comes with a in-house sourced 231hp motor and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds, towing capacity is also only adequate for the class at 1,200kg (braked).

The charging speed, while a maximum of 160kW DC is one of the faster charging 400V platforms, with a charging speed of 2.2kWh/min (15.1km/min). EVDB gives it a 10-80% time of 32 minutes at an average of 135kW. AC charging is limited to 11kW.

The starting price is slightly higher than in France, although it gets a heatpump as standard in the German market.

https://ev-database.org/car/3231/Citroen-C5-Aircross-Long-Range

Original Link: https://insideevs.de/features/757927/citroen-e-c5-aircross-vorgestellt/

The European Parliament has proposed drastically simplifying the approval process for charging stations, the proposal is largely focussed on motorway rest areas, meaning that no permits would be needed to install charging stations up to 1MW (1,000kW) within 'artificial structures'. This is part of a wider electrification strategy currently being negotiated, known as the 'EU Grid Package'.

Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion has announced plans to invest 950 million Euros into a battery cathode plant and a battery recycling facility in Valladolid, North-Central Spain.

For anyone who has watched the Tour de France, Skoda has been present as the main partner of the Tour de France for 23 years, a partnership that will continue until at least 2028. Skoda cars are therefore the main brand used, and make up the vast majority of cars accompanying the race. The Skoda Peaq large electric SUV will serve as the director's car, albeit only for 12 of the 21 stages, with the previous Superb PHEV taking over for the remainder.

Renault, known for their Google based Open R-Link infotainment system is adding AI functionality to their cars via an OTA update. Google's Gemini will replace the more basic Google Assistant, allowing more complex conversations with the inbuilt assistant.

The conditions for the new social leasing round opening 16/07 are follows

• A taxable reference income equal or less than 16,880€ in the previous fiscal year.
• A distance to your workplace of 10km or more, or travel more than 8,000km per year using your personal vehicle for work.
• The funding round is intended to provide aid for 50,000 leasing contracts.

Leasing conditions

• A list of eligible vehicles according to environmental criteria can be found on the ADEME website (in practice largely EU made cars) https://score-environnemental-bonus.ademe.fr
• The leasing rate must be less than 200€ per month (excluding insurance or services) and provide for a mileage of at least 15,000km/year and must be for a period of at least 3 years.
• Following the end of the leasing period it is possible to buy or return the car (according to the conditions of the leasing contract)
• The amount of government aid towards the leasing cost is 6,500€ or a maximum of 29% of the vehicle price.
• If the assembly and battery production site are located within the European Economic Area (EEA) this can increase to 9000€
• An additional 500€ is offered if the electric motor was manufactured in the EEA.

More info (French): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A16990

Hyundai is launching a more premium special edition of the inster including a bespoke interior and front grille. Additionally the Lounge variant gets an exclusive mint green paint colour and interior featuring mint green accents.

The special edition comes at significant extra cost, starting at 29,850€

Original Link (German): https://insideevs.de/news/799900/hyundai-inster-sondermodell-lounge-2026/

McMurtry teases a limited production version of their spéirling electric 'fan car' a technology first used by Brabham in F1, and in typical fashion, promptly banned. The McMurtry achieves excellent cornering and acceleration thanks to its fan which sucks it to the road, allowing it to hang upside down using its powerful suction.

The upcoming 2 seater Smart is expected to have a 35.7kWh battery with ~300km WLTP range, production will commence in China, only moving to Europe if there is sufficient demand.