CRASH_news auto

China-engineered technology could cut development spending by billions , accelerate vehicle launches and reshape the group’s software strategy  The Volkswagen ID. UNYX 07, the first model equipped with CEA Volkswagen Group is reportedly considering introducing the CEA (China Electronic Architecture), an electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture co-developed with XPeng, to Europe, potentially expanding the role of China-developed technology across its global lineup and covering its three core brands : Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra , according to German business magazine Manager Magazin , citing people familiar with the matter. Volkswagen core brand CEO Thomas Schäfer is expected to present the proposal to the group’s management on October 27, local time, according to the report. The plan, submitted for review by Schäfer in his capacity as head of the Core brand group, would cover approximately 75% of next-generation models across the three brands. If implemented, the proposal wou...

The electric two-seater returns to urban roots with Mercedes-Benz styling and fast charging, as the brand faces declining sales   The all-new Smart #2 made its world debut at Paris Motor Show Smart, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Auto will launch the Smart #2 in China on November 5. The Smart #2 succeeds the classic ForTwo 2-seat city car.  The original Smart ForTwo debuted in 1998 and recorded cumulative sales of more than 2 million units.  The production model made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 12.  On the same day, Smart launched the Couture Edition in China at an official retail price of 112,999 yuan ($16,820), with sales limited to 999 units. Early reservations opened on September 14 with a refundable deposit of 298 yuan.  Designed by Mercedes-Benz's global design team, the Smart #2 is built on the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) , a platform developed specifically for ultra-compact EVs.  Evolution ...

The flagship electric SUV accounted for more than 60% of the company’s main marque volume in January–September, underscoring its commercial importance   NIO’s third-generation ES8 has reached 160,000 cumulative deliveries, with the large electric SUV remaining a key sales driver for the company's main brand more than 1 year after launch.  NIO announced on Friday that it delivered the 160,000th third-generation ES8 in Xi'an, Shaanxi province , in northwestern China, to a local couple who run a high-end equipment manufacturing business. The owners chose the ES8 for its suitability for business hospitality and long-distance travel. NIO's battery swap network was also a key factor in their decision.  The third-generation ES8 was launched on September 20, 2025 , with deliveries beginning the following day. It reached 150,000 cumulative deliveries on September 20 this year, its first anniversary. The latest 10,000 deliveries took 33 days, slightly longer than the 30 days nee...

The compact EV adds purchase and rental options, allowing existing owners to upgrade through swapping rather than replace their car  Firefly, the small electric vehicle brand under NIO , has launched a 60-kWh CATL battery pack, offering new and existing owners a longer-range option that extends the reach of the compact city car. Firefly said on Friday that owners who bought the vehicle outright can permanently upgrade from the standard 42-kWh battery to the 60-kWh pack for a price difference of 17,000 yuan ($2,530).  The new battery raises the CLTC range to 560 km from 420 km, an increase of 140 km, or about 33% . The model was previously available only with the 42-kWh battery. The update adds a battery capacity option to the same model. New buyers can select the 60-kWh battery when placing orders, while vehicles already delivered can be upgraded through a battery swap.  Firefly said the new battery uses ternary lithium cells, increasing capacity while keeping the batt...

La Casa dei quattro anelli avvia una riorganizzazione al vertice per accelerare le decisioni locali. Il manager, reduce dall'esperienza alla guida di Chery, assumerà l’incarico il 1° novembre sostituendo il predecessore Johannes Roscheck, destinato a rientrare in Germania. Il segnale è chiaro : per battere i concorrenti cinesi sul loro terreno, bisogna iniziare a pensare e ad agire come loro   Jeff Zhang, nuovo Presidente di Audi China dal 1° novembre Rivoluzione a Ingolstadt. Una svolta senza precedenti che cancella decenni di rigida tradizione manageriale tedesca. Audi ha annunciato ufficialmente una profonda riorganizzazione delle sue attività nel mercato asiatico, nominando Jeff Zhang nel ruolo di Presidente di Audi China.  Si tratta di una nomina storica : per la prima volta dalla sua presenza nel Paese del Dragone, la Casa di Ingolstadt affida le chiavi del suo business principale a un manager cinese. Il passaggio di consegne diventerà effettivo a partire dal pro...

Circa 250 unità al mese per il SUV elettrico . Provost, Ceo del Gruppo Renault, conferma l’impegno della Casa francese: contano identità del marchio e conquista di nuovi clienti, oltre i volumi   Le vendite inferiori alle attese della Alpine A390, primo crossover sportivo del marchio francese, non mettono in discussione l’impegno di lungo periodo del gruppo Renault su questo modello, ribattezzato ufficialmente come una “sport fastback a cinque porte”. François Provost, Ceo del Gruppo Renault, non si dice preoccupato: il modello deve soprattutto far crescere il marchio, anziché inseguire i volumi.  Lanciata alla fine dello scorso anno, la rivale della Porsche Macan Electric rientra nell’ampliamento della gamma Alpine, in precedenza concentrata su un’unica sportiva. Insieme alla compatta sportiva A290 , la A390 è stata pensata per affermare Alpine come marchio di auto elettriche ad alte prestazioni.  Per ora, però, le vendite della A390 si attestano intorno alle 250 unità ...