Italy's new car sales down 5.11% in July
Total sales in July stood at 118,493 vehicles.
Market leader Stellantis (STLAM.MI), opens new tab, whose brands include Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot, suffered an even bigger sales slide of around 13% year-on-year, according to Reuters calculations.
The Franco-Italian automaker's market share, however, edged up to 25.8% from 24.55% in June, according to the same calculations.
Fiat remained Italy's most popular car brand, followed by Toyota-Lexus (7203.T), opens new tab and Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), opens new tab, the ministry data showed.
Chinese automaker BYD (002594.SZ), opens new tab enjoyed an almost tenfold growth in sales, from 205 to 1,967 units, and overtook historic Italian brand Alfa Romeo, which last month sold 1,953 cars.
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Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
I dreamt of buying a €1 house in Italy - here's why I couldn't go through with it
With the cost of buying a home verging on the absurd in many parts of Britain and beyond, it is no wonder some are looking for a cheaper alternative. In the last few years, the opportunity to buy a house in parts of Italy for €1, or around 87p, has drawn considerable interest from people all around the world and on social media. The schemes are usually operated by local authorities in rural towns, who want to see run down and vacant properties rejuvenated and encourage investment. The Daily Mail spoke to two women: one viewed €1 homes in Italy but ended up buying a more expensive property, while the other snapped up five €1 homes in Italy. It is not possible to buy a home for €1 in most parts of the country and prospective buyers need to be aware of rules and costs attached to the purchase before signing on the dotted line. The cost of renovation work is also going to be a major sticking point for many would-be buyers. Buying a €1 property is an appealing prospect, but the realties and costs involved must not be taken lightly. Why I decided against buying a €1 house in Italy Barbara Maekrl, who is in her early forties and an administrator originally from Germany, lived in Australia for 16 years before wanting to move back closer to home. She told the Daily Mail: 'I've always loved Italy and after doing a bit of research, decided Sicily was the place for me. It's culturally rich and has a slow pace of life. 'After visiting Mussomeli in Sicily, I knew I had found my town. The people are incredible and the town is full of surprises.' Barbara worked at pace to make her dream a reality. In January 2024, she decided she wanted to move to Italy the same summer. Barbara did all her research remotely and booked a property viewing in Mussomeli before even booking her flights. Having done her research online, she arranged to view a number of properties on sale in Mussomeli for €1. However, for Barbara, the €1 properties on sale did not meet her requirements and, in her view, required too many costly and extensive renovations. She told the Daily Mail: 'I inspected a few €1 homes, but they were simply not for me. 'A €1 home may sound very tempting, but the ones I viewed were in a very bad condition and really needed to be rebuilt. This would have cost me a lot of money. 'I think €1 homes are ideal for people who have experience undertaken extensive renovations, have a background in building and construction and can do most of the work themselves. I wanted a cheap home, but with less work involved.' She added: 'I ended up buying a €13,000 (£11,330) house in Mussomeli rather than a €1 property. I'd moved into the property within three months and the whole process was really easy. I'm very happy with my little house and it's not going to cost a fortune to renovate.' Barbara said securing a good builder in Italy is vital, while recognising that this can be challenging for non-locals. She said: 'Dodgy builders are an issue. Some are unqualified, unreliable and seem to overcharge. Some think a foreign buyer has endless amounts of cash, which isn't the case. Always get at least two quotes and be prepared to negotiate.' The €13,000 house is Barbara's first ever property purchase, and she is confident her renovation costs will be manageable. 'I have absolutely no regrets and am keen to inspire more women over 40 to take the plunge and change their lives for the better', Barbara said. I couldn't resist buying six €1 houses in Italy Rubia Daniels, 52, is originally from Brazil, but has lived in California for decades. She spends about three months in Europe a year, but is hoping to increase this. She purchased five €1 houses in Mussomeli, Sicily, in 2019. Three are hers, while one was for an aunt and another for her adopted daughter. All the five three-story properties were on the verge of collapse. She told the Daily Mail: 'While on holiday in Indonesia in 2018, my husband mentioned something about €1 houses in Italy. As soon as I could, I went to Sicily myself to see what this was all about.' No regrets: Rubia Daniels told the Daily Mail she has no regrets about buying €1 houses Needs some work: One of the €1 houses Rubia purchased in Sicily before renovation works Before and after: Rubia reckons she has spent around €50,000 transforming each property Taking the plunge: None of the €1 houses were in a good state of repair when Rubia got them Chic: Rubia has installed modern touches so they blend in with the period house features For Rubia, the process was 'easy and clean' with no hidden or unexpected costs involved. Taking one of her €1 houses in Sicily as an example, she paid the €1, plus €3,000 for the deeds required. The realtors were paid a fee of €500 and Rubia had to stump up €5,000 for a deposit to the authorities to show she was serious about the purchase. Typically, the property must be renovated within three years of buying the property. If it isn't, the buyer's deposit will not be refunded. Required renovation timeframes and deposit costs do vary. Rubia's building-whizz brother-in-law worked for Rubia during the renovation works and managed the projects, helping keep costs down. She also hired a Sicilian contractor who helps her with the properties to this day. 'Good contractors and builders can be booked up many months in advance. You have to dial down your expectations when you are in Sicily and learn how to work with local people and respect their time', Rubia said. She told the Daily Mail she reckons she has spent around €50,000 renovating each of the properties. Rubia wants to retire to Italy and plans to live in one of the houses, while building a wellness centre and art gallery in the two others which are hers. 'If you have the chance to embrace the incredible journey of buying a €1 house, don't hesitate. It will all be worthwhile. I have no regrets.' How to buy a €1 house in Italy Many younger Italians are choosing to live in urban locations, leaving some more rural areas sparsely populated. Having a second home in Italy attracts higher taxes, so people inheriting them often want to offload them. Authorities in some sparsely populated rural locations are keen to boost the economy of their areas and draw more people to live and work in them. There are a number of websites where you can view €1 properties on sale in Italy. Among others, the websites include and A selection of areas in Italy run the €1 property scheme, including Emilia-Romagna, Abruzzo, Campania, Sicily, piedmont, Le Marche, Liguria, Puglia, Sardinia and Tuscany. This list is not exhaustive list. €1 homes are €1 for a reason. You will not be buying a brand-spanking new fully functioning house. Many being sold are dilapidated. Municipality policies vary, but expect certain additional costs when buying a €1 house in Italy. There will also be rules and regulations to adhere to. Legal fees can cost in the region of €3,000, but this is variable. A deposit is also likely to be required, which in some cases could be up to around €10,000, though it is often less. Most new owners will be required to submit plans for their renovation project within between two to 12 months of buying the property. In some cases, the renovation work must start within a year of the house being purchased and completed within three years. The exact timeframes involved will vary depending on the location of the property. Always factor in renovation costs. These could add thousands of euros to the cost of the property in the long-run. Securing a decent builder in Italy within a decent timeframe is no mean feat. Be prepared to get quotes from different builders and make sure the scope of prepared works is outlined in writing in full in advance.
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
Europe's trade deal with the US was dead on arrival – it needs to be buried. Here's how to do it
Ursula von der Leyen's Turnberry golf course deal has been rightly called a capitulation and a humiliation for Europe. Assuming such an accord would put an end to Donald Trump's coercion and bullying was either naive or the result of a miserable delusion. The EU should now steel itself and reject the terms imposed by Trump. Is this deal really as bad as it sounds? Unfortunately, it is, for at least three reasons. The blow to Europe's international credibility is incalculable in a world that expects the EU to stand up for reciprocity and rules-based trade, to resist Washington's coercion as Canada, China and Brazil have, rather than condoning it. Economically, it's a damaging one-way street: EU exporters lose market access in the US while the EU market is hit by more favoured US competition. Core European industrial sectors such as pharma and steel and aluminium are left by the wayside. The balance also tilts in the US's favour in important sectors such as consumer goods, food and drink, and agriculture. Tariffs tend to stick, so this is long-term damage. The EU even gives up its right to respond to future US pressures through duties on digital services or network fees. To top it off, von der Leyen's defence and investment pledges (for which she had no mandate) go against Europe's interest. The EU's competitiveness predicament is precisely one of net investment outflows. As international capital now reallocates under the pressures of Trumponomics and a weakening dollar, the case for Europe to become a strategic investment power was strengthening. Von der Leyen's promise of $600bn in EU investment in the US is therefore disastrous messaging. How could this happen? All EU member states wanted to avoid Trump's 30% tariff threat and a trade war, but none perhaps as much as Germany and Ireland, supported by German carmakers and US big tech firms. Yet Irish sweetheart digital tax deals, as well as BMW and Mercedes's plans to move production hubs to the US (also to serve the EU market), cannot be Europe's future. EU governments were distinctly unhelpful in building the EU's negotiating position. But in the end, it was von der Leyen who blinked and she has to take responsibility. Her close team took control in the closing weeks and went into the final meeting manifestly prepared only to say yes, which made Trump's steamrolling inevitable. Let's think of the counterfactual: if von der Leyen had stepped into the room and rejected these terms, Trump's wrath and some market turmoil may have ensued. But ultimately it would very likely have come to a postponement, a new negotiation and, at some point, a different deal that would not be so lopsided or unilaterally trade away deep and long-term European interests and principles. Instead, von der Leyen became a supplicant to a triumphant Trump. The situation is reminiscent of the final rounds of the Brexit negotiations five years ago when von der Leyen similarly was giving in to unacceptable demands from Boris Johnson, only to U-turn under pressure from a steelier EU chief negotiator and a quartet of member states. Today, von der Leyen runs Brussels with a strong presidential hand and has largely done away with internal checks and balances inside the commission. That is her prerogative and her style, but the upshot should not be weak, ineffective and unprincipled dealings on Europe's major geopolitical challenges, from Trump to Gaza. The 'deal' in Scotland is in reality an unstable interim accord. Nothing is yet inked or signed; Washington and Brussels are already locking horns on its interpretation and negotiations on the finer (and broader) points are ongoing. The 27 EU governments will inevitably get involved as the final deal needs to be translated into an international agreement and EU law. Some big powers – Germany and Italy seemingly – are on board, reluctant or not. However, internal political dynamics may change their calculations. Opposition parties and rightwing contenders who are a real political threat to leaders in Germany and France are already lambasting the deal. Unless von der Leyen strikes a dirty bargain with the member states, the European parliament will also have a say. The longtime chair of its trade committee, Bernd Lange, has set the tone for how the deal would be viewed there, calling it 'asymmetry set in stone' and even 'a misery'. As details seep out on what von der Leyen has really agreed toand what the US expects from the EU, and all the consequences become clear, an already unpalatable deal may become even more so. Weakening US economic data and returning stock market jitters show that Trump's negotiation footing is fragile. His new tariff threats come with new extensions, up to 90 days in the case of Mexico, as his position is overstretched. For Europe, the lesson from the Brexit negotiations – one that von der Leyen ought to have grasped before now – is that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. There is now an opportunity for EU governments and the European parliament to course correct and salvage something from this train wreck. Georg Riekeles is the associate director of the European Policy Centre, and Varg Folkman is policy analyst at the European Policy Centre
Auto Blog
6 hours ago
- Auto Blog
The Forgotten Ferraris: 5 Models That Deserve More Love
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Looking for a lease on the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe? Find out the August lease special, including monthly payment, term length, and down payment for this popular SUV. A Ferrari is still a Ferrari (that is, unless it's a Mondial) When you think of Ferrari, chances are your mind jumps straight to icons like the F40, 250 GTO, LaFerrari, or even more modern fare like the SF90 Stradale, the 296GTB, and the new F80. While not all of the modern Ferraris are as iconic as the ones of old, they're still worthy road and track machines that command attention. But what about those lesser Ferraris that don't end up on teenage boys' walls or command high prices at auction? There are a handful of prancing horses that slip through the cracks—Ferraris that, despite their engineering excellence and distinctive character, remain underappreciated or overlooked. Here are five forgotten Ferraris that deserve far more love than they get—from collectors, enthusiasts, and the Ferrari faithful alike. 0:04 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (2004–2011) Engine: 5.7-liter V12 Power: 533 hp 0–60 mph: 4.0 seconds Top Speed: 199 mph At first glance, the 612 Scaglietti ('skal-yeti') doesn't scream Ferrari. Back when it was new, it didn't turn heads or grab headlines the way the 458 Italia did. The 612 Scaglietti is a big, understated 2+2 grand tourer with smooth, flowing lines that made it more elegant than aggressive. That design, penned by Pininfarina, didn't immediately resonate with traditionalists who wanted more muscular curves or mid-engine theater. Some viewed it as having too soft a look to be a hot performer, but they'd be wrong. The 612 was never meant to be a brash supercar because it was built for covering long distances in supreme comfort and style, with room for four. Under the hood sat a sonorous V12 derived from none other than the hyper-exclusive Enzo supercar, paired to either a six-speed manual or the F1-style automated manual transmission. In terms of practicality and performance, the 612 delivered in spades, and today it represents a surprisingly affordable gateway into V12 Ferrari ownership. Good versions sell for between $80,000 and $150,000, and the fact that you can have one for the price of a new BMW 7-Series is almost shocking. Its aluminum chassis, adaptive suspension, and usable rear seats make it a rare offering in Ferrari history—one that's aged with quiet dignity and whose appearance has held up quite well over time. It's time the 612 Scaglietti got its due as a refined and capable GT machine. Ferrari FF (2011–2016) Engine: 6.3-liter V12 Power: 651 hp 0–60 mph: 3.7 seconds Top Speed: 208 mph Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The FF is what you'd call a 'family Ferrari'. That's right, the slinky all-wheel drive, four-passenger, hatchback shooting brake was touted as just that. The 'FF' name stood for 'Ferrari Four,' denoting its four-wheel drive. Ferraristi didn't know what to make of it because there had never been anything like it before (unless you consider the 1962 250 GT SWB Breadvan). The mere thought of putting your child in the back seat of a Ferrari was pretty radical, but the FF could do it with luxury and aplomb. Source: Amos Kwon The FF's V12 remains one of Ferrari's finest, delivering instant throttle response, an engine note from the automotive gods, and relentless acceleration. The innovative 4RM all-wheel-drive system was rear-biased and incredibly lightweight, preserving much of the classic V12 grand touring Ferrari driving feel while adding all-weather traction. Despite its polarizing styling and hefty price tag when new, the FF has developed a niche following. It's eminently practical as a daily driver thanks to its AWD and room. It offers practicality, exclusivity, and real-world versatility that few exotics can match. For those in the know, the FF is a modern classic in the making, and the average used price right now is just over $132,000. That's about $30,000 less than a new Maserati GranTurismo. That's a no-brainer, we say. Ferrari 456 GT/GTA (1992–2003) Engine: 5.5-liter V12 Power: 436 hp 0–60 mph: 5.1 seconds Top Speed: 186 mph The 456 GT marked Ferrari's return to the front-engine V12 grand touring formula after a break from that effort in the '80s. The long, sculpted hood, the eggcrate grille, and the flip-up headlights gave the 456 GT presence. Credit goes to Pietro Camardella at Pininfarina for giving the 456 GT an understated yet undeniably elegant look. Like its 360 Modena sibling, nothing about the styling of the 456 GT was overdone. With a sloping roofline that terminated into a lovely integrated decklid spoiler and capped off by quad round taillights and quad tailpipes that sang mellifluous V12 notes, the 456 GT was a gentleman's GT. At the time, it was one of the few Ferraris available with an automatic transmission, known as the 456 GTA, which made it appealing to a wider swath of customers. That said, the gated manual shifter is our choice. Despite the 456 GT's luxurious appointments, it was no slouch. The V12 engine delivered strong performance, and the car's dynamics were impressive for its size and layout. Today, the 456 remains one of the most affordable V12 Ferraris on the used market, with good examples going for about $72,000. It's a Ferrari classic that can be had for a little more than a Mercedes E-Class. Tough choice? Not really. Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina (2001) Engine: 5.5-liter V12 Power: 485 hp 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds Top Speed: 186 mph If you love the 550 Maranello as much as we do, the Barchetta ratchets it up a notch. Built to commemorate Pininfarina's 70th anniversary, the 550 Barchetta (Italian for 'little boat') was a limited-run, open-top version of the iconic front-engined V12, rear-wheel drive Maranello. The 550 Barchetta embodied everything wonderful about the 550 hardtop but chopped off the roof, added roll-hoops at the cowls, and a manually removable and abbreviated fabric top meant only for light rain. Ferrari made a mere 448 units, which is part of the reason why you never see them. They also didn't get as much love as the F50 or the Enzo did. The Barchetta was like an Italian speedboat on wheels. It was a pure-looking and pure-driving Ferrari that came with a gated six-speed manual and minimal driver aids. This was a car designed for blasts down sunny Italian coasts listening to the sonorous V12 soundtrack. The heavily bolstered seats, the gated manual shifter, and the waterfall center console all contributed to a driving experience that elicited nothing but grins. While it's not nearly as affordable as some of the other Ferraris here, averaging about $480,000, it's a very reasonable price to pay for such stunning and powerful exclusivity. Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 (1973–1980) Engine: 3.0-liter V8 Power: 240 hp 0–60 mph: 6.4 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph The Dino 308 GT4 isn't nearly as prominent as the Dino 206 and Dino 246 GTs, but it stands out in Ferrari history as the first first mid-engine V8 production car, the first Ferrari badged as a 'Dino' (named for Enzo's son) before eventually wearing the Prancing Horse badge, and the only Ferrari designed by Bertone rather than Pininfarina during that period. The Bertone style stood out in the 308 GT4's straight-edge styling, which was more reminiscent of a Lotus Esprit than a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Its angular, wedge-like styling wasn't universally loved, but the GT4's 2+2 layout, balanced handling, and high-revving V8 made it a rewarding driver's car. It offered Ferrari thrills in a more practical and attainable package. Not exactly beloved in the Ferrari collector world, the GT4 has begun to gain appreciation as enthusiasts seek more accessibility into vintage Ferrari ownership. With its racing DNA, daily usability, and unique place in Ferrari's history, the Dino 308 GT4 is pretty affordable, unlike other Ferraris from the same era. Examples sell for between $40,000 and $80,000. Final thoughts Each of these Ferrari models represents a unique chapter in Ferrari's history. They may not have the instant-name recognition of the Testarossa or F40, but they offer something equally important: individuality. Whether it's the grand touring prowess of the 612, the all-weather usability of the FF, or the nautical-themed 550 Barchetta, these forgotten Ferraris remind us that the brand's greatness isn't confined to just its most boisterous and head-turning models. Granted, not everyone can find (nor afford) the Barchetta, but that 456 GT might be calling your name. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
