Latest news with #AutocarUK
News18
5 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Ford Unveils Affordable EV Range, First Pickup To Arrive In 2027
Last Updated: The new EVs will be manufactured at Ford's Louisville plant in Kentucky and exported globally. Ford has announced an all-new range of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) built on a fresh 'Universal EV Platform'. The company says this breakthrough is as significant as the arrival of the legendary Model T, marking a bold step towards accessible electric mobility, as per Autocar UK. The first model from this platform will be a mid-size, double-cab pick-up truck, expected to launch in 2027 at around 30,000 USD. What Models Can We Expect? According to Ford CEO Jim Farley, this pick-up is just the beginning. The range will expand to include a hatchback, crossover, van, and a three-bench SUV – all expected to carry similar price tags. The new EVs will be built at Ford's Louisville plant in the US and shipped worldwide. Farley proudly declared, 'From Kentucky to the world," emphasising the importance of building locally and exporting globally. Farley added that the truck will be 'faster than a Mustang twin-turbo", support rapid charging, and feature a spacious interior 'bigger inside than a Toyota RAV4". It will also come with a front trunk (frunk) and an advanced operating system with over-the-air updates. How Will Ford Build It? The vehicles will be made in a unique way – assembling the front, rear and central structure (platform, battery, seats and interior) separately, before joining them together at the end. This process aims to make production faster and more efficient. Furthermore, Farley stressed that this project goes beyond selling vehicles. 'Our competitors build in Asia and import. We are making here and exporting. This is about our country," he said. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Nissan to use Formula E to develop future electric performance cars
Nissan 's next electric halo car could be born on a Formula E racetrack. The Japanese car manufacturer is exploring using the Formula E platform to develop its future electric performance car prototypes. In that case, the future Nissan high-performance electric cars could use electric motors developed with technology sourced from Formula E. Nissan is currently desperately in search of a turnaround move. While the carmaker is focusing on mainstream vehicles, including SUVs, to find its path back to stability, the company is also exploring something a bit more ambitious, which includes high-performance electric cars. For this, Nissan is aiming to rely on the technology developed by its Formula E team. Also Read : Upcoming cars in India Speaking to the British automotive publication Autocar UK, Tommaso Volpe, Head of Nissan's Formula E operations, said that the brand is actively looking at ways to connect its racing division with Nismo, the company's performance car division. One of the key ideas on the table is to create some prototypes based on a normal chassis that can help the Nismo division to enhance the performance of electric cars, Volpe said. He also stated that it would mark a new level of collaboration between motorsport and road car development at Nissan, especially as the company is aiming to re-establish its identity in the EV space. Nissan aims to revamp Nismo division With this strategy, Nissan is aiming to revamp the Nismo. The OEM has a Nismo-branded version of the Ariya in its product portfolio, but it is not necessarily a hardcore performer that is expected from the Nismo division. Speaking about this, Volpe noted that it has no influence from Formula E, but in the future, the automaker could first develop a prototype, and then the company would be able to use it as a platform for future products. The report stated that any such future prototype from Nissan could use the same basic dual-motor setup as the current Formula E race car, which is capable of churning out 462 bhp peak power, but as part of the 2026/2027 season, will be upgraded to deliver roughly 789 bhp. Nissan aims to bring track technology to street Volpe believes the next-generation powertrain to be used at Formula E could be the point where race-bred innovations start to filter more directly into Nissan's road cars. 'The development of the Gen4 cars will be when potential transfers will come from the racing cars to future [road] products, because the level of performance and efficiency will be pushed even more to the limit," he reportedly said. The Nissan official also noted that the Gen4 Formula E cars will feature all-wheel drive. This aligns well with Nissan's experience in developing AWD electric systems, such as the one used in the Ariya. Volpe sees this as a strong area where technology from the race track could come to road-going EVs. 'The regulations of Gen4 have been written in an open conversation with manufacturers," he said, while adding, 'One of the reasons all-wheel drive is there is because of a strong push by Nissan and some other manufacturers, because all-wheel drive is the trend for the core business in the future." Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Volkswagen to discontinue its flagship Touareg SUV after 24 years
Volkswagen Touareg, the flagship premium big SUV from the German car manufacturer, is looking at the end of its road. The auto OEM is reportedly planning to pull the plug on the SUV after 24 years of production. The carmaker is planning to shelve the Volkswagen Touareg SUV by the end of 2026. British automotive publication Autocar UK has reported that Volkswagen replaced the Touareg SUV with the Atlas in the US, one of the key global markets for the automobile brand, owing to the fact that the OEM has not sold the Touareg in the country since 2017. According to the publication, Volkswagen does not have a model planned as a direct successor for the Touareg, which hints that the company is focusing on building a portfolio of affordable models for cost-conscious consumers. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Volkswagen ID.7 77 kWh 77 kWh 621 Km 621 Km ₹ 70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Volkswagen Polo 2025 999 cc 999 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 8 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Volkswagen Tera 998 cc 998 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 9 - 15 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Volkswagen ID.4 77 kWh 77 kWh 418 km 418 km ₹ 50 - 60 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Volkswagen Virtus 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 11.56 Lakhs Compare View Offers Volkswagen Golf GTI 1984 cc 1984 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 53 Lakhs Compare View Offers Also Read : Upcoming cars in India The Volkswagen Touareg entered production back in 2002 for the 2003 model year. The SUV came as the result of a collaboration between Volkswagen and its subsidiaries, like Porsche and Audi, that also spawned the Cayenne and Q7, respectively. Volkswagen designed the Touareg SUV, along with the Phaeton, at the time. The SUV was dubbed a premium product that elevated the brand into the luxury car segment. The Phaeton didn't last long, but the Touareg stuck around until the mid-2010s in some of the key markets, albeit with dwindling sales. Despite its focus on affordable models, Volkswagen isn't abandoning buyers in Europe who want something big. The company introduced the Tayron last October, which is available in two- and three-row configurations and is related to the Tiguan. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Touareg's discontinuation is going to be the end of an era for the brand. The SUV remained a bold product that featured a range of powertrains, including a V10 diesel engine. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Audi delays ICE phaseout, to launch new petrol and hybrid cars till 2033 and beyond. Check details
Rather than phasing out combustion technology, Audi plans to launch a fresh generation of ICE and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) till 2026 (REUTERS) Check Offers Audi is hitting the brakes on its previously announced plan to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) models by 2033. In a notable policy reversal, CEO Gernot Dollner has confirmed that the German luxury carmaker will now maintain production of combustion and plug-in hybrid vehicles well into the next decade, a report by Autocar UK stated. The move aligns Audi with a growing list of global automakers that are tempering their electric vehicle (EV) goals in favour of a more flexible, market-sensitive strategy. Dollner stated that the prior commitment to an all-EV future by 2033 was part of the 'past management's" roadmap and no longer reflects Audi's updated priorities. A new ICE and PHEV lineup Rather than phasing out combustion technology, Audi plans to launch a fresh generation of ICE and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) till 2026. This refreshed lineup, according to Dollner , provides the company with a flexible foundation for the next 7 to 10 years, allowing it to adapt according to market conditions and regulatory landscapes. Also Read : India-bound New-gen Audi Q3 makes global debut with Matrix LED tech, hybrid engines Among the vehicles in the pipeline is the next-generation RS6, which is expected to feature a high-performance plug-in hybrid setup. Dollner also hinted that Audi Sport's future products will continue to embrace combustion technology, especially in the RS badge portfolio. R8 and TT successors coming? On the possibility of reviving iconic nameplates like the R8 or TT, Dollner remained non-committal but optimistic. 'We are car guys, let yourself be surprised," he teased, while also noting it might be premature to disclose specific product plans. This leaves room for speculation about how Audi might reinterpret its performance lineage in a mixed powertrain future. No Small EVs—But A3-Sized Model on the Way Interestingly, Audi is stepping away from the small electric car race. It will not build its own version of the upcoming VW ID.2 or its Skoda counterparts aimed at the affordable EV segment. Instead, the brand is focused on a standalone A3-sized EV, which is currently under development and scheduled to debut in 2026. As the A1 and Q2 are phased out, the A3 and Q3 will serve as Audi's new entry-level offerings. Also Read : Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback PHEV drivetrains launched. Will it come to India? Audi to Lead VW Group's Next-Gen Tech Platforms Audi's future role within the Volkswagen Group is also evolving. The brand has been tasked with leading development of the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a next-generation hardware and software architecture for large vehicles. Originally conceived as a purely EV platform, SSP has since been redesigned to accommodate range-extender and hybrid options as well—aligning with the Group's more general dedication to a multi-pathway approach. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 18 Jun 2025, 19:00 PM IST
NZ Autocar
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Kia commits to hatchbacks with EV4 and K4
Against the general trend, Kia is committed to launching more hatchbacks and saloons, rather than going all-in on SUVs. Its EV4 and K4 are rivals for Volkswagen Golf and ID 3. Kia executive vice-president, Ted Lee, recently told Autocar UK that there was still 'big volume' for hatchback models in Europe. He confirmed that the firm would continue to offer them and indeed launch all-new models. Lee co-ordinates Kia's global business outside of Korea. Read our review of Kia EV3 here. The first of these newcomers is EV4, set to dot down in New Zealand soon. It will be built at Kia's plant in Slovakia, and will also be offered as a saloon built in South Korea. The EV4 will be joined by the K4, a hatchback that debuted at the New York motor show. It replaces Ceed and will be built at Kia's plant in Mexico in both hatch and saloon forms. An estate version is on the cards too. Lee said that Kia currently has a 'strong position in Europe, especially in the UK.' Kia sales have grown more than 30 per cent since 2020 in the EU. In the UK, Kia has sold more than 100,000 cars for three years running. It is the third best-selling brand in 2025, less than 300 units behind second-placed BMW. However, Lee said increased competition in Europe from Chinese brands makes for a 'difficult market '. Kia will further strengthen its aftersales, parts supply and customer journeys in response. However, it will not become embroiled in a price war in Europe in the face of new lower-cost competition. Instead, it will maintain its focus on residual values, which it credits as partly responsible for the 'sustainable growth' the brand has enjoyed. Lee said Kia has done this by maintaining demand. Cars are not pushed to dealers and onto customers at discounted rates but are built and sold according to demand. Describing this as a 'healthy cycle', Lee said: ' It might sound very easy, but in reality it requires a very strong determination and sense of principle.'
