Global News Archives

Volkswagen Polo: Celebrating 50 Years of Small Car Excellence

The Volkswagen Polo, a stalwart in the automotive world, marks its golden anniversary this year. Launched in 1975, the Polo has evolved from a compact companion into a global icon, with over 20 million units sold worldwide. As it enters its sixth generation, this small yet sophisticated car continues to prove its enduring appeal and versatility.

A Revolution in Affordable Mobility

When the Polo first rolled off production lines in 1975, it introduced a new era of compact cars. Developed from the Audi 50, it provided a fresh take on small cars with a clean design, practicality, and affordability. Positioned below the Golf in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Polo was designed to cater to a wide audience, offering individual mobility at a fair price. Whether as a first car, a sporty drive, or a family vehicle, the Polo became a reliable companion for millions.

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EV Sales Set for 30% Growth in 2025 Despite Industry Concerns

The global electric vehicle (EV) market is set to defy scepticism, with analysts forecasting a significant 30% growth in sales for 2025. According to S&P Global Mobility, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are projected to achieve 15.1 million units in sales, capturing 16.7% of the global car market. This marks a significant increase from the estimated 11.6 million BEVs sold in 2024, which accounted for 13.2% of the market.

While some automakers have expressed concerns about weakening demand for EVs, industry experts remain optimistic about the sector’s trajectory. The anticipated growth underscores the accelerating shift toward sustainable transportation, although the pace of adoption will vary significantly across different regions.

Regional Trends in EV Adoption

The rate of EV adoption is expected to differ widely across regions, shaped by a combination of government policies, incentives, and infrastructure development. In India, for example, EVs are predicted to make up just 7.5% of total vehicle sales in 2025. However, the country is witnessing rapid growth, with EV sales expected to rise by 117% year-on-year as it builds the foundation for electrification.

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Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Subaru has announced that two of its most popular models, the Forester and the Crosstrek, will be part of the brand’s new hybrid lineup in 2025. While the Crosstrek has previously featured an electrified option, this marks the debut of the Forester Hybrid in North America.

Shared Hybrid Powertrain

Though Subaru has only disclosed specific details about the Crosstrek Hybrid, it’s expected that the Forester Hybrid will share the same powertrain. This innovative setup combines a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery with two electric motors—one for driving the wheels and another as a generator that works in tandem with the engine. The combined system produces 118hp and is integrated into a new transaxle that houses a front differential gear.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Hyundai Motor Company’s revolutionary Hyundai Ioniq 5 has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Records title for the Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car. The record-setting journey, organised by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), showcased the electric vehicle’s capabilities over a gruelling 14-day adventure.

From the Heights of the Himalayas to the Depths of Kerala

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 recorded an altitude change of 5,802 meters, starting at Umling La, India’s highest drivable point located 5,799 meters above sea level in Leh Ladakh, and concluding in Kuttanad, Kerala, which lies three meters below sea level. Spanning over 4,900km, the journey tested the vehicle against extreme terrains and climatic conditions, ranging from the freezing Himalayan passes to Kerala’s humid coastal plains.

Demonstrating Resilience and Advanced Technology

Throughout the expedition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 highlighted its position as a leader in electric mobility, overcoming challenging environments while delivering exceptional performance. Designed on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 5 combines futuristic design inspired by Hyundai’s iconic PONY with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

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Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

Volkswagen is grappling with financial challenges, recently negotiating with striking workers over the potential closure of three German production facilities. Meanwhile, Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, has announced the closure of its Brussels, Belgium factory by 28 February 2025, ending production of the Audi Q8 e-tron and its Sportback sibling.

The Audi Q8 e-tron’s Journey

Initially launched as the Audi e-tron in 2019, the model was rebranded as the Q8 e-tron in 2024. The electric luxury SUV received a refresh in 2022, but its production is now set to be short-lived. The Brussels facility, which has operated since 1949 and employs around 3,000 people, can produce up to 120,000 vehicles annually, though only 49,001 Q8 e-trons were sold in 2023.

Gerd Walker, Audi’s head of production, called the decision to close the factory “the toughest decision of my professional career.”

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The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Volkswagen has revived its legendary Type 2 Microbus as the all-electric 2025 ID.Buzz, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary technology. First launched in 1950, the original Type 2 was a cultural icon symbolizing peace and good vibes, with its three rows of seats offering space for up to nine passengers. Fast forward over 50 years, and its successor is making waves as a modern EV.

Performance and Range

The ID.Buzz is significantly heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 2,800kgs—a notable 680kgs more than the Honda Odyssey. Despite its heft, the EV offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive version with 282hp and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant delivering 335hp. The ID.Buzz can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. However, its 86-kWh battery provides a modest range of 376km for the rear-wheel-drive version and 372km for the AWD model, falling short compared to some competitors.

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Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

The Bugatti Mistral, a stunning roadster powered by a quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, reached an extraordinary top speed of 454 km/h, surpassing the 2016 record set by the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder at 427.4 km/h.

The speed run took place at the Automotive Testing facility in Papenburg, Germany, with Bugatti’s test driver Andy Wallace at the helm. Entering the straightaway at 200 km/h from the banking, Wallace pushed the Mistral to its limit, achieving a remarkable speed on the 4.0-kilometer track. While longer stretches like the Ehra-Lessien test track could have provided even more room to push the Mistral further, the Papenburg facility proved sufficient for this historic feat.

The Mistral, named after the powerful wind of southern France, is an engineering masterpiece. It shares its DNA with the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first road-legal car to break the 482 km/h barrier in 2019. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W-16 engine, the Mistral produces a staggering 1,578hp—100 more than the standard Chiron—and delivers power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Sign MOU on Collaborative Considerations

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore Mitsubishi Motors’ potential involvement in the business integration being planned between Nissan and Honda. This collaboration aims to amplify synergies across the companies, enhancing their collective competitiveness in the evolving automotive landscape.

Expanding the Strategic Partnership

The discussions build on the foundational MOU signed by Nissan and Honda in August 2024, which focused on leveraging synergies in electrification and vehicle intelligence. Mitsubishi Motors has been actively participating in the framework established by this partnership and is now considering formal involvement in the joint holding company envisioned by Nissan and Honda.

The potential integration underscores the companies’ commitment to adapting to rapid shifts in the automotive industry, including the push for electrification and digital transformation. Mitsubishi Motors aims to finalize its decision on participation by January 2025.

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Nissan and Honda sign MOU to Consider Business Integration

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a business integration through the establishment of a joint holding company. The move aims to bolster global competitiveness and deliver innovative products and services, aligning with the automotive industry’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Driving Toward Carbon Neutrality and Innovation

The partnership builds upon an earlier MOU signed in March 2024, which outlined strategic collaboration in areas such as vehicle intelligence and electrification. Following a second MOU in August 2024, the companies expanded their cooperation to include joint research on next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Nissan and Honda aim to accelerate their shared vision of achieving a carbon-neutral society and advancing zero-traffic fatality solutions by pooling their resources, expertise, and technologies.

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The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Corvette Ever

Chevrolet’s engineers have raised the bar with the new Corvette ZR1, which has been officially crowned the quickest and fastest Corvette in history. Recently tested on the High-Speed Oval Track at ATP Automotive Testing in Papenburg, Germany, the ZR1 reached a staggering top speed of 375km/h, solidifying its place among the fastest production cars ever built by General Motors.

The ZR1’s performance numbers are equally astonishing in acceleration. Chevrolet announced that the ZR1 can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.3 seconds, edging out the electrified Corvette E-Ray, which previously held the title at 2.5 seconds. This blistering acceleration places the ZR1 in the same league as hypercars like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Lamborghini Revuelto, and Lotus Evija, all of which achieve the same 0-100km/h time.

In terms of quarter-mile performance, the ZR1 doesn’t disappoint. It covers the distance in a mere 9.6 seconds at 241km/h, putting it on par with exotic rivals such as the Ferrari 296 GTB and Lamborghini Revuelto.

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Global News

Volkswagen Polo: Celebrating 50 Years of Small Car Excellence

EV Sales Set for 30% Growth in 2025 Despite Industry Concerns

Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Sign MOU on Collaborative Considerations

Nissan and Honda sign MOU to Consider Business Integration

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Corvette Ever

Volkswagen Polo: Celebrating 50 Years of Small Car Excellence

EV Sales Set for 30% Growth in 2025 Despite Industry Concerns

Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Sign MOU on Collaborative Considerations

Nissan and Honda sign MOU to Consider Business Integration

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Corvette Ever

Archive

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Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

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