Kia unveils its EV4 & PV5, Stellantis dilemma: too many brands not enough buyers, Audi Brussels closes and French auto market faces relentless decline

?? This Week In The Mobility World

???Appointments (& resignations)

• 雷诺 has announced the appointment of Eric Laforge as Vice-President of Commercial Services, effective April 1, 2025. Laforge brings over 30 years of automotive experience, having held key positions at Fiat and Stellantis.

????♀? Job cuts

• Mercedes-Benz AG is planning significant workforce reductions in China, with reports indicating that up to 15% of its employees, mainly in its financing and sales units, could be affected. The cuts are part of the company’s efforts to adapt to a challenging market and increased competition. Affected divisions include Mercedes-Benz Automobile Finance Co and Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co, with some fixed-term contracts not being renewed, and a faster pace of layoffs occurring this month. The exact number of impacted employees has not been disclosed, but Mercedes-Benz Group China is working to adjust operations in response to these pressures. The company has also announced cost-cutting measures, including a shift towards more petrol and diesel vehicles, as it prepares for a decline in earnings by 2025.

?? Factories/Manufacturing/Recalls

• 奥迪 Brussels plant, dedicated to the production of the Q8 e-tron, ceased operations on February 28, as announced in January after no buyer was found for the site, and justified by declining global demand for high-end electric SUVs. 3k jobs have been lost in the process. Union representatives criticize Audi for delayed electrification efforts and reliance on a premium pricing strategy, amidst a broader trend of decreasing EV sales, with Audi's deliveries of BEVs dropping 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
• 宝马 has paused its plan to relocate Mini EV production to Europe by 2026 due to political uncertainties and an unstable market, resulting in continued reliance on Chinese manufacturing for models like the Cooper E and Aceman, while the Mini Countryman EV will still be produced in Germany. It also means bye-bye to subsidies in market like France.
• Hyundai Motor Company (?????) , Kia and Samsung SDI have entered a MoU to develop high-performance, robot-specific batteries aimed at enhancing energy density and output for service robots, addressing current limitations in battery space and capacity, with a technology showcase planned at “InterBattery 2025” to highlight the potential for market expansion and improved price competitiveness in the robotics sector.

• MAN Truck & Bus SE has fired up production of its new 13L D30 diesel engine at its Nuremberg facility, backed by a hefty €250M investment. The goal? Boost fuel efficiency and cut CO? emissions, because diesel isn’t quite ready for retirement. At the same time, MAN is hedging its bets, launching battery production at the same site with an annual capacity of 50k units and a dedicated workforce of 160. With one foot in the combustion past and another in the electrified future, MAN is playing both sides of the revolution, because survival is all about adaptation. Promised though: it’s their last diesel engine.
• Stellantis is recalling 68k cars in France due to a defect in the 1.2 PureTech engine’s oil cooling nozzles, which can cause noise, engine damage, and even fire risk. The issue, blamed on a supplier, affects 雪铁龙 C3, Peugeot 208, and Opel Corsa models (2022–2024). While a quick fix is promised, this adds to the engine’s troubled history, now the subject of a class-action lawsuit and a retroactive compensation program. Another blow for Stellantis, already entangled in massive airbag recalls.
• No, Stellantis doesn’t have a monopoly on technical hiccups. Renault is addressing a startup failure affecting 15,722 Renault 5 and Alpine A290 models produced between September and December 2024. While not classified as a recall, this "special technical operation" targets a faulty inverter calibration, which may trigger an electric motor fault warning and prevent the car from starting. A software update, theoretically a 30-minute fix (but don't expect an over-the-air solution this time), is required but some owners report longer workshop stays. Meanwhile, a few R5 drivers have noticed water infiltration in the charge indicator, though Renault claims it's a rare occurrence.
• Volklec has secured a partnership with Far East Battery to leverage engineering expertise and raw materials for the establishment of a ￡1B gigafactory in the UK, aiming to produce cylindrical nickel-rich battery cells for e-bikes and automotive applications, while strategically prioritizing customer acquisition and technology transfer from China to mitigate risks associated with previous ventures like Britishvolt.

???Tech

• WeRide has received approval to commence fully unmanned paid autonomous ride-hailing services with its GXR Robotaxi in Beijing, marking its second model to achieve L4 commercial operations in China, following a rapid four-month transition from product launch to deployment.

• Meanwhile, WeRide headed for France last week, but not in Paris for the Fashion Week, but rather to the Dr?me department for its first European launch! beti - Experts Mobilité Automatisée , a local AV shuttle operator, just started its automated shuttle system in Rovaltain, and it's a major leap for public transport in EU. This marks the first time in Europe that a private operator has put an automated shuttle system on open roads. Two shuttles are now running a 3.3km route, connecting a business park to a train station, with the capacity to carry up to 150 passengers a day. Alongside WeRide and Beti, Renault and French insurer MACIF are also contributing, to set up what could be a bench test and benchmark for future AV deployments on the Old Continent.

• Hyundai Motor Company (?????) unveiled its new software brand, “Pleos”, at the Pleos 25 developer conference, presenting a robust platform for SDVs and key advancements in AI and autonomous driving. This initiative aims to boost the app ecosystem for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles, while also encouraging collaboration with third-party developers through SDKs and APIs. Let’s hope it goes a bit smoother than Cariad!
• European carmakers are being told to ditch the touchscreens for basic functions like turn signals and wipers if they want to keep their five-star safety ratings. Starting in 2026, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) will require physical controls for essential features to avoid distracting drivers and causing accidents, because apparently, trying to turn on your wipers while looking for a touchscreen button is not a good idea. Despite some manufacturers, like Tesla and VW, pushing the high-tech touchscreen trend, Euro NCAP has decided enough is enough and is pushing for buttons, dials, and stalks to be back in action. While these new rules aren’t legally mandatory, carmakers care deeply about their shiny five-star ratings, so expect to see the return of physical controls soon, all in the name of safety, and maybe a little nostalgia for the good old days of physical buttons.
• Waymo has significantly increased its weekly robotaxi rides, reaching over 200k paid rides, up from just 10k two years ago, as noted by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Twitter. This growth highlights Waymo’s expanding presence in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, where it has successfully built a commercial robotaxi service. Waymo’s autonomous system now covers more than 1M miles weekly, and the company plans to extend its services to Austin and Atlanta in 2025, in partnership with Uber, with further plans to launch in Miami by early 2026.

???New Car Reveals

• This Wednesday, Volkswagen will finally reveal its ID.EVERY1 concept to the world from its Wolfsburg plant, current home of the Golf production. The German carmaker, under pressure to finally address the most affordable segment of the market, continues its communication efforts with new teasing pictures, but most importantly, their live stream is ready for Wednesday 18:30 (CET).

• On March 12th, Toyota Motor Corporation will unveil a new electric model, embracing a sleek coupe-sedan design. The automaker continues its measured approach to electrification, validated by the lukewarm reception of its bZ4X SUV. Rather than rushing, Toyota is strategically expanding its EV lineup in Europe, with a compact urban SUV co-developed with Suzuki and a more distinctive model set to follow. The upcoming reveal is likely the European adaptation of China’s bZ3C, a vehicle derived from the 2023 Sport Crossover Concept and developed in collaboration with BYD.

• At the 2025 Kia EV Day, Kia unveiled three new electric vehicle models: the EV4, PV5, and Concept EV2. The EV4, a compact EV aimed at the European market, stands out with its larger dimensions at 4.43m, offering more space compared to rivals like the Renault Megane E-Tech and Peugeot e-308. Positioned in the highly competitive C-segment, it reflects Kia's ambition to bring fresh competition to this space. The PV5, Kia’s first dedicated PBV, showcases modularity and flexibility, designed to enhance personalized mobility solutions. The Concept EV2, a small and ultra-affordable electric car priced around €25k, will target a new entry-level market. The event also highlighted Kia’s collaboration with Samsung Electronics on IoT solutions for PBVs.

• The upcoming 沃尔沃汽车 ES90, the brand's first all-electric sedan, promises impressive specs with its 800V architecture enabling ultra-fast charging, 300km in 10min or 10-80% in 20min. With a 700 km range and a focus on sustainability, 29% of its aluminum and 18% of its steel are recycled. It also integrates advanced technology with 508 TOPS of processing power, developed with Nvidia, for continuous optimization via live updates.

• Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra electric sedan has quickly surpassed its full-year sales target, reaching 10,000 units in just two hours after launch. The vehicle, with 1,548hp and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 1.98s, is designed to compete with high-end brands like Porsche. Priced at RMB 529,900 ($72,730), it’s significantly cheaper than its earlier pre-sale price of RMB 814,900, making it more accessible. The high demand was clear, with over 6,900 orders in the first 10 minutes. Xiaomi plans to begin deliveries in March.

?? EVs

• The French government has significantly revised the calculation of company car benefits, raising the base for rental vehicles (including maintenance and insurance) from 30% to 50% of the annual cost, and from 9% to 15% for purchased vehicles. A tax deduction of 70% is introduced for fully electric cars meeting the government's "eco-score," which will primarily apply to electric cars produced in Europe. These changes, which come into effect retroactively from February 1st, 2025, are intended to accelerate the electrification of corporate fleets, a transition that has been lagging behind that of private consumers. However, the reform has sparked criticism from industry groups such as Mobilians and Sesamlld, who argue that the new rules, while aiming to simplify, introduce complexities and instability, and urge a delay for better preparation.

?? EV Infrastructure Updates

• Avere-France ?? ’s latest report on public charging prices (July–December 2024) highlights a largely stable market, though ultra-fast charging costs have surged by up to 25% due to rising session and time-based fees. A typical EV driver spends €19–€29 per month, while high-mileage users pay around €65 extra without a subscription. Despite these increases, EV charging remains significantly cheaper than fossil fuels, especially for those charging at home or work. Operators are introducing new pricing models, including seasonal discounts and premium services, underscoring the need for transparency in the evolving charging landscape.
• Kia is advancing its EV lineup with smart charging and V2H services as part of Hyundai Motor Group's V2X initiative. Starting in the Netherlands and select US states, these services help EV owners reduce energy costs by optimizing charging times and using vehicles as emergency power sources. Kia is also planning a V2G service.

???Investment/Financial/Legal/Sales

• Stellantis is at a crossroads, and chairman John Elkann is on the hunt for a CEO with a clear vision, and the guts to trim its bloated 14-brand lineup. Born from the 2021 Fiat-Chrysler and PSA merger, the automaker juggles everything from bestsellers like Jeep and Peugeot to struggling brands like DS, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo. While analysts debate which brands should face the chopping block, the real question is: who’s got the nerve to swing the axe? Meanwhile, former CEO Carlos Tavares, shown the door after US sales slumped, will at least have a soft landing, on a €12M severance pillow. Whoever steps into the CEO role will need to navigate these stormy conditions carefully, as Stellantis targets modest profit growth and a 5.5% margin for 2025.
• Forvia has adjusted its 2025 sales forecast, targeting revenues between €26.3B and €27.5B, slightly below previous expectations, while focusing on improving operational margins, profitability, and debt reduction after a tough 2024. The updated forecast aligns with an expected global automotive production of 89.5 million vehicles, reflecting caution due to current US tariffs and market conditions. Despite a modest organic sales increase to €26.97B, Forvia's results fell short of analyst predictions, causing concern over its financial health and net debt levels. Following the announcement, Forvia’s stock dropped by 17.3%, mirroring a similar dip in competitor Valeo, sparking fears about the stability of the automotive supply sector. In response to declining sales from Western clients like Ford and Volkswagen, Forvia is exploring partnerships with more Chinese automakers, capitalizing on its strong presence in China, where it ranks as the fifth-largest supplier.

• The French automotive market continues its slow but relentless decline, with February 2025 registrations falling by 0.72%, totaling 141,569 vehicles. This marks the continuation of a trend that has plagued the industry since May 2024, with regulatory shifts, namely, reduced EV bonuses and the looming increase in penalties, exacerbating the downturn. Orders plunged by 22.6% in January, as sky-high prices, uncertain technical offerings, and ever-changing incentives have left both consumers and manufacturers in a state of limbo. February saw a brief spike in EV sales before the deadline for favorable bonus conditions, but this only served to mask the underlying stagnation.

See you next Monday!