Author: News Desk

During its 2025 Investor Day, Kia revealed the introduction of a new hybrid powertrain for the Seltos midsize SUV. The South Korean automaker declared that the next-generation Kia Seltos small SUV will feature a hybrid option. The development is part of Kia’s strategy to roll out 10 hybrid models in showrooms by 2030. Meanwhile, Kia’s Australian arm has expressed strong interest in including the hybrid Seltos in its local lineup. The next-generation Seltos will incorporate an electrified version of the existing 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. This electrified powertrain is also set to be used in Kia’s upcoming 3-row…

South Africa is considering offering extra incentives to automotive manufacturers to help mitigate the effects of tariffs. Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau stated that South Africa is exploring fresh incentive strategies for its automotive sector to counter the effects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on imported cars. During an interview with Power FM, Tau mentioned that the government aims to expand the Automotive Industry Production Plan to lessen the economic impact of the U.S. 25% import tariff. Tau noted that the officials are exploring ways to assist additional sectors and are currently assessing a potential…

The European Union and China are engaging in discussions to introduce minimum prices for Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles, as reported by Reuters. European Union officials and Chinese representatives have reached an agreement to explore the introduction of minimum pricing for electric vehicle imports from China. The approach aims to replace the EU tariffs imposed last year. An EU spokesperson stated on Thursday that Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has held discussions with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao within the past 24 hours. During the talks, both sides agreed to examine the possibility of setting minimum prices. In October 2021, the European Union…

BYD is accelerating the expansion of its plug-in hybrid lineup in Europe to cater to the rising demand for PHEVs among mainstream automakers. The company is introducing its premium Denza brand to the region, undeterred by growing geopolitical challenges. During Brera Design Week in Milan on Wednesday, BYD revealed that its first model, the Z9GT under the Denza brand, will arrive in European showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the company did not provide details about the pricing or exact delivery date of the vehicle. The Z9GT will be available in two variants: a battery-only model and a…

Tesla launched car sales in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, stepping into a market with limited electric vehicle infrastructure. The long-awaited debut comes after years of tension between Riyadh and Elon Musk. With a severe absence of charging stations along the 900-kilometer route connecting Riyadh and Mecca, the company will open its showrooms in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam on April 11. Tesla’s arrival in the Saudi market aligns with the nation’s increasing investment in electric vehicle technology, while Tesla experiences a drop in global sales. According to analyst Sam Abuelsamid, Saudi Arabia recorded only 2,000 electric vehicle sales last year—a figure…

Mercedes-Benz Retail Group in the UK has parted with its remaining dealerships and discontinued operations after enduring prolonged downsizing efforts and financial losses. The group’s latest annual accounts indicate it has been addressing remaining debts to shift to a dormant status. The documents submitted to Companies House reveal that the Mercedes-owned entity has sold off its remaining leasehold properties and collected its remaining trade and other receivables. The directors do not anticipate any further business operations to take place. Confirming the recent developments, director Wolfgang Pipperger stated that during the period, the company finalized the sale of its remaining dealerships,…

The facelifted fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson has arrived in South Africa with a revamped design, enhanced interior and latest technological upgrades. The refreshed Hyundai Tucson has launched with a price cut to reclaim market share amidst the growing competition from Chinese rivals. The Tucson lineup is priced lower than its predecessor, with the TUCSON 2.0 Premium now available for R559,900, reflecting a R39,000 reduction. The Hyundai TUCSON R2.0D Executive is priced at R709,900, while the flagship Hyundai TUCSON R2.0D N Line AWD is listed at R859,900. The Tucson 2.0 Premium, equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, delivers a range of standard features,…

Volkswagen has suspended imports of Audi vehicles into the United States following President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement of a 25% tariff on auto imports. As confirmed on Monday, thousands of Audi models are currently held at U.S. ports while company executives evaluate the impact of the tariffs on the operations. The German automaker has directed dealers to depend entirely on the current inventory —approximately 37,000 vehicles, which equates to around two months of sales. Further shipments have paused indefinitely, as stated in a memo reported by Automotive News. The halt applies to vehicles that entered the United States after…

Ford UK is introducing its Power Promise incentives program alongside the launch of the all-electric Puma models to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. The Ford Power Promise offers a complimentary home charger and installation to customers purchasing electric vehicles, along with 10,000 miles worth of home charging credits through Octopus Energy. The package includes a complimentary five-year service plan with EV towing, as well as an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty covering the battery and high-voltage components. The offer extends to Ford’s entire passenger vehicle lineup, featuring models such as the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, Capri EVs, and the upcoming Puma…

German auto manufacturer Volkswagen is gearing up to unveil its high-performance SUV, the new Tiguan R-Line, on April 14. The SUV is anticipated to feature cutting-edge technologies and enhanced convenience functionalities, promising a modern and innovative driving experience. The Tiguan R-Line SUV showcases advanced interior technology, seamless connectivity, and an elevated in-cabin experience reflecting its sporty heritage. The cabin’s interior design exudes a modern and sophisticated approach, featuring a 26.04 cm customizable digital cockpit. With the ability to create personalized information profiles for the driver, the newly refined cockpit layout integrates components from the fourth-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB4), delivering…