Mercedes-Benz Trucks has started series production of the second-generation eActros 400 at its Wörth plant in Germany, expanding its electric heavy-duty lineup ahead of a wider rollout of new EV truck variants from late 2025. The latest model shares its foundation with the larger eActros 600, already in production since 2024, and will be offered both as a tractor unit and a flatbed chassis.

Unlike the eActros 600, which carries three battery packs, the new eActros 400 features two battery packs, targeting operators who require a lighter, more versatile configuration. Customers will also be able to select from two cab options, adding flexibility for different business needs.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to dominate the electric heavy-duty segment, holding nearly 50% market share in Europe during Q3 2024. The company’s manufacturing strategy is becoming more streamlined as well—the eActros 400 is now fully built on the existing A-series assembly line, where electric trucks and diesel models roll out side by side. This marks a major shift from the first-generation eActros, which was electrified separately at the Future Truck Center.

Key components for the new electric truck come from Daimler Truck facilities in Mannheim, Kassel and Gaggenau, including the electric axle, transmission parts, and a front box containing high-voltage and low-voltage systems.

The BMW 3 Series has completed an impressive 50-year production run, with more than 18 million units built across 18 plants in 13 countries since its debut in 1975. The iconic sedan remains one of BMW’s most important global models, anchoring the brand’s manufacturing network for five decades.

Today, the seventh-generation 3 Series is produced in Munich, Shenyang (China), San Luis Potosí (Mexico), and regional facilities including Chennai, Rayong, and Araquari. BMW is gearing up for the next chapter, with the fully electric eighth-generation model scheduled to begin production in Munich in late 2026 on the automaker’s Neue Klasse platform.

Production began at BMW’s Munich plant in 1975, and by 1982 the second generation introduced a groundbreaking fully automated body shop, achieving over 90% automation with industrial robots. As demand grew, manufacturing expanded to Plant Dingolfing in 1980 and Plant Regensburg in 1986.

The 3 Series also played a major role in BMW’s global expansion. Production began in Rosslyn, South Africa in 1984 and later in Spartanburg, USA in 1994. Since Regensburg opened, the 3 Series has served as the launch model for nearly every new BMW plant, including Spartanburg, Leipzig, San Luis Potosí and the BBA joint venture in China.

Looking ahead, BMW confirmed that production of the eighth-generation 3 Series will expand to China and Mexico, with Plant Dingolfing also set to rejoin the manufacturing network, reinforcing the model’s long-standing global footprint.

The Tata Sierra has officially entered the India Book of Records after achieving an impressive 29.9km/l fuel efficiency during a certified 12-hour run at the Natrax proving ground in Indore on 30 November 2025. The test was conducted by the Pixel Motion team, who drove the SUV continuously from 7am to 7pm, pausing only for quick driver changes, surpassing the previous national benchmark for long-duration efficiency.

Powering this record run was Tata’s new 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, a unit built around an advanced combustion system and friction-optimised architecture designed to maximise thermal efficiency. Alongside the efficiency test, the Sierra also completed a parallel top-speed run, clocking 222km/h under controlled conditions at Natrax. However, Tata confirmed that customer vehicles will be electronically limited to 190km/h for safety and durability.

Tata Motors emphasised that the tests were carried out in a controlled, supervised environment by trained drivers, and urged customers not to attempt replicating such driving behaviour on public roads.

With this achievement, the Sierra strengthens its position as one of Tata’s most technically advanced models, showcasing the capabilities of the upcoming Hyperion engine platform.

Kia has officially unveiled the second-generation Seltos, introducing a major redesign for one of its most important global SUVs. Revealed during an online world premiere themed “The Protagonist,” the new Seltos grows in size and sophistication, now measuring 4,430 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,600 mm tall, and riding on a 2,690 mm wheelbase to deliver enhanced interior space.

The SUV adopts Kia’s bold Opposites United design philosophy and arrives with three powertrain options:

• 1.6-litre turbo-petrol in two states of tune – 180 PS or 193 PS
• 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 149 PS

Inside, the new Seltos packs a stronger premium punch with dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, and a generous 536-litre boot. Buyers can also opt for all-wheel drive with terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand, enhancing its light off-road credibility.

Safety and driver assistance see a significant upgrade too, with Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 now part of the package.

A hybrid variant is confirmed for 2026, equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and Kia’s latest Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0.

Production of the new Seltos begins in December 2025 in India, followed by market launches in Korea, North America, Europe, and China through 2026.

Cold mornings can quickly turn into a nightmare when you try to start your car and the engine just won’t turn over. In freezing temperatures, your battery has to work much harder to deliver the power needed to start the engine (often with less capacity than usual), often leaving drivers stranded at the worst possible time.

The cold does more than make you shiver, putting serious strain on your car's electrical system. Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, one of Europe's largest online marketplaces for used car parts, sees the impact firsthand through increased demand for replacement batteries during colder periods.

“Whenever temperatures drop significantly, we notice a spike in battery-related enquiries,” says Urbonas. “Drivers often don't realize how much cold weather affects their car's power system until they're stuck with a dead battery.”

With over 23 million parts available across Europe, Ovoko connects thousands of auto dismantlers and recyclers with drivers who need reliable replacements. Here, Urbonas shares his expertise on the five biggest battery drains during cold weather and practical ways to avoid getting caught out.

The 5 Things That Drain Your Battery Faster in Cold Weather

1. Cold Temperatures Slow Down Battery Chemistry

Your car battery’s biggest enemy is temperature. At 0°C, a battery's power output drops by up to 20%, and things get much worse as it gets colder. At -17°C, your battery can lose a staggering 40-50% of its strength.

“Think of your battery like a person trying to run through treacle,” explains Urbonas. “The chemical reactions that create electricity literally slow down when it's cold. Your battery is working twice as hard to deliver the same amount of power.”

This means your engine needs more effort to turn over, while your battery has less power to give. It's a perfect storm for a flat battery.

2. Heating Systems Working Overtime

Your car's heater, demister, and heated seats might keep you comfortable, but they're absolute power-hungry monsters. Each system draws significant electricity from your battery, especially when the engine isn't running, or during short trips.

“Heated seats can draw 3-5 amps each, while your heater blower on full blast uses another 10-15 amps,” says Urbonas. “Add in your demister and rear window heater, and you're looking at a serious drain on your battery's reserves.”

The problem gets worse because you're more likely to use all these systems at once when it's cold, creating a perfect storm of power consumption.

3. Short Journeys Don't Give Your Battery Time to Recover

Your alternator needs time to recharge your battery after starting the engine. Short trips to the shops or school run don't give it enough time to top up what was used during startup.

“Starting your engine can use 100-200 amps in just a few seconds,” explains Urbonas. “Your alternator needs at least 20-30 minutes of driving to replace that power fully. If you're only driving for 10 minutes, you're slowly draining your battery with each trip.”

This creates a downward spiral where each short journey leaves your battery a little weaker than before.

4. Electronics Left Plugged In

Dashcams, phone chargers, sat navs, and other gadgets might seem harmless when plugged in, but they create what's called “parasitic drain”. Even when your car is off, these devices can slowly sip power from your battery.

“A dashcam might only draw 0.1 amps, but over a week of being parked, that adds up,” says Urbonas. “In cold weather, when your battery is already struggling, even small drains can push it over the edge.”

5. Old or Weak Batteries Struggle More

If your battery is already past its prime, cold weather will expose its weaknesses fast. Most car batteries last around 3–5 years, but freezing temperatures speed up the decline by slowing chemical reactions and increasing internal resistance.

“An older battery simply can’t deliver the same power as a fresh one,” explains Urbonas. “If your battery has already lost some of its capacity, cold weather will make that loss far more noticeable. That’s when you start to see symptoms like slower cranking or dimmer headlights, which are clear signs it’s time for a replacement.”

How to Prevent Cold Weather Battery Drain

Urbonas lists several tips to help your car’s battery avoid the negative effects of the colder weather:

• Keep Your Battery Warm: Park in a garage when possible, or consider a battery blanket for extremely cold conditions. Even a few degrees warmer can make a big difference to battery performance.
• Limit Electrical Use on Short Trips: “Try to avoid using heated seats, full-blast heaters, and other heavy electrical loads during short journeys,” advises Urbonas. “Save the luxury features for longer drives when your alternator has time to keep up.”
• Unplug Accessories: Remove phone chargers, dashcams, and other accessories when you park. These small drains add up over time.
• Take Longer Drives Regularly: Make sure you take your car on longer journeys regularly. At least 30 minutes of driving at highway speeds gives your alternator time to properly recharge the battery.
• Get Your Battery Tested: Have your battery tested before cold weather hits. Most auto parts stores will test it for free, and it's much cheaper than a roadside rescue.
• Consider a Trickle Charger: If your car sits unused for days at a time, a trickle charger can maintain your battery's charge without overcharging it.

“The trick is to be proactive,” says Urbonas. “Don't wait until you're stranded to think about your battery's health.”

Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, commented:

“Most drivers don't realize that small changes in their daily habits can add years to their battery's life, especially during cold weather. Something as simple as unplugging your phone charger or combining short trips into one longer journey can make a huge difference to your battery's longevity.

“Through my work with thousands of auto parts suppliers across Europe, I've seen how preventable most battery failures really are. The drivers who check their battery connections, avoid unnecessary electrical loads, and replace aging batteries before they fail completely rarely find themselves stranded.

“What surprises many people is that a battery struggling in cold weather often shows signs for weeks beforehand, such as slower engine cranking or dimmer headlights. By the time your car won't start, the problem has usually been building for a while. With proper care, most batteries can handle cold weather just fine.”

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with autonomous driving specialist Momenta to develop a Level 4 robotaxi service based on the new S-Class, with the first phase scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi. The project will be operated by Lumo, a mobility subsidiary of UAE tech company K2, marking a major step toward commercial autonomous ride-hailing in the region.

The advanced operating system of the new S-Class is the backbone of this driverless service, offering processing power and integration capabilities required for Level 4 automation. After the testing phase in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes-Benz aims to expand the service to other global markets.

K2 has already secured federal approval to deploy autonomous vehicles in the UAE. As part of the rollout, Lumo will begin operating S-Class robotaxi test vehicles on public roads in Abu Dhabi before transitioning to full commercial service.

This initiative adds to Mercedes-Benz’s broader autonomous strategy, which includes multiple Level 4 projects targeting both private customers and commercial mobility solutions. The company is also evaluating further partnerships, including potential collaboration on a robotaxi ecosystem built around Nvidia’s Drive AV platform.

Globally, Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its leadership in automated driving. It is the first international automaker authorized to conduct Level 4 testing on designated urban roads and highways in Beijing, using S-Class prototypes equipped with a suite of sensors including lidar, radar and high-resolution cameras.

Ferrari Middle East has unveiled the all-new 849 Testarossa at the exclusive Casa Ferrari event held at Yas Links Golf Club, coinciding with the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Marking its regional debut, the flagship supercar drew Ferraristi and guests for a first look at Maranello’s latest hybrid masterpiece.

Replacing the SF90 Stradale, the 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid berlinetta that pairs a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, producing a combined 1050 cv. It now sits at the top of Ferrari’s performance lineup, delivering extreme acceleration while maintaining ride comfort and cabin refinement.

At its core is Ferrari’s award-winning twin-turbo V8, now fitted with the largest turbocharger ever used on a Ferrari production model, enabling unprecedented throttle response and power delivery. The hybrid system—with one motor at the rear and two on the front axle—adds 220 cv, enhancing traction, responsiveness and efficiency.

Ferrari engineered the vehicle dynamics to offer higher performance with improved consistency and accessibility, ensuring drivers experience both precision and excitement without compromise.

Design-wise, the 849 Testarossa blends futuristic styling with cues inspired by Ferrari’s heritage. Sculpted surfaces meet sharp graphic elements, while the interior focuses on ergonomic improvements and smart use of space.

Casa Ferrari, held annually during the Abu Dhabi GP, serves as a luxurious hub for the region’s Ferrari community—a fitting stage for the Middle East arrival of Ferrari’s newest and most advanced supercar.

Citroën has revealed the Elo concept, a compact 4.10-metre electric vehicle designed as a multi-purpose living space that adapts to rest, work and play. The concept will make its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show on 9 January, showcasing a highly flexible interior aimed at modern urban lifestyles.

The Elo features a 100% electric platform with a standard four-seat layout and a centrally positioned driver’s seat that looks out through a wide 180-degree windscreen. Two additional seats can be deployed, allowing the vehicle to carry up to six occupants. The driver’s seat can also rotate 360 degrees, converting the cabin into a social or workspace environment.

For overnight stays, the interior transforms into a sleeping setup for two, using inflatable mattresses made from Decathlon’s Dropstitch material. Citroën designed the Elo as a configurable space that can switch from mobility mode to lounge, office, or entertainment zone within minutes.

The concept was developed in collaboration with Goodyear and Decathlon. Goodyear created Eagle Xplore tyres equipped with SightLine technology for real-time pressure and wear monitoring, while Decathlon contributed materials and design expertise inspired by outdoor and sports activities.

Kia PV5 Cargo has secured a five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety assessment, placing it among the safest electric commercial vans on European roads. The model achieved 75% for occupant protection, 80% for safety assist and crash avoidance, and 80% for post-crash safety, reinforcing its strong safety credentials.

The recognition adds to the PV5’s growing list of global accolades, including the 2026 International Van of the Year title and honours at the BBC Top Gear Awards.

Euro NCAP commended the PV5 Cargo for its robust suite of standard ADAS features. Its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, paired with forward collision warning, performed impressively—reacting effectively at higher speeds and avoiding impacts in most pedestrian and cyclist tests.

The lane support system also received notable praise for providing timely steering corrections and more assertive interventions to prevent unintended road departure. Additionally, a speed assistance system integrates digital mapping with a forward-facing camera to identify speed limits and relay them clearly to the driver.

Stellantis and Bolt have announced a major partnership to develop and deploy Level 4 autonomous vehicles for commercial ride-hailing across Europe. Pilot trials are scheduled to begin in 2026, with production of the first autonomous models targeted for 2029.

Under the collaboration, Stellantis will supply its AV-Ready Platforms, including the eK0 medium-size van and STLA Small architectures. These platforms are engineered for large-scale autonomous use, featuring integrated sensor systems, high-performance computing, redundancies, and safety-focused hardware designed to meet stringent European regulations. Stellantis says the setup also lowers total cost of ownership for fleet operators—an essential factor for mobility services.

Bolt, which operates in over 50 countries and 23 EU member states, plans to integrate these autonomous vehicles directly into its ride-hailing ecosystem. The partnership supports Bolt’s long-term goal of having 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its shared mobility platform by 2035.

The rollout will follow a phased pathway, starting with prototypes, moving into pilot fleets, and finally scaling up to full production. Both companies will closely coordinate with European regulators on testing, certification and controlled deployment.

Renault Group and Ford have entered a major strategic partnership to co-develop two all-new Ford-branded electric vehicles, built on Renault Group’s Ampere platform. Production is planned to begin in early 2028 at Renault’s ElectriCity facility in northern France, strengthening Europe’s growing EV manufacturing ecosystem.

Designed by Ford and engineered in collaboration with Renault Group, the upcoming electric models will feature distinct Ford driving dynamics and brand identity, marking the start of a renewed EV push for the American automaker in Europe. The alliance allows Ford to tap into Renault’s advanced EV architecture and established manufacturing network, helping accelerate its rollout of next-gen electric passenger vehicles.

The agreement goes beyond passenger EVs. Both brands have also signed a letter of intent to explore joint development and manufacturing of light commercial vehicles for Europe. The move aims to combine Ford’s long-standing expertise in vans with Renault’s deep experience in compact and midsize commercial platforms.

If finalised, the commercial vehicle collaboration could see shared platforms, streamlined production, and enhanced competitiveness across both brands in one of Europe’s most important segments.

Kia has celebrated its 80th anniversary with a special ceremony at Kia Vision Square in Yongin, Korea, attended by around 400 guests, including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song. The milestone event also saw the global debut of the Vision Meta Turismo concept car, alongside the opening of an extensive heritage exhibition that will remain on display until 2029.

The Vision Meta Turismo is a bold exploration of future mobility, blending high-performance driving with a lounge-style cabin inspired by 1960s long-distance touring machines. Inside, the concept features a next-generation steering interface offering three digital driving modes—Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer. These modes use advanced AR head-up display technology to adapt the experience to different driving scenarios, from spirited runs to immersive digital journeys.

Kia’s heritage exhibition highlights the brand’s evolution through 17 iconic vehicles arranged across eight themed zones. It showcases everything from its early models to the latest innovations, reflecting how the brand transformed over eight decades.

Founded in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, the company adopted the name Kia in 1952. After joining Hyundai Motor Group in 1997, Kia underwent a major brand relaunch in 2021 with a renewed focus on electric mobility and next-generation vehicle platforms. The 80-year celebration underscores Kia’s commitment to innovation as it moves deeper into an electrified and experiential future.

Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have expanded their co-developed premium motorcycle range with the launch of the all-new Harley-Davidson X440 T. The new model brings enhanced performance, sharper agility, and a classic Harley design, now backed with modern riding tech.

The original X440, launched in July 2023, was a breakthrough success, welcoming a wave of new riders into the Harley fold. Building on this momentum, the new X440 T brings key updates aimed at refining everyday usability and broadening appeal.

Key Highlights

Harley-Davidson X440 T Features:

• New Ride-by-Wire system

• Switchable Traction Control

• Switchable Rear ABS

• Two Ride Modes: Road & Rain

• Reworked rear sub-frame, new tail section, and improved grab handles for better pillion comfort

• Segment-first Panic Braking Alert – indicators flash rapidly during hard braking (deceleration over 2.4 m/s²)

• Bookings open December 7, 2025 across Harley-Davidson & Hero Premia dealerships

• Online bookings available via the official X440 website

As part of a strategic refresh, Harley-Davidson has also recalibrated the entire X440 lineup to make it more accessible to enthusiasts across India.

Revised Pricing (Ex-Showroom):

• H-D X440 T: ₹2,79,500

• H-D X440 S: ₹2,54,900

• H-D X440 Vivid: ₹2,34,500

With updated tech, competitive pricing, and stronger rider-focused enhancements, the X440 range now stands as one of the most promising segments in the mid-capacity motorcycle space.

BMW India has refreshed its popular electric SAV, the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, with a new exterior colour and premium upholstery options. The locally produced model is now open for bookings across all BMW dealerships.

The standout update is the addition of Night Dusk Blue metallic, a deep and sophisticated shade that enhances the iX1’s bold presence. With this, the EV is now offered in four colours: Night Dusk Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White, and Skyscraper Grey.

Inside, the cabin receives a luxe upgrade with new Veganza Smoke White + Atlas Grey Dual-Tone and Veganza Castanea upholstery choices. Made from sustainably sourced vegan leather, these options feature an intricate 3D stitching pattern that boosts the premium feel. BMW has also extended its signature “Cocooning Effect” across the cabin, flowing the upholstery colour into the door panels, dashboard, and even the speaker mesh for a seamless, immersive environment.

The BMW iX1 continues to dominate the Indian luxury EV segment, becoming the brand’s highest-selling electric model within a year of launch. With added features like Surround View Camera earlier and now refreshed colour and upholstery options, BMW India is clearly aligning the iX1 LWB with evolving market preferences.

Geely Auto has made a bold entry into Thailand’s compact EV space with the launch of the new EX2 at the 42nd Thailand International Motor Expo. The B-segment electric urban hatchback impressed early, securing over 1,000 pre-orders within just three days of its unveiling. Alongside the EX2, Geely also showcased the EX5 all-electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, signalling a strong multi-model push in the region.

The EX2 stands out with a rear-wheel-drive layout, multi-link rear suspension, and a focus on efficient space management. The five-seat cabin offers 85% space utilisation, a flat rear floor, 36 storage areas, and even a 70-litre frunk. Its contemporary design has already earned global recognition, winning both the 2024 IDA Design Award and the 2024 European Product Design Award.

“The launch of the Geely EX2, along with the first appearance of the Geely Starray EM-i, further strengthens Geely Auto’s presence in Southeast Asia with an extensive electrified product portfolio, and aligns with our ongoing global growth strategy,” Evin Ye, Vice President of Geely Auto International, said.

To support its EV ambitions, Geely is rapidly strengthening its retail and after-sales network in Thailand through a partnership with Thonburi Neustern Co. The company plans to expand to 65 outlets nationwide by 2026, ensuring wider accessibility for customers across the country.

Nissan has expanded its regional SUV lineup with the launch of the all-new Kait SUV, developed specifically for Latin American markets. The model will be produced at the company’s Resende Industrial Complex in Brazil, with exports planned for more than 20 countries across the region.

Positioned alongside the Nissan Kicks and Magnite, the Kait is designed to cater to the needs of a fast-growing and highly competitive SUV segment. It offers a practical 432-litre boot and a feature set focused on comfort and safety—key priorities for buyers in this category.

Nissan says the Kait draws on the brand’s global expertise in building versatile SUVs tailored to local customer preferences. Guy Rodríguez, President of Nissan Latin America, highlighted the significance of the project, noting that it reinforces the brand’s commitment to the region and reflects its confidence in the segment’s potential.

Full specifications and variant-wise details will be revealed during individual market launches, as Nissan prepares the Kait for a wide rollout across Latin America.

Mitsubishi Motors has officially launched the Destinator, its new seven-seater midsize SUV, in Vietnam from 1 December. The rollout comes via Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam (MMV) and marks the latest step in the brand’s regional expansion strategy for its family-focused SUV.

Developed under the concept “Confidence Booster for Energetic Families,” the Destinator features a spacious three-row cabin and is set to reach around 70 global markets, including ASEAN countries, South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The model first debuted in Indonesia in July, where it quickly gained traction with about 12,000 bookings in just four months, beating Mitsubishi’s yearly target of 10,000 units. Its Philippine launch followed on 20 November, strengthening its presence in key growth markets.

Also read: Mitsubishi Launches All-New Destinator SUV in the Philippines

Mitsubishi positions the Destinator as a refined yet versatile SUV, blending a modern design with a roomy interior and performance suited for varied road and weather conditions.

Adding to its appeal, the Destinator has already earned industry recognition, winning Gold in the Best Industrial Product Design category at the VMARK Vietnam Design Award 2025. This marks Mitsubishi’s third consecutive VMARK gold, following accolades for the Xforce in 2023 and Triton in 2024.

Mercedes-Benz has begun pushing its MBUX 3.3 over-the-air update to more than 700,000 vehicles globally, bringing a significant boost in entertainment, productivity and voice-assistant capability. The update applies to the latest MBUX-equipped models, including the GLC, C-Class, CLE and E-Class.

One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of Dolby Atmos spatial audio for Amazon Music, Audible and Tidal, offering deeper, more immersive sound. Mercedes is also introducing IMAX Enhanced with DTS:X through RIDEVU by Sony Pictures, delivering cinematic-grade audio for selected films directly inside the cabin.

The update replaces the existing in-car calendar with a smarter MBUX Calendar app, offering unified login and integration across productivity tools like MBUX Notes and Meetings. The system can automatically map routes to scheduled meeting locations and even initiate Microsoft Teams calls from the interface.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Momenta-Powered ADAS on New Electric CLA in China

The MBUX Voice Assistant now becomes more intuitive, capable of giving drivers a daily briefing or schedule overview upon request. For downtime during charging or breaks, Mercedes has added a new Gamepack featuring retro-style mini-games.