Category: News

European Mobility Week takes place from 16 to 22 September 2025. Its aim is to encourage citizens, associations, businesses and local authorities to adopt more sustainable modes of transport. This year’s focus is on “Mobility for All”, a theme that addresses accessibility, safety, cost and inclusion for every user.

Since its creation in 2002, the campaign has organised concrete actions in several European countries. It includes Car Free Day and numerous local initiatives to encourage public transport, walking, cycling and car sharing.

One theme: Mobility for all

This year, the focus is on inclusion and accessibility. The aim is to make transport safer, more affordable and better adapted to the elderly and disabled, and to improve digital services. For example, Transdev is improving accessibility for the visually impaired in France with its mobility assistance tools.

A variety of local initiatives

Across France, a range of actions are planned: reduced or free public transport, streets closed to traffic, cycle rides, exhibitions and visits to transport-related sites. At Seine Grand Orly, teams are visiting several stations to inform the public and give behind-the-scenes tours of the T9 tramway.

Why this week counts

Firstly, it raises awareness of the environmental impact of mobility and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, it provides a laboratory for experimentation. We can test solutions, observe what works, and amplify those that show real benefits for society. Finally, it promotes urban living: less noise, less pollution, greater safety, greater comfort for all.

How can you take part?

Any person or organisation can propose a project: a car-free day, a workshop, a mobility challenge, an ongoing initiative already underway. Registering a project allows you to benefit from visibility, resources and support to help change habits. The national mobility awards encourage exemplary projects.

European Mobility Week remains a key opportunity to rethink the way we travel. In particular, it’s an opportunity to get public policies moving, and to encourage everyone to adopt a more sustainable approach to their daily lives.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse began life as an iconic Japanese sports car coupé in the 1980s, but is now an MPV/SUV with sleeker lines, now available in a 100% electric version… the French way!

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched in the late 1980s. At the time, it was a racy coupé with a power output of up to 200 bhp, much appreciated by car modifiers and other DIY enthusiasts. The 1995 version of the little Japanese car even had the luxury of becoming a film star, driven by Paul Walker in the Fast and Furious saga, sporting a bright green livery and a few vitamins under the bonnet. The coupé also scored a number of victories on the racetrack and in rallies. But in 2017, at Geneva, to everyone’s surprise and at the height of the SUV boom, Mitsubishi unveiled the Eclipse Cross. And in this case, ‘Cross’ doesn’t evoke any racing spirit, but rather ‘crossover’, because it’s… an SUV! And the aim? To win back the hearts of European consumers with a hybrid family car, while retaining a legendary name. In 2025, the diamond manufacturer will be taking a new step forward, as the Eclipse Cross hybrid will disappear in favour of a 100% electric version that bears a striking resemblance to another automotive icon, this time a French one.

A Japanese SUV… made in France

The Eclipse Cross looks (really) a lot like the Scénic. And why is that? Because, it’s no secret, it’s the fruit of a marriage of convenience: the industrial alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi. As a result, the Japanese manufacturer’s new electric SUV will be made… in France! In Douai, to be precise, on Renault lines, which explains its resemblance to the famous French MPV/SUV. Even if, in good faith, it does have a few of its own identifying features: a slightly reworked front end and the brand’s signature light signature at the rear.

In addition to its similarity in design, the Eclipse Cross is almost identical in size to the electric Scénic, with a length of just under 4.50 m, placing it in the ‘compact’ SUV category, and a width of just over 1.85 m, making it easy to handle. These similarities are due to the fact that Mitsubishi’s new electric SUV and Renault’s best-seller also share the same CMF-EV platform.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross promises 600 km of range

In terms of performance, the Eclipse Cross currently only offers a single 160 kW (220 hp) engine. Another, slightly less powerful, version should be available next year, at what we imagine will be a lower price. Where the promise is most tempting is in the floor, with an 87 kWh battery that boasts a range of 600 kilometres WLTP and the possibility of rapid recharging up to 150 kW.

Inside, it’s quality. Visible stitching on the seats, beautiful materials, a connected and ergonomic cockpit, screens that blend in with the décor and an appreciable sobriety. Above all, there’s the Harman Kardon audio system, which will allow the most nostalgic to play the Fast & Furious soundtrack over and over again… Even if, limited to 170 km/h, this electric Eclipse 2025 is unlikely to break any speed records.

The question is, who will benefit from the arrival of the Eclipse Cross on the European market? For Renault, it’s simple: to keep its factory running. For Mitsubishi, it’s a question of positioning itself in a strategic market while limiting industrial costs on the one hand, but also research and development costs, since there are no new platforms to develop. We are now waiting to see how the new Franco-Japanese SUV will differentiate itself from its competitor and first cousin, the Scénic, and only time – and a test drive – will tell.

The XPeng P7+ saloon, the Chinese rival of the Tesla Model 3, is facing a massive recall. More than 47,000 units are affected in China. The problem: a fault in the power steering system that represents a safety risk.

Power steering problem threatens P7+

Chinese manufacturer XPeng has announced that the recall concerns exactly 47,490 P7+ vehicles produced between August 2024 and April 2025. According to the Chinese market regulator, faulty wiring in the steering system can trigger a warning light and cause a malfunction. As a result, this fault could pose a danger to drivers and passengers.

XPeng has specified that the steering systems at risk will be replaced free of charge on all the vehicles concerned. This measure comes ahead of the European launch of the P7+, scheduled for France and Germany next year. Despite this recall, the brand is trying to reassure future customers.

A high-performance hatchback in spite of everything

Despite this setback, the P7+ remains competitive thanks to its advanced technology. It offers intelligent AI-assisted driving and two LFP batteries, with capacities of 60.7 and 76.3 kWh. Its rear engine develops between 245 and 320 bhp. Range varies between 540 and 630 km according to the WLTP cycle, while the 800-volt architecture enables ultra-fast recharging from 10 to 80% in just 12 minutes.

Designed with the family in mind, the P7+ boasts a boot capacity of 725 litres, expandable to 2,221 litres with the seats folded down. These features position it as a serious rival to the Tesla Model 3, while offering space comparable to that of the Model S. Prices in China start at 186,900 yuan, or around €22,400, and are expected to rise to around €47,000 in Europe.

A serious warning for XPeng

This recall comes at a crucial time for the brand, which is seeking to establish itself on the European market. It highlights the challenges faced by Chinese manufacturers in marketing advanced electric vehicles. Nevertheless, XPeng’s responsiveness demonstrates its seriousness and ability to take on large-scale recalls, which is a sign of confidence for European customers.

The Korean manufacturer has announced that, from 2026, the new K4 compact hatchback will replace the iconic Ceed in European catalogues. This marks the start of a new electrified era for Kia on the Old Continent, as the Ceed will also be offered as a hybrid.

In 2007, when Kia launched the Ceed, then spelt ‘cee’d’, it was with the aim of taking on the Golf, Focus and Mégane, then the reigning champions of compact budget hatchbacks. Mission accomplished, because although we don’t know the sales figures for the third and latest generation, the first two were produced in excess of 600,000 units each. Above all, it enabled Kia to make a name for itself in Europe. Now, almost two decades later, the Ceed is preparing for a well-deserved retirement.

A new string to Kia’s bow

Already ‘rivalled’ by its electric cousin, the EV4, the Ceed now sees the arrival on the Old Continent of the K4, which will replace it definitively in 2026. This is the hatchback version of the classic K4 saloon already sold in other markets.

While this K4 hatchback remains in the C segment (cars between 4.10 m and 4.50 m long) at 4.44 m, it is still almost 20 cm longer than the first Ceed. Above all, it offers a design that we now associate with electric cars. In fact, it looks a lot like the EV4, with its plunging roof, receding grille, knife-edge lines, ultra-modern light signature and large glazed sections. The Ceed seems to have turned the page…

A hybrid version of the Kia K4 coming soon

Kia has chosen to present its K4 hatchback to Europeans with… combustion engines! Petrol engines with outputs ranging from 115 to 180 bhp… Strange, given that a ban on the sale of combustion engines is on the horizon, but it’s understandable, 10 years is a long time, and it will give Kia time to sell a good number of units of its new K4.

So why are we talking about it on ECO MOTORS NEWS? Well, because a HEV or full hybrid version – non-rechargeable hybrids for those who haven’t read the electromobility glossary – is planned for 2026. This is the real revolution at Kia: the Korean manufacturer will be able to position itself in two strategic markets, particularly in Europe: the compact saloon market and the non-rechargeable hybrid market. Enough to make the 308, its announced nemesis, tremble?

The sixth generation of the Nissan Micra arrives on the market with a 100% electric powertrain. Available from €28,000, it promises a range of up to 416 km according to the WLTP cycle. With its distinctive design, connected technologies and fast recharging, it aims to stand out from the Renault 5 and the Peugeot e-208.

A city car designed for urban agility

The new Micra is based on the AmpR Small platform, developed in partnership with Renault and Ampere. Its 2.54-metre wheelbase and low weight make it easy to manoeuvre and fuel efficient. Thanks to its low centre of gravity and multi-link suspension, it offers a stable, precise ride, whether in the city or on the open road.

Two batteries, two powers

Nissan is offering two versions to suit different uses. The first combines a 40 kWh battery with a 120 hp engine, providing a range of up to 317 km. The second, more powerful version combines a 52 kWh battery with a 150 hp engine, giving a range of 416 km WLTP. Both models can be fast-charged up to 100 kW, recovering 65% of the battery in around 30 minutes.

A sober but assertive design

Visually, the Micra adopts a modern, compact style, a far cry from the retro look of the Renault 5. Fluid lines, pronounced wheel arches and 18-inch wheels give it a dynamic look. Its bodywork has been reworked to optimise aerodynamics and improve range.

A connected, customisable cabin

On board, sobriety goes hand in hand with technology. Two 10.1-inch screens group together most of the information, while physical controls remain for ventilation. Ambient lighting is available in 48 colours, and native integration of Google Maps and Google Assistant simplifies everyday use. The NissanConnect application can also be used to control the charge and cabin temperature remotely.

Competitive prices and a wealth of equipment

The range starts with the Engage trim level at €28,000 for the 40 kWh version. The Advance is available from €30,000 or €33,500 with the large battery, while the Evolve tops the range at €36,000. From the very start of the range, the Micra includes a heat pump, rapid recharging and driving aids. A number of options are available to personalise the city car, including two-tone paintwork and sports wheels.

An electrical offensive underway

With this new generation, Nissan is relaunching the Micra in the highly competitive electric city car segment. With a three-year warranty and eight years on the battery, the Japanese carmaker is banking on its attractive price, competitive range and comprehensive equipment to win over urban Europeans.

Linktour Automotive is entering the European market with its L6e and L7e electric models. The launch event at IAA Mobility 2025 marked a new era in urban driving. The brand is banking on avant-garde design, unique personalisation and intelligent technologies to win over city dwellers.

A strategic arrival in Europe

Linktour aims to transform the urban experience with its compact, agile vehicles. The L6e and L7e models combine performance, comfort and futuristic styling to meet the expectations of modern drivers. By incorporating strict European production standards, the brand ensures quality, safety and durability.

Four pillars of innovation

Design is at the heart of the Linktour philosophy. Futuristic silhouettes, frameless doors and a panoramic roof create a unique visual experience. Customisation is taken to a whole new level with the ‘Art Window’, transforming each car into a space for creative or commercial expression. Smart features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 5-inch control panel. The Linktour mobile application lets you control the vehicle remotely, manage the air conditioning and monitor battery charging. Finally, the Urban Pioneer approach ensures manoeuvrability, safety and comfort thanks to an aluminium chassis and Cell to Body technology.

Two models for two experiences

The Alumi L6e “Urban Sprite” is compact and manoeuvrable, perfect for narrow streets and traffic jams. It appeals to young drivers and families looking for a second urban vehicle. The interior features eco-friendly materials and sporty seats with four-way adjustment. The Alumi Elite L7e ‘Urban Elite’, on the other hand, offers sporty driving with a 23 kW electric motor and acceleration from zero to 50 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Its 180 km range and D and S driving modes guarantee an experience to suit every need.

A global strategy with local support

Linktour is planning a gradual expansion of its international sales and service network. The aim is to provide easy access to spare parts, maintenance and batteries. According to Dr. Tang, CEO of Linktour, mobility must go beyond mere transport and become an extension of lifestyle. The brand doesn’t just launch vehicles: it offers a platform that inspires individual expression.

A problem with an incorrectly positioned sensor has forced Renault and its subsidiary Dacia to recall several recent models. Hybrid and electric vehicles are particularly affected, including the Mégane E-Tech and Scénic E-Tech. The authorities are warning of an increased risk of accidents.

Poorly positioned sensor to blame

The fault is caused by a sensor on the parking brake actuator being at the wrong angle. This fault sometimes prevents the locking pin from locking properly in “P lock” mode. In practice, the brake may lock or fail to activate, especially when the driver turns off the engine, unbuckles the seatbelt or opens the door. If the assisted parking brake (APB) continues to hold the vehicle, the risk of accidents and injuries is considered real by the authorities.

New, electrified models in the sights

The alert, published at the beginning of September on the government platform Rappel Conso, affects a large number of Renault models produced between April 2024 and January 2025. These include vehicles emblematic of the brand’s electric and hybrid strategy: Mégane E-Tech, Scénic E-Tech, Austral and Espace VI. The Rafale, a top-of-the-range SUV, is also included. At Dacia, the Duster Pays Grand Froid, manufactured until the end of October 2025, is also on the list.

Quick steps for homeowners

Renault recommends that affected motorists contact their dealer to check whether their vehicle is part of the campaign. The intervention, which is free of charge, will enable the sensor to be corrected and ensure safety. The authorities specify that it is not necessary to immobilise the vehicle, but call for immediate action to avoid any dangerous situation.

Increased vigilance around electric models

This massive recall is a reminder that the transition to electric vehicles also brings technical challenges. The Mégane and Scénic E-Tech, the spearheads of Renault’s electric range, are directly affected. However, the manufacturer says that corrections will be made quickly, in order to maintain customer confidence in its electrified models.

Chinese manufacturer XPeng is taking a decisive step in its expansion strategy. Thanks to an unprecedented agreement, its electric SUVs will soon be assembled in Europe by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. This marks a turning point for the brand, and reflects a wider trend towards localising Chinese production to avoid heavy taxes in the European Union.

A strategic partnership in Austria

Magna, a Canadian subsidiary with over 300 production sites worldwide, has been chosen to manufacture the G6 and G9. These models, already sold on the continent, will now come directly from the Austrian factory. According to XPeng, this decision represents a first step towards a sustainable commitment in Europe, while accelerating its conquest of the market.

Getting around European surcharges

The European Union imposes high taxes on vehicles imported from China, reaching 31% for XPeng. By localising its production, the company is considerably reducing these costs, while at the same time gaining greater responsiveness to local demand. This strategy is part of a wider movement: several Chinese manufacturers, including BYD, Chery and Leapmotor, have already announced similar projects on European soil.

GAC and other players are following suit

XPeng is not the only company to benefit from Magna’s expertise. Chinese manufacturer GAC, with its Aion brand, has also entrusted the assembly of its electric models to the Graz plant. Recently presented in Munich, this brand plans to start sales in Poland, Portugal and Finland, before expanding across the continent by 2028.

A new lease of life for Magna Steyr

For Magna Steyr, this contract comes at just the right time. The Austrian plant had lost several major programmes, notably with BMW and Jaguar. The arrival of XPeng and GAC has given a significant boost to this historic site, already renowned for its production of the Mercedes G-Class. This momentum illustrates the determination of Chinese carmakers to integrate rapidly and sustainably into the European automotive landscape.

Rimac, known for its electric hypercars, has just unveiled a new solid battery and ultra-powerful electric axles. The idea? To become a major technological player in the electric car industry.

Since its creation in 2009 by the young Croatian engineer Mate Rimac, the brand of the same name has rapidly established itself as a key player in the world of electric sports cars. With the Concept One and its 1,200bhp, followed later by the Nevera, which flirts with 2,000bhp, Rimac has made its mark and proved that electrification doesn’t close the door on thrills. The problem? Making a profit selling hypercars isn’t the easiest thing in the world! So the idea of its founder is to add another string to Rimac’s bow by becoming a technology supplier for other manufacturers, using its cars as a showcase.

Very promising solid state batteries

This autumn, the manufacturer has announced a new solid-state battery. Developed in partnership with ProLogium and Mitsubishi Chemical Group, it has a capacity of 100 kWh and an energy density of around 260 Wh/kg. That’s not bad, but it’s even better when you consider Rimac’s promise of a recharge time of 10-80% in less than seven minutes.

And this is not just a concept or a manifesto, but a presentation ahead of the commercial launch in 2027. While solid batteries are still relatively rare on the market, if Rimac meets the deadline, it will be one of the pioneers in this segment. This is a strategic positioning, since solid batteries are more compact and therefore offer greater range for the same weight as lithium-ion batteries. For many observers, solid batteries represent the future of the electric car.

A major commercial power?

In addition to its future solid-state batteries, Rimac also presented its new generation of electric axles called Sinteg 300 and 550. These are engineering monsters that can deliver up to 11,000 Nm of torque to the wheels. It’s totally insane, and once again, it could convince many manufacturers, especially those looking for high performance, to choose the Croatian manufacturer.

Starting out by producing spectacular hypercars and making a name for himself in the sun, Mate Rimac, like a good engineer, has decided to use the fame he has gained from his cars to start designing parts, starting with batteries, axles and engines. It’s certainly more profitable than selling fifty Nevera…

Founded in 2016, SERES has, in just a few years, established itself as a leading player in electromobility. First through its commercial success as a manufacturer under the AITO name, then through a strategic partnership with Huawei. Today, SERES is setting its sights on Europe, presenting its ultra-efficient ‘Super Range-Extender’ system at the IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich.

The story of SERES is a good illustration of the extent to which the Chinese automotive industry has been able to reinvent itself at breakneck speed. Founded in 2016 as an electric mobility brand in the global sense of the term, the company has found a major partner: the giant Huawei. It was with the flagship of Chinese tech that SERES developed AITO, a local manufacturer that enjoyed almost immediate success (750,000 cars sold in its first four years of existence – that’s amazing) thanks to its high-end positioning, which has since been fully acquired by Huawei in 2023. Relations are still very good between all these companies, which are now cohabiting in the same universe, linked by partnerships.

SERES, long-term autonomy and vision

Today, SERES, through its SERES Power branch, focuses mainly on the design and manufacture of electric motors, in particular for the famous extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that are a big hit in China. These cars use small combustion engines, powered by petrol, which, instead of driving the wheels, act as generators to recharge the batteries. SERES was at the IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich to present a new development in these systems.

The ‘Super Range-Extender System’, whose name sounds like something out of a Marvel film, uses in-house RoboREX technology. According to SERES, its active energy management enables it to reduce fuel consumption by 15%, cut noise by 90% and deliver a spectacular output of 3.65 kWh per litre of fuel. All this with a maximum energy efficiency of almost 45%, when most current petrol engines struggle to exceed 35%.

This presentation in Europe is not insignificant. EREVs are not yet very popular on our side of the world, but this seems to be mainly due to lack of recognition, the rarity of models and the absence of this type of vehicle in the catalogues of European manufacturers. With some 3,900 patents to its name and 132% growth over the last year, SERES is determined to change the situation and add new industrial partners to its already impressive portfolio. It’s a story to keep an eye on, because at a time when the European electromobility market is in the throes of transition, when the vagueness surrounding the ban on 100% internal combustion is persistent, when the installation of recharging stations is still too sporadic and, above all, when range is the most persistent factor in motorists’ hesitation to switch to electric vehicles, range extenders are emerging as a very interesting solution.