Category: News

In its newstrategicplanfor the future, the Renault group will belaunching 36models worldwide over thenext 4 years. While aiming to remain abenchmark amongEuropeanmanufacturers, theFrenchfirm is alsoseeking toconquerthe most promising foreignmarkets : India,South Korea andLatin America. The group is aiming tosell 2 millionvehicles a year by 2030, abandoning the production of 100% combustion-powered cars and concentrating on hybrids, electric cars and electric cars withrangeextenders.

The end of an era. Renault is to stop producing cars with combustion engines, and from now on will produce only electrified vehicles. Following on from the electric Twingo, which goes on sale in a few weeks’ time, no fewer than 36 models will be launched over the next 4 years, across the Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands. The aim is to sell 2 million vehicles a year worldwide by 2030.

Renault Bridger Concept, the new pocket-sized adventurer

Of all these new models, 22 will be produced for Europe, 16 of them electric. The other vehicles will be hybrid or electric with extended range. Fourteen multi-energy vehicles will be reserved for the international market, starting with the Renault Bridger, whose concept evokes a small, agile and very squared-off adventurer, less than 4m long, with a large boot and plenty of space on board. Faced with competition from China in particular, we need to keep pace interms of innovative technology andcustomer experience,” explains François Provost, CEO of Renault Group. Our aim is to retain 80% of our customers over the 10-year life cycle of our cars.

An ever more digital and intelligent cockpit

This ambition is reflected in the new R-Space cockpit, which will gradually be fitted to all Renault models. Designed with the driver and passengers in mind, it features a panoramic curved screen spanning the entire width of the dashboard. Digital, connected and assisted by artificial intelligence, this interface is intuitive and as ergonomic as using your smartphone. Renault is also stepping up its collaboration with Google for its operating system, already recognised as the best on the market. In terms of safety for young drivers, for example, it will be possible to activate an integrated alcohol ignition interlock device.

New platform for long-rangeelectric cars

At industrial level, the plan is being successfully implemented with the inauguration of a new RGVE Medium 2.0 electric platform. Capable of producing vehicles in the B+ to D segment, with an 800 V architecture that enables ultra-fast recharging times. It will offer an electric range of up to 750 km WLTP and up to 1,400 km in Range Extender EV version. The versatility of this technical base means it can be used to assemble a wide range of body styles, including saloons, SUVs and coupes, with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or electric motor models with range extenders. These are all advantages and possibilities that should convince consumers who are reluctant to take the plunge into electric technology.

400 in savings per car per year

Renault is also promising to reduce production costs by €400 per car per year, which could be passed on to customers in the final bill. These savings will be achieved by

– optimising industrial processes (accelerated automation on production lines, maximising the re-use of available parts),

– by reducing the number of parts per car (by 30% on average),

– using AI and digital twins to reduce development time and the number of heavy industrial operations

– In factories, 300 humanoid robots (from Wanderkraft) will help workers to carry out the most physical tasks on the production line. This is a first in the automotive industry.

In addition, the development time

International development

To achieve operating margins of 5 to 7% of sales per year and an annual cash flow of €1.5 billion, the Renault group’s CEO is counting on Europe but is also targeting new growth markets (50 million units per year): India, South Korea and Latin America. On the other hand, the French group will not be seeking to establish itself in North America (USA, Canada), a market that is insufficiently electrified.

Dacia Striker, the coupé crossoverfor under €25,000

With over 10 million sales since 2004, Dacia is continuing to electrify its range with the launch of its new Striker model. This is an imposing crossover (4.62 m long) with fairly high ground clearance and a coupé-like profile. It is powered by hybrid, 4×4 hybrid and LPG engines. Produced in Turkey, the Striker will be launched in 2027 at prices starting from €25,000, making it a perfect complement to the successful Bigster and Duster SUVs. The best value brand on the market will also be offering 4 100% electric cars by 2030.

Alpine prepares the electric” A110

In addition to the A290 and A390 models already on the road, Alpine is continuing to develop the replacement for the A110, which will be 100% electric. Lightness, agility and driving pleasure are the priorities, promises the brand, which is unveiling the architecture of its future sports car based on the APP (Alpine Performance Platform) EV platform. The aluminium chassis will house two spaces for the battery packs, so as to distribute the weight balance (40% at the front and 60% at the rear). Dynamic performance will be optimised by an electronic management module (which acts on aero, power and torque) while retaining the Alpine Torque Vectoring software that improves roadholding in bends.

More advanced electric motor

Building on its expertise, the Renault group will also equip its future models with the 3rd generation electric motor (EESM). A rare-earthless wound-rotor motor, it develops 275 bhp, i.e. 25% more power, and offers greater efficiency, particularly on motorways. E-Tech hybrid technology (HEV) will also see further developments beyond 2030, with less powerful and less expensive engines.

Serving customers

Almost nine months after taking up his post, CEO François Provost intends to make the Renault group a benchmark in Europe with a broad range of desirable and competitive electrified cars, without neglecting the potential for growth in new markets. In the face of aggressive competition from Chinese manufacturers, he is betting above all on the service that his vehicles will provide to customers in terms of clean, accessible mobility tailored to their needs.

For several years, Lotus Cars seemed determined to turn the page on combustion engines once and for all. In 2023, the British manufacturer still claimed that the sporty Lotus Emira would be its “last internal combustion car”, as part of a strategy to become a 100% electric brand by the end of the decade. Three years on, the brand has revised its ambitions. With the arrival of the Lotus Eletre X, the British manufacturer is introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time in its history.

A revelation from China

We’ve known it since 5 December 2025, when the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Technology published an approval file for a vehicle called “Eletre For Me”. Behind this name lies the future plug-in hybrid version of the 100% electric SUV launched by Lotus in 2023.

Confirmed by Lotus Cars at the beginning of 2026, the timetable is now clear: the first deliveries are expected in China at the end of March 2026, before a European launch scheduled for June. The French market should be served a few months later, by the end of the year.

This development comes at a particular time for the manufacturer. Although the brand’s electric models, in particular the Lotus Eletre and the Lotus Emeya saloon, have enabled Lotus Cars to achieve a record 12,134 worldwide deliveries in 2024, their volumes are still below the manufacturer’s initial ambitions, which were initially aimed at more than 25,000 annual sales in the medium term.

An even more powerful hyper-SUV

In technical terms, the Lotus Eletre X not only adds a combustion engine to the existing electric SUV, it also becomes the most powerful version in the range. The hybrid system develops a total output of 952 bhp, compared with ‘just’ 918 bhp for the all-electric version. The performance is equally impressive, with a 0-100kph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 230kph.

The most striking change is in terms of range. Lotus has adopted a more compact battery supplied by CATL. Its capacity has been reduced from 112 kWh on the electric version to 70 kWh on this plug-in hybrid variant. Despite this reduction, range in electric mode remains particularly high for a PHEV: 420 km according to the CLTC cycle, which corresponds to around 350 km on the European cycle (WLTP). With the internal combustion engine, total range then exceeds 1,200 kilometres.

Ultra-fast charging for a plug-in hybrid

The other major innovation concerns recharging. The Lotus Eletre X is based on a 900-volt electrical architecture capable of handling up to 430 kW of power.

Thanks to this technology, the battery can go from 20% to 80% charge in just nine minutes. An unprecedented figure for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This is far more efficient than some of its rivals, such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid or the Range Rover Sport P550e.

A sign of a change in strategy

Above all, the arrival of this hybrid version illustrates a change in strategy for Lotus. When the Chinese group Geely relaunched the British brand in 2017, the stated aim was to transform Lotus into an all-electric premium manufacturer.

But the dynamics of the car market have evolved more slowly than expected. In China, plug-in hybrids now account for almost 40% of new car sales, compared with around 15% for 100% electric models.

The Lotus Eletre X could thus become the first representative of a new generation of Lotus hybrid models. According to industry indications, the Lotus Emeya saloon could adopt similar technology around 2027, while the sporty Lotus Emira could follow in 2028.

This scenario would mark the end of the “all-electric” strategy announced a few years ago.

For many years, recharging time has been one of the major obstacles to the adoption of gentler mobility. Now, the promise of recharging as quickly as a full tank of petrol is becoming a reality. And the reason? A technological advance unveiled by BYD that could mark a turning point for electromobility: the Blade 2.0 battery and Flash Charging technology. At the heart of this announcement is an architecture capable of achieving 1,500 kW of charging power, a level never before seen in the automotive industry. Under the best conditions, BYD claims that it would be possible to recover 400 to 500 kilometres of range in just five minutes.

A new generation of batteries to break new ground

After the arrival on the market in 2020 of the Blade Battery, a battery made in BYD, it is now the turn of its second version to see the light of day. The press release confirms that it retains the LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry that made the reputation of the first generation for its safety and durability. But it has evolved significantly on a number of technical points:

• improved energy density,
• much higher load capacity,
• better thermal management,
• structural architecture integrated into the vehicle using Cell-to-Body technology.

The results are spectacular: some 100% electric models equipped with this new generation battery can now exceed a range of 1,000 km according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. This is particularly true of the top-of-the-range Yangwang U7 saloon, capable of a range of 1,006 km, and the sporty Denza Z9 GT, which would exceed 1,030 km with this technology.

Unfortunately, BYD did not provide any information on energy density, apart from the following figure: “+5%”.

So yes, these staggering range figures are based on the Chinese cycle, which is generally more optimistic than Europe’s WLTP. Nevertheless, they testify to the technological leap made by the world leader in battery technology.

Recharging almost as fast as a full tank of petrol

If the batteries haven’t convinced you, wait until you see what the Flash Charging stations are all about. The manufacturer promises a recharge that will take the battery from 10% to 70% in around 5 minutes. Another value: connecting to a Flash Charging point with a vehicle equipped with the Blade 2.0 battery will increase the level from 10% to 97% in less than 9 minutes.

For drivers living in extremely cold areas, don’t worry: BYD has thought of everything, and it’s amazing. The Blade 2.0 takes the battery from 20% to 97% in approximately 11 minutes at -20°C and a few seconds more at -30°C.

To achieve this performance, BYD is relying on a dedicated infrastructure capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW of power, several times the power of current rapid charging stations in Europe.

And as well as being efficient, they are also designed to make the charging experience more pleasant. You may have wondered why the station is T-shaped? Well, it’s to allow the cable to be suspended with a ‘zero gravity’ system, so that it doesn’t drag along the ground and the customer doesn’t have to bear its weight.

But is this infrastructure accessible now? The answer is yes, but only on Chinese roads. BYD has already installed 4,239 Flash Charging stations across China and plans to operate 20,000 by the end of the year. The brand promises that the whole world will be able to benefit from these infrastructures, even if no date or strategy has yet been communicated.

A clear message: electrics just got easier

The aim behind this technological demonstration is obvious: to do away with what manufacturers call “charging anxiety”. For years, range and charging time have been the two main arguments put forward by sceptics of electric cars.

From now on, with a range of over 1,000 kilometres and a recharge time of just a few minutes, BYD wants to show that these obstacles are about to become a thing of the past. It remains to be seen whether this performance will be confirmed in mass-market models in China and abroad.

This is the big winner of the Best Cars 2026 competition held in Germany. Volkswagen Group has just achieved an unprecedented performance at the 2026 edition of “Best Cars”, winning ten of the twenty-five categories and taking 28 of the 75 places on the podium. A record in the history of the competition. For the Wolfsburg-based group, these trophies symbolise the public validation of its strategy.

“Best Cars: a genuine European barometer

The ‘Best Cars’ awards are organised by the German motoring magazine auto motor und sport, Europe’s leading motoring magazine. Created in 1976, this readers’ vote is now considered to be the continent’s biggest automobile consultation. For this 50th edition, almost 95,000 readers voted for 480 models in 13 categories.

The principle is simple:

• an overall ranking for all brands;
• an “import” classification, where German brands are not eligible.

In other words, we’re not talking about a select jury or a prize awarded by experts alone, but a massive vote by customers and enthusiasts. In short, a true indicator of desirability and image.

Ten victories across all brands

In detail, the German group comes out on top with :

• Three wins for Volkswagen (including one for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles)
• Two for Porsche
• One for Audi
• Three for Škoda in the import rankings
• One for Bentley

This diversity illustrates a central point: success is not just based on the top of the range or traditional combustion engines. It cuts across all segments, from city cars to SUVs, not forgetting electric models.

A massive product offensive in the background

This record comes after two years of intense renewal of the Group’s portfolio. Around 60 new models have been launched, and more than 20 more are expected this year, including several 100% electric vehicles. The strategy is clear: cover all segments, all engines, all markets. And it’s working.

In addition to the arrival of a large number of new vehicles, each Volkswagen Group brand is pursuing ambitious energy transition targets:

• Volkswagen: accelerating towards a predominantly electric range in Europe by 2030, with the ID family gaining considerable momentum.
• Audi: announced end of development of new internal combustion engines and 100% electric premium positioning in the medium term.
• Porsche: target of a majority of electrified sales (plug-in hybrids and electric cars) within a decade.
• Škoda: democratisation of electric vehicles with more accessible models and rapid expansion of its BEV range.
• Bentley: gradual switch to all-electric power in the luxury segment.

In other words, even brands that have embarked on a far-reaching transformation, with massive investment in electromobility, continue to win prestigious awards. A strong signal for a sector that is often disparaged by the public.

Electromobility attracts, it’s a reality

The fact that electrified models such as the ID. Buzz are among the winners confirms a fundamental trend: electromobility is no longer a gamble, but a market expectation. Consumers are voting. And they are also voting for electric or hybrid vehicles.

For the Volkswagen Group, this record at “Best Cars 2026” is not just symbolic. It validates a strategic trajectory: that of a group that wants to remain a world leader while accelerating towards more sustainable mobility.

The Renault Group will unveil its new strategic plan, futuREady, at 9am on Tuesday 10 March 2026. In the words of the press release issued on 3 March 2026, this announcement is intended to be much more than just a roadmap: it is a visionary framework designed to respond to the profound challenges of an industry in the throes of change. One day after this announcement, Renault has already begun to lay the foundations for this new era, notably with the unveiling of the new Renault Bridger Concept show car, a symbol of the brand’s strategy of going on the offensive internationally.

A strategic plan to structure growth

This famous plan, which promises to be an upheaval for the French brand, was presented in a press release on 3 March 2026. Its ambition is to transform what has until now been a success story into a genuine success system, in other words, a sustainable model for creating value, innovation and competitiveness.

According to François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, this plan is based on three major axes:

• Consolidate our product advantage by offering ever more ‘winning’, and therefore competitive, electric and hybrid ranges that are also tailored to customer expectations.
• Strengthening technological innovation by anticipating market needs, whether in embedded software, mobility services or battery technologies.
• Improving operational excellence, to optimise processes, accelerate development cycles and support a resilient growth model.

The plan is due to be officially unveiled on 10 March 2026 at 9am, live from the Renault Group’s events platform, with a press release available from 7am and versions for each of the brands (Renault, Dacia, Alpine) scheduled for later in the morning.

A concrete preview: Bridger Concept, symbol of the international offensive

Even before the plan was presented, Renault chose to send out a strong signal with a new show car: the Bridger Concept, whose name and first images were revealed in a very, very limited way.

This vehicle is presented as a bold urban SUV, compact (less than 4 metres) yet surprisingly spacious inside. Its silhouette and design are not just aesthetically pleasing: they embody a renewed vision of the urban vehicle, designed to meet the changing lifestyles of the growing number of families living in the city.

In the press release, Sylvia dos Santos, Head of Renault Naming Strategy, explains: “With Bridger, we are adding to our family of names derived from English words. Constructed from the word ‘bridge’, to which the identifying final ‘ER’ has been added, the Renault Bridger name is in line with the Renault Duster name. A powerful, robust and versatile name, perfect to embody our new urban SUV show car and open a new page in our international offensive!

But while we might expect a production vehicle that could benefit everyone, that’s not really the case. In fact, it is intended for India, a market that Renault has identified as strategic for its global development. This isn’t the first vehicle that the brand has designed to be sold outside Europe: Luca de Meo has already relied on this export strategy. This has already been the case with the Kardian, the Filante and also the Boreal.

Pending the full presentation, Renault Group has announced that Dacia will unveil the name of its new crossover on 5 March at 8am.

An international strategy based on solid fundamentals

The announcement of the Bridger Concept is nevertheless consistent with the way in which Renault has structured its international growth in recent years. In particular, the group has consolidated its presence in India by becoming the sole owner of its Chennai plant and developing an international engineering and design centre there.

These moves are part of a broader drive to make better use of high-growth regions, while adapting products to local needs and strengthening Renault’s industrial autonomy on a global scale.

Challenges and prospects

On 10 March, Renault will unveil its full vision for the next decade, and we’ll be able to measure whether the strategy is up to scratch.

At the previous presentation of the Group’s strategic plan, the return of the Renault 5 was announced. As well as sparking a great deal of interest, the announcement also had many enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. So we’re expecting an announcement that’s just as appetising.

At the beginning of March, Alfa Romeo published its sales results for 2025. The results? The Italian brand has recorded worldwide growth of over 20% compared to 2024, with more than 73,000 vehicles sold internationally. In a car market that is still uneven and under pressure, this growth shows that the Italian brand is back, but above all that it is moving forward in a thoughtful way with the energy transition.

Solid momentum in Europe and beyond

According to the press release issued by the Stellantis Group on Tuesday 3 March 2025, Europe remains the main growth driver for the Italian brand, with sales up by more than 31%. The United Kingdom (+80.1%), France (+41.9%), Italy (+20.7%), Germany (+20.5%) and Spain (+15.1%) posted particularly strong increases, symbolising the relevance of Alfa Romeo’s product repositioning, particularly in the compact premium segment.

Important figures for Europe, but that’s not all. Alfa Romeo also recorded significant growth in other key markets. In the Middle East & Africa region, growth reached 16.3%. In Morocco, the brand ranked second in the premium market in terms of growth, with an impressive 65% increase in registrations, while in Turkey it posted growth of 38.7%.

But it is in Asia that the dynamic is even more marked, with +43.8% compared to 2024. Japan stands out with exceptional growth of +71.4% over the year. Alfa Romeo announced that it had relaunched its presence in Taiwan and Malaysia. These results speak for themselves: the brand is enjoying international success, particularly in these dynamic emerging markets.

Electrification at a gentle pace

Alfa Romeo is adopting a strategy of gradual electrification, moving slowly towards the energy transition rather than rushing its customers. The brand is combining combustion, hybrid and 100% electric powertrains, in order to retain the sporty, premium DNA for which it is renowned. For the time being, the Junior remains the only 100% electric model actually available, illustrating this cautious approach: of the 60,000 vehicles distributed in 41 markets by 2025, this zero-emission variant represents a minority share of deliveries, showing that electromobility is making progress, but at a measured pace, far from immediate mass adoption.

Santo Ficili, CEO of Alfa Romeo, sums up this approach perfectly:

• “Exceeding 20% growth worldwide, with Europe at +31%, means one thing is very clear: Alfa Romeo is back in the race. But what matters most is the quality of this trajectory. Junior has broadened our customer base while remaining true to the brand’s sporting DNA. Tonale is now entering its first full year with the new model and is a strategic pillar for 2026.

While the initial target was an all-electric range by 2027, the brand is now adopting a more pragmatic approach, incorporating light hybrids and plug-in hybrids into this objective. The idea is to adapt the range to the realities of different markets, where the level of infrastructure, public incentives and demand vary greatly.

It’s a questionable strategy, however, because while it limits the risk of destabilising current customers, it could also penalise Alfa Romeo in the face of competitors who are speeding up their transition to electric vehicles.

“BEST CARS 2026”: Alfa Romeo Giulia and Tonale are the winners

As success never comes on its own, these commercial achievements have been accompanied by international recognition. Just recently in Germany, the Giulia and Tonale were honoured in the “Best Cars 2026” competition.

These awards help to reinforce the perceived value of the vehicles which, it should be remembered, are both available in hybrid versions and therefore support the transition strategy. They show that it is possible to electrify a range while retaining the sportiness and design for which Alfa Romeo is renowned.

A pivotal year before acceleration

The 2025 financial year, which recently came to a close, represents an intermediate but structuring stage. With the figures published, which concern not only Europe but also the rest of the world, Alfa Romeo is demonstrating that it is possible to achieve significant growth while initiating a smooth energy transition. It remains to be seen whether the launch of other models in the BEV segment will find their customers.

On 1 March 2026, via an official press release and an internal memo from He Xiaopeng dated 24 February, XPeng Motors announced that global delivery of its second-generation intelligent driving system, VLA 2.0, will begin in 2027. In this global roll-out, Volkswagen is confirmed as the first launch partner in the Chinese market.

A change in architecture: from sequential pipeline to end-to-end AI

The big news behind this announcement, apart from the fact that worldwide deliveries of its intelligent driving system will begin in 2027, is that VLA 2.0 (Vision-Language-Action) marks a major conceptual break with traditional in-vehicle systems. Traditionally, automated driving architectures operate according to a three-stage logic:

• Perception (Vision)
• Translation into intermediate language
• Decision/Action

The problem with the so-called ‘traditional’ model is that it creates latency, like a translator between the eye and the foot on the brake pedal.

With version 2.0, XPENG breaks this pattern: the vision goes directly to the action, without passing through an intermediate language stage. The system creates what some describe as “implicit tokens”: a computer language internal to the AI that enables faster, smoother interpretation of driving situations.

This approach is expected to offer a number of operational advantages:

• Drastic reduction in processing times
• More real and more human reactions
• Ability to manage complex scenarios without detailed HD maps
• Dynamic recognition of road signs, gestures or changes in context

Public road tests and “drive anywhere” capabilities

The first vehicles equipped with VLA 2.0 have begun testing on open roads in China, with public trials scheduled for later in 2026. According to various statements by the Chinese brand, the system is now capable of handling difficult environments:

• heavy urban traffic
• narrow lanes
• irregular or unmapped roads
• standstill starts and complex interactions

Based on early test data, XPENG claims that VLA 2.0 delivers a ~23% improvement in driving efficiency, with peak hour performance in Guangzhou comparable to that of experienced human drivers, and significantly better than traditional Level 2 systems.

Hardware power: the Turing chip, the heart of the reactor

To operate and be so promising, the VLA 2.0 relies on the Turing AI chip designed in-house by XPENG, capable of delivering up to 2,250 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) per unit in the most powerful versions.
This massive computing power means that very large AI models can be run directly in the vehicle, without relying on the cloud. It is this on-board power that guarantees ultra-fast reactions – essential when you need to anticipate an unpredictable cyclist or a pothole in a fraction of a second.

Volkswagen, a strategic and now historic partner

The announcement that Volkswagen is now the first launch partner for VLA 2.0 on the Chinese market sends out a strong signal.
Firstly, it is a symbolic milestone: it is the first time that a major historic Western manufacturer has adopted an advanced autonomous driving platform developed by a Chinese manufacturer to equip its own vehicles.

Secondly, the agreement is not limited to simple software integration. Volkswagen will also be adopting the proprietary Turing AI chip developed by XPeng Motors, the computing heart of the VLA 2.0. In other words, the system’s hardware and software architecture will be based directly on the XPENG technology ecosystem.

And it’s worth remembering that this partnership didn’t come out of nowhere. In 2023, Volkswagen invested around $700 million to acquire a 4.99% stake in XPENG, as part of a wider agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles for the Chinese market. This stake means that the German manufacturer already has a direct interest in the industrial and technological success of its partner.

Objective: total autonomy within 1-3 years

He Xiaopeng, Managing Director of XPeng, confirmed: “XPENG’s VLA 2.0 is the first version designed to achieve fully autonomous driving and will evolve at an unprecedented rate. We expect full autonomy to arrive within one to three years, making autonomous driving a natural part of people’s daily journeys.”

This ambition is part of XPENG’s wider “Physical AI” strategy, in which the same AI model could eventually power other platforms operating in real environments:

• humanoid robots
• modular flying vehicles
• autonomous mobility services

A turning point for automotive AI

With a plan for global deployment in 2027 and a major Western carmaker already committed to the technology in China, XPENG is entering a new phase of expansion. The alliance with Volkswagen could become a textbook case in the industry: a traditional carmaker boosted by Chinese on-board intelligence technology.

It remains to be seen whether the VLA 2.0 will really be able to compete with the autonomous systems promised by Tesla, Waymo and other technology players.

For the electromobility sector, February 2026 will go down in the annals: 32,370 electric cars registered (passenger cars + light commercial vehicles), up 27.8% on February 2025. This represents a market share approaching 27%, an all-time record for February. Over the first two months of the year, the cumulative total reached 62,677 EVs, up 21% on 2025. According to AAA Data, the trend is clear: despite a declining overall market, electric vehicles are continuing to establish themselves as the engine of the future.

Market context

To say the least, the French vehicle market is not in the best of health. In fact, 120,764 personal vehicles were sold in February 2026, down 14.7% on the previous year.

The main factor is that diesel sales collapsed again this month, reaching just 2.6% of the market. By comparison, sales of cars running on LPG represent 2.3%, while plug-in hybrids are up slightly at 5.5%.

Electrics are now the leading energy source on the market, ahead of non-rechargeable hybrids. In short, while the overall market is shrinking, electric cars are gaining ground month by month.

Top electric models

One of the big news is that the Tesla Model Y is back in first place in February with 3,034 units, a position it has not held since last September. It is closely followed by its rival, the Renault 5, with 2,639 units sold, and by the Renault Scénic, with 2,127 units.

This is a real rebound for Tesla, which had a difficult January, with a total of 3,715 vehicles (Model Y + Model 3). For Renault, the cumulative total for February was 6,492 EVs, or 20% of the electric market, confirming the brand’s dominance of the mass-market segment.

In addition to the top 3, other models stand out: the Citroën ë-C3 (1,337), the Peugeot e-208 (1,150) and the Volkswagen ID.4 (1,003).

Renault in the lead, the big manufacturers in ambush

What really interests the market is who sells what at the end of the month. In this area, Renault remains the undisputed leader, with 6,492 electric vehicles registered in February and a market share of 20%. This position has been consolidated since September 2025, boosted by the Renault 5 and the Scénic E-Tech.

As already mentioned, Tesla was more convincing than in the previous month, with 3,715 electric vehicles sold in February. The figures show that the American manufacturer remains a major player, even though Renault still dominates the consumer segment.

At Stellantis, sales oscillate: Peugeot follows with 3,896 EVs, with Citroën and Volkswagen rounding out the top 5. The data confirms a clear trend: the French EV market is now concentrated around a few leading players.

A falling market, but not for everyone

Yes, February 2026 was a record month for electric cars, but it must be stressed once again that the overall market continues to shrink. With 120,764 cars sold in February 2026, that’s 14.7% fewer than last year, and 6.55% fewer than in January 2026.

So why is the market falling? Well, first of all, the tax system is taking its toll: weight-related penalties affect almost 70% of passenger cars. A family SUV weighing over 1.6 tonnes can cost between €10,000 and €30,000 in tax, and CO₂ charges can push up the bill from €10,000 for 50 g/km to €40,000 for 130 g/km. As a result, family models are becoming virtually inaccessible to many buyers.

Business fleets are also under pressure: down 13.9% in February (34,178 cars), held back by the wait-and-see attitude of the tax authorities and the weight penalty, which is holding up renewal. When it comes to internal combustion engines, the situation is almost the same: diesel at 2.6% (-54%), petrol -48%, LPG -52%, non-rechargeable hybrids -7%. In short, overall demand is weak, volumes are falling, and the economic situation is weighing on purchasing decisions.

And yet, despite this context, electric cars shine. This paradox can be explained by four specific factors:

• Social leasing 2025 deliveries: orders placed last year were converted into deliveries in January and February 2026, totalling 27,000 units, an artificial dynamic that inflates sales before they run out in mid-February.
• Revalued ecological bonus: the doubling of the EEC (€2,000-4,000) led to a surge in orders following the revaluation.
• Obligations for B2B fleets: decree requiring a minimum of 25% EVs in fleets of more than 100 cars/year.
• Renault bestsellers: Renault 5 E-Tech (2,639 units) and Scénic (2,127) benefit from local production, which enables rapid deliveries and supports volumes.

According to the Plateforme Française de l’Automobile (PFA), the trade federation representing vehicle manufacturers and importers in France, this level of sales “is the result of a range that is now very wide, the obligation to make fleets greener, and a social leasing effect. While the first two factors will continue to drive the market over the coming months, the positive impact of social leasing will fade.

At the beginning of February 2026, XPeng lifted the veil on its new flagship: the GX, for eXploration. An electrified SUV over 5.26 metres long, with 6 seats, ultra-technological… and a design that clearly evokes the Range Rover Electric still under development. The message is clear: it’s possible to build a massive, high-tech SUV with status… for half the price.

A large, ultra-technological electric (and hybrid) SUV

The real difference between the GX and the G9 (in the same segment) is not immediately apparent: it lies beneath the bodywork. The SUV is based on the SEPA 3.0 platform (Smart Electric Platform Architecture), the most advanced technological base developed by XPeng to date. It’s not just an electric platform: it’s an architecture designed from the outset to integrate artificial intelligence at the very heart of the vehicle.

With the GX, artificial intelligence is not limited to screens or voice commands. It plays a direct role in the way the vehicle handles. Indeed, the GX adopts 100% steer-by-wire steering combined with four-wheel steering capable of turning the rear wheels by up to 10 degrees. In addition, the air suspension, steering and engine torque management are controlled in real time by algorithms capable of anticipating body movements, road conditions and driving style.

Two engines are planned:

• a 100% electric version, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, 800 V architecture and ultra-fast 5C recharging (10 to 80% in around 15 minutes under optimum conditions);
• an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) version, combining a battery with a combustion engine that acts solely as a generator. Cumulative range: over 1,000 km in the Chinese CLTC cycle.

An obvious target: the Range Rover

It’s hard not to see the inspiration. With its upright front end, massive proportions and perfectly horizontal roofline, the GX takes its cues from the benchmark British SUV, the Range Rover.

We’re starting to get used to it: it’s not just on technology that the Chinese are hoping to compete with the market leaders, but on price. Positioned above the G9 (China price: ~350,000-460,000 yuan, or €35,000-46,000), XPeng’s current top-of-the-range SUV, the GX starts at ~400,000 yuan (< €50,000 in China) according to CnEVPost, three times cheaper than an electric Range Rover expected to cost at least €140,000.

Behind the GX, a clear international strategy

The GX does not stand alone in the range. It is part of XPeng’s global expansion. After a record year in China in 2025, with 429,445 sales worldwide (up 126% on 2024), including 45,008 export sales (up 96%), the brand is preparing its European offensive (factories in Germany and Hungary from 2026). XPeng has set an ambitious target: to generate 50% of its sales outside China by 2028.

The idea is clear: to show that a Chinese manufacturer can produce a large premium SUV that is credible in the face of European benchmarks such as the BMW iX or the Tesla Model X, while retaining a price advantage.

The presence of an EREV version also illustrates a pragmatic approach to international markets. XPeng knows that not all countries yet have a uniform recharging network. Offering a cumulative range of over 1,000 km removes a major psychological barrier, particularly in rural Europe and certain emerging countries.

When will it be released?

The official world premiere is expected at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2026. The commercial launch in China is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027.

As far as Europe is concerned, nothing is less certain. If it were to cross borders, between homologation, regulatory adaptation of steer-by-wire and organisation of the after-sales network, an arrival before 2028 seems unlikely.

But one thing is certain: if XPeng manages to maintain a competitive price positioning outside China, the GX could become one of the models that symbolise the Chinese offensive in the premium segment.

On 2 March 2026, AURA AERO officially signed the first order for its ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The lucky buyer, Pan European Air Service (PEAS), becomes the first customer to make a contractual commitment for this 19-seater aircraft designed to decarbonise regional aviation. With nearly 700 order intents, valued at $12 billion, ERA has reached a significant milestone.

ERA: an aircraft designed to revive regional aviation

In the same press release, ERA is presented as a lever for transforming regional air transport. This flying machine is based on a hybrid architecture.

The aircraft will be equipped with 8 ENGINEUS electric motors developed by Safran and 2 SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) compatible turbogenerators. This configuration enables the aircraft to alternate automatically between electric and hybrid phases depending on the flight profile. The announced range is 900 nautical miles (around 1,500 kilometres), covering a large part of intra-European routes.

According to the manufacturer, the ERA could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared with combustion-powered aircraft in the same category. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the aircraft also aims to revitalise a weakened segment: regional routes.

Versatility at the heart of the business model

The ERA is not just positioned as a conventional regional aircraft. It can be configured for passenger transport, business aviation and light freight, as well as critical operations and emergency response.

This modularity broadens the field of application and enables the manufacturer to address a wider range of operators than just the traditional regional companies.

Pan-European, first committed operator

The press release highlights AURA AERO as the first buyer. Based in Chambéry and Lyon, Pan Européenne Air Service currently operates five Embraer aircraft (from 5 to 49 seats) and serves up to 500 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

The company has been supporting the ERA programme since its inception. It recently took part in electric flight tests with INTEGRAL E, another AURA AERO programme.

In the press release, Antoine Foessel and Clément Jacquot, co-directors and owners of Pan Européenne, explain:

“AURA AERO’s ambition and values are perfectly aligned with our vision of tomorrow’s aviation. The technological and industrial choices made in the design and production of the ERA since the company was founded have always proved to be extremely relevant, and it is only natural that we should have chosen this aircraft in order to be able to offer the first carbon-free air transport in history.

As well as enjoying a state-of-the-art, ethically responsible aircraft, the objective is clear: to become one of the first airlines in the world to operate a hybrid-electric aircraft with fare-paying passengers.

A strategic turning point for AURA AERO

For AURA AERO, this order is more than just a commercial opportunity. Together, they seem to be working hand in hand to drive forward the French and global aeronautics industry.

Jérémy Caussade, chairman and co-founder of the manufacturer, stresses in the press release:

“Pan Européenne is much more than a launch customer; it is a trusted partner that has been with us since the start of the ERA programme. We are very proud to count on the commitment of a company that chooses to support a French manufacturer, because we share the same values and the same vision.”

A regulatory environment favourable to hybridisation

And this sale is taking place against a backdrop of increasing regulatory pressure on European air transport in 2026.

Indeed, the sector accounts for around 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, and European mechanisms such as the extension of the EU ETS or the Fit for 55 target are pushing operators to speed up their transition.

In this context, regional aviation appears to be a realistic area for experimentation:

• shorter distances,
• more controlled energy needs,
• infrastructures that can be adapted more quickly than for long-haul flights.

An industrial equation yet to be demonstrated

While this first firm order marks a major symbolic milestone, a number of unknowns remain. The ERA programme still has to pass the crucial certification stage, a long and demanding process for an aircraft incorporating a hybrid-electric architecture unprecedented on this scale.

The industrial timetable will also be decisive. AURA AERO is aiming for entry into service by 2028-2029, but whether this trajectory is met will depend as much on regulatory approvals as on the industrial ramp-up.

Another major challenge is controlling costs and the supply chain. The integration of eight electric motors, complex hybrid systems and sustainable fuels requires efficient and intelligent industrial coordination.

From prototype to market

Signing with Pan Européenne does not in itself guarantee the industrial success of ERA, but it does mark a change in status: the programme is moving from a dynamic of innovation to one of commercial realisation.

If the aircraft lives up to its promise in terms of performance, emissions reduction and operating costs, it could open up a new path for European regional aviation.