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Toyota is denouncing the “fake hybrids” sold by its competitors. According to the Japanese manufacturer, 48-volt systems do not deserve the name. Yet Toyota’s own Hilux pick-up, sold in Europe, proudly displays the “Hybrid 48V” badge. This casts doubt on the consistency of the brand’s claims.

A semantic war in the automotive industry

For several years now, the technical terms surrounding electrification have been multiplying. Hybrid, rechargeable, mild-hybrid… all names that sometimes confuse the issue. For Toyota, a pioneer of ‘full hybrid’ since the late 1990s, this confusion has become unbearable. The Japanese group defends a strict definition: a hybrid vehicle must be able to drive, at least for a few metres, in 100% electric mode.

In Australia, Sean Hanley, Toyota’s Marketing and Sales Director, strongly criticised manufacturers who present 48-volt cars as hybrids. In his view, these systems offer only a slight assistance to the combustion engine. They slightly reduce fuel consumption, but do not provide real electric propulsion. “A 48V-assisted system does not represent a hybrid powertrain”, he said, calling on manufacturers to be more transparent with their customers.

Finger-pointing at competitors

Toyota’s criticisms are aimed at several major players: Stellantis, Renault, Nissan and even some German manufacturers. Their ‘mild-hybrid’ models are often lumped together with full hybrids in the registration statistics. The result is total confusion for the public, who believe they are buying an electrified vehicle, when in fact they are buying a slightly assisted internal combustion engine.

Ironically, Toyota is not entirely consistent with its own principles. In Europe, its Hilux pick-up is now sold under the name “Hilux Hybrid 48V”. However, this is a mildly hybrid engine, i.e. a simple electric assistance system. In Australia, the same model is called ‘V Active’, precisely to avoid any ambiguity. This difference in approach in different markets casts a shadow over the manufacturer’s communications strategy.

A question of image and credibility

For over twenty years, Toyota has been banking on hybrids, a technology that has become central to its brand identity. The argument is clear: full hybrid offers real fuel savings, unlike 48V solutions. However, this defence of authenticity is coming up against the reality of the market. To remain competitive, the manufacturer must also offer simpler, less expensive versions, even if they do not correspond to its definition of hybrid.

Europe, a place of compromise

On the old continent, regulations are forcing brands to reduce their CO₂ emissions. Light hybridisation is therefore becoming an essential means of artificially lowering average fuel consumption. In this context, Toyota is no exception to the marketing logic: adopting the term ‘hybrid’ is still more salesy than simply announcing a ’48 volt’. As a result, Toyota is playing both sides of the fence, at the risk of being accused of hypocrisy.

Behind this debate lies a battle over image. Customers do not always distinguish between the different types of hybridisation, and the brands are taking advantage of this. Toyota, which has long been ahead of the game, is seeing its technological advantage diluted by this inflation of similar terms. By denouncing this drift, the brand hopes to reassert its expertise, but its own behaviour complicates the demonstration.

Towards a future that is still unclear

The automotive market is continuing to shift from hybrid to rechargeable to electric vehicles. Toyota, which remains cautious when it comes to all-electric vehicles, continues to defend its vision of gradual electrification, without any break with the past. However, to be convincing, the manufacturer will first have to clarify its position. By playing with words, there is a great risk that consumers will no longer know what they are really buying.

To celebrate its 100,000 sales in France, MG Motor is offering its customers a spectacular and original operation. Every day, a vehicle purchased can be reimbursed in full, offering a unique opportunity to French motorists.

An exceptional daily draw

From 6 to 31 October 2025, MG is organising a prize draw from all the order forms registered in France. Sundays 19 and 26 October will be the exception, but on all other days, a winner will receive a full refund. A total of 24 cars will be given away over the month. The operation concerns all hybrid and electric models, including the Cyberster roadster and the EHS family SUV.

MG is not content with the draw: its vehicles also benefit from significant discounts. The EHS single hybrid SUV starts at €29,990 after a €2,500 discount, while the plug-in version is offered at €33,990 with a €4,000 discount. The S5 EV electric SUV comes in at €32,490 after a €3,500 discount, while the MG4 compact starts at €22,990 thanks to a bonus of up to €7,000.

A strategy that appeals to the French

MG Motor’s success is based on a well-equipped range, modern design and competitive pricing. The MG4, for example, rivals the Renault Megane E-Tech and Peugeot e-308 thanks to its superior range and attractive price. The brand has set up more than 180 sales outlets in France to strengthen its proximity to customers and raise its profile.

At the same time, MG is encouraging its customers to sponsor their friends and family to save them €1,000 on the purchase of a vehicle. This initiative is part of an overall strategy aimed at building customer loyalty while attracting new buyers. The combination of promotions, prize draws and sponsorship is a real marketing lever.

An ingenious communications coup

Offering a car by raffle is not just a promotional gesture. It’s a spectacular way of standing out in an increasingly competitive electric market. This operation underlines MG’s ability to surprise and capitalise on its success, while preparing for the arrival of eagerly awaited models such as the Cyberster, the manufacturer’s first electric convertible.

How to take part

To be in with a chance, all you have to do is sign an order form registered on the French network between 6 and 31 October, excluding Sundays 19 and 26. Each day, a winner will be chosen and their vehicle reimbursed in full. This is a rare opportunity in the automotive sector.

MG is demonstrating that combining competitive prices, marketing innovation and customer proximity can create a real buzz, while consolidating its position in France.

In China, a Xiaomi SU7 electric car started moving without a driver, provoking astonishment and heated online discussions. The incident, widely reported on social networks, forced the manufacturer to react quickly to allay concerns. After investigating, the brand came up with a surprising explanation, which says a lot about the limits of our automotive technologies.

A scene worthy of a science fiction film

It all began in front of the house of a Chinese Xiaomi SU7 owner. The saloon car, parked quietly, suddenly began to move forward without anyone being on board. CCTV footage shows the man and his wife inside their home. In a matter of seconds, the car started up and left the scene, causing panic. The owner ran out to catch it and managed to stop it before it caused any damage. The story, posted on Chinese networks, triggered a media storm. Many Internet users accused Xiaomi of serious security flaws, pointing the finger at the reliability of its technology.

When alerted by the owner, Xiaomi’s customer service suggested that the car had received a movement command from the user’s smartphone. Indeed, the SU7 has a remote control function, similar to Tesla’s, enabling the vehicle to be manoeuvred in tight spaces. However, the owner denies having touched his phone and insists that he did not give any orders. He then published all the images to prove his good faith, accusing the manufacturer of minimising the problem.

Xiaomi survey reveals a different reality

Faced with the furore, Xiaomi launched an internal investigation. Engineers analysed the vehicle’s data and the operation logs of the connected smartphone. The results, published on Weibo on 4 October, were unequivocal: the car had indeed received a parking assistance command from an iPhone 15 Pro Max belonging to the driver. According to the brand, everything indicates that the command was sent accidentally from the phone. In other words, the SU7 did not act alone. When confronted with the technical evidence, the owner finally admitted the facts and publicly apologised to Xiaomi.

Although the brand has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the incident raises a key question: are these remote control technologies really safe? A simple, involuntary touch of a screen is enough to trigger a manoeuvre. Imagine a child playing with their parents’ phone: the consequences could be dramatic. Xiaomi has promised to study measures to make these functions even safer, in particular by adding additional checks before they are activated.

Cars that are increasingly intelligent, but also more vulnerable

The SU7 is a perfect illustration of the transformation of modern vehicles, which are now comparable to real smartphones on wheels. Xiaomi, which entered the automotive market at the end of 2023, has enjoyed rapid success, but also a number of controversies about the transparency of its performance. This incident is a reminder that the race for innovation must not lead us to forget safety. Each new connected function introduces unexpected and sometimes underestimated risks.

This mishap, fortunately without injury, highlights a major challenge for manufacturers: guaranteeing the reliability of digital controls. The balance between comfort and safety remains fragile. As Lei Jun, head of Xiaomi, points out, the company is going through “the most difficult period in its history”. The SU7 affair could ultimately prove to be a beneficial wake-up call, not just for Xiaomi, but for all the players in the connected car sector.

Caution is still the order of the day

Even if the incident was due to inadvertent manipulation, it highlights the importance of better protecting these connected systems. Our cars are becoming more intelligent, but also more susceptible to human error. For Xiaomi, as for the industry as a whole, the challenge is clear: to reassure users before trust escapes on its own.

After its restyling in 2024, the Dacia Spring is back in the spotlight with a major technical update. More powerful, more stable and just as affordable as ever, the little electric city car is finally asserting itself as a real everyday car, not just the “cheapest”.

An electric city car that wants to stay in the race

Launched in 2021, the Dacia Spring has become a European bestseller, selling more than 180,000 units. To extend this success to the next generation, scheduled for 2027, the manufacturer has revised its copy. After the cosmetic facelift of 2024, this 2025 version is now tackling the technical side, with more powerful engines, a stronger chassis and a new battery. In this way, Dacia intends to respond to increasingly aggressive competition, symbolised by the Citroën ë-C3 and the Leapmotor T03.

Gone are the old 45 and 65 bhp engines, and the Spring now has two new 70 and 100 bhp engines. This has literally transformed its handling. The 70 bhp version now accelerates from 80 to 120 kph in 10.3 seconds, compared with over 26 seconds previously. The 100 bhp variant, reserved for the Extreme trim level, does the same in just 6.9 seconds. Top speed remains limited to 125 kph, but driving on fast lanes is much smoother.

A chassis at last up to scratch

To cope with the increased power, Dacia has redesigned the Spring’s structure. The platform has been strengthened and an anti-roll bar has been added at the front. The dampers and springs have been recalibrated for greater stability. As a result, the Spring is stiffer in corners and much less prone to body movement. The brakes also have more bite, thanks to more powerful assistance. The whole unit remains very light, weighing in at around one tonne, a rare asset on the electric market.

Under the floor, the Spring abandons the NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery in favour of a 24.3 kWh LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate). This chemistry, used for the first time in the Renault group, is distinguished by its durability and low cost. Despite a slightly lower capacity, the range remains stable at 225 km in the WLTP combined cycle, thanks to improved aerodynamics. Dacia has streamlined the underpinnings and redesigned the spoiler, improving fuel consumption to 12.4 kWh/100 km.

Faster, more convenient recharging

The city car still has an on-board 7 kW alternating current charger, but charging is now more efficient. It now takes 3 hours 20 minutes to go from 20% to 100% at a suitable charging point, 20 minutes less than before. As an option, rapid DC charging can be increased to 40 kW, enabling the car to regain 60% of its range in 29 minutes. Dacia also offers the V2L function as an option, useful for powering an electrical appliance from the vehicle’s battery.

The range retains its three trim levels: Essential, Expression and Extreme. The Expression version now gets 15-inch wheels as standard, while the Extreme trim level benefits from identical wheels and a 100hp engine. The latter loses the integrated navigation, which now costs €400, but retains a large central 10-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A new colour, Seafoam, has been added to the catalogue, replacing Safari Beige.

Prices that still defy all competition

Despite all these changes, Dacia is keeping its prices unchanged. The Essential version (70 bhp) remains at €16,900, the Expression (70 bhp) at €18,900, and the Extreme (100 bhp) even comes in at €19,700, €200 less than before. An unbeatable price for a modern, well-equipped electric city car.

Manufactured in China, the Spring does not benefit from the enhanced eco-bonus, but it is still entitled to a small €380 bonus. Despite this constraint, it remains the most affordable electric car in Europe. This confirms Dacia’s strategy of offering simple, robust and affordable electric mobility.

A still electrifying future for Spring

Pending its replacement, scheduled for 2027, the Spring version 2025 looks set to extend its reign in the economical electric segment. With more power, better roadholding and unchanged range, it proves that an intelligent update is better than an expensive revolution. Dacia is upping its game, without betraying its DNA: offering the maximum at the fairest price.

The Chinese manufacturer has unveiled some impressive sales figures.

XPeng has just published its vehicle sales report for September, marking the end of the third quarter of 2025. These figures confirm a trend that began a year ago: the brand is on the rise, gradually establishing itself as one of the major players in global electromobility. According to official figures released by the company, XPeng’s performance is well ahead of that seen in 2024.

In September 2025, the manufacturer delivered no fewer than 41,581 vehicles, a drastic increase of almost 95% on the 21,052 units delivered in September 2024. Over the third quarter of 2025 as a whole, the volume of vehicles delivered reached 116,007 units, an increase of 149% compared with the 46,176 vehicles sold in the third quarter of last year. With these figures, combined with the good mid-year results, XPeng has more than 313,000 deliveries in the first nine months of 2025, more than triple the 98,000 units delivered from January to September 2024.

Diversified geographical expansion

While China remains XPeng’s biggest market, the dynamic is also changing internationally. From January to August 2025, the company delivered 24,702 vehicles outside China, representing growth of more than 137% compared with the same period in 2024. These figures can be explained in part by the development of international sales outlets: 275 sales outlets in 46 different countries, compared with around 150 in 2024.

Geographically, Europe remains XPeng’s biggest buyer, followed by the Middle East and Asia. Latin America remains marginal, but initial export figures are beginning to emerge. A strategic expansion, at a time when the brand was still ultra-dependent on the Chinese market. This pattern is reminiscent of BYD, which has succeeded in establishing itself in Europe and the rest of the world, albeit with more modest volumes.

Models driving growth

Another factor behind this growth is the brand’s extensive catalogue. The Mona M03, a saloon designed to be accessible, has helped to broaden the customer base and rapidly generate volume. Its flagship model, the P7, meanwhile, has

passed the milestone of selling the 10,000ᵉ unit of its new version. Finally, the brand is targeting the top end of the market with the cutting-edge technology provided by its G7 Ultra.

Technology at the heart of the strategy

As well as volumes, XPeng intends to distinguish itself through innovation. The manufacturer recently presented its proprietary “Turing AI” chip, designed to improve autonomous driving performance. This is a strategic advance that will enable it to reduce its dependence on external suppliers. At the same time, XPeng has entered into a partnership with Volkswagen to develop an ultra-fast recharging network of more than 20,000 charging points in China. These initiatives show that the brand is not just looking to sell more cars, but is also investing in infrastructure and on-board intelligence to establish itself as a key player in the mobility of the future.

A manufacturer on the move

The figures for September 2025 confirm that XPeng has reached a decisive stage. Its strategy of international expansion, broadening its range and increasing its industrial output mean that it is outperforming most of its Chinese competitors, with the exception of the now giant BYD.

The company thus confirms the new wave of Chinese manufacturers: capable of innovation, penetrating diverse international markets and combining volume and technology, all at affordable prices. Having long been seen as a challenger, XPeng is now becoming a key player in the global automotive transition.

Toyota has presented three new electrified models: the BZ4X, the CH-R+ and the AYGO Cross Hybrid. Three vehicles with different positioning, but all reflecting a clear strategy: to remain true to the brand’s values – reliability, quality and adaptability – while accelerating its contribution to the energy transition.

BZ4X: the zero-emission SUV that leads the way

The BZ4X is Toyota’s first true 100% electric SUV. Available with a choice of engines and two battery sizes, it boasts a range of up to 569 km. It can be recharged with up to 22 kW of alternating current, and battery preconditioning ensures optimum efficiency, especially in winter.

Toyota is seeking to prove that it can make up for lost time in the electric segment. But in a market already occupied by Tesla, Hyundai and BYD, the challenge will be to offer a competitive alternative in terms of price and services.

CH-R+: the electric standard-bearer

With its bold styling and 343bhp, the CH-R+ boasts unusual performance figures for an SUV of its size: 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds and a claimed range of up to 600km. Toyota has made it the flagship of its electrified range.

It remains to be seen whether this balance between sportiness and versatility will appeal to a market where simple hybrids are beginning to show their limitations in the face of zero-emission requirements in urban areas.

AYGO Cross Hybrid: the pragmatic entry-level model

With the AYGO Cross Hybrid, Toyota is playing the accessibility card. Compact and designed for the city, it is the urban SUV that “ticks all the boxes”. Accessible and agile, it remains a hybrid at a time when some European cities are already moving towards 100% electric vehicles.

It’s a response to the expectations of city dwellers, but perhaps a short-term solution in the face of forthcoming regulations.

More than a range: a strategy

Beyond the models, the manufacturer’s message is clear: electrification is not a one-off, it has to be multiple. By combining electric SUVs, high-performance hybrids and city cars, Toyota is betting on a multi-technology strategy. However, this diversification may be seen as a hesitant strategy in the face of competitors who are betting everything on 100% electric cars.

“My Toyota is fantastic”: between emotion and transition

These launches will be accompanied by a new advertising campaign, with the slogan “My Toyota is fantastic”. Behind the emotion and the attachment to the brand, there is a strategic challenge: to convince people that Toyota remains a safe bet in the automotive world, while adapting to the needs of a rapidly changing market.

The 2025 social leasing scheme has just made a comeback in France, and manufacturers have had to comply with the government’s requirements to offer leases of less than €200/month excluding options, and at least one offer for less than €140/month. City cars, SUVs or family cars – which models are eligible?

France
Naturally, as part of a French initiative, French manufacturers are offering a wide range of cars. At Renault, the objective is clear, and the Managing Director of Renault France, Guillaume Sicard, confirmed this on his social networks: to facilitate access to electric mobility for all French people, without sacrificing quality, innovation or local production. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is available from €120/month, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric from €155/month and the Mégane E-Tech electric from €195/month.

Peugeot offers a wide range of models: the e-208 Allure from €120/month, the e-2008 Style from €150/month, the e-308 Style from €200/month and the e-Rifter Allure from €155/month. Citroën completes the range with the ë-C3 You from €95/month, the ë-C3 Aircross You from €119/month, the ë-C4 You from €179/month and the ë-Berlingo Plus from €149/month.

Germany
Our neighbours across the Rhine are also offering a number of vehicles. Opel is offering three models: the Corsa at €119/month, the Mokka Edition SUV at €149/month and the Frontera Edition at €119/month.
Volkswagen is promoting the compact ID.3 Life Max at €139/month and the SUV ID.4 Life Max at €169/month.
Skoda, a Group subsidiary, is lining up its Elroq SUV: City at €149/month and Element at €189/month.
Finally, at Cupra, the Born One compact is priced at €189/month.

Italy
Three manufacturers are representing our transalpine neighbours. Fiat is banking on accessibility: Grande Panda Red at €95/month, 500e Red at €129/month and 600e Pop at €145/month.
Lancia is back with the Ypsilon LX at €179/month.
Alfa Romeo joins the scheme with the Junior Speciale at €199/month.

United States
For this initiative, Jeep is representing the United States and offering the Avenger Altitude, an electric SUV priced at €179/month.

South Korea
In Asia, Hyundai is banking on the brand new Inster, available at €99 per month.
With more than thirty models on offer under the 2025 social leasing scheme, and rental prices ranging from €95 to €200 per month, every eligible household should be able to find a vehicle to suit their needs.