02/05/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Volkswagen and Stellantis CEOs Call for a “Strong and Resilient” European Automotive Industry Les Echos – Oliver Blume, Antonio Filosa – February 5, 2026 Volkswagen and Stellantis urge the EU to defend automotive sovereignty through a “Made in Europe” approach, linking incentives and CO₂ rules to local production. They warn that unchecked imports and fragile […]
02/04/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
The Spanish Government Confirms the Auto+ Plan: More Subsidies for European EV of up to €35,000 La Tribuna de Automoción – Madrid – Paul M. Ballesteros, Ignacio Anasagasti – February 3, 2026 Spain’s Auto+ Plan offers up to €4,500 for EU-built EVs under €35,000, favoring European assembly and EU-made batteries. Backed by a €400m budget, […]
02/03/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles in World-First Safety Policy Bloomberg News – February 2, 2026 China will require mechanical interior and exterior door releases on all EVs from 2027, targeting flush electric handles after fatal crashes. The rule affects most leading EV models, raises redesign costs, and signals China’s growing influence as a global […]
02/02/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
What is minimum pricing? How the EU’s trade tool works for Chinese EV imports Automotive News Europe – Peter Sigal – February 1, 2026 The EU may let Chinese EV exporters avoid tariffs of up to 35% by accepting model-specific minimum price floors. Only VW has applied so far. Supporters see job protection; critics warn […]
01/29/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Tesla kills Model S sedan, Model X crossover to free factory space for Optimus humanoid robot Automotive News – Laurence Iliff – January 28, 2026 Tesla will end Model S and X production to repurpose Fremont capacity for Optimus humanoid robots, signaling a pivot from legacy cars to autonomy and robotics as sales fell and […]
01/28/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Why European automakers will benefit from EU-India free-trade deal Automotive News Europe – Peter Sigal – January 27, 2026 The EU–India trade deal slashes car import tariffs from 110% to 35%, later toward 10%, opening India’s fast-growing market to European brands. It offers new growth beyond Europe and China, benefiting both premium and volume automakers. […]
01/27/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Europe Car Sales Rise for Third Consecutive Year on EV Recovery Bloomberg – Tim Loh – January 27, 2026 European new-car registrations rose 2.4% in 2025 to 13.3 million, led by a 30% jump in EV sales. Affordable EVs and hybrids drove growth, though volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels as Chinese brands rapidly gain share. […]
01/26/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Renewal of CCFA leadership: Jean-André Barbosa takes over as president Autoactu.com – Florence Lagarde – January 26, 2026 Jean-André Barbosa, Renault Group’s VP of Public Affairs, was appointed CCFA chairman for two years from January 20, 2026, succeeding Stellantis’ Jean-Luc Brossard. The rotation reflects balanced governance, as CCFA now focuses on coordination and strategy alongside […]
01/23/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Europe’s LPG market expands despite looming 2030 phase-out Automotive News – Nick Gibbs – January 22, 2026 Europe’s LPG vehicle sales rose nearly 10% in 2025, led overwhelmingly by Renault and Dacia, as bi-fuel cars help cut CO₂ cheaply. Favorable taxes sustain demand, but tighter EU rules from 2030 will effectively end LPG’s long-term role. […]
01/22/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized
Toyota, other Japan automakers to share chip data as supply risks grow Nikkei – January 22, 2026 Japanese automakers and chip suppliers will share detailed semiconductor data via a secure, blockchain-based system to boost supply-chain resilience after shortages and geopolitics. Led by JAMA, it will cover most chips used by Toyota and peers. https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/supply-chain/toyota-other-japan-automakers-to-share-chip-data-as-supply-risks-grow VW’s […]