The production of the Ford Fiesta, one of the most popular supermini cars, is coming to an end today, Friday 7th July. This decision was made by Ford late last year and marks the conclusion of 47 years and eight generations of the Fiesta.
Two final Fiestas will be kept by Ford. One will be added to the company’s international heritage fleet located in Cologne, Germany, where the model was manufactured. The other will join the UK heritage fleet.
The reason for axing the Fiesta is to create space in the factory for the production of the upcoming Ford Explorer electric SUV. Martin Sander, the general manager of Ford Model E Europe, stated in December 2022 that the brand needed the space for construction as the Cologne plant is being transformed into a fully battery-electric facility.
“We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne,” said Sander. “There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.”
The Cologne EV centre, which is Ford’s first carbon-neutral factory, officially opened on 12th June.
The Ford Fiesta has consistently been one of the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK since its launch in 1976. It even held the top spot from 2009 to 2020, making it the car with the longest consecutive years on top. However, in 2021, the Fiesta dropped out of the top 10 due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The shortage of semiconductors resulted in a six-month backlog for the supermini, leading Ford to pause Fiesta orders in June 2022.
In a recent social media announcement, Toyota hinted at the return of the Land Cruiser to the US market. Now, the automaker has released teaser images of an unnamed mid-size, off-road SUV. Although Toyota has not officially confirmed that these images depict the upcoming Land Cruiser, the mention of 65 years of off-road history suggests that it could be the case. Considering that the iconic FJ40 was introduced in 1960, it is likely that the new Land Cruiser will be a 2025 model.
Interestingly, the 2025 Land Cruiser for the US market will have a different appearance compared to the globally debuted 2022 model, known as the 300-Series. This is because the US version of the legendary off-roader is expected to share its platform with the 2024 Lexus GX 550, which is the luxury brand’s newly redesigned mid-size SUV. It is worth noting that the Land Cruiser Prado, which has a similar heritage to the GX, was recently teased for the European market. As a result, it is highly likely that the US-market Land Cruiser will be nearly identical to the European version.
The teaser images reveal some key features of the new Land Cruiser. It shares the upkicked beltline with the GX, which enhances off-road visibility and maneuverability. The Land Cruiser also has a tall stance and a relatively short wheelbase. However, there are some design elements unique to Toyota. The front end of the 2025 Land Cruiser features a separate bumper, unlike the integrated grille-bumper combination found on the GX. Additionally, the Land Cruiser lacks the roof spoiler present on its Lexus counterpart, giving it a more retro look. By brightening the image, you can also see that the Land Cruiser has large, square taillights and a chunky grille. It is possible that the Land Cruiser does not have rocker steps in order to improve clearance over rocks.
Fiat has officially unveiled its smallest electric vehicle, the Fiat Topolino quadricycle. This compact car measures 2.53 meters (99.6 inches) in length.
The Fiat Topolino is based on the Citroën Ami but features different front and rear designs to give it a distinct Fiat look. It is available in two body configurations: the closed Topolino for city driving and the open Topolino Dolcevita, which has a beach-themed design. The Dolcevita model comes with a large canvas roof, ropes instead of doors, and other unique features.
Both variants of the Fiat Topolino are priced at $10,770 (9,890 euros) in Italy. The Topolino is slightly more expensive than the base Citroën Ami but offers higher levels of equipment. Additionally, it exceeds the features of its Opel Rocks Electric twin.
Some of the notable equipment included in the Topolino are a chrome luggage rack called the Dolcevita Box, which provides a practical fabric band for storing personal items, and vintage chrome-effect mirrors.
Buyers can personalize their Fiat Topolino with options such as a shower attachment for rinsing off after a day at the beach, wooden-effect stickers on the doors of the closed model, and stickers with stripes on the roof of the Dolcevita model.
Munich. The motorbike rental platform FUEL FOR LIFE has integrated Rent A Ride, providing motorcycling enthusiasts with a one-stop shop for motorbike experiences worldwide. With 315 BMW Motorrad partners in 26 countries and nearly 2,000 BMW rental motorbikes available, customers have access to a wide range of services.
Rent A Ride offers more than just motorbike rentals. It also allows customers to extensively test ride motorbikes before making a purchase decision. Stephan Reiff, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer, Brand and Sales, describes Rent A Ride as a best-in-segment rental platform that offers a comprehensive range of experiences.
Booking a BMW motorbike through FUEL FOR LIFE is simple and convenient. Customers can choose their preferred motorbike in just a few clicks and add rider equipment and accessories. The booking system provides real-time availability and allows rentals for a period of one to 28 days.
Rent A Ride also offers great potential in the tourism sector. Holidaymakers can easily book a motorbike locally and explore their destination. Additionally, FUEL FOR LIFE offers unique travel, training, and event experiences for motorbike enthusiasts all over the world. The platform is constantly growing, with new partners and experiences being added regularly.
FUEL FOR LIFE provides free route tips for those who prefer to set off on their own. The routes are tailored to include regional highlights and come with sightseeing, accommodation, and dining recommendations. Customers can download the relevant GPX files and choose from a variety of one-day and multi-day tours.
Alpine is looking to expand its presence in the coming years by securing investments from various partners. The French niche brand, known for its road cars and involvement in Formula 1, has teamed up with investors, including Maximum Effort Investments co-founded by actor Ryan Reynolds, as well as Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners, to support its ambitious plans.
In terms of Formula 1, Alpine has gained the support of Maximum Effort Investments, Otro Capital, and RedBird Capital Partners. Additionally, Alpine has also announced its participation in the 2024 World Endurance Championship, with the recently revealed LMDh challenger, called the A424_β, featuring a 3.4-liter, single-turbo V6 hybrid engine producing 670 horsepower.
On the road car front, Alpine has plans to launch seven new models by the end of the decade. The brand’s focus is not only on internal combustion engine vehicles but also on electric vehicles, showcasing its commitment to sustainable mobility.
Orders are now open for the petrol and diesel versions of the New C4 X, following high demand from customers.
The range complements the fully electric New ë-C4 X, giving buyers the option to choose the powertrain that suits their needs.
The launch includes two petrol engines and one diesel engine.
Petrol models are available in Sense, Sense Plus, Shine, and Shine Plus variants, while diesel models are exclusively sold in Shine Plus.
This range update follows the earlier update to the New ë-C4 X, which introduced a next-generation 54kWh battery technology.
The New ë-C4 X is equipped with a 54kWh battery and a 115kw electric motor, enabling it to achieve a range of up to 260 miles (WLTP) on a full charge.
In response to high demand from customers, Citroën has announced that orders are now open for the petrol and diesel variants of the New C4 X. These models complement the fully electric New ë-C4 X, which has already been available in the market. The prices for the petrol and diesel variants start from £22,080 OTR, and the first deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2023.
At the launch, customers have the choice between two petrol powertrains: the PureTech 100 S&S with a six-speed manual transmission or the PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As for the diesel variants, they will be sold exclusively with Citroën’s efficient BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 with an eight-speed manual transmission.
Starting from July production, the New ë-C4 X will receive a powertrain upgrade, featuring a 115 kW electric motor with a 54 kWh battery. This new powertrain, which was announced in May, will increase the range of the New ë-C4 X to up to 260 miles (WLTP), compared to the previous range of 222 miles (WLTP). This upgrade will be exclusively available on the new ë-series trim level, in addition to the existing 100 kW motor with a 50 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 222 miles (WLTP).
The petrol variants of the New C4 X will be available in Sense, Sense Plus, Shine, and Shine Plus variants, while the diesel models will be exclusively offered in the Shine Plus trim. The fully electric New ë-C4 X will continue to be available in Sense, Shine, and the new ë-Series trims.
The ‘Sense’ models come with 18-inch ‘Aeroblade’ alloy wheels, Advanced Comfort® Seats, and a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto. They are also equipped with features like Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit Information, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Driver Attention Alert.
The ‘Sense Plus’ models build on the standard equipment of the ‘Sense’ versions and add My Citroën Drive Plus, the next-generation infotainment, and navigation system with integrated natural voice commands. They also feature a head-up display and a reversing camera with Top Rear Vision.
Stepping up to the ‘Shine’ trim level, the exterior look is enhanced with dark tinted rear windows, chrome details, and bi-tone diamond-cut versions of the 18-inch ‘Aeroblade’ alloy wheels. Additional convenience features include Automatic Intelligent Beam Headlights, an auto-dimming electrochrome interior rear-view mirror, and front and lateral parking sensors. Safety is improved with Advanced Active Safety Brake with night-time and cyclist detection, as well as Extended Traffic Sign Recognition.
The range-topping ‘Shine Plus’ versions further enhance the ‘Shine’ models with heated Alcantara® seats for the driver and front passenger, as well as Citroën’s Highway Driver Assist, a level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology that combines lane-keeping assistance with adaptive cruise control for a more relaxed driving experience. The Ë-C4 X electric versions have their own dedicated top trim level called ‘ë-Series’, which includes features like wireless smartphone charging, the 8-speaker Citroën Hi-Fi system, Onyx Black ‘Aeroblade’ 18-inch alloy wheels, and a distinctive bi-tone Perla Nera Black roof.
Please refer to the table below for the trim levels, powertrain options, CO2 emissions, and prices for the different variants:
The BYD Dolphin, introduced in 2023, comes with standard adaptive cruise control and lane following. However, the system is not as smooth as some other options available in the market. One annoying feature of the Dolphin is its bongs and spoken message that scolds you for exceeding the speed limit, even if you actually haven’t. Unfortunately, turning off this feature can be a hassle. It would be better if there was a simple button to disable it.
Now, let’s talk about the Dolphin’s potential impact on the small EV market. Looking at its pricing, it seems that the Dolphin could be a game-changer.
The base Active model is priced at £25,490. However, we recommend avoiding it due to its torsion-beam suspension and lack of power. For an additional £1000, you can get the Boost model. The Comfort model, which comes with a larger battery, is priced at £29,490. Finally, the fully loaded Design model will set you back £30,990. Comparing to other options in this price range, such as the MG 4 EV, which has a different character, the Dolphin either offers a considerably larger size or a significantly longer range.
Speaking of range, the Dolphin impresses with its excellent range for a car of this size. In a road test of the Atto 3, we found that the efficiency indicator was overly optimistic. Therefore, we take the Dolphin’s claimed efficiency of 4.1 miles per kilowatt-hour (which translates to 249 miles of range) with skepticism. Nevertheless, achieving a comfortably doable range of 200 miles should not be a problem.
BYD aims for people to buy its cars based on style and individuality rather than just affordability. However, the current version of the Dolphin lacks the refinement in terms of multimedia, chassis, and some interior materials to truly impress. Nevertheless, its attractive pricing may make up for some of its flaws.
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Following a busy first part of Season 9, with nine races in less than five months spanning five continents, the Nissan Formula E Team drivers Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato reflect on their first season with the squad, the challenges of Gen3, and more.
Sacha Fenestraz
How did you find the adaptation process to the Gen3 technology?
Sacha Fenestraz: When I began testing last year with Nissan, I quickly realized that I kind of had to start again, from a blank sheet of paper almost. The car is so different to anything I experienced before, even the Gen2 machinery. I knew the energy management from my experience in the Gen2 car, but I had to adapt my driving style.
Did you find it easy to settle in with Nissan?
SF: Yes, it was great, the relationship between the whole squad is really good. On my side of the garage, my engineer Johann and I are both new to Formula E, so we are learning together and really open minded with each other. When mistakes happen, we’re honest and talk about it openly. It’s been going really well so far and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the team and building the season together.
I also have a great relationship with Norman, the best I’ve ever had with a teammate. We don’t hide anything, we share data and ideas. When we started working together, he told me he would be open and we would help each other and we both quickly realized we had a healthy relationship there.
What has been the highlights of your maiden Formula E campaign?
SF: Monaco! Even though it was taken away, to achieve pole position at such an historic and important track for a racing driver, that was the highlight for me. Of course the first pole position in Cape Town was very special but for some reason Monaco felt even better because I never expected it. If you told me last year I would take pole in Cape Town and Monaco I wouldn’t have believed you but somehow we managed to do it.
Can you explain your feelings in the moment you took your first Formula E pole position in Cape Town?
SF: It took quite a few days for it to sink in. It brought a lot of emotions, the beginning of the season was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, achieving a pole position this year was not at the top of our objectives for the campaign, so managing to do it was great and I was extremely happy for myself and the team. And then we proved it wasn’t a one-off in Monaco, which made it even better.
How did it feel to go up against Norman in the Monaco qualifying semi-final?
SF: I hated it! I’m very much a team player, I don’t just race for myself, so I always hope for both of us to do well. I knew one of us wouldn’t have the opportunity to fight for pole position, it would’ve been great for us to meet in the final and be guaranteed first and second on the grid, but this is Formula E and sometimes it can happen. Of course, once I jumped in the car and put the visor down, I did the best job I could and didn’t think about who I was racing against. But still, it was a shame to be against Norman and I wished it was someone else, although obviously I was happy to have Norman at the front of the grid with me.
How was it to battle with the championship leaders in Monaco?
SF: I feel that Monaco was one of the races I learnt the most from, in terms of strategy, when to push and what to do from who I was following. To be up with the championship leading teams and drivers gave me a great opportunity to learn just from watching behind. Obviously I wished I was ahead of them, but just by observing it was a great way to see our strengths and weaknesses against the leading teams.
Norman Nato
How did you find the adaptation process to the Gen3 technology?
Norman Nato: It was complicated in a way because there are many new aspects we have to do differently and learn in terms of preparing to drive the car, it’s definitely not the same technically compared to Gen2. On track, especially during push laps, it’s fairly similar, it’s more the approach and strategy that we had to change.
Did the Gen3 cars match your expectations?
NN: In terms of power, I would say it’s been a really good step forward. It’s positive because as drivers we can clearly feel the boost compared to a Gen 2 car. I think we would all prefer more grip in general, because it’s really tough to drive the car in the way that you want to. We would like to push a bit more but there’s just not enough grip to do that.
Which of the three new tracks (Hyderabad, Cape Town, São Paulo) was your favourite and why?
NN: India, despite the fact that Turn 1 was messy! The rest of the circuit was great, and it was fun to battle on track. Qualifying was also cool to drive, the layout was really good. Brazil was very different, I quite liked it, bumpy and challenging, which is what I enjoy in Formula E, where you have to fight with the car. Cape Town is an amazing place but I think the track was too quick for the cars, with the level of grip we have.
How did it feel to race on your home circuit at Monaco in the Gen3 car?
NN: To drive any car at Monaco is a pleasure and a dream, it’s Monaco! It’s so special, and the only regret I have – not speaking about the race which is obviously tough to swallow – is that everything happens in one day and you don’t really have time to enjoy it. It all went so fast, we spend two or three days doing media, which is enjoyable, because it’s great to soak up the atmosphere, although it would be ideal to have more chance to enjoy the moment on track. But anyway, to race in Monaco is a pleasure and to be on the limit in qualifying and perform well, it’s an extra happiness.
Has the Monaco qualifying session given you a boost of confidence ahead of the remaining rounds?
NN: To be honest, not really, because I never lost my confidence. A few times this season we’ve made mistakes with tire strategy or been unlucky, for example we caught yellow flags in qualifying in Cape Town and Brazil, so there were a few occasions I feel we should’ve been up there, but weren’t for whatever reason. We proved our speed in Monaco and it was really important and good for us to bounce back the way we did following the tough weekend in Berlin.
What do the team and you need to do to be competing at the front in the second half of the season?
NN: I would say energy management in the race and getting the best out of both cars. So far, we’ve struggled to get the two of us in the Duels and we’ve never had a double-points finish, which is a difference between us and other teams. Monaco was the perfect race example, we had the performance to do it but it didn’t happen. This is what we need to develop in the second half of the championship and hopefully it can have a massive impact on the teams’ standings if we get it right.
About Nissan in Formula E Nissan made its all-electric racing debut in Season 5 (2018/19) of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, becoming the first and only Japanese manufacturer to enter the series.
In Season 7 (2020/21), Nissan announced its long-term involvement in Formula E and its commitment to the Gen3 era, which will run from Season 9 (2022/23) through to the end of Season 12 (2025/26) of the all-electric racing series.
In April 2022, Nissan acquired the e.dams race team, with the Japanese automaker taking full ownership of its involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
In June 2022, Nissan announced it would supply its Nissan EV powertrain technology to McLaren Racing for the entirety of the Formula E Gen3 era.
For Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the Nissan Formula E drivers will be Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz.
Nissan races in Formula E to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify every all-new vehicle offering by the early 2030s in key markets. The Japanese automaker aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers.
About Formula E The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship became the first global sport to be certified with a net zero carbon footprint from inception back in 2020, having invested in certified climate-protecting projects in all race markets to offset emissions from every season of electric racing.
All cars in the championship are powered by electricity, with the series acting as a competitive platform to test and develop the latest in electric technology.
The World’s greatest manufacturers race against each other on street circuits and Formula E promotes the adoption of sustainable mobility in city centres in a bid to combat air pollution and lessen the effects of climate change.
Contact Maria De Juana Head of Communications, Formula E, Nissan Motor Co. Phone: +33-6 17 36 37 61 mdejuana@nissan-europe.com
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