All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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2026 Škoda Superb Hatch iV

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High prices and poor sales results of electric cars have forced European manufacturers to focus more on hybrid cars, so manufacturers have decided to return to the offer of plug-in hybrids with an electric range of more than 100 kilometers. One of them is the new generation of Škoda Superb iV with an electric range of 120 kilometers.

Škoda Superb Hatch iV is powered by a 1.5-L TSI gasoline engine in combination with an electric motor with a total power of 204 hp (150 kW), paired with a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. The electric motor delivers 115 hp (86 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) and is powered by a 25.7 kWh battery, located under the rear seat. Thanks to fast charging of up to 50 kW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes. It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery using a domestic wallbox or an AC charging point with a maximum charging rate of 11 kW.

In addition to the standard driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual), the Superb comes with three additional hybrid options: E-mode, Hybrid mode and Sport mode, and it is well-suited to everyday driving.

When it comes to equipment, the new generation Superb comes with second-generation LED matrix headlights, a redesigned interior with Škoda Smart Dials for more intuitive operation, and an aerodynamic range structure with a choice of designs, improved safety features and advanced assistance systems.

The price of the car is still unknown, and orders will start in the next few weeks.

Source: Škoda

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Renault Group recorded sales growth in 2024

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In 2024, Renault Group sold 2.26 million vehicles worldwide, and the best-selling French brand Renault sold 1,577,351 passenger and light commercial vehicles, an increase of 1.8% compared to 2023.

On the European market, Renault sold 1,009,672 vehicles, which is a growth of 3.3 percent compared to the same period a year earlier. The French brand is pursuing its strategy by relying on its well-known hybrid offer (40% of sales) and, on the other hand, on its 100% electric offer, which has won two consecutive Car of the Year awards (Scenic E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech – the best-selling electric vehicle in France in the last two months of last year). Renault is also performing positively in the light commercial vehicle market, where it is the leader in Europe with 310,458 registrations (+4.6%).

Other brands from the Renault Group are also recording positive results. Dacia sold 676,340 cars worldwide, which is 2.7 percent more than the previous year, with significant market share growth in Italy (+13.1%), Spain (+12.4%), Belgium and Luxembourg (+15 .4%), but also to Morocco (+16.3%). This was achieved thanks to the brand’s top-selling models: Sandero, Duster, Jogger and Spring. The same is expected this year, when the Bigster model will hit the market, for which orders are open at the beginning of January.

Alpine also recorded sales growth compared to the previous year with 4,585 vehicles sold (+5.9%). The brand’s strongest markets were Italy (+37.5%), the United Kingdom (+24.9%), Spain (+19.3%) and Germany (+10.6%), while 2024 was marked by the arrival of the first fully electric hot hatch, the A290 GTS.

Dacia Sandero is still a hit, retaining its position as the best-selling car in Europe in 2024 with more than 300,000 deliveries.

Source: Renault Group

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Ford sold more Mach-Es than Mustangs

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Since the Mustang Mach-E hit the market in 2021, few expected it to outsell the combustion engine model. That happened in 2024, when Ford delivered 51,745 units of its first all-electric crossover.

According to the published data for 2024, Ford sold 44,003 units of the legendary Mustang model, which is 7,742 units less than the Mach-E. For many, this is a surprise, because demand for EVs last year was not at the expected level. In fact, demand for the standard Mustang has been falling year after year, and Ford’s decision to quickly switch to an all-electric brand was too hasty. But Ford is stubborn, as demonstrated by the launch of the all-electric Puma Gen-E which will join the hybrid version.

In 2024, sales of the Mustang Mach-E increased by 27 percent compared to 2023. The model had a successful last quarter thanks to 16,119 units sold, an increase of 35.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

Ford recently announced the arrival of a new SUV that should be the successor to the EcoSport. It will have a robust and adventurous design, as well as a different driving range. Although it was speculated that only an all-electric version would be offered, there are high chances that both a hybrid and a mild hybrid will be offered, as this is what European customers are most looking for.

Source: Ford