All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Volkswagen ID.4 was Europe’s best selling EV in January

Although 2024 was full of challenges and uncertainties in the automotive industry, car sales on the old continent grew by 0.8% (10.6 million), compared to 2023. However, the beginning of 2025 did not continue on that path. In January, 1.9% fewer cars (993,068 units) were registered.

If we look at individual brands, Volkswagen is the leader with 112,000 new vehicles sold (+17 percent compared to January 2024), which is an outstanding result because second-place Toyota sold only 69,966 units. It should also be noted that other brands, such as BMW with 59,859 vehicles sold or Skoda with 58,959 registrations, had a successful start to the year. Skoda could even overtake the Bavarian manufacturer by the end of 2025.

Volkswagen’s biggest assets were its ID models, such as the Volkswagen ID.4, which became the best-selling electric car in Europe with a growth of almost 200 percent, leaving behind the Tesla Model Y. As for other models, the Volkswagen ID.7 came in third with a growth of 657 percent, while the KIA EV3 finished in fourth place. Among small electric cars, the Dacia Spring achieved good results, which was seventh, and the new Renault 5 in eighth place.

The biggest loser was Tesla, with only 9,913 units sold, which is 45 percent less than in January 2024. This was mainly due to Elon Musk’s controversial statements and lower demand for the Model Y.

Source: Jato Dynamics

Honda demonstrated the power of Passport TrailSport tow hooks

To demonstrate the capabilities of its best mid-size off-road SUV, Honda used a crane to lift three Passport TrailSports. The cars were tied to hooks and lifted to a height of 30 meters from the ground.

Honda wanted to demonstrate the towing power of the cars, which were able to withstand a load of more than 6,350 kg. The Passport TrailSport is one of the versions of the fourth-generation Passport, equipped with a specially tuned suspension, steel underbody protection and powerful tow hooks.

These cars, unlike other off-road models, have front hooks with additional safety designed to separate in the event of a frontal collision. All three cars were equipped with a set of 31-inch all-terrain tires.

The new generation of the Passport is already on sale and starts at $ 48,450. It is powered by a V6 engine with 285 hp paired with a 10-speed transmission that allows it to navigate all off-road terrains. The car is equipped with a second-generation i-VTM4 AWD System for uncompromising stability and performance.

Source: Honda

2026 Mitsuoka M55 1st Edition

After being introduced as a concept two years ago, the M55 attracted a lot of attention, so the Japanese company Mitsuoka decided to produce the car under the name M55 Zero Edition. After the car was sold out in record time, the company decided to produce an additional 250 examples under the name M55 1st Edition.

The M55 1st Edition is available in ten different colors including Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, Skyscraper Gray, Iceland Blue, Old English White, John Mango, Spring Blue and Papaya Orange Metallic. Compared to the M55 Zero Edition, the front suspension has been extended, the four round headlights located in the radiator grille are reminiscent of the Dodge Challenger, while the fastback tail with optional vents in the rear window are reminiscent of the Ford Mustang.

Inside, the new features include leather seats, the Honda logo has been replaced with the M55 Mitsuoka lettering on the steering wheel, and Mitsuoka is also offering optional carbon fiber inserts.

When it comes to the powertrain, the car will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 182 hp, and buyers can also choose one of two optional Honda e:HEV hybrid powertrains.

The first M55 1st Edition models will hit the road in 2026, and will be sold at a price of $50,100 for the gasoline model and $53,800 for the hybrid. The most expensive version is the hybrid model, which costs $55,800.

Source: Mitsuoka

Gallery: