All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Toyota sales results for the nine months of 2024

Toyota is one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, and the European market is extremely important for this Japanese manufacturer. The sale of electric cars is of particular importance, and according to the latest data, almost 3/4 of Toyota’s total sales in Europe were EVs.

In the nine months of 2024, Toyota sold 5 percent more cars on the old continent compared to the same period last year (848,974 units), of which 683,409 were electrified cars (+11%). Sales of hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars increased by as much as 93 percent, which is a remarkable result. Also, all-electric cars recorded a growth of 19 percent, although Toyota has only one EV model in its offer.

Looking at the sales results of individual models, the highest demand in the nine months of 2024 was for the Yaris model, including the Yaris Cross and Corolla, and the new Toyota C-HR. The best-selling EV was the Yaris Cross Hybrid with 150,535 units.

Toyota’s plan is a gradual transition to fully electric vehicles, so focusing on hybrid vehicles is paying off and showing that the Japanese manufacturer is ahead of the pack when it comes to smart planning.

Source: Toyota

2025 Opel Grandland Electric

A few years ago, following the other manufacturers in the Stellantis Group, Opel announced that it plans to become a fully electric brand by the end of the decade. The plan is still alive despite the difficulties affecting the car market, and the company recently introduced the new generation Opel Grandland.

At first glance, there are no major design differences between this all-electric compact crossover SUV and the hybrid version that will also be offered. It is equipped with a 3D Visor front fascia with an illuminated logo, an option of a dual-tone exterior color and illuminated brand’s lettering in center on the full-width taillights, which is the first time on a production Opel car, and Intelli-Lux Pixel HD lighting system.

Inside, the ergonomically adjustable seats covered in Nappa leather have an Intelli-Seat groove in the center and a cooling function and various massage programs. In front of the driver and front passenger are a 16-inch central touchscreen, a small fully digital instrument cluster, and an Intelli-HUD head-up display, with AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) certification. The multimedia platform and instruments will be adapted to the drive system with special graphics that display different information such as battery charge, energy consumption or driving modes for better use.

When it comes to the powertrain, the new Grandland Electric is powered by an electric motor with 213 hp (157 kW). It is equipped with a new generation battery with three levels of net capacity of 73 kWh, 82 kWh and 97 kWh, which enables a range of 523, 582 and 700 kilometers. Thanks to the fast charger, the batteries can be charged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

The car will be produced in Eisenach (Germany) with a starting price of 39,850 euros.

Source: Opel

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Fiat temporarily stops production of Panda

Earlier this year, Fiat announced that it intends to increase Panda production by about 20 percent in order to meet demand, as data showed that this car is the leader on the Italian market, but also the leader of the A segment on the old continent. However, a few days ago Stellantis announced that it was temporarily suspending production at the Pomigliano d’Arco, Termoli and Pratola Serra plants.

Stellantis’ decision may come as a surprise to those who know that in July this model was the best-selling vehicle in Italy with 63,500 units sold, which is a 21 percent increase compared to 2023. However, those who know what’s going on at the company know that Stellantis recently did something similar at the Mirafiori plant, where the Fiat 500e and Maserati GranTurismo are made.

One of the world’s largest car manufacturers will stop production from November 11, and the reason is tough market conditions. The suspension of production will last for several days.

It seems that Stellantis is in a more difficult situation than it seems, and that difficult decisions are ahead of this group.

Source: Reuters