News

Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis Partner to Advance Autonomous Driving in France

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Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis have announced a new collaboration with the French government to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in France, combining AI-powered driving technology, advanced computing and next-generation vehicle platforms. The initiative aims to establish France as a major European hub for autonomous mobility while ensuring that safety, data sovereignty and local stakeholder engagement remain central to the transition.

The race to bring autonomous driving technology to European roads is gaining momentum. London-based AI developer Wayve is joining forces with NVIDIA, Stellantis and the French government in a new initiative designed to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in France and across the European Union.

Announced at the Assises du Véhicule Autonome, the collaboration brings together three major technology and automotive players, supported by the French government, to develop an ecosystem covering the entire autonomous driving value chain, from semiconductor technology and computing infrastructure to vehicle engineering, manufacturing and AI-powered driving systems.

The initiative builds on existing partnerships between the companies and reflects a broader ambition to make France a leading European destination for autonomous mobility development.

Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis Combine Their Autonomous Driving Technologies

At the heart of the collaboration is the integration of three complementary technologies. Stellantis will contribute its L4-Ready Platforms™ and extensive expertise in vehicle engineering and manufacturing, while Wayve will provide its AI Driver, an artificial intelligence-based driving system designed to enable autonomous vehicles to navigate complex real-world environments.

NVIDIA will contribute its computing and safety technology, with Wayve’s AI Driver set to integrate NVIDIA Halos OS on the NVIDIA Hyperion compute and sensor architecture.

Together, these technologies are intended to provide a foundation for the development of autonomous vehicles capable of operating with increasing levels of independence.

The partnership combines Wayve’s approach to embodied AI with NVIDIA’s computing capabilities and Stellantis’ experience in designing and producing vehicles at scale. Rather than treating autonomous driving as a standalone software challenge, the collaboration brings together the essential components required to move the technology from development and testing toward practical deployment.

The partners have not yet announced specific vehicle models, commercial launch dates or a detailed timetable for autonomous ride-hailing services in France.

Why France Is Central to Europe’s Autonomous Driving Ambitions

France is emerging as a strategic location for the next phase of autonomous mobility. The country has one of Europe’s largest ride-hailing markets, an established automotive industry and a growing artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Paris also hosted the AI Action Summit in 2025, where €109 billion in AI investment was announced, underlining the country’s ambitions to become a major centre for artificial intelligence development.

For Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis, these factors make France a natural base from which to advance autonomous driving technology and expand collaboration across Europe.

Stellantis already considers France one of its key centres for engineering and technology development, while Wayve is looking to work more closely with European governments and industry partners as it expands its AI-driven mobility technology.

The French government’s involvement is particularly significant because autonomous vehicle deployment depends on more than technological progress. Regulatory approval, public confidence, infrastructure readiness and cooperation with local transport operators will all play important roles in determining how quickly driverless mobility becomes commercially viable.

By bringing these interests together at an early stage, the collaboration aims to create conditions that support both innovation and responsible implementation.

Safety and Regulation Remain Key Priorities

One of the central objectives of the initiative is to support the development of a regulatory framework that enables autonomous vehicles to progress from controlled trials to real-world operations without compromising safety.

Philippe Tabarot, France’s Minister of Transport, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the country’s intention to adapt its regulatory framework to accelerate autonomous vehicle development while maintaining strict safety and data sovereignty requirements.

The minister also stressed the importance of bringing together trade unions, city authorities and mobility stakeholders as autonomous driving moves closer to wider deployment.

This approach reflects one of the industry’s most significant challenges: establishing public trust in vehicles that rely on artificial intelligence to interpret their surroundings and make driving decisions.

Although autonomous driving technology continues to advance, its adoption will depend on demonstrating that systems can operate safely in complex traffic conditions and comply with the regulatory requirements of individual markets.

Data sovereignty is another important consideration for European policymakers, particularly as AI-powered vehicles depend on sophisticated computing systems and large volumes of data. The partners’ collaboration with the French government is intended to help address these concerns as the technology develops.

Local Communities and Workers to Be Part of the Transition

Beyond engineering and computing, the initiative also places emphasis on the social and economic implications of autonomous mobility.

The partners have committed to developing autonomous driving alongside local French stakeholders, with engagement involving trade unions, municipal authorities and mobility-sector participants.

Local partners responsible for transport operations will lead discussions concerning the practical implementation of autonomous services. The stated objective is to ensure that the transition benefits workers, communities and passengers across the broader mobility ecosystem.

For the ride-hailing industry, autonomous vehicles could eventually reshape how services are delivered, how fleets are managed and how passengers access transportation. However, the transition also raises questions about employment, operational responsibilities and the relationship between automated systems and existing transport services.

By involving local stakeholders, the collaboration aims to address these issues as part of the deployment process rather than treating them as challenges to be resolved after the technology reaches the market.

What the Partnership Means for Stellantis, NVIDIA and Wayve

For each company, the collaboration offers an opportunity to strengthen its position in the emerging autonomous mobility market.

Wayve brings its AI Driver technology and expertise in embodied artificial intelligence, an approach that enables AI systems to perceive and respond to the physical world. The company sees France as an important partner in shaping how its technology can be deployed safely and responsibly across Europe.

Kaity Fischer, Wayve’s Vice President of Autonomous Mobility and Operations, said the company was proud to enter the collaboration at a significant moment for France’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. She highlighted cooperation with the French government and industry partners as an opportunity to accelerate development throughout the country and the wider EU.

Stellantis contributes the vehicle engineering and manufacturing capabilities needed to turn autonomous driving technology into deployable automotive products. Its L4-Ready Platforms™ provide the vehicle-platform element of the partnership, while its French engineering and technology operations offer an established base for further development.

Anne Laliron, Stellantis’ Senior Vice President of Technology Research, said the collaboration could accelerate the delivery of autonomous driving technologies designed to make mobility safer and more convenient for customers.

NVIDIA provides the computing architecture and safety technology underpinning the initiative. Its Hyperion platform and Halos OS are intended to work alongside Wayve’s AI Driver and Stellantis’ automotive expertise, bringing together the computing, software and vehicle systems required for autonomous mobility.

Ali Kani, NVIDIA’s Vice President of Automotive, emphasised that bringing safe autonomous mobility to Europe requires close cooperation across AI, computing and vehicle engineering. He also highlighted the importance of working with governments and local partners to extend the potential benefits of autonomous driving to communities across France and Europe.

The Road Ahead for Autonomous Vehicles in Europe

The collaboration between Wayve, NVIDIA, Stellantis and the French government represents another step toward the broader commercialisation of autonomous driving technology in Europe.

Its significance lies in the combination of AI development, computing infrastructure, automotive manufacturing and government engagement within a single initiative. France could benefit from the resulting ecosystem through further technology development, industrial cooperation and the potential expansion of autonomous mobility services.

Nevertheless, important milestones remain ahead. The integration of AI driving software into vehicle platforms, validation of system safety, regulatory approvals and the establishment of commercially sustainable operating models will determine how quickly the initiative can translate into vehicles on public roads.

The announcement does not, by itself, confirm that fully autonomous ride-hailing services are ready for widespread deployment in France. Instead, it establishes a framework for cooperation intended to accelerate the development and responsible introduction of the technology.

For the European automotive industry, the partnership highlights a growing recognition that the future of autonomous driving will depend on collaboration between automakers, AI developers, technology suppliers and public authorities.

If the initiative achieves its ambitions, France could become an important base for developing and deploying AI-powered autonomous vehicles, helping Europe strengthen its position in a market increasingly shaped by advances in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Source: Stellantis

News

Tesla Model Y Leads European Car Sales in September 2026

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Tesla has delivered an extraordinary performance in Europe, with the Model Y and Model 3 claiming the first two positions in the continent’s best-selling car rankings for September 2026. The Model Y recorded 40,971 registrations, while the Model 3 followed with 25,057 units, putting the American electric vehicle manufacturer ahead of established European favourites powered by petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains.

According to preliminary figures from Dataforce, European new-car registrations increased by 10 percent year-on-year in September, reaching approximately 1.34 million vehicles. However, the most significant development was the growing presence of battery-electric vehicles, with Tesla emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the accelerating transition towards electric mobility.

More importantly, the Tesla Model Y has now overtaken the Dacia Sandero to become Europe’s best-selling car during the first nine months of 2026. With the year-end approaching, Tesla has a realistic opportunity to repeat its historic achievement from 2023 and finish the year at the top of the European automotive market.

Tesla Model Y Leads Europe’s September Car Sales

The Tesla Model Y dominated the European sales charts in September, recording 40,971 registrations across the market. That represents a remarkable 55.3 percent increase compared with September 2025, highlighting the electric SUV’s continuing appeal among European buyers.

The scale of its lead becomes clearer when compared with some of the continent’s most popular conventional cars. Volkswagen registered 18,088 Golf models during the month, while Dacia recorded 17,547 registrations of the Sandero.

In other words, the Model Y attracted more than twice as many registrations as the Volkswagen Golf and comfortably outperformed the Dacia Sandero, a model that had previously led the European market.

The result is particularly significant because the rankings include vehicles regardless of powertrain. Tesla is not simply leading the electric-car category; its Model Y is outperforming some of Europe’s most established petrol, diesel and hybrid competitors in the overall market.

The Model Y’s combination of SUV practicality, electric performance, range and access to Tesla’s charging ecosystem continues to make it a strong proposition for buyers considering a switch away from conventional combustion-engine vehicles.

Tesla Model Y Overtakes Dacia Sandero in the 2026 Rankings

Tesla’s success extends well beyond a single strong month. During the first nine months of 2026, the Model Y accumulated 167,369 registrations in Europe, an increase of 51.8 percent compared with the corresponding period last year.

That performance puts it ahead of two of the continent’s most popular models.

The Dacia Sandero recorded 162,969 registrations, while the Volkswagen Golf reached 151,334 units. The Model Y therefore leads the Sandero by 4,400 vehicles and the Golf by more than 16,000.

The figures demonstrate how quickly the European sales hierarchy can change as consumer preferences evolve. For years, affordable hatchbacks and small cars have occupied prominent positions in the market. The Model Y’s success shows that an electric SUV can compete directly with these established best-sellers, even when purchase price and running costs remain important considerations.

Tesla’s year-to-date growth is particularly notable given the intense competition in Europe’s electric-car segment, where established manufacturers and newer Chinese brands are expanding their model ranges.

With three months of registrations still to be counted in the annual ranking, the Model Y has built a strong position from which to challenge for the title of Europe’s best-selling car in 2026.

Tesla Model 3 Surges to Second Place With 105.7% Growth

While the Model Y is leading the rankings, the Tesla Model 3 has delivered an equally noteworthy result.

The electric sedan recorded 25,057 registrations in September, securing second place in the overall European market. Compared with September 2025, that represents year-on-year growth of 105.7 percent.

The result means Tesla occupied both leading positions in Europe’s September car rankings, an unusual achievement for a manufacturer whose entire passenger-car line-up is based on battery-electric propulsion.

The Model 3’s performance also suggests that demand for electric vehicles is not confined to SUVs. Although crossovers have become increasingly popular across Europe, Tesla’s sedan continues to attract buyers looking for an electric alternative with a lower-profile body, strong acceleration and a technology-focused interior.

By placing the Model 3 ahead of established models from Europe’s major manufacturers, Tesla has demonstrated that electric vehicles can compete across multiple body styles rather than relying on a single successful product.

The combined September registrations of the Model Y and Model 3 reached 66,028 units, underlining Tesla’s unusually strong position in the European market during the month.

Electric Cars Gain Ground Across Europe

Tesla’s September performance coincided with broader growth in the European automotive market.

Preliminary Dataforce figures indicate that total new-car registrations rose by 10 percent year-on-year to approximately 1.34 million vehicles. At the same time, battery-electric cars continued to increase their share of new registrations.

The supplied market data indicates that electric vehicles accounted for almost one in four new registrations in June 2026, compared with approximately one in three in September.

That shift highlights the growing importance of electric powertrains in Europe, although the exact market share depends on the countries and vehicle categories included in the statistics.

Several factors may be contributing to the trend, including the expansion of charging infrastructure, a broader selection of electric models and growing consumer familiarity with battery-powered vehicles. Running costs and fuel prices can also influence purchasing decisions, particularly for motorists who cover substantial annual distances.

However, the market remains competitive. Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Hyundai, Kia and a growing number of Chinese manufacturers are all fighting for a larger share of European electric-car sales.

Tesla’s latest figures nevertheless suggest that its best-known models remain highly competitive when buyers evaluate electric vehicles alongside conventional alternatives.

Can Tesla Win Europe’s Best-Selling Car Title in 2026?

Tesla has a genuine opportunity to finish 2026 with the Model Y at the top of the European best-selling car rankings.

The electric SUV already leads the year-to-date standings with 167,369 registrations, ahead of the Dacia Sandero’s 162,969 and the Volkswagen Golf’s 151,334.

Its 4,400-unit advantage over the Sandero is meaningful, but it does not guarantee victory. Three months of sales data remain, and seasonal demand, delivery schedules, incentives and changes in consumer purchasing behaviour can all influence the final result.

Tesla has previously demonstrated that the Model Y can reach the top of the global automotive market. In 2023, it became the world’s best-selling car across powertrains, marking a major milestone for electric mobility.

Repeating that achievement in Europe in 2026 would reinforce the Model Y’s position as one of the most influential vehicles of the electric-car era.

The Model 3’s strong September performance provides an additional indication of Tesla’s current momentum, although its second-place finish for the month does not establish that it will occupy the same position in the full-year rankings.

Rising Fuel Prices Could Strengthen the Case for Electric Cars

Higher petrol and diesel prices can make electric vehicles more attractive, particularly for drivers who have access to home charging and cover long distances regularly.

The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 offer an alternative to conventional cars by replacing petrol or diesel consumption with electricity. Their operating costs can be competitive, depending on local electricity tariffs, charging habits, insurance, depreciation and maintenance expenses.

Tesla also benefits from a recognisable brand, over-the-air software updates and an established charging network in many European markets. These factors can help reduce some of the uncertainty buyers associate with switching to an electric vehicle.

Nevertheless, fuel prices alone cannot explain Tesla’s performance. Purchase prices, financing conditions, model availability, product updates and competition from other manufacturers all play a role in determining registration figures.

For some customers, home charging and predictable daily driving make an electric vehicle an obvious choice. Others may still face obstacles related to charging access, long-distance travel or the initial purchase price.

The continued growth of electric-car registrations suggests that an increasing number of European buyers are willing to make the transition, but the market remains sensitive to economic conditions and government policies.

Tesla’s European Success Sends a Message to Traditional Automakers

The September rankings offer a clear signal to established carmakers: electric vehicles are no longer competing exclusively within a niche market.

The Model Y’s first-place finish and the Model 3’s second-place result show that battery-electric cars can challenge mainstream best-sellers across the entire market, rather than simply dominate specialist EV rankings.

For European manufacturers, the challenge is becoming more complex. They must compete not only on driving range and charging speed but also on pricing, software, efficiency, manufacturing costs and the ownership experience.

The Volkswagen Golf and Dacia Sandero remain major players, but Tesla’s latest figures demonstrate how quickly a different type of vehicle can move ahead when product appeal and market conditions align.

The next stage of competition will be equally important. Maintaining sales momentum throughout the year will require Tesla to defend its position against new launches, changing incentives and increasingly capable electric alternatives.

Source: Dataforce

Restomod

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: 870+ HP Porsche 911 Restomod Limited to Just Five Cars

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The Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo is an extraordinary Porsche 911 restomod that pays tribute to the racing career of former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle. Based on the air-cooled Porsche 911 from the 993 generation, this exclusive creation combines classic Stuttgart sports-car design with modern performance engineering, a bespoke two-tone exterior and more than 870 horsepower.

Developed by California-based Porsche specialist Gunther Werks, the Brundle Edition Turbo features a design conceived by automotive designer Charlie Brundle, Martin Brundle’s daughter. The project celebrates a racing career that spans Formula 1 and some of the world’s most prestigious endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Production will be limited to just five examples worldwide, making this one of the most exclusive interpretations of the classic Porsche 911. Each customer will also receive a Bell racing helmet signed by Martin Brundle, adding another personal connection to the car’s motorsport heritage.

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: A Porsche 911 Built Around Racing Heritage

For Porsche enthusiasts, the 993-generation 911 represents the end of an era. Produced from 1993 to 1998, the Porsche 911 (993) was the final generation to feature an air-cooled flat-six engine before the 996 introduced water cooling.

Gunther Werks has built its reputation around reimagining this generation of the 911, retaining its unmistakable silhouette while extensively reworking its engineering, bodywork and performance.

The Brundle Edition Turbo takes that philosophy to another level. Rather than creating a conventional tribute car with a few racing-inspired details, Gunther Werks has developed a highly personalised machine that connects the visual identity of the car with Martin Brundle’s career.

The result is a classic Porsche 911 with the presence of a modern supercar and the character of a bespoke motorsport-inspired creation.

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: 870+ HP Porsche 911 Restomod Limited to Just Five Cars

Gunther Werks’ approach has drawn comparisons with the work of Singer, the California-based company renowned for its restorations and reimaginings of the Porsche 911 (964). While Singer focuses on a different generation of the iconic sports car, Gunther Werks has made the 993 its signature platform.

Charlie Brundle Designs a Tribute to Her Father

The most personal element of the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo is its exterior design.

Charlie Brundle, an automotive designer and the daughter of Martin Brundle, chose a distinctive two-tone colour scheme inspired by her father’s former racing helmet. The combination gives the Porsche a strong visual identity while establishing a direct connection to the colours associated with his motorsport career.

Martin Brundle competed in Formula 1 and achieved major success in endurance racing, including victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. His career made him one of Britain’s most recognisable racing drivers, later becoming equally familiar to motorsport fans through his television commentary.

The special edition translates that legacy into a road-going performance car, using carefully selected details rather than relying exclusively on traditional racing graphics.

The design also demonstrates how a restomod can become more than a technical exercise. In this case, the car tells a personal story through its colour palette, inscriptions and bespoke components.

More Than 870 HP From a Four-Litre Flat-Six Engine

Under the bodywork, the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo features a four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine producing more than 870 horsepower and 827 Nm of maximum torque.

Those figures put the bespoke Porsche firmly in supercar territory, particularly considering its roots in the compact, rear-engined 993-generation 911.

The horizontally opposed six-cylinder layout remains central to the Porsche 911’s identity. In this application, however, the engine’s output far exceeds that of the original naturally aspirated 993 Carrera models, reflecting the extensive engineering work behind Gunther Werks’ creations.

Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox, preserving a direct mechanical connection between the driver and the drivetrain.

In an era increasingly dominated by hybrid powertrains, automatic transmissions and sophisticated electronic driving systems, the combination of an exceptionally powerful flat-six and a manual gearbox gives the Brundle Edition Turbo a distinctly analogue appeal.

The supplied specifications do not establish the car’s acceleration time, maximum speed or detailed engine configuration beyond its displacement, cylinder layout and stated output. Those figures should not be assumed without further confirmation from Gunther Werks.

Carbon Fibre, Magnesium Wheels and Brembo Carbon-Ceramic Brakes

The Brundle Edition Turbo’s performance credentials are matched by an extensive collection of bespoke exterior details.

Carbon-fibre components feature prominently, including the bonnet, which carries the Brundle name. The inscription also appears on the side sills, making the family connection visible from several angles.

The car rides on reinforced magnesium wheels with polished outer edges and a central locking nut. Behind them sit Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, a high-performance braking solution suited to a car producing more than 870 horsepower.

These details reinforce the project’s combination of lightweight materials, motorsport-inspired engineering and individual craftsmanship.

Carbon fibre and magnesium are particularly relevant in a performance car because reducing mass can improve acceleration, braking and handling response. Their effectiveness ultimately depends on the complete vehicle’s construction and weight distribution, but they are consistent with the engineering priorities of an extreme 911 restomod.

The result is a Porsche that retains the recognisable proportions of the 993 while adopting a more aggressive and contemporary visual character.

A Personal Message Hidden in the Details

The most meaningful touches are found inside the cabin and around the passenger compartment.

The initials M.B. appear on the seatbacks, while the Brundle name is repeated across selected exterior components. These details make the car’s purpose immediately clear: it is a celebration of Martin Brundle’s racing career, designed with the involvement of his daughter.

Another inscription delivers a more humorous message above the passenger compartment:

“The most important part of the car is the nut that holds the steering wheel.”

It is a fitting statement for a project rooted in motorsport. Even with more than 870 horsepower, sophisticated materials and high-performance brakes, the driver remains central to the experience.

That philosophy also distinguishes the Brundle Edition Turbo from many modern performance cars, in which electronic systems increasingly manage the relationship between driver, engine and road.

Here, the six-speed manual gearbox provides a tangible reminder that driving involvement remains an essential part of the Porsche 911’s appeal.

Only Five Examples Will Be Built

Exclusivity is a major part of the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo’s appeal. Production is limited to five cars worldwide, placing it among the rarest bespoke Porsche 911 restomods.

The extremely limited production run also reflects the personalised nature of the project. With its unique colour scheme, racing-inspired details and connection to the Brundle family, the car is intended to appeal to collectors who value provenance and individuality as much as outright performance.

Every buyer will receive a Bell helmet signed by Martin Brundle. The gift adds a personal motorsport connection to an already distinctive collector’s car, linking the finished vehicle to the driver whose career inspired its creation.

Gunther Werks has not provided a price in the supplied announcement, so the final cost should be confirmed directly with the company rather than estimated from the car’s specifications alone.

Gunther Werks and the Art of the Porsche 911 Restomod

The Brundle Edition Turbo highlights the continuing appeal of the restomod movement, which combines classic automotive design with modern engineering, materials and performance.

Gunther Werks has concentrated on the Porsche 911 (993), a generation prized for its air-cooled engine and evolutionary interpretation of the original 911 silhouette. By reworking the platform with modern components and bespoke construction, the company aims to deliver a driving experience that goes beyond a standard restoration.

The comparison with Singer is understandable, although the two companies have established different identities through their respective Porsche platforms and design philosophies.

For collectors, these cars occupy an unusual space between vintage sports cars and contemporary supercars. They preserve the visual character and mechanical layout of an earlier era while offering performance figures that can rival much newer machinery.

The Brundle Edition Turbo adds another dimension to that formula: a clearly defined personal story that connects the car to a specific figure in motorsport history.

A Classic Porsche 911 With Modern Supercar Performance

The Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo brings together three ingredients that make a modern restomod especially compelling: a historically significant Porsche platform, extreme performance and a deeply personal design story.

Its four-litre flat-six produces more than 870 horsepower and 827 Nm of torque, while the six-speed manual gearbox maintains a direct connection to the driver. Carbon-fibre body components, magnesium wheels and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes underline the car’s performance focus.

Yet its strongest distinguishing feature may be its identity. Designed by Charlie Brundle in tribute to her father, the car uses the colours of Martin Brundle’s former helmet and a series of bespoke details to celebrate a career spent at the highest levels of motorsport.

With only five examples planned and a signed Bell helmet included with each car, the Brundle Edition Turbo is aimed at collectors seeking something far more personal than a conventional high-performance Porsche.

It is a reminder that even in an age of electrification and increasingly digital driving experiences, the classic Porsche 911 remains a compelling canvas for engineering ambition, individual expression and motorsport heritage.

Source: Gunther Werks

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