Tag Archives: IAA MOBILITY

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Volkswagen at IAA 2025: A True VW Reset with Affordable EVs, a Fresh Naming Strategy, and a Reinvented T-Roc

Volkswagen is using the spotlight of IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich (September 8–14) to do more than just show off new sheet metal—it’s rolling out a brand reset. Under the banner “True Volkswagen,” the company is signaling a sharper focus on its roots: clean, instantly recognizable design, solid quality, smart packaging, and that trademark balance of performance and value. And it’s doing so with one of the broadest product offensives we’ve seen from Wolfsburg in years.

The headliners? A wave of new EVs that put affordability and familiarity front and center. After three years of development, Volkswagen will reveal the ID. Polo and its hotter sibling, the ID. Polo GTI, albeit still wrapped in camouflage. These two hatchbacks anchor VW’s push into the small-car EV space, a segment the brand knows better than almost anyone.

Joining them is the ID. CROSS Concept, a near-production compact SUV that previews a bread-and-butter model aimed squarely at the heart of Europe’s (and likely America’s) crossover craze. Perhaps the biggest attention-grabber, though, is the ID. EVERY1: an entry-level EV with a target price of just €20,000. Volkswagen says this model will make EV ownership more accessible to the masses—a move that could put serious pressure on Chinese automakers currently dominating the affordable EV scene.

This new lineup also comes with a naming strategy overhaul. Legacy VW nameplates like Polo and Golf won’t vanish; instead, they’ll live on as electric models under the ID. umbrella. The ID. Polo is just the first example of that transition.

But Volkswagen isn’t ready to leave combustion behind. Alongside its EV showcase, the brand is rolling out updated versions of its most successful gasoline-powered models. Munich visitors will see the new-generation T-Roc, one of Europe’s best-sellers, which joins the recently refreshed Tiguan, Tayron, and Passat in VW’s growing ICE portfolio. For enthusiasts, the Wolfsburg team is also bringing some flash: the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE, a special-edition performance EV with styling and performance cues that suggest Volkswagen hasn’t forgotten how to have fun.

Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer summed up the brand’s ambitions:

“Our goal for the next five years is clear: By 2030, we want to establish ourselves as the leading high-volume manufacturer for pioneering technology. At the IAA 2025, we will be demonstrating that we are ready to deliver on this now.”

The takeaway? Volkswagen is trying to reclaim its position as the people’s carmaker in an EV world. From an affordable €20K EV to a reimagined T-Roc and a fresh take on naming, the IAA 2025 lineup makes one thing clear: Wolfsburg is betting that a mix of familiar names, fresh design, and real-world affordability will carry it into the next decade.

Source: Volkswagen

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Leapmotor Doubles Down on Europe at IAA Mobility 2025

Leapmotor came to IAA Mobility 2025 not just to show cars, but to plant a flag. The Chinese EV maker staged a three-pronged offensive across Messe München and downtown Munich, signaling its intent to be more than just another newcomer in Europe’s crowded electric landscape.

The centerpiece was the world premiere of the B05 and the commercial launch of the B10, both revealed at the Messe on September 8. The B10—a compact C-SUV aimed squarely at the European mainstream—packs the kind of tech and pricing combination that could unsettle established brands. Meanwhile, the B05 expands Leapmotor’s lineup with a sharper focus on intelligent electric mobility, underlining the company’s growing global ambitions.

But Leapmotor didn’t stop at static displays. Starting September 9, the action shifted to the heart of Munich. On Ludwigstraße 16, Leapmotor’s “Open Space” transformed a slice of the city into an urban mobility playground. Here, the brand put its philosophy of accessibility and lifestyle integration on display with three models:

  • B10 C-SUV: tailored for a new generation of tech-savvy drivers.
  • T03 city car: a cheerful, all-electric hatch designed for urban maneuverability.
  • C10 D-SUV: available as both BEV and range-extended EV, aimed at modern families needing space without ditching sustainability.

Alongside the cars, Leapmotor gave engineers something to chew on with the Leap 3.5 Architecture Chassis. The platform boasts a centralized domain control system—cockpit and driving functions fused into one brain—with a wiring harness so compact it measures just 996 meters. That’s industry-leading stuff in a segment where efficiency often comes from invisible gains.

Of course, this wouldn’t be Munich without some fun on the side. Visitors were invited to a Speed-Challenge ping-pong tournament, riffing on the brand’s “China Speed” ethos. Partnered with myTischtennis, Germany’s largest table tennis platform, the event drew more than 1,000 participants—more than a few walking away sweaty but smiling.

For those focused less on rallying balls and more on topping up batteries, Leapmotor showcased the Free2move Charge ecosystem, an integrated charging network designed to smooth out the daily EV experience.

Finally, at the downtown Test Drive Area, the curious could get seat time in the T03 and C10. It was a proving ground not just for acceleration or handling, but for Leapmotor’s bigger message: that electric mobility can be emotional, approachable, and practical in equal measure.

Leapmotor’s multi-location blitz at IAA Mobility 2025 was less about showing concept cars under harsh lighting and more about creating a 360-degree brand experience. Messe for the product launch, Ludwigstraße for the lifestyle integration, and the test drive zone for real-world validation. It’s a strategy that suggests Leapmotor knows what it’s up against in Europe—and that it’s not afraid to meet rivals on their own turf.

The big question: Can a brand built on “China Speed” adapt to Europe’s notoriously demanding market? Munich was the opening move, and Leapmotor made sure it was loud, polished, and impossible to ignore.

Source: Stellantis

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Under Wraps: Honda’s Mysterious Coupes Spark Speculation Ahead of Japan Mobility Show

In a world where TikTok and social media reign supreme, traditional auto shows are fighting to maintain relevance. Their once undeniable spotlight is now overshadowed by viral videos, memes, and influencers. Yet, despite the rise of Instagram live feeds and Twitter leaks, some car events still stand the test of time, refusing to fade into obscurity. The IAA Mobility Show in Munich, with its deep-rooted history dating back to 1897, remains a titan. Similarly, the Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary this October. And once again, Honda promises to be one of the biggest draws.

Honda, long synonymous with innovation and high-performance engineering, will be at the heart of the action, bringing the highly anticipated 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes to the stage for their Japanese premiere. But these two models are just the appetizer. The real intrigue lies beneath the sheets—literally. Honda is keeping its cards close to the chest with a pair of covered coupes that have sparked an ocean of speculation among enthusiasts and journalists alike.

Prelude 2.0? Or Something More?

The first logical question on everyone’s mind: Is Honda preparing a revival of the iconic Prelude? With the reborn model already set to hit Japanese streets next month, it wouldn’t be surprising if Honda’s covered coupes are a new chapter in the storied history of the Prelude. But this time, could it be something more performance-focused?

A high-performance “Type R” model doesn’t seem likely, not this early in the car’s life cycle. However, what we do expect are subtle enhancements that could give the Prelude the edge it needs in a crowded sports coupe market. This might include a package of factory add-ons such as aerodynamic tweaks, sportier wheels, or perhaps minor hardware updates that make it stand out without drastically altering the formula. Some prototypes have already been spotted wearing a rear wing, while others went without, giving us a sneak peek at what might be available for eager customers looking to tweak their Preludes from day one.

But don’t expect to see any turbocharged engines or hardcore race-spec parts just yet. Honda seems keen on keeping the Prelude’s focus on precision handling, like the Civic Type R, but without pushing the performance envelope just yet. A more modest, tuned-up version of the base Prelude might be the answer, appealing to those who want a bit of extra flair without diving into full-blown track-focused territory.

The NSX’s Legacy and Electric Future

As the automotive world has shifted its focus toward electrification, Honda is also working on its own electric successor to the legendary NSX. However, before you get too excited, don’t expect a new NSX just yet. We know that Honda has already confirmed an electric supercar that will carry the torch of the NSX—though it won’t hit the production line until 2027 or 2028. That’s a long wait, but history shows that the best things often come to those who wait.

The Acura NSX, once sold as a Honda in Japan, might even lose the “NSX” nameplate entirely. Instead, it’s speculated that Honda will offer something fresh, something that speaks to the future while paying homage to the supercar’s legacy. In fact, Honda executive Shinji Aoyama, in a candid interview during Monterey Car Week last year, revealed that the electric NSX successor would likely debut as a different, yet equally iconic, model.

Could one of the covered coupes be a concept for this electrified NSX successor? Given that production is still a few years away, it’s safe to assume these prototypes are just a glimpse of what’s to come—a teaser, perhaps, to get fans and media buzzing about Honda’s future in the high-performance electric space.

What’s Next?

The Japan Mobility Show runs from October 29 to November 9, so we still have a few weeks to go before the covers are officially pulled back. But with Honda’s track record of being ahead of the curve, we may not have to wait that long. Word on the street is that Honda plans to reveal more about the mysterious coupes by the end of September, which could offer up some tantalizing details before the official event.

In the meantime, car enthusiasts are already gearing up for the return of the Prelude in the U.S., with a stateside launch scheduled for later this year. Meanwhile, Europe will have to wait until 2026 to get a taste of the new coupe.

Whether it’s a refreshed Prelude or a futuristic NSX-inspired electric sports car, one thing is for sure: Honda has big plans for the Japan Mobility Show, and we’ll be watching closely to see just what’s lurking under those covers. Stay tuned.

Source: Honda