Hyundai and Kia push “solar roof” technology

Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor have today announced plans to introduce ‘solar roof’ charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles. Electricity-generating solar panels will be incorporated into the roof or the hood of vehicles, and will support internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles with additional electrical power, increasing fuel efficiency and range. 

Toyota starts making hybrid transaxles in Europe

Toyota has started production of hybrid electric transaxles at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland’s Wałbrzych (TMMP) plant. It is the first time this core component of Toyota’s hybrid electric powertrains has been manufactured outside Asia. The transaxle will be fitted to the new Corolla Hybrid, built at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in the UK, and the C-HR Hybrid, produced in Turkey. The start of production marks the first stage in Toyota’s introduction of its advanced hybrid technology and the Toyota New Global Architecture to its Polish manufacturing facilities

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports set to debut at Paris

The new Toyota Corolla Touring Sports will make its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October, joining the new Corolla hatchback revealed earlier this year. According to Toyota, this all-new model has “a dynamic design which clearly differentiates it from the hatch as a sleek, refined and versatile wagon”. The new car was developed and created in Europe.

McLaren pushes to go all-hybrid by 2025

At this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, luxury British sportscar and supercar maker McLaren Automotive has announced the wide-ranging business plan that will take the company to its fifteenth anniversary.

DS Automobiles says all models will be electrified from 2025

DS Automobiles has announced its electrification strategy at the 2018 Paris ePrix. From 2025 onwards, all new DS models will be electrified, either hybrid or electric, or both. This programme is already under way with the imminent arrival of DS7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4×4, boasting 300 horsepower and a 30-mile EV driving range. The first 100 per cent electric DS model is due to be launched at the next Paris Motor Show.