Built on the brand’s new RGMP platform, the Duster Turbo TCe 100 features a powertrain specifically engineered to suit the architecture. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque, tuned for smooth drivability across varied conditions.

Power is sent through a six-speed transmission, which enhances responsiveness while maintaining efficiency. Renault says the turbocharged setup has been calibrated to offer consistent performance without compromising on fuel savings.

With its new platform and optimised engine setup, the Duster Turbo TCe 100 aims to deliver a more refined and efficient driving experience, making it a practical choice for daily use.

The DE13 R engine is offered with outputs of up to 540 hp and 2,800 Nm of torque. Built using high-strength grey iron and compacted graphite iron, it is designed to handle extreme cylinder pressures of up to 250 bar. A high-pressure external fuel pump further enhances injection precision and efficiency.

Complementing the engine is a revised Optidriver gearbox, now capable of shifting up to 20% faster than before, improving responsiveness and driving comfort across both highway and construction applications.

Technology also plays a key role. Optivision+ predictive cruise control uses topographical data to optimise speed and gear selection, while the Predictive Engine Stop Start system cuts the engine during coasting phases to reduce fuel usage.

The updated powertrain is compatible with alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil and B100 biodiesel. Additionally, a Smart Racer2 variant introduces aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling resistance enhancements to maximise efficiency gains.

At its core, the Nuvolari packs a brutal hybrid setup producing 736 kW (1,001 PS), propelling it from 0-100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds. Flat out, it can push beyond 350 km/h, placing it firmly in hypercar territory.

The powertrain combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 588 kW (800 hp) and 730 Nm with three axial flux electric motors. Two of these are mounted on the front axle, hinting at advanced all-wheel-drive capability and razor-sharp torque vectoring.

Aerodynamics play a crucial role in its performance. The Nuvolari features active aero elements, including a deployable rear wing capable of generating over 400 kg of downforce. The body itself is constructed from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), keeping weight in check while maximizing rigidity.

However, you don't need to spend a several-year family budget to have a good time behind the wheel of a sports car with an automatic transmission if buying a used auto. Here are expert recommendations for 5 automatic-only sports cars that are actually fun to drive, even for the most dedicated third-pedal enthusiasts.

Audi TT-RS

The hottest version of the Audi TT, the RS, is a versatile sports coupe that's as at home in morning traffic as it is blazing hot on weekend radars. With all-wheel drive and a roaring 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine producing 394 hp, the 2017-2023 TT RS offers a unique exhaust note alongside exceptional grip and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds.

The car's dual personality is largely due to its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which can shift from mild to wild at the touch of a paddle, bringing the five-cylinder engine back into its sweet spot. Combined with available carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon fiber trim, the RS becomes a compelling choice for a sophisticated sports car.

Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R stands perhaps as a prime example of a sports car, often criticized by purists for its embrace of automation. When its six-speed dual-clutch transmission debuted in 2009, paired with a computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system, there were virtually no other production cars on the market attempting anything quite like it. Furthermore, its exceptional speed and fearsome grip capabilities sparked fears that "analog" production cars were on the verge of extinction.

Although those fears proved somewhat premature (it took nearly a decade before sports cars began swapping manual transmissions for automatics en masse and, in 2026, leaving only several top models in the Indiana market), the uproar surrounding this fact overshadowed the reality that the R35-generation GT-R is, in fact, a stunning car to drive.

It is larger and heavier than one might expect, but its bulk seems to vanish as you rocket toward the horizon under the full thrust of its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6, producing nearly 480 horsepower. By the end of its model cycle, that output had climbed to 562 hp, keeping the 2009–2024 GT-R firmly in supercar territory for far longer than anyone had anticipated.

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe

While the 2015-2021 Mercedes-AMG GT resembles the German Viper in styling, it's offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While this may seem like a drawback, this truly engaging coupe is available in a variety of high-performance trims that offer both power and athleticism in a package that growls, embraces corners, and glides through any terrain you throw at it. Even base versions of the first GT Coupe start with 469 hp from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.

If an automatic transmission really bothers you, then consider the GT R model's more aggressive gear ratios and the engine's ability to interrupt fuel delivery during lightning-fast, pedal-deep shifts, pinning the throttle and keeping the turbos in boost mode. This provides full access to 577 hp. The Mercedes-AMG GT R, regardless of driving conditions, evokes a smile that can only be erased by the monstrous G-forces you summon with your right foot.

Jaguar F-Type R

Jaguar briefly offered a manual transmission option for its 2013-2023 F-Type coupe and convertible, but it was limited to the V-6 version. If you wanted to enjoy the delightful sound of its supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, regardless of whether you opted for rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you had to stick with the eight-speed automatic.

Surprisingly, the traditional ZF gearbox in no way detracts from the Jaguar F-Type's eccentric personality on the road. With shifts so quick you'd swear a clutch was hiding there, and a soundtrack that reverberates with eight cylinders every time you pull down a gear, the F-Type more than makes up for every torque-converter automatic's moment. Of course, its 575 hp (in later versions of the car) also plays a huge role in allaying any concerns about the automatic transmission.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The current-generation Corvette C8 is, in many respects, the antithesis of the Mercedes-AMG GT R driving experience. By relocating the engine from ahead of the front wheels to behind the driver's head and swapping turbocharging for the linear power delivery of a naturally aspirated, pushrod V-8, the C8 has become more composed, more precise in its road manners, and far easier to handle at the limit. Moreover, it is available exclusively with an automatic transmission - something Corvette buyers haven't seen on the options list since the 1982 model year.

This eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox is fully up to the demands of high-speed track driving, yet remains exceptionally smooth in everyday operation. It may not be quite as engaging as previous models equipped with a third pedal, but with nearly 500 horsepower on tap from its 6.2-liter V8 engine, it makes the Stingray's performance limits more approachable to explore compared to a traditional manual transmission. And it accomplishes all this while delivering lap times that a previous-generation Corvette would have struggled to replicate without a professional behind the wheel.

Visually, the update is subtle but noticeable. The Crysta gets a bolder front grille along with revised front and rear bumpers, adding a bit more presence to its familiar silhouette.

Inside, Toyota has focused on enhancing the cabin experience. The MPV now features dual-tone leather upholstery, updated trim elements, copper-finished bezels and wood-pattern inserts. New additions such as a wireless charger and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) further improve everyday usability.

The feature list remains strong, including a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, steering-mounted controls and a comprehensive safety suite. This includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist.

Under the hood, the tried-and-tested 2.4-litre diesel engine continues unchanged, producing 148 BHP and 343 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The 2026 Innova Crysta is available in five colour options: Platinum White Pearl, Super White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic.

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The WagonR Flex Fuel is compatible with a wide range of ethanol blends—from E20 to E100—while being homologated for E85. This makes it the first flex-fuel passenger vehicle showcased for the Indian market, signalling a potential shift toward higher ethanol adoption.

While detailed specifications remain under wraps, the powertrain is expected to feature key modifications to handle varying ethanol concentrations efficiently. Flex-fuel technology allows the engine to adapt to different blends, offering greater fuel flexibility without compromising usability.

The unveiling took place in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, both of whom have been vocal advocates for ethanol-based mobility in India.

Pricing starts at ZAR479,900 for the short-wheelbase (SWB) version, while the long-wheelbase (LWB) model comes in at ZAR508,900.

Both variants are powered by a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine producing 68 kW and 230 Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel efficiency stands at a claimed 5.1 L/100 km, keeping running costs in check for business users.

In terms of practicality, the SWB offers a load length of 1,817 mm, while the LWB stretches that to 2,167 mm. With Peugeot’s Multiflex seating setup, the LWB can deliver up to 4.4 cubic metres of cargo space and handle payloads of up to 1,000 kg.

Despite its work-focused brief, the Partner doesn’t skip on tech. Both versions feature a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, with WiFi mirroring, Bluetooth connectivity and dual USB ports.

Safety kit includes emergency braking assistance, an electronic stability programme, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

Performance sees a notable lift too. The standard Spectre now produces 442 kW and 1,015 Nm, with a ‘Spirited Mode’ unlocking up to 1,100 Nm. Meanwhile, the flagship Black Badge Spectre Series II pushes boundaries further, delivering 500 kW in ‘Infinity Mode’—making it the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built.

Beyond the numbers, the Series II introduces new design and material options. Buyers can opt for the striking Ethereal Blue paint, along with a unique Duality Twill interior fabric crafted from bamboo-derived rayon. Additional highlights include Placed Perforation leather and Brindled Walnut veneer, elevating the cabin’s bespoke appeal.

The Black Badge variant also gets Iced Black exterior detailing, replacing traditional brightwork with a darker, more assertive matte finish.

For the 2027 model year, the biggest upgrade comes in the form of a new Qualcomm Snapdragon-based processor powering the infotainment system. The result is noticeably quicker response times, faster app performance and improved download speeds—something tech-savvy buyers will appreciate.

Polestar has also simplified the buying experience by bundling everything into one specification. The standard package includes Pilot, Plus and Climate packs, along with 19-inch Aero wheels and a choice of five exterior colours.

Under the skin, the Long Range Dual Motor setup produces 310 kW and delivers a claimed 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds. It also offers an EPA-rated range of up to 447 km, striking a balance between performance and everyday usability.

The standard Grizzly leans into practicality. With upright proportions and a focus on maximising cabin height, it’s designed as a versatile family SUV that can handle both city runs and longer journeys with ease.

In contrast, the Grizzly Fastback brings a more lifestyle-oriented twist. Its sleeker roofline and extended cargo layout aim to attract buyers looking for a more stylish, coupe-like alternative without sacrificing usability.

Despite their differing silhouettes, both models measure under 4.5 metres, keeping them compact enough for urban environments. Fiat will offer a wide range of powertrains, spanning petrol to fully electric options, ensuring broader appeal across markets.

Visually, the pair will feature distinctive LED lighting signatures, while the focus remains firmly on interior space and boot capacity—key factors Fiat believes will define their success in this competitive segment.

The Lowliner concept focuses on practicality. Its reduced coupling height allows operators to run mega trailers within legal height limits while maximising cargo space—making it ideal for light but bulky loads.

Under the skin, it’s based on the eActros 600 platform and comes in a 4×2 configuration. Buyers can choose between two battery setups: a dual-pack system offering 414 kWh, or a larger three-pack setup with 621 kWh.

With the bigger battery, the eActros 600 Lowliner delivers a claimed range of around 500 km, putting it on par with the standard model. Meanwhile, the lighter two-pack version—badged eActros 400 Lowliner—prioritises payload, carrying up to 24 tonnes compared to 21 tonnes for the larger battery variant.

Both versions support fast charging at up to 400 kW, ensuring minimal downtime on long routes.

This achievement lines up with two big anniversaries: 75 years of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production at the Kariega facility. It’s a reminder of just how important this plant has become in Volkswagen’s global production network.

The current-generation Polo has been built at Kariega since 2017, with a significant 86% of output exported to international markets. Germany and the United Kingdom remain its largest destinations, while the plant itself serves as the sole global production hub for the model, supplying as many as 38 countries across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

In the broader picture, the current Polo accounts for around 21% of the nearly 4.8 million vehicles produced at Kariega over the past 75 years. Even more impressively, it makes up nearly half—48%—of all Polo units ever built at the facility.

Volkswagen has produced four generations of the Polo at Kariega since 1996, underlining the model’s long-standing significance. Today, the plant stands as a critical pillar in the Polo’s global success story, blending scale, export strength and consistent demand.

What's behind it is a combination of forces that converged at roughly the same time: rising lease costs in desirable automotive corridors, growing service demand that's turned maintenance operations into serious profit centers, and a broader recognition that real estate itself can become a meaningful component of business value rather than just a line item on the expense side. The practical consequence is that the inventory of car properties for sale is being looked at differently now - not just by investors hunting yield, but by operators who have run the numbers and decided that the building their business depends on is too strategically important to keep renting indefinitely.

Why ownership has become a strategic calculation, not just a financial one

Control over the operating environment

Automotive businesses are unusually dependent on their physical locations. A dealership or service center isn't just an address - it's a visible presence in a market, a customer relationship anchor, and an operational infrastructure that takes years to build. That kind of investment in a leased property carries real risk. Lease renewals can fail. Rents can increase beyond what the business can absorb. A landlord can choose not to renew, forcing a relocation that disrupts customer relationships and potentially cedes ground to a competitor who's been waiting for exactly that moment.

Ownership eliminates those vulnerabilities. A business that owns its facility controls its tenure, its appearance, and its future capacity in ways that a leased operation never fully can. Signage, service bay configurations, customer amenity upgrades, branding investments - all of these look different when the decision about whether to do them sits entirely with the operator rather than the landlord.

Building equity instead of paying rent

The financial arithmetic of ownership versus leasing looks different depending on where you are in a business cycle, but the directional logic is consistent. Lease payments build nothing - they cover occupancy and exit. Mortgage payments build equity in an asset that, in well-located automotive corridors, tends to appreciate alongside the broader market. The business is paying for its space either way; ownership means that payment is also doing something productive.

Over time, the equity accumulation in a well-chosen property creates financial flexibility that leased businesses don't have access to. That equity can support future expansion through refinancing, strengthen borrowing capacity by providing collateral, or simply represent enterprise value that increases what the business is worth when ownership eventually transitions.

The service center story: why maintenance revenue changed the investment case

A profit center that became a foundation

For most of the modern automotive era, vehicle sales drove dealership economics. Service was important, but it was the support act. That relationship has shifted meaningfully. Vehicle sales fluctuate with economic cycles, interest rates, consumer confidence, and inventory supply. Service revenue is more consistent - people keep driving regardless of whether the economy is expanding, and as long as vehicles require maintenance, the demand is there.

The consistency of that revenue stream matters directly to property investment decisions. Real estate financing works better when the underlying business generates predictable cash flow. A service center operation that consistently produces strong monthly income supports the carrying costs of ownership with less financial anxiety than a business whose revenue can swing dramatically with market conditions.

Technology is deepening service requirements

Modern vehicles are significantly more complex than they were a decade ago. Advanced driver-assistance systems, hybrid drivetrains, electric powertrains, and increasingly sophisticated electronics have all expanded what proper vehicle maintenance requires. That complexity isn't bad news for well-equipped service operations - it's a barrier to entry that rewards businesses that have invested in the right facilities, equipment, and trained technicians.

The electric vehicle transition is accelerating this dynamic. EV service requires specialized infrastructure - high-voltage charging and diagnostic equipment, differently trained technicians, updated safety protocols - that represents a meaningful capital investment. Businesses that own their facilities can make those investments on their own timeline and treat them as assets in the property rather than improvements made on someone else's building. The businesses that build EV service capability in owned, purpose-built facilities are likely to hold a durable advantage as the transition continues.

Customer retention and the recurring revenue logic

Service relationships are among the most valuable things an automotive business can build. A customer who returns consistently for oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled maintenance develops a relationship with the service team and the brand that makes them significantly more likely to purchase their next vehicle from the same dealership. That lifetime customer value is built through repeated physical visits to a consistent location - which is another reason why location control matters. Disrupting a service customer relationship by relocating mid-tenure has costs that don't show up on any balance sheet but are very real in the revenue they represent.

Dealership real estate: why the physical location still carries significant competitive weight

Visibility and accessibility as business infrastructure

Good dealership locations function as ongoing marketing. A well-positioned property on a high-traffic automotive corridor generates passive awareness in ways that advertising can supplement but not replicate. Customers develop location familiarity over time - they drive by, they remember it when they're ready to buy, they return for service because it's convenient. That familiarity is the product of consistent physical presence in the right place, which is only possible when the business controls its tenure there.

The location decision itself carries long-term consequences that are difficult to reverse. A dealership in an expanding community benefits from population growth, rising household income, and increasing vehicle ownership in ways that take years to fully materialize. Businesses that secure those positions early - and own the property so they can hold them - often enjoy advantages that late entrants find genuinely difficult to overcome, not because the competition is weak but because the best locations are simply no longer available.

Inventory management and facility flexibility

Dealerships have space requirements that don't compress easily. Vehicle display, storage, customer parking, service bays, parts inventory, and customer-facing amenities all need to coexist in a coherent layout that serves operational needs while supporting the customer experience. That's a specific and substantial real estate requirement, and ownership gives businesses the ability to configure and reconfigure their facilities as those requirements evolve.

Owned properties can be expanded when growth creates the need. Service capacity can be added. EV infrastructure can be installed. Display configurations can change as inventory mix changes. All of that flexibility exists cleanly when the business owns the facility; leased properties introduce negotiation, approval processes, and the risk that the landlord's vision for the property doesn't align with the tenant's operational needs.

The longer investment case: property as enterprise value

What ownership does to business valuation

Owned real estate shows up differently on a business's balance sheet than leased facilities do. It represents a tangible asset with measurable value that strengthens net worth, improves the business's financial ratios, and increases what a buyer would be willing to pay for the enterprise. Investors and lenders both view property ownership as a positive signal - it suggests permanence, operational maturity, and a management team thinking beyond the current year.

The equity in a well-chosen automotive property also provides a financial cushion during difficult periods. When industry cycles turn, as they inevitably do, businesses with real estate equity have options that businesses with only operational assets don't: refinancing, sale-leaseback arrangements, or simply the psychological security of knowing that a core asset isn't going anywhere regardless of what happens to vehicle sales in a given quarter.

The risks worth managing honestly

Capital, cycles, and environmental complexity

None of this is an argument that automotive property ownership is without risk - it carries meaningful ones that deserve clear-eyed evaluation. The upfront capital requirement is substantial, and the opportunity cost of that capital is real. Environmental obligations are a specific and serious consideration for automotive properties: fuel storage, waste fluids, and hazardous materials create compliance requirements that vary by jurisdiction and can be expensive when not managed carefully from acquisition forward.

Market cycles affect both automotive demand and commercial real estate values simultaneously, which means a downturn can pressure both the operational business and the property investment at the same time. That concentration risk is the honest trade-off against the stability and equity benefits that ownership provides.

Consumer behavior changes add another dimension of uncertainty. The evolution of online vehicle sales, changing service patterns around EVs, and shifts in how customers engage with dealerships are all trends that could affect future facility requirements in ways that are difficult to predict precisely. The businesses managing this uncertainty best are the ones that own flexible, well-located properties capable of adapting to changed requirements - and that maintain enough financial resilience to make those adaptations when the time comes rather than when the pressure demands it.

The businesses that have figured out how to hold automotive real estate strategically - choosing locations for their long-term population and traffic dynamics, building service operations that generate stable cash flow, and treating the property itself as an asset being actively managed rather than passively occupied - are consistently among the stronger performers in the sector. The real estate isn't separate from the business strategy. In the best cases, it is the business strategy.

And at every stage, there are factors that can quietly chip away at what you are owed. Knowing what those factors are could make a significant difference in what you walk away with.

1. Disputed Liability

One of the most common complications is when both drivers blame each other. Insurance companies will investigate who was at fault, and if that question is not clear-cut, things slow down significantly. Without strong evidence like dashcam footage, witness statements, or a clear police report, the fault determination can drag on for weeks or even months.

Even in states with comparative fault laws, where each driver shares a percentage of the blame, disputes over those percentages can affect how much compensation you ultimately receive. The more contested the liability, the harder the road ahead.

2. Delayed or Missing Medical Documentation

Insurance adjusters look closely at medical records to verify injuries. If you waited days before seeing a doctor after the accident, the insurer may argue your injuries were not caused by the crash. That gap in time can seriously hurt your claim, even if your pain was very real.

It is also important to keep every record. Missing bills, incomplete treatment notes, or gaps in your care history give adjusters reasons to question the severity of your injuries. Seeing a doctor right away and staying consistent with treatment helps protect the value of your claim.

3. Pre-existing Medical Conditions

If you had a prior injury or medical condition that affects the same part of your body involved in the accident, expect pushback. Insurers often use pre-existing conditions as a reason to reduce or deny a claim, arguing the current injury is not entirely accident-related.

This does not mean you cannot recover compensation. If the crash worsened a pre-existing condition, you may still have a valid claim. However, proving that distinction requires detailed medical records and often the support of a qualified medical professional who can speak to your condition both before and after the accident.

4. Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Getting hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough of it creates a major problem. Even if the other driver is clearly at fault, collecting compensation from someone with no coverage is incredibly difficult. You may end up having to turn to your own policy instead.

Uninsured motorist coverage exists for exactly this reason, but not every driver carries it. And even when they do, fighting with your own insurer over a fair payout is not always easy. This is one reason why reviewing your own policy before an accident ever happens truly matters.

5. Language Barrier for Older Adults

Not everyone involved in a car accident is equally equipped to navigate the insurance process. For older adults, or loved ones with limited English proficiency, the entire claims process can feel like a foreign world, and in many cases, it literally is. For example, getting car insurance with Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc, an agency with a focus in Spanish, as well as English, is going to help greatly if a Latin loved one gets in an accident.

Insurance forms are packed with legal and technical language that is difficult even for fluent English speakers to fully understand. For someone who is still learning the language or who has only basic conversational skills, the risk of misunderstanding a question, signing something incorrectly, or accidentally saying something that weakens the claim is very real.

There is also the issue of simply not knowing their rights. Many older immigrants or non-fluent speakers are not aware they can ask for a qualified interpreter, that they do not have to speak with an adjuster alone, or that they have the right to legal representation. This lack of awareness can lead to accepting a lowball settlement or unknowingly waiving important rights.

If a family member was involved in the accident and faces a language barrier, stepping in early makes a meaningful difference. Helping them find an attorney who speaks their language or has experience working with non-English-speaking clients can be one of the most important steps you take.

6. Social Media Activity

This one catches a lot of claimants off guard. After an accident, insurance companies and defense attorneys sometimes monitor social media accounts. A photo of you at a family gathering, a post saying you are feeling better, or even a comment that seems harmless can be pulled out of context to challenge your injury claims.

You do not have to go offline completely, but being mindful of what you share during an open claim is critical. Something as simple as a smiling birthday photo can be used to argue you are not as injured as you claim. When in doubt, keep accident-related details off your social media platforms entirely.

7. Inconsistent Statements

What you say in the immediate aftermath of an accident matters more than most victims realize. Telling the officer one thing, telling your insurer something slightly different, and then giving a recorded statement that does not quite match can seriously damage your credibility.

Memory is imperfect, and it is normal to recall details differently over time, especially after something traumatic. But adjusters and attorneys look for inconsistencies and use them to argue the entire account is unreliable. Taking a moment to organize your thoughts before giving any formal statement can protect you from contradictions that seem minor but carry real consequences.

Final Thoughts

A car accident is already stressful enough. The insurance process that follows should not make things worse, but often it does. Understanding the factors that can complicate your claim puts you in a stronger position from the start.

Whether you are dealing with a disputed fault, a language barrier for an elderly parent, or gaps in your medical records, knowing the challenges ahead allows you to prepare for them. When the stakes are high, getting proper legal guidance early is always the smarter move.

The rollout will begin with trained safety operators behind the wheel, before gradually transitioning to fully driverless operation as the system meets performance benchmarks. It’s a cautious but calculated approach, aimed at building trust while scaling the tech.

Madrid becomes the fourth city under the WeRide-Uber partnership, which has ambitious plans—15 cities and tens of thousands of robotaxis globally by 2030. The duo already runs fully driverless services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with Riyadh next in line.

Unlike traditional fleet models, WeRide follows an asset-light strategy. In Madrid, fleet ownership and operations will be handled by Avomo, a company already experienced in managing Uber fleets in cities like Atlanta and Austin.

The choice of Madrid isn’t random. Strong demand for urban mobility, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment, makes it an ideal testing ground. The service will run on WeRide’s One platform, backed by its GENESIS simulation tools.

First introduced in 2005, the Q7 played a key role in establishing Audi in the large luxury SUV segment. Two generations later, it remains a cornerstone of the brand’s global portfolio. Now, the upcoming third-gen model is part of a broader product push across Audi’s SUV range.

Details are still under wraps, but Audi has confirmed a fresh exterior design, a more versatile cabin, and updated tech. The driving experience is expected to span both comfort and performance, staying true to the Q7’s dual personality.

Sharing the spotlight will be the Q9—an entirely new nameplate. Slated to debut in the second half of 2026, it will take position as Audi’s flagship SUV, pushing the brand further into the top-end luxury space.

Certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake rating, the UltraWeather is built to handle severe winter conditions while maintaining strong all-season usability. It uses Bridgestone’s Enliten technology, which focuses on improving tread life, lowering rolling resistance, and boosting overall efficiency—making it suitable for both internal combustion cars and EVs.

Performance gains are a key highlight. In internal testing, the UltraWeather delivered 3% better wet braking than its predecessor, stopping four feet shorter. It also showed a significant edge in snow, outperforming the Goodyear WeatherReady 2 by 14% in braking tests and beating the Pirelli WeatherActive by 10%.

Bridgestone is backing the tyre with a 60,000-mile limited warranty. It is available now in select sizes, with plans to expand to 61 variants covering 16- to 22-inch wheels.

The UltraWeather is designed to fit a wide range of vehicles—from compact cars like the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza to larger SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Taos.

Instead of building a network from scratch, Polestar is tapping into the existing retail infrastructure of Volvax Baltic. It’s a smart, low-risk approach that allows the brand to scale quickly while maintaining a premium retail experience.

The rollout begins with the first Polestar Space in Tallinn, scheduled to open in June 2026. This will be followed by additional locations in Riga and Vilnius later in the year, ensuring coverage across all three Baltic capitals.

Europe continues to be Polestar’s strongest market, accounting for a dominant 78% of its global retail sales in Q1 2026. Expanding deeper into the region only strengthens that position.

Crucially, the Baltic region already offers a solid EV ecosystem. Customers will gain access to Polestar Charge, which includes over 2,800 charging points across the three countries. From high-speed chargers to local options, the network provides the backbone needed for everyday usability.