Latest automotive analysis
Comprehensive coverage of the automotive industry's latest, breaking news brought to you by just-auto's leading network of international journalists.
MG 3 facelift and future model plans
20 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The Polo-sized MG3 first went on sale in its native China in 2012. Facelifted eighteen months later, and then for a second time in 2017, the updated car is finally arriving in Britain dealerships. The SAIC-owned MG Motor UK, the country's fastest rising brand of 2018, has also just laid out its future model plans.
Autonomous vehicles, series 3, episode 6 – Around the corner or still on the horizon?
17 Aug 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are rarely out of the media spotlight. The Next Big Thing, we often hear, will open up ‘endless possibilities’ as we travel from A to B. Yet with so much drama (and hype) around the vision of self-driving cars, it’s sometimes difficult to separate fantasy from reality or even gain a real sense how soon we could share one. Continuing just-auto/QUBE's series of research snapshots, this one covers recent auto industry activity in the AV arena, specifically supplier innovations, partnerships and acquisitions.
Stelvio proves the Alfa Romeo doubters wrong
17 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The Giulia showed that if given proper attention by its parent, Alfa Romeo could be successfully reinvented. The Stelvio further demonstrates the depth of engineering and design talent within Fiat Chrysler. Which only makes the minor flaws of this SUV all the more maddening: with just a little more money invested in certain components, Alfa's first SUV could beat the BMW X3 to become best-in-segment.
G07 X7 and all the BMW SUVs for the 2020s
16 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Sport Activity Vehicle is what BMW calls each of its X models. After a recent look at cars, this second feature in the future models series turns to current and next generation SAVs. The X7 will soon be added to the range, and there may be an X8 and an X9 too.
Chengdu motor show world debuts list - Haval H2
16 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The public premiere of a mid-life update for the Haval H2 will take place at the Chengdu motor show. Below is a list of vehicle world premieres, with many more to be added during the coming weeks.
Project G20 and other key cars in BMW's future
14 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
BMW AG is the next OEM in just-auto's future models series. First up it's BMW cars. This includes e plug-in hybrids but no i models: these will feature in a separate piece.
Hands-On Tech - Hyundai KONA Premium GT
13 Aug 2018 | Cat Dow
This month in our Hands-On-Tech (HOT) reporting series, we put the Hyundai KONA’s Blue Link system to the test. Taking you through the top-spec connectivity features offered by manufacturers in detail, this HOT report series looks to benchmark the connectivity functionality of each manufacturer based on various test criteria. Hyundai has done a good job to position its technology with what the market is currently expecting. Yet, in this fast changing world, it is a system that will date very quickly.
Show report - Jakarta Motor Show 2018
9 Aug 2018 | Staff reporter
A rather low-key 26th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) kicked off last week, despite the attendance of the country’s President Joko Widodo, with little in the way of important new model launches capable of firing up lacklustre consumer spending in the country.
Project BP23 Speedtail and future McLaren cars
9 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Only last month, McLaren Automotive announced a shake-up of its former Track22 business strategy, extending the programme to the end of 2025. So it's the perfect time to take a fresh look at the company's plans for the next seven years.
Mercedes tech for updated SsangYong Turismo
9 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Even though its shareholding in SsangYong was sold long ago, Daimler retains links to the Mahindra-owned maker of mainly SUVs. Not only does the just-updated Turismo gain a new Mercedes-Benz transmission but Daimler's W124 platform, albeit much modified, remains the basis of this big MPV.
Monterey Week world debuts list - Infiniti concept
9 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Monterey Automotive Week, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, will take place on California's Monterey Peninsula later this month. There will be various concept and new model world premieres, including a just-announced Infiniti concept.
Global automotive market report - Q2 2018
8 Aug 2018 | Dave Leggett
The global automotive market is continuing to grow, according to analysis carried out by just-auto. However, demand in key markets is easing as concerns rise over the outlook. Dave Leggett provides a commentary.
Future vehicles - Mercedes-Benz EQ electrified models
7 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
A series which examines the existing and next models for Daimler's passenger vehicle divisions now concludes with a look at what's coming for the EQ sub-brand. This follows recent features on Denza, smart, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz cars, Mercedes-Benz SUVs and Mercedes-AMG models.
Interior design and technology – Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
7 Aug 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV appeared in UK car showrooms earlier this year. The carmaker has high hopes for this model but how will it fare against the likes of the Ford Escape and VW Tiguan? Time will tell but early indications are that this medium-sized crossover is proving popular. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we take a closer look inside.
Traverse, the great divide - a tough CASE to crack
6 Aug 2018 | Calum MacRae
There’s a great deal of consternation in the auto industry presently, but that concern is divided in to two camps. On the one hand, there are those in the here and now anxious about whether total industry volume in the US this year will be 18m or 17.8m. On the other hand, there are those more concerned about the future and whether CASE (connected, autonomous, shared and electrified) or ACES (to put it another way) will fundamentally challenge the industry’s business model that’s been built up over the last 100 years or so. The differences in approach were there for all to see at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars held in Traverse City, Michigan last week.
Daimler future models - Mercedes-AMG cars and SUVs
3 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Following a recently published walk through the ranges of current and future Denza, smart, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz cars and Mercedes-Benz SUVs, it is now the turn for Mercedes-AMG. An exploration of EQ electrified models to be published later in August will be the last in the Daimler series.
Is Lexus' new flagship now just too complex?
2 Aug 2018 | Graeme Roberts
It would be fair to say I initially did not get on too well with the latest Lexus LS. I've always liked the big sedan which started out in 1989 ('91 for me) with a V8 and a mission to clobber the likes of Mercedes but my exposure since has been pretty minimal, the odd drive here and there. So when the latest one, all GBP105,595 of it, with every standard and optional feature available, hove to in the driveway, I expected to set it up - phones, radio presets, locking and lighting preferences, you know the drill, with a touchscreen. Wrong. There's a screen, no touch.
How Industry 4.0 is helping IAC build car interiors of the future…
2 Aug 2018 | Mike Vousden
Founded in 2005 by billionaire investor Wilbur Ross (now US Secretary of State for Commerce), International Automotive Components (IAC) is a Tier I supplier of interior systems and components specialising in instrument panels and cockpit systems, door assemblies, overhead systems, door and trim systems, and flooring and acoustic systems. Mike Vousden visited an IAC facility in the UK to hear how it is preparing for 'Industry 4.0' to impact its operations.
ANALYSIS - VW483 Volkswagen Arteon 1.5 TSI Evo
1 Aug 2018 | Glenn Brooks
After launching the CC-replacing Arteon a year ago in Europe with a range of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, Volkswagen has now added its 1.5-litre TSI, extending the all-turbo line-up of this big fastback.
Zilina plant central to Kia Europe success
31 Jul 2018 | Graeme Roberts
Kia's relatively new Zilina, Slovakia car factory (production started with the first c'eed in 2006) is, like most greenfield facilities these days, more than a one-site shop. It's what the US calls a campus - no fewer than three Kia factories: car parts production and assembly and two engine plants.
Future models - Mercedes-Benz SUVs
31 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Following a recently published look at current and future Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, now comes a round-up of what's ahead for SUVs and the X-Class pick-up. This series, which has also looked at Denza, smart and Mercedes-Maybach, will next turn to Mercedes-AMG, and then finish with an exploration of EQ electrified models.
Paris motor show world debuts list - Skoda Karoq Scout
31 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Skoda has announced that the world premiere of the Karoq Scout will take place at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile.
Future models - Mercedes-Benz cars
27 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The latest car maker to have its current and future models scutinised is Daimler AG. Following a recently published look at Mercedes-Maybach, Denza and smart; now comes a round-up of what's ahead for Mercedes passenger cars; to be followed by SUVs and the X-Class pick-up; with the series to be rounded out by a focus on EQ electrified models.
26 Jul 2018 | Graeme Roberts
Kia Motors (UK) insiders like to stress the importance of the Ceed C-segment model line (originally named c'eed for reasons which escaped me). It was the automaker's first European built model - followed closely by the second generation Sportage - but it's not the brand's top seller though it's nonetheless still significant in volume terms, accounting for about 12% of the UK unit's sales, while the also-Slovak-built-for-Europe Sportage eclipses the entire range with a 40% slice.
Future models - Mercedes-Maybach, Denza and smart
26 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The focus of just-auto's series which examines OEMs' current and future models now turns to Daimler. Mercedes-Maybach, Denza and smart comprise the first chapter; to be followed by Mercedes-Benz passenger cars; SUVs and the X-Class pick-up; and finally, EQ electrified models.
ASEAN vehicle sales rise 4.5% in H1
25 Jul 2018 | Staff reporter
New vehicle sales in southeast Asia’s six largest markets picked up momentum in the second quarter of 2018, with sales rising by 7.5% to 846,865 units from 787,773 units in the same period of 2017, according to data collected by AsiaMotorBusiness.com from the mainstream local trade associations.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake diesel - greener than any Tesla?
25 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Is a large, heavy Jaguar estate powered by a diesel engine which produces 700Nm of torque and 300PS far less planet-harming than any Tesla?
Proton under Geely - the future models
19 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The final Geely group brand to have its current future passenger vehicles assessed is Proton. Due to unremarkable cars, a home nation where the annual market remains well below three quarters of a million vehicles and poor marketing in the few countries it has tried to export to, the formerly state-run firm is a lacklustre operation. Could a cash infusion and a management shake-up transform the firm?
Another good Volvo arrives at platform SPA
18 Jul 2018 | Graeme Roberts
There was a noticeable air of excitement amongst Volvo Car UK people at the redesigned V60's press launch in Yorkshire this week. This was not at all surprising: as the company's head of PR, Mike Gale (a recent recruit from one time Volvo powertrain partner Renault) noted, the brand has a "long history of wagons".
ANALYSIS - Mercedes-Benz Vans' electric future
18 Jul 2018 | Glenn Brooks
OEMs are increasingly tasking their light commercial divisions with responsibility for certain passenger models too. Mercedes-Benz Vans is no exception, with the V-Class and X-Class being two of the better known model lines. The Vito though, is a bigger seller than either, with the premium pricing of multi-occupant luxury variants and new electric LCV versions greatly assisting the rising profits of the Vans division.
