Inside the Industry

Pope Francis receives first electric 'Popemobile' from Mercedes-Benz



Mercedes-Benz has been supplying
cars to the Vatican for 100 years


(December 5, 2024) Mercedes-Benz has supplied cars to the Vatican for 94 years, and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the renowned "Popemobiles" based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, for the first time, the Popemobile from Mercedes-Benz is going all-electric. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team members involved personally handed over a handmade unique vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the Vatican this week.

Toyota Corolla Cross stands out with vibrant new color for 2025



Soul Red Crystal joins a vibrant
menu of 11 available colors


(December 4, 2024) PLANO, Texas — With its stylish design, choice of gas or hybrid powertrains, impressive fuel efficiency, and thoughtful use of space, the Toyota Corolla Cross is the perfect package for those who live life on the go. For 2025, the compact SUV adds even more flair to the lineup with a new Soul Red Crystal color.

Honda to offer new police motorcycle to law-enforcement agencies



(December 4, 2024) American Honda has  revealed a new on-road motorcycle model developed exclusively for U.S. law-enforcement agencies, and available to order exclusively through the Powersports Fleet/Government Purchase Program.

Electrogenic unveils 'plug-and-play' EV conversion kit for Mazda MX-5



(December 4, 2024) KIDLINGTON, UK — Electrogenic, a global EV technology company, has unveiled its latest game-changing "plug-and-play" electrification kit — a cost-effective and fun package that converts the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) to clean, punchy, all-electric power.  

Jaguar unveils concept Type 00 setting stage for all-electric brand



(December 4, 2024) MIAMI — Jaguar Introduces an unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic physical manifestation of the Jaguar brand, as it continues its transformation. Type 00 (pronounced Type Zero Zero) embodies Jaguar’s creative philosophy of Exuberant Modernism following the debut of its new brand identity.



Subaru announces pricing on 2025 WRX starting at $36,920



(December 3, 2024) Subaru of America has announced pricing on the 2025 WRX, including the new STI-tuned WRX tS. The 2025 Subaru WRX lineup offers exceptional performance throughout the model range beginning with its 271-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 WRX will arrive at retailers in early 2025 with a starting price of $36,920 including destination charge.

GM and LG Energy Solution extend battery technology partnership



(December 3, 2024) General Motors and LG Energy Solution are extending their 14-year battery technology partnership to include prismatic cell development.  GM expects the prismatic cell technology developed under the agreement to power future GM electric vehicles, as part of the company’s strategy to diversify its supply chain, leveraging multiple chemistries and form factors.

Range Rover Electric prototypes in rigorous hot-weather testing



(December 3, 2024) Range Rover Electric prototypes are currently in one of the world’s most unforgiving climates, undergoing the most intensive testing any Range Rover vehicle has ever endured. As part of the grueling development of the first all-electric Range Rover, the United Arab Emirates is the proving ground for a searing desert assessment. Vehicle performance and efficiency are fiercely challenged to help ensure the entire propulsion system is reliably temperature-controlled and built to support longevity and optimum range.

Boreham Motorworks to reveal Ford Escort Mk1 on Dec. 12



Celebrating Ford heritage and
performance with two gas engines

    
(December 2, 2024) COVENTRY, UK Coventry, UK  — Dedicated to honoring heritage and pushing modern performance, Boreham Motorworks will present the all-new Ford Escort Mk1 on Dec. 12.  As the "One True Descendant" of the RS-lineage, the all-new Ford Escort Mk1 draws design and performance inspiration from each of the high-performance Escort Mk1 variants that graced the roads of Europe and dominated the world of motorsport — from the Boreham-built Escort Twin-Cam and championship-wining Alan Mann Racing Group 5 car to the iconic RS2000.
today.

Stellantis to close UK van plant, blames EV mandate



(December 2, 2024) LONDON — Stellantis plans to close its light commercial vehicle plant in Luton, England, and consolidate its U.K. production in its other British factory in Ellesmere Port amid wrangling with the British government over the volume of electric cars and vans it needs to sell in the country. Stellantis said it will create an all-electric manufacturing hub in Ellesmere Port following an investment of 50 million pounds ($63 million), according to Automotive News.