Every week the automotive world throws up fresh surprises, bold innovations, and the occasional eyebrow‑raising twist and this one was no different. In this edition of Global Motoring Snippets, we take a fast‑paced tour through the biggest stories shaping the industry, from breakthrough tech and new model reveals to shifting markets and unexpected headlines. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a casual reader, or someone who just loves the smell of petrol and progress, these are the moments that moved the motoring world.
- UK car production in 2025 fell by 8%, with 717,371 cars built, marking roughly half the output of a decade ago.
- Including vans, total vehicle production hit a 70‑year low, down 15.5% to 764,715 units, driven by model changeovers, a major JLR cyber‑attack, and factory closures.
- Despite the slump, EVs are expected to drive a rebound, with Nissan beginning production of the new electric Leaf in Sunderland.
- The SMMT forecasts a return to growth in 2026, with output potentially rising above 790,000 units and reaching 1 million by 2027 if conditions align.
UK Manufacturing: Tough Year, Signs of Recovery
Awards Season: UK Car of the Year 2026
- Eight category winners have been announced, including strong showings from Audi (A6 Saloon & Avant) and five electric models, reflecting the UK’s accelerating EV shift.
- Finalists include the Renault 5 E‑Tech, already decorated with 44 awards since 2024. The overall winner will be revealed 26 February 2026.
New Models & Industry Moves
- New Mercedes S‑Class revealed with a flat‑plane V8, upgraded tech, and even Zoom‑call capability — a major luxury segment update.
- Hyundai Santa Fe is getting a refreshed look after its recent boxy redesign.
- Smart UK appoints a new CEO, Louise O’Sullivan, bringing 25+ years of automotive leadership experience.
- Tual, an EV‑charging tech firm, appointed a new CTO to scale its PowerUp charger across Europe — another sign of the UK’s growing EV infrastructure push.
Worldwide Car News Roundup — This Week
Global Market & Industry Shifts
- German luxury giants (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) continue to dominate with ~80% of the global premium market, but all three are facing sales declines due to U.S. tariffs and shrinking EV incentives. BMW remains the most resilient, even showing positive U.S. growth despite the headwinds.
- U.S.–China trade tensions are reshaping supply chains again, with the U.S. preparing to resume Nexperia chip shipments from China, easing pressure on global production.
- Nissan’s Tennessee plant lost production of 7,400 vehicles due to shortages of electronics and materials — another reminder of ongoing supply‑chain fragility.
EV & Future Tech
- WeRide secured approval to run fully driverless commercial robotaxis across Abu Dhabi — no safety driver required. A major milestone for autonomous mobility.
- Iveco’s S‑Way CNG truck completed a 1,000 km European test while towing 30 tonnes, showcasing the growing viability of low‑emission long‑haul transport.
- Eclipse S‑CORE released a new alpha version of its open‑source automotive middleware, pushing the industry toward more standardised, safety‑focused software foundations.
New Models & Reveals
- The 2027 Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class debuted with a surprising flat‑plane V8, updated tech, and a bold design shift — a rare move in an era dominated by electrification.
- A designer’s reinterpretation of the Lamborghini Miura made waves online after Lamborghini confirmed it won’t revive the icon — sparking debate about heritage vs. innovation.
- BMW iX3 prices jumped before first deliveries even began, highlighting rising EV production costs and shifting demand.
Motorsport & Autonomous Racing
- TUM retained its championship title at Abu Dhabi’s A2RL autonomous racing league, with ex‑F1 driver Daniil Kvyat narrowly beaten by the winning autonomous team.
