Italian carmaker under Stellantis, tracing roots to 1899
A wave of Chinese automakers is expanding into Europe and the UK, challenging traditional premium brands. Zeekr, BYD and others are pursuing UK launches while major players like Geely, Volvo and Lucid push into premium segments. European and US automakers are restructuring to cope with China’s rising export power and shifting supply chains.
Volkswagen has approved its Future Plan 2030, a wide-ranging restructuring that will cut about 50,000 additional jobs — bringing total reductions to roughly 100,000 by 2030 — halve the model range by 2035 and end car production at four German plants between 2031 and 2034. The company has pledged a three‑figure billion euro investment to strengthen brands while simplifying offerings.
Emma Bonino, longtime Italian politician and feminist activist, has died at 78, according to +Europa. Her career spanned over five decades, including roles as European commissioner and foreign minister. Tributes highlight her lifelong advocacy for abortion rights, humanitarian aid, migrants’ rights, and civil liberties across Italy and the EU.
The EU is debating an Industrial Accelerator Act to ensure subsidies and public procurement favour European-made vehicles. The discussion, at the Paris motor show, includes calls to treat the UK as part of the EU for eligibility. VW and Renault executives warn Europe faces fierce competition from China as the bloc imposes a hybrid car import quota.