French automaker, part of Renault–Nissan–MMitiubishi Alliance, owned partly by the French state and Nissan
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.
Cadillac has announced a leadership transition for its Formula 1 project, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal. Graeme Lowdon has departed after guiding the American entrant through its debuts this season, which have featured reliability issues and no points after 11 races.
Alpine has extended Franco Colapinto’s contract through 2028, keeping the Argentine driver alongside Pierre Gasly. Colapinto has earned a career-best sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix and sits on 19 points this season as Alpine solidifies its driver lineup amid a push to improve performance.
Dati has gone on trial in Paris, accused of taking 900,000 euros from a Renault-Nissan subsidiary while she was an MEP. She denies the allegations, while Carlos Ghosn faces the case in absentia. The proceedings focus on whether the contract was for legitimate legal services or disguised lobbying.
Esteban Ocon has been told Haas will part ways with him at year’s end. He has been racing in F1 since 2016 and has previously won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon says he remains motivated and will push for strong results in the remaining races while seeking future opportunities. Haas thanks him for his professionalism as they move to appoint a replacement.
Two people remain in critical condition and eight are in stable condition after a car mounted a street in Newcastle during a crowd farewell for the Newcastle Knights. An 18-year-old driver has been arrested; authorities say the incident is not believed to be terrorism. The crash disrupted the pre-grand final moment, injuring nine adults and four children.
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.
UK ministers weigh incentives for vehicle-to-grid tech as part of the ZEV mandate review. The policy could reward carmakers for V2G adoption, while groups warn it may accelerate petrol-car sales if credits are misused. The move comes as grid balancing and consumer costs loom large in the transition to renewables.