Automotive Industry

Volkswagen has unveiled a major efficiency plan involving mass layoffs and factory closures. The company aims to streamline its model range and optimize production amid declining sales in China.

The Volkswagen board has approved a restructuring plan involving approximately 50,000 potential layoffs. German reports indicate that the group intends to fully phase out the Seat brand by 2029, with Cupra taking its place.

The Volkswagen supervisory board has unanimously approved a comprehensive efficiency plan that could lead to the reduction of approximately 50,000 jobs. The move aims to bolster the group's competitiveness.

Dreame, which unveiled a concept car promising 0-96 km/h acceleration in 0.9 seconds, is closing its automotive project. Following the withdrawal of government funding, only HR and legal staff remain to wind down operations, which previously employed 1,000 people.

Is the situation "critical" as the employees claim, or just "severe" as the CEO says? The truth is that it does not matter how the crisis is defined, because it is clear to everyone that the German luxury company Volkswagen is at an unprecedented low. What is on the agenda? Massive layoffs, factory closures, and a continued inability to cope with the changing automotive market.

Dutch car manufacturer Spyker has unveiled the C8 Preliator XXV, a limited-edition supercar with only 25 units to be produced. The company is now under the control of Ukrainian businessman Vladimir Nosov.

Tesla, Xiaomi, Xpeng, and other car manufacturers in China are set to recall approximately 7 million vehicles. The recall addresses safety concerns regarding door-opening mechanisms during emergencies.

An investigation by Yitzhak Lampert, citing international sources including Bloomberg, raises questions about the Chinese automotive group Chery's activities in Iran while its brands hold a significant share of the Israeli market. The group operates in Israel through several brands, including Chery, Jaecoo, and Omoda.

Euro NCAP crash tests are imposing penalties on vehicles without physical switches, and the Chinese are tightening the standard for preventing battery fires. While manufacturers are investing a fortune to meet the safety revolution, consumers in Israel may continue to receive vehicles with less up-to-date technology.

The current generation of the Jeep Cherokee was introduced only this year, but the company is already developing a new model. This decision is driven by the need to transition to a more modern platform and relocate production from Mexico to the USA.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection is promoting a law that will require car manufacturers to recycle lithium batteries. The recycling will likely be funded through a levy on electric vehicles and could be passed on to consumer car prices. Simultaneously, the update of the green taxation and Euro 7 regulations is expected to bring an unusual wave of Chinese vehicle imports before the end of...

German automaker Porsche is set to combine its emissions pool with China's Xpeng. This strategic move aims to meet strict EU environmental standards and avoid substantial financial penalties.

Okuda served as president and later as chairman of Toyota Motor between 1995 and 2006. In a 45-year career at the company, he was considered the central figure in the development of the Prius — the first hybrid vehicle launched in 1997, which marked a technological breakthrough.

In July, Chinese models accounted for 45% of new car deliveries in Israel. The market is increasingly adopting Chinese characteristics, including consumer psychology, sales methods, and quality issues.

The earthquake in Japan was only the beginning: Typhoon "Dolphin" has forced Toyota to halt 17 production lines. The company is prioritizing employee safety and managing disruptions to global shipping routes.

The fear of automotive workers regarding robot replacement is becoming a reality. Major automakers BMW and Hyundai have announced plans to integrate AI-powered humanoid robots into their production lines, sparking fierce opposition from labor unions.

Globes has learned that Chery recently rented offices in Holon and is expected to begin local operations later this year. Simultaneously, the SAIC group, represented in Israel by the Lubinski group, importer of MG, is also preparing to reopen its permanent representative office in Israel after about five years.

The Auto Chen company of the Belilius family has received the official franchise for the import and marketing in Israel of the Chinese car brand Forthing from Dongfeng, which was held until now by the UMI group.

Chinese car manufacturers BYD and Chery have secured spots in the global top ten, according to CPCA data. In the first half of 2026, China's vehicle exports surged by 65% as brands shift focus to international markets.

The world's leading hybrid vehicle manufacturer does not want to lose its edge: it will launch advanced batteries that will offer improved electric range and reduced weight. Here is what we know about them.

The gap between the US and European automotive industries is widening. Major US automakers report strong financial results, while European firms struggle with declining profitability and stiff competition.

German automotive giant Volkswagen is laying off hundreds of managers as the industry struggles with Chinese competition. Recruitment experts warn that the market cannot absorb this influx of senior staff.

Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Daihatsu have suspended production at several plants following the earthquake in Japan. The primary cause for the halt is disruption in the supply chain.

The car company owned by the world's richest man is examining the possibility of selling its Chinese factories. According to reports, the reasons for this are related to regulatory matters and the existing crisis between the USA and China.

While most of the world was focused on electric cars, Volkswagen was already looking at the next stage. In 2019, the company launched a relatively secret project to develop an electric flying car, intended to allow wealthy individuals to fly between major cities in China in a quiet, fast, and luxurious aircraft. The venture was managed by a small innovation team in Beijing, based on the concept...

Unlike Volkswagen, which announced possible layoffs of up to 100,000 employees by the end of the decade, BMW is promoting a voluntary retirement plan that will include grants and favorable conditions. The move is intended to reduce costs after a 44% drop in the company's profits in 2025.

A drop in sales in China, a failed electrification policy, and a parent company in deep trouble: the cash machine of the Volkswagen Group until a few years ago finds itself in a severe crisis and will significantly reduce its workforce.

Today's vehicles are becoming more like smartphones, relying on manufacturer software updates to maintain functionality, relevance, and value over time. However, not all manufacturers provide the same level of support, especially for older vehicles. What should you check before buying?

German luxury car manufacturer Porsche announced it will cut 5,000 jobs by 2035 as part of a new efficiency package. This represents approximately 12% of the company's total workforce.