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SEAT CEO Wayne Griffiths confirmed that the company will continue producing petrol and hybrid vehicles until electric cars become more affordable and profitable. According to him, a decision on launching electric models will be made only closer to the end of the decade. The Spanish brand has no intention of chasing European competitors in electrification and plans to follow its own path. As Griffiths explained in an interview with Autocar, SEAT doesn’t want to release EVs just for show — the company is focused on creating truly affordable and profitable electric models.

It’s been a year and a half since the debut of the new Volkswagen Tiguan, but the model is only now reaching certain markets. In spring 2025, the updated crossover arrived in Mexico — though in an unexpected configuration. Instead of modern hybrid systems or powerful turbo engines, Mexican customers are offered time-tested hardware: a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with 150 hp, a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, and front-wheel drive only. Essentially, the Mexican Tiguan is a locally adapted version of the Chinese Volkswagen Tayron. Compared to the global Tiguan, it features different bumpers, a redesigned front grille, updated headlights, and a revised interior — including a new dashboard and center console. The crossover is offered exclusively in a five-seat layout.

Mercedes-Benz's chief designer Gorden Wagener made a bold statement: in his opinion, artificial intelligence could completely replace the profession of automotive designer within the next 10 years. He believes that technology is advancing so rapidly that algorithms will soon be able to handle most creative tasks, leaving humans with only the role of curator. Wagener emphasizes that Mercedes-Benz is already actively using AI in the development of new models. While most of the ideas generated by machines are currently difficult to implement technically, about 1% of these concepts have real potential — and according to Wagener, this number will only increase.

Toyota is actively preparing for the debut of the sixth-generation RAV4 crossover, which is expected to take place later this year. The reputable Japanese outlet BestCarWeb has revealed new technical details about the updated model, which remains one of the most popular globally. The new RAV4 will offer three powertrain options: a standard hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and a fully electric version. Despite rumors about the development of new 1.5- and 2.0-liter gasoline engines, Toyota has decided to retain the proven 2.5-liter engine from the current generation. Preliminary reports suggest it will be a modernized version of the well-known unit, praised for its reliability and durability — qualities especially valued in key markets like the United States.

Toyota has officially unveiled a new version of its popular C-HR crossover, named High Hero. This variant stands out with bold styling, a two-tone body color, and a focus on sporty elegance. The front grille and rear bumper feature darkened accents, while the 19-inch matte grey wheels emphasize the car's dynamic appearance. Inside the High Hero, premium materials are used — the seats are trimmed in a combination of synthetic leather and suede in a rich Bordeaux Red shade. The panoramic roof adds a sense of spaciousness, and the 64-color LED ambient lighting lets drivers and passengers tailor the cabin’s mood.

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the facelifted version of its flagship 2025 S-Class sedan. The premiere took place in China — one of the brand’s key markets. The starting price of the vehicle is set at $132,000, while the top-end version exceeds $280,000. The model’s dimensions remain unchanged: 5320 mm in length, 1921 mm in width, 1503 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3216 mm. One of the new visual highlights is a striking "starry" light projection that appears when the doors are opened.

Toyota and Lexus have announced a large-scale service campaign: over 40,000 vehicles are being recalled due to a detected defect in the seat belts. The issue affects the center seat belt in the second row of popular models such as the Camry, RX, and NX. During a routine component inspection, a defect was found in the belt locking mechanisms. It was determined that the seat belts were manufactured by the Mexican division of Joyson Safety Systems and were exposed to thermal impact during production. An internal investigation revealed characteristic signs of melting on the belts, caused by the use of a so-called “hot knife” during trimming. This compromised the structural integrity of the belts and led to non-compliance with U.S. federal motor vehicle safety standards.

After nearly a five-year break, Skoda is shifting its strategy and once again betting on diesel in India. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 (Auto Expo-2025), the Czech brand unveiled its key premieres — the Superb sedan in 4x4 version with a 2.0-litre diesel engine and the sporty Octavia RS. Both models are expected to go on sale by the end of 2025 and will be imported fully built, with no local assembly. The head of Skoda’s Indian division, Petr Janeba, noted that in the past, diesel vehicles accounted for up to 80% of the brand’s sales in the local market. Diesel variants were previously available for the first-generation Octavia, Superb, and Rapid. Five years ago, the company phased out diesel in India, but now it has decided to bring it back — driven by consistent demand and strong sales of diesel models from rivals such as Hyundai, Kia, Tata, and Mahindra.

The BMW Z4 roadster in the US risked being overshadowed by competitors: demand for sports convertibles has been steadily declining in recent years, and the model’s sales numbers have long been unimpressive. However, in 2024 the situation changed unexpectedly. Z4 sales not only didn’t drop but even grew by 13.1 percent compared to the previous year. What helped avoid the slump?

In the USA, retiree Dennis Thompson breathed new life into an old 1928 Ford Model A pickup. This antique vehicle was fully converted into an electric car. Blogger Paul Shinn covered the unusual project — he not only examined the car but also took it for a drive himself.

American automaker Ford ended 2024 with a loud and controversial move — on December 20, the company announced a recall of 295,449 diesel pickups affected by an issue that could impact engine power. The solution itself, however, surprised many experts.

Plans for the release of the electric MINI Cooper Convertible with the factory index J03 have been unexpectedly canceled. Industry sources reported the news, which has already sparked lively discussions among brand enthusiasts. Not long ago, it was assumed that the “green” convertible would become a logical continuation of MINI’s electric lineup and launch alongside the three-door J01 Cooper. Production was planned at the Oxford plant with partial localization in China, and the debut was expected in 2027. Now, however, those plans are a thing of the past.