The automotive industry has been buzzing with major news stories in early January 2025. From emissions pooling to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there have been significant developments that are shaping the future of the industry. Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker breaks down the week’s biggest headlines.
One of the key highlights of the week was the release of the 2024 registration results for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in Germany and the UK. While the UK saw growth in BEV sales throughout the year, Germany experienced a decline in deliveries, particularly in the BEV sector which dropped by 27.4%. As a result, the UK surpassed Germany as Europe’s best-selling BEV market, with a remarkable 56.8% surge in BEV sales in December alone.
In a significant move, the UK government confirmed that it will bring forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2030. This decision marks a shift from the previously announced deadlines and underscores the country’s commitment to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
Carmakers are also pooling their CO2 emissions figures to meet the EU’s strict targets for 2025. Manufacturers with lower electric vehicle sales can now purchase emissions credits from brands that are exceeding targets. This collaborative approach includes partnerships between companies like Stellantis, Ford, Toyota, and Mazda with Tesla, as well as Polestar, Volvo Cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Smart pooling their emissions.
At CES 2025, several automotive companies unveiled exciting new technology and models. Sony Honda Mobility opened online reservations for its Afeela model, limited to customers in California. Honda showcased two prototype models from its 0 Series, while BMW introduced new in-cabin technology set to debut in upcoming models. Skoda revealed its latest Enyaq model, Renault showcased the interior of its Twingo E-Tech prototype, and BYD added the Atto 2 to its European lineup. Toyota announced the upcoming launch of the Urban Cruiser in late summer 2025, and Genesis unveiled the redesigned GV60 crossover SUV.
In a collaborative effort, Xpeng and Volkswagen announced plans to build one of the largest super-fast charging networks in China, with over 20,000 charging piles across 420 cities. Rolls Royce also shared its expansion plans for its UK production facility, investing over £300 million (€358 million) to enhance its operations at the Goodwood site.
The automotive industry is clearly undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong focus on electric vehicles, emissions reduction, and technological advancements. Stay updated with the latest developments by subscribing to the Autovista24 podcast on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music.
