Automotive

Volkswagen Group is planning a global wage freeze for up to 660,000 employees until 2030 and potential cuts of 100,000 jobs amid declining sales and fierce Chinese competition.

Winter rains in Israel highlight road safety risks, driving up demand for tire replacements. A market check reveals prices for a set of four tires range from 629 NIS to 1,850 NIS, raising questions about whether high costs guarantee better safety.

Chinese automaker Forthing unveiled its new TK5 and TK7 electric and PHEV SUVs at the Paris Motor Show as part of its global expansion, with upcoming market entry in Israel and planned European production.

Mercedes-Benz reports a 61% surge in global electric vehicle sales, highlighted by the launch of the new electric GLC. Featuring advanced luxury, a 489-hp dual-motor setup, and a 500 km real-world range, it competes directly with BMW and Audi in the high-end Israeli market.

Chinese automakers are aggressively expanding across the European market with advanced technology and competitive pricing, forcing legacy European brands to rely on heritage and regulatory protection.

Kolmobil, Israel's largest automotive importer, suffered a cyberattack that disrupted operations and forced partial closures across its service centers.

South Korean automotive giant Hyundai has unveiled a historic $15.5 billion investment plan in India through 2032, aiming to transform the subcontinent into a global manufacturing hub while integrating advanced robotics from Boston Dynamics.

BMW profits dropped nearly 45%, prompting a 1 billion euro restructuring plan targeting 8,000 voluntary departures with average severance packages of 125,000 euros.

The Paris Motor Show 2026 highlights the growing dominance of Chinese automakers over struggling European manufacturers in both mass-market and premium electric vehicle segments.

British automaker Jaguar has unveiled the Type 00 electric vehicle, a high-end luxury model aimed at rivaling Bentley. Featuring 1,030 horsepower and a 120 kWh battery, the make-or-break model faces significant branding and market challenges.

Delhom Motors takes over JAC operations in Israel, offering extended 5-year warranties, free maintenance, and upgraded service support for all vehicle owners.

Data from Yad2 shows interest in electrified cars in Israel surged nearly fivefold, reaching 23.5% in September despite government fuel subsidies and price drops.

Luxury car trader Buy & Drive has applied for a stay of proceedings over debts of 97 million shekels, highlighting the severe toll of high interest rates and the war on Israel's automotive sector.

Iran's 7th International Auto Show reveals a heavy reliance on rebranded Chinese vehicles, including models from Chery and Hongqi, adapted for the local market despite severe Western sanctions.

Israel's automotive market data for January through September shows Toyota leading overall sales, Tesla dominating electric vehicles, and Chery emerging as the largest automotive group.

Chinese automakers are flooding export markets with ultra-competitive electric and plug-in vehicles, driving down car prices in Israel and offering budget-friendly alternatives amid rising living costs.

Chinese automakers, led by BYD, are rapidly expanding across Europe, with sales surging 111% in August. Despite EU tariffs on EVs, brands are exploiting plug-in hybrid loopholes.

Delhoom Motors has appointed industry veteran Avi Tzur as Chairman to support its rapid expansion in Israel's automotive market across private and commercial sectors.

Range Rover Sport is introducing its first fully electric version, offering 550 hp and a WLTP range of up to 609 km. The model is slated to arrive in Israel by mid-2027.

The Central District Court in Lod granted a 45-day stay of proceedings for luxury car agency Buy & Drive amid a 97 million shekel debt crisis, aiming to salvage a real estate sale in Netanya.

UBS warns of logistical bottlenecks in Europe as Chinese car imports double sales, capturing 12% of the market. A similar inventory glut and transport shortage plagues Israel.

Thousands of Tesla and Renault vehicles in Israel are integrating generative AI models like Grok and Gemini, transforming in-car voice control and digital interaction.

The Israel Competition Authority investigates the automotive sector amid sweeping reforms and China's new five-year production and AI integration plan. Meanwhile, local dealers debut new electric models from Skoda, Lexus, and GAC.

Volkswagen's aggressive restructuring plan threatens to cut 4,100 additional jobs at Porsche, potentially reducing the sports car maker's workforce by 25%.

Chinese automotive brands have captured 43% of Israel's vehicle market by 2026, disrupting decades of Western and Asian dominance amid shifting consumer loyalty and security concerns.

Hertz Israel internal memos reveal widespread reliability issues and lengthy repair delays for Chinese-made Chery vehicles, marking the second major leasing dispute in months.

Buy And Drive Holdings, a veteran Israeli luxury car agency, has filed for a stay of proceedings after accumulating 97 million NIS in debts amid severe economic shocks.

Chinese automakers FAW and GAC are pursuing state-backed consolidation amid falling sales and profits, a move that could reshape automotive markets, including Israel.

China exported 7.3 million vehicles in eight months, disrupting global and Israeli markets with high-tech luxury models at aggressive prices, threatening European brands despite recent massive safety recalls.

China orders a 7-million vehicle recall for Tesla and Chinese EV brands due to rescue risks from flush door handles. Israeli drivers remain unprotected as local regulators await European standards.

Tesla has reclaimed over half of the US electric vehicle market, holding a 52% share in August 2026 as legacy automakers pull back from battery-powered vehicle production amid an industry-wide slowdown.

Driving on a temporary spare tire "banana" beyond emergency distances or speed limits poses severe safety risks, including brake failure and loss of control.

The British luxury brand unveils its first all-electric model, featuring a 600 km range and legendary off-road capabilities combined with advanced EV technology.

Kia's SUVs and minivan have been launched in a particularly sophisticated edition, entirely in black. Available now in Korea, but what about Israel?

Chery is launching its youngest brand in Israel, starting with the stylish L8 SUV based on the familiar Tiggo 8. We put it to the test to see how it measures up.

Toyota has announced a global recall of approximately 655,000 Camry vehicles produced between December 2023 and July 2026. A malfunction in the 7-inch driver display can cause the screen to remain blank and may disable turn signals, hazard lights, and audible safety alerts.

The 2026 Renault Symbioz features an upgraded hybrid powertrain and a spacious interior. Despite its solid equipment, the model faces stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers.