Tech

Franchise change in the automotive industry: Chinese brand Forthing moves from UMI to Auto Chen
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.

Half a year in the industry: BYD and Chery are already in the top ten largest car manufacturers in the world
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.

Hybrid attack: Toyota to upgrade batteries to maintain leadership
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 World's Fastest Family Car: Electricity Over Gasoline
The electric Mercedes CLA 45 AMG has set a new Nürburgring lap record for family cars. Here are the details of this remarkable achievement.

Kia Expands Hybrid Lineup in Israel: New Models Starting at 170,000 NIS
Kia is expanding its hybrid vehicle range in Israel with the launch of two new models. The updated Sportage Plug-in Hybrid and Niro Hybrid offer improved fuel efficiency and modern features, with prices starting at 170,000 NIS.

New Ministry of Transport Digital Service Protects Vehicles from Fraudulent Ownership Transfer
The Ministry of Transport has launched a digital service allowing vehicle owners to pre-block ownership transfers at Israel Post branches to protect against identity theft and document forgery.

True Japanese Quality: Nissan Qashqai E-Power on Israeli Roads
The Nissan Qashqai E-Power features a unique hybrid system where the gasoline engine acts as a generator. Despite its premium price, it stands out for its build quality and driving comfort.
US Surges, Europe Stalls: A New Battle Shaking the Automotive Industry
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.

Hyundai Hydrogen Bus: A New Era for Israeli Public Transport
Israel has unveiled the Hyundai ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus, powered by hydrogen fuel cells. With fast refueling and a range of up to 550 km, this technology offers a promising alternative to battery-electric buses.

Hydrogen-powered transport in Israel: Ministry of Energy to subsidize hydrogen trucks
The hydrogen-powered transport sector in Israel is gaining momentum: The Ministry of Energy is launching a tender to subsidize hydrogen trucks. Colmobil has introduced the first intercity hydrogen-powered bus in Israel.

Israel's Auto Market Leaders: Chinese Brands Strengthen Position in 2026
Over 203,000 new cars have been delivered in Israel since the beginning of 2026, a 10% increase year-on-year. Chinese manufacturers hold 6 of the top 10 spots in delivery rankings, while the market share for electric vehicles declines in favor of hybrid systems.

Nine Years of Vehicle Safety Reform: Drivers Were Hesitant and Installations Plummeted
Nine years ago, the Knesset approved a vehicle licensing fee discount for installing safety systems. However, the program failed to meet its goals, with only 93,100 out of 120,000 allocated installations completed.

Tesla under investigation again: Fear of failure in Model 3 and Y
Tesla's two best-selling models are being investigated following a series of complaints about a suspension system failure. If a repair is required, it will affect nearly 1.2 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

Sales Surge: The Car Market is Rising, and Chinese Brands Lead the Way
More than 26,000 new cars hit Israeli roads last month, with a 10% year-to-date increase. Chinese manufacturers now hold 6 of the top 10 positions, accounting for nearly half of all new vehicle sales this year.

Cyclist Teenager Injured, Changes Version, and Loses 80,000 Shekels
Eight years ago, a high school student was injured while cycling and became disabled. After his claim under the Road Accident Victims Compensation Law was rejected, he sought compensation via personal student accident insurance, but the court dismissed the claim due to inconsistent testimonies.

The "Orphaned Brand": The Danger Facing Buyers of Chinese Cars
Chinese car exports have reached record levels, accounting for nearly half of the Israeli market. However, this rapid growth hides risks: many brands may disappear, leaving owners without spare parts and support.

Urgent recall for Ford commercial vehicles in Israel
Delek Motors, the importer of Ford in Israel, has announced a recall for 16 Ford F-250 and F-350 commercial vehicles due to a missing particulate sensor. Owners must complete the mandatory repair within six months to avoid issues with vehicle licensing and ownership transfer.

Earthquake in Japan hits the automotive industry: Toyota and Mitsubishi suspend production
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.

How Chery is Capturing the Israeli Automotive Market Through Four Brands
The Carasso Group ("Freesbe") has begun importing vehicles from the new Chinese brand LEPAS. Despite being marketed as an independent entity, LEPAS is part of the Chery concern, which currently holds a 22% share of the Israeli automotive market.

Serial autonomous vehicles on Israel’s roads: prospects for next year
Autonomous driving is approaching Israel thanks to a new international UN standard. Car importers are preparing for a shortage of vehicle-transport ships that could delay shipments until the end of the year. Also: BMW, Genesis, Toyota and KGM launch new models.

Did you remember to fill up before the price jump tonight?
A liter of gasoline will jump at midnight by 61 agorot, and by about 30 shekels per tank. So that next time you don't feel such a blow to your pocket, here are some recommendations for electric cars, plug-in models, and hybrids.

The company that already beat Tesla is preparing for another round: what will happen in August
While Elon Musk promises that his next major product will reach stores only at the end of 2027, Chinese automaker BYD has announced it will arrive much sooner. Do Tesla shareholders have another reason for concern?

USA investigates Tesla: Fear of suspension failure in 1.2 million vehicles
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following reports of suspension failures that could lead to loss of steering control.

Earthquake at Tesla: Elon Musk Examines Closing the Company's Factories
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.

Criticism of the electric car's design? Ferrari is laughing last
Despite harsh criticism from brand enthusiasts, Ferrari has sold out its entire production allocation for the Ferrari Luce electric vehicle. The majority of sales were recorded in the Chinese market.

Renault Symbioz: A Hybrid Crossover with Striking Design
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.

How Volkswagen tried to conquer the skies – and crashed into reality
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...

Retirement instead of layoffs: Another car giant in Germany has run into difficulties
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.

Warning to thousands of drivers in Israel: The recall that endangers the vehicle license
Delek Motors is calling 1,405 vehicle owners to urgently arrive for a software update following a gap in fuel consumption. Drivers who do not perform the repair within six months will not be able to renew their vehicle license.

Renault Symbioz: Could have been polished a bit more
The Renault Symbioz is a handsome crossover offering superior ride quality compared to Chinese rivals. However, to justify its price point and compete effectively, the model requires better interior materials and refinement of certain technical aspects.

Not recovering: Porsche will cut 20% of its workforce within a decade
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.
Airport Revolution: Israeli Wireless Charging Technology Arrives in Europe
Electreon has signed an agreement to install a wireless charging system for buses at Milan Bergamo Airport, paving the way for cooperation with a manufacturer operating in hundreds of airports worldwide.

How Delivery Rankings Influence Electric Vehicle Depreciation in Israel
The Israeli electric vehicle market is undergoing a shift, moving from mass-market dominance to a polarized landscape. Data indicates a clear correlation between a brand's delivery ranking and its ability to retain value.

The parameter that car buyers almost never check and that may affect its value
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?

New arrival: Carasso to import Chery's LEPAS brand
Carasso Group, the importer of Chery in Israel, is expanding its portfolio. The company has registered the flagship LEPAS 8L SUV with the Ministry of Transport, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Is this about to become the best-selling vehicle in Israel again?
BYD is launching the new generation of its popular electric vehicle, the ATTO 3 EVO. We tested the new model to see if it can repeat the success of its predecessor in a challenging market.

Revolution in charging stations in Israel: The dramatic change that takes effect this morning
Starting this morning, only entities with a specific license will be allowed to supply electricity to electric vehicles. Among the companies that received approval: Tesla, Paz, and Dor Alon, with the move requiring credit card payment without an application.

Exiting the gas stations: Paz is setting up fast charging stations in BIG complexes
Ultra-fast charging stations will be set up in BIG shopping complexes across the country. The first one: at the complex at Check Post in Haifa.

2.5 Million Shekel Investment: Honda Launches Major Branding Campaign in Israel
After securing the top spot in motorcycle sales in Israel, the official Honda importer is launching a massive branding campaign with a 2.5 million shekel investment. The move coincides with the release of two new models, including a significant entry into the electric motorcycle segment.

US study: Waymo's autonomous vehicles are safer than human drivers - by a large margin
According to an IIHS study, Waymo's autonomous vehicles are involved in 68% fewer traffic accidents than human-driven cars. The analysis covered data from July 2021 through December 2024.