Cars

Europe has focused on stopping Chinese electric cars. The true threat is in its cars with combustion engines

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He returned with other motor partners of the motor of the presentation of a new model or of a first contact. I do not remember the car that was but it was at Frankfurt airport, almost a second house for whom we have entered this world, and we were in 2023. I receive a call from a phone that I didn’t have saved. To the answer, the person on the other side of the phone is presented and explains that Chery, the company that owns Omoda and Jaecoo, are finalizing the details for their first events in Spain. The Chinese group was going to land In our country. It was already an open secret But I talk a few minutes on the phone to learn more details. They explain that they are very clear: they will enter the market with combustion vehicles. It is not that its bet is clearly focused on low ranges but they are sure that their arrival in Europe should be through models with thermal motors. The electric car is perhaps the future (and yes, they have options saved to launch) but for now they will focus on gasoline and hybrid vehicles because they are still preferred by European customers. Although logical, the speech did not stop crashing. It is not that they rejected the electric car but they were clear that they were going to follow that very own philosophy of Toyota to sell in each market what the client asks. And the client, in Europe, continues to prefer the hybrid car or the pure combustion. When Omoda made his long in Spain, we explained that he had MG as a reference. Saic’s company is the Chinese manufacturer who More cars is selling And, in fact, this Chinese state group is the most successful in our continent at the moment. His MG4 Electric It is one of the great supervants because by size and autonomy it was much cheaper than its rivals. However, Saic knew how to smell very well what the client claimed. The MG4 Electric is especially interesting in markets such as Spanish, where we prioritize cheap cars. But for all those who do not want or cannot afford the jump to the electric car, the former British company has offered a good handful of pure combustion products that have managed to place themselves in the lower market. And the results have not been waiting. We looked at the electric car … Given that electric offensive of Chinese cars for Europe, with the MG4 Electric leading a landing to which Byd has joined as a great reference between plug -in vehicles, child, Xpeng, Dongfeng, Leapmotor and, more discreetly, Chery (omoda/Jaecoo), the European Union decided to lift commercial barriers to the cars arrived from the cars arrived from the Asian country. Those commercial barriers are translated, Since October 2024in specific tariffs on each company, taking into account the alleged help that the brand has received from the Chinese State and the degree of collaboration they have shown with the European authorities in their investigation. The Tariffs apply to electric cars And even those brought by European companies from there as a result of their association with Asian companies. But those commercial barriers They do not apply to combustion vehicles nor to the plug -in hybrids that is where, truly, China is hurting. We do not know if it is part of a strategy not to make tariffs a direct attack on the Asian country or because from Europe it was considered that the real danger was in the Chinese and cheap Chinese car and that local businesses could fight with low -end combustion cars. But the truth is that where they begin to get a part of the cake is exploit those cars with combustion engines. For proof, the SAIC growth presented in Europe under different brands. According to ACEA dataThey sold in Europe 157,340 units in 2024, 6.7% more. A figure that places them above Jaguar-Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Honda. Its market share stood at 1.5%. And in what we have this yearSaic keeps making his way. In what we have been registered 52,508, a third of the cars that placed in 2024, with a 52.3% growth in the first quarter of the year. At the moment, he has left Suzuki behind, who had it ahead in 2024, he is shot by Volvo, and his market share has grown up to 1.9% (compared to the 1.2% last year at this point at this point). As for the other Chinese companies, we have no data at European level. We do know that Chery has announced That Omode and Jaecoo will extend to a total of 19 markets this year. So far, they only operated in eight markets but in 2025 we will see them. With this extension they expect to sell about 10,000 units when April ends and reach 75,000 units at the end of the year. It is a small figure with respect to what we have seen with omoda but will allow them to place themselves above companies such as Honda or Mazda if the figures end up closing. In Spain, Registrations reflect that Omode is already selling almost as much as Fiat, accumulating 2,539 units in what we have been over, and surpassing brands fully settled in our country such as Honda or Suzuki. In addition, Chery adds 1,945 units of Jaecoo and 1,154 of Ebro. Right now, their more than 5,700 units sold as a group place them in a competitive position despite only offering a handful of models and without having received the options with eco or zero emissions stickers They are a claim. With very little time in the market, the Jaecoo 7 plug -in hybrid is already the fourth most selling model in our country. For its part, Byd already sells more than Tesla In our country (3,809 units compared to 3,169 units of Elon Musk cars) but focuses the bulk of its registration on … Read more

Renault asks Japan to copy and make “small cars that people can buy.” The truth is that we don’t want them

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The automobile market has forgotten small and simple cars. It is a reality for which it should be a perfect mobility solution for the middle European citizen. Now, Luca De Meo is committed to prioritizing the “small cars that people can buy.” But do these words make sense? “We don’t do it”. Because they are “unproductive,” according to Luca de Meo. Of those who speak are of small cars, of those of smaller size that, for the CEO of Renault, have completely killed European regulations. “We have to make small cars that people can buy again,” he said in an interview with Auto.it. “It is difficult for a regulator to know more than an engineer which is the best solution. Let’s leave engineers the best solution to reduce the impact of CO2,” said Meo to the questions of the Italian medium. The problem? For the CEO of Renault it is clear: “European regulation in the last 20 years has failed.” And this has been because “it was driven by the Germans, who wanted to make the most complex cars, because it suited them. That has had a devastating effect in other producing countries such as France, Italy and a little in Spain where people buy small cars because they do not have money or do not enter the cities.” The solution? Have your own regulation that It resembles that of Kei Car Japanese. These cars are extremely small, they cannot exceed 3.4 meters long or 1.48 meters wide. Nor equip yourself with an engine greater than 660 cc or 64 hp. In return, cars are not considered as such and, therefore, They do not have restriction problems that traditional vehicles in large cities have. In return, MEO slides not only the idea of ​​promoting small vehicles with new legislation, it also chooses to reduce the mandatory safety elements in cars of this size. “We were forced to add a security equipment valued at 400 euros. That on a Renault Twingo is a lot of money, in a sedan it is much less.” Too expensive. It is a usual criticism of the price of cars. They are too expensive for the client to allow them. Actually, although in recent years the price increase has been very pronounced, a car is cheaper now than 50 or 60 years ago. However, the ability to access the low range has been reduced. Pressing for other expenses of enormous cost, such as housing, the Spanish average citizen is opting for low -end vehicles when acquiring a new car. In what we have been, The best -selling car is Dacia Sanderofollowed by the MG ZS, the two cheapest cars in its segment. He is accompanied by Nissan Qashqai who has recently dropped price and the Renault Captur and Seat Arona, cars that barely exceed 20,000 euros starting. It does not come profitable. In his words, Luca de Meo is part of reason. Match the cheapest cars in safety equipment with the highest cost Price irremediably increases of this type of vehicles. By European regulationsthe cheapest car that is sold in our continent must have, among other systems, emergency braking, lane output alert or rear camera. However, it is also unquestionable that this equipment is an extra security for drivers who put themselves at the controls of a car. Although from Dacia (from the Renault Group) They have removed value for these measuresthese types of obligations guarantee a minimum of possible accidents to all drivers. Do we buy them? Luca de Meo’s words sound very good but … are we interested? If we attend to the number of Enrollments in our countryurban vehicles (such as the aforementioned Twingo) barely register 1.4% of registrations. They are the compact and the C-SUV (comparable by size) the most purchased vehicles in Spain, accumulating 48.5% of registrations. A segment followed by the utilities and B-SUV, which total 39.6% of the enrollment. Expanding the views to the rest of Europe, Discriminate Acea to vehicles in traditional sizes. A+B for utilities and urban (those of smaller size), followed by compact (c), medium size (d) and luxury (e and f). However, take the SUVs out of these categories. According to these data, in 2023 segment A and B that De MEO considers among the best selling remained at 21%, while the SUVs accumulated 51% of the registrations (between three and four times more than a decade ago). The little ones (taking into account that they add two segments) are not so far from 15% that compact accumulate. Do we want them? It is the other big question. According to the registration, we prefer larger vehicles. But, in addition, there is another constant: commercial failures among smaller vehicles. Although most European citizens make their daily journeys in urban environments, cars dedicated exclusively to the city remain little dear. WE HAVE SMART EXAMPLEconsidered a car too expensive despite being extremely useful in the European cities of intricate streets in historical and difficult parking helmets. Photo | In Xataka | If you have 155,000 euros in your pocket, now you have another doubt: buy the new Renault 5 Electric Turbo or a Porsche 911

Byd did not go to the Shanghai Auto Salon to show cars. Went to exhibit power

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In the Shanghai Motor Show there are 70 car brands. Most come to present cars and Byd comes to show power. His was not a standbut a manifesto. And at the largest car fair on the planet. Its brands – the general byd, the ultra -premium yangwang and the newly arrived in Europe denza– They were, more than aligned, orchestrated. And each model does not seem a simple proposal, but an offensive. Seeing them, no one just described them, but to enumerate their possible victims. The sensation It wasn’t even admiration, but for certainty: just like Huawei with mobilesByd does not seek to compete but to take. Being a national champion, in business jargon, is a thing of the past: now his vocation is hegemony. In fact, his conference was the most often, with the permission of Chery’s, and the most jaleada. Symbolic capital of a new China. The usual byd, which is no longer The BYD base is still that of the car for everyone, but does it with an increasingly attractive sophistication for its customers and dangerous for its rivals. At the Fair, five models of the Ocean series, all electric or hybrids, and all with advances that place them above the price they hold – although the translation to Spanish euros is always a complicated equation. It is, in any case, the old Byd trick: Give yourself to the price of a generalist what others call premium. He Sealion 06for example, it arrives as a compact SUV with athletic design, long muscle. Your assistance system ‘Eye of God‘It comes standard, and has compatibility with the new ultra -grape load network of 1,000 watts. It promises 400 kilometers of autonomy with five minutes of load. And all for less than $ 20,000. He Seal 06its range input version, this logic replicates in a lighter body, designed for fleets, Carsharing and emerging markets. Byd Seal 7. Image: Xataka. Byd Sealion 7. Image: Xataka. And the renewal of already classic models such as Those of the series L They illustrate the maturation of the Byd nucleus: they have not only updated their engines (the new electrical units reach 30,511 rpm), but also incorporate technologies typical of recent high ranges: Adaptive suspensions Disus-m. Total connectivity. And even autonomous driving functions Level 2+. What a five -year is a Chinese miracle today is the new standard. Byd Song L EV. Image: Xataka. The message is clear: Byd wants volume, but also prestige. And unfortunately for his rivals, he not only wishes it but is willing to build it, marked per brand, segment by segment, country by country. Denza, elegance as an attack And if the prestige is the new front, denza is the first shock line. Initially conceived as a joint experiment with Mercedes-Benz and today 100% controlled by byd, this brand is the advance of Chinese electric luxury. Do not compete in volume, compete in perception. And in Shanghai came his most serious offensive: the Denza z. This two -door and four -seater electric coupe is, Visually, a missile. Low, muscular, with a marked waist line and a design that reminds more of a Concept living room than a production car. But it is confirmed: it will reach the market. Denza Z. Image: Xataka. Image: Xataka. It will incorporate cable address, folding steering wheel, intelligent magnetic suspension and premium materials. All wrapped in a body reminiscent of Stuttgart but shouts ‘Shenzhen’. The Z was not the only star. He also shone Denza N9a large SUV and elegant, refined design. Spacious interior, immersive screens, advanced driving assists. He is already on sale in China from 389,800 yuan – about 47,000 euros – and his arrival in Europe is expected at the end of the year with a more enigmatic price than ever. And the N7an old acquaintance who part of the 260,000 yuan, about 36,000 euros, monopolized less premium but more generalist looks. Denza N7. Image: Xataka. Denza N7. Image: Xataka. For a market that begins to look suspicious at the German overprices, denza proposes something disturbing: luxury, but logical. The offensive complete the Denza D9a luxury minivan that has gone from curiosity to supervants in the Chinese market. Designed for executives and families of high purchasing power, the D9 offers a cabin experience that rivals that of a private jet: two rear seats with massage, ventilation, individual screens, panoramic roof, reinforced acoustic insulation and automatic sliding doors that convert access into a ceremony. Interior of the denza D9. Image: Xataka. Its double motorization – a pure or plug -in hybrid – offers versatility without sacrificing status. In a world where the minivan category seemed extinguished by the SUVs, byd the reinvent with one purpose: convert premium mobility into space, silence and prestige. Thus and everything will be complicated to refuse in Europe despite all these arguments. His proposal is based on offering a Porsche or a Maserati at the price of high -end Audi. Of course, if five years ago they list all the already common Chinese brands in our streets, we would have entered the silly laugh. We will see. Yangwang: the national luxury vertex His ultralujosa brand, designed to compete with Rolls-Royce, the Range Rover prohibitive or the Maybach, To those who do not imitate, but who reinterprets them. And from a deeply Chinese look. The very long one Yangwang U8L It was one of the most visited models in the hall. It is an extended version of the already imposing U8. It measures 5.4 meters, offers three rows of seats and a ceremonial luxury aesthetic. The badges, as is the case with the Su7 ultraThey are available in 24 carat gold. The back gate opens in two vertical halves. If we take into account the prices that this brand manages it is inevitable to see the trunk open as a chest. Yangwang U8L. Image: Xataka. Yangwang U8L. Image: Xataka. Yangwang U8L. Image: Xataka. Yangwang U8L. Image: Xataka. And then it is The interior, a mixture of a … Read more

The aid seemed the only way to sell electric cars. Germany is demonstrating that we were wrong

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Electric car sales do not take off without state aid. And it has logic if we take into account that we are talking about a technology that forces the driver to Make some adaptation And, according to what cars we buy, force him to plan your trips. The electric car has many advantages. In Spain, with current prices and rates, an electric car can be much cheaper That one of combustion shortly time. In fact, The more trips and kilometers dothe car comes out. To this we must add the advantages Undoubted for day to day such as the absence of vibrations, of noise, the comfort of having the entire torque to a throttle pedal … but they are advantages that the client has to discover and that it is normal that it does not encourage it when the disbursement will be of tens of thousands of euros. To foster change, states have focused on giving purchase aid. It is a good way to lower the price and leave it at a cost closer to combustion models, especially when electric were sensibly more expensive than gasoline or diesel. They are decisions for which the reference countries have opted in the electric car market. He did it Norway, he did (and he does) China And Germany did it. And the German case showed us that without purchase aid, Electric car sales are deflated… or deflated. Because they have grows again. What if we have been looking at the wrong place? Direct aid to purchase At the end of 2023 justice forced Germany to withdraw aids to the purchase of electric cars. The reason is that funds had been diverted to combat the crisis derived from the coronavirus to the promotion of the electric car. Without destiny for that money, the government had preferred to reinvest it in the game of electric mobility. For justice, this was illegal and therefore I ordered the aid to immediately withdraw. Overnight, aid fell to the purchase that extended to all cars up to 65,000 euros. Last year, in 2024, a reduction in subsidies was already expected but buyers could expect a mattress of 4,500 euros in cars of up to 40,000 euros and 3,000 euros in which a price of between 40,000 and 65,000 euros appears. The help was complemented by manufacturers with 2,250 euros and 1,500 euros, respectively. That is, savings in the first case could be up to 6,750 euros and in the second of up to 4,500 euros. Figures similar to those we see in Spain with the MOVES III PLANrecently reimputed until the end of the year or exhaust the funds available. Last year, the fall in electric car sales was considerable. In its first year of direct aid to the purchase, Germany enrolled 27.4% less electric cars. A blow to European accounts with the main electric car market by volume falling from 524,219 tuition from 2023 to 380,609 units enrolled in 2024. By market share, the German electric car fell from 18.4% to 13.5%. However, everything has changed in these first months of 2025. They collect in Motorpasion than the 17% of cars Enrolled in Germany are electric. Compared to the month of March of last year, 35.5% have been grown and the trend indicates that it will continue to grow. It is very good news because they lack direct aid to the purchase of cars of this type. What the State is doing is to encourage the purchase of this type of fleet cars. Companies can deduce up to 40% of the value of the car in the purchase of new cars. A decision that has triggered sales since company vehicles reflect 67% of new car registration in Germany. The strategy is not new in Europe and focuses on the importance of aid beyond lowering the price of cars. In Norway, they stood out that if they have made the electric car Your best selling technology It has been because for years they have given themselves constant subsidies related to the property of the electric car. Not paying some taxes or road toll have been definitive attractive for implementation. Yes indeed, 1.8 billion euros have been raised. Belgium has been the other great country where the electric car has exploded in sales in recent months. In Belgium they already exceed 30% quota electric car market. Last year, to February 2024, they exceeded 20% market share and in 2022 they barely exceeded 8%. The secret is in the aids that, again, are given to companies. Depending on income, a company can be deduced up to 100% of the electric car fee. The percentage will fall over the years but prevent maintaining this economic incentive until 2031. In Bloomberg They explain that in a country where the company car is usually used as an incentive when changing work, promoting the purchase of this type of cars is key to popularize them and reach sectors that did not expect to make the leap for a few years (or did not expect it at all, as one of those interviewed in the article recognizes). The strategy contrasts with the one we have been carrying so far in Spain. Our country has also joined the delivery of purchase aids but, in addition to not being direct at the time of signing the contract, Each extension It has been a birth. The suspension for two months In the last extension of the Moves III Plan it has been the best example. Photo | Volkswagen In Xataka | The electric car is sweeping so much in China that the natural step is already raised: stop calling it “electric”

Needs to remove tariffs on your electric cars

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We are on April 14. Anyone would say that we have climbed into a concord and we have turned over the speed of sound without pause, without scales. Without stopping to repost. Since last April 2, the United States began to Apply cars tariffssteel and aluminum but, above all, since it imposed New commercial barriers to almost all of the world, it seems that everything has happened at a dizzying speed. In just 12 days we have seen USA Impose tariffs on (almost) every inhabited country. Even if I was inhabited by penguins and a handful of humans. We have seen one Chinese response, to the bag falla Increased hostilities In the commercial war, raising tariffs, threats from the European Union, the stock market falling again, increases in the figures of the tariffs that touched the absurd and a final step of Donald Trump with a 90 -day truce and Exemptions in some products Arriving from China. But before all this happened, there last October 2024, the European Union began to apply tariffs to Chinese electric cars that remain in force. A commercial dispute that has had multiple derivatives. To start, in Spain we have seen how The government changed minds About tariffs on Chinese electric cars To avoid Chinese reprisals. Reprisals that have reached countries like Italy, where investments have been cast back for supporting these tariffs in the past. Or that they led to Byd, Saic and Geely to file a lawsuit before the Court of Justice of the European Union. Months after the first storm, it seems that Europe and China begin to understand each other. At least that’s what the German newspaper affirms Handelsblatt. Looking for a land price To be clear about what we are talking about, you have to know where we come from. In September 2023the European Union began talking clearly to impose tariffs on Chinese electric cars. The agencies began to defend that the Chinese automobile industry was distorting the market offering electric cars at a very low price. That low and highly competitive price could allow it because, according to the European Union, their companies were Dopadas with state money. Either with direct subsidies, with soft credits or with the transfer of land, the European Commission ended up voting in favor of imposing what, first, were “Compensatory Rights” And, already in October 2024, they reached the figure of “duty” as we know them. Before that last approval, the European Union and China maintained an open dialogue on them. So Europe opted for impose tariffs with specific rates to each manufacturer, ensuring that not everyone had received the same aid and depending on the degree of collaboration shown. For example, Byd was the Chinese company that received the least punishment (17.4%) but SAIC, which is the property of the Chinese state, was 37.6%. To these figures we must add the 10% base that any country pays for exporting its cars to Europe. The rates, in addition, were applied to cars European manufacturers They produce in China. For example, the Volkswagen Group that in China is associated with SAIC has to pay very high tariffs for bring your electric cupra. It was a measure that tried to bring money and investments to Europe but that, with the rejection of China, ended by become a shot in the foot For some countries. From the first moment, the Chinese government was contrary to this decision and considered discriminatory this way of acting. For its part, the European Union opened the door to dialog combustion cars and plug -in hybrids. A type of especially attractive product in countries like Spain where cars purchases are dominated by low -end vehicles. Months after that, the German newspaper Handelsblatt It states that the European Union already negotiates with China a land price to its vehicles in exchange for lifting tariffs on electric cars. The media ensures that Maros Sefcovic, EU trade commissioner, has filed conversations with Wang Wentao, Chinese Minister of Commerce. At this meeting, the agreement would have reached a land price to its vehicles. The problem now is to reach an understanding, in Reuters They explain that so far the minimum prices that the European Union has imposed on foreign products always They have taxed simple products. That is, to non -complex products such as a car. The news agency already advances that from Europe they are willing to reach an agreement with different prices depending on the vehicle. At the moment, there is no news of what this land would be and if it would also affect cars with combustion engines or only electric vehicles as it happens right now with additional tariffs. Keep in mind that a different land price may make sense due to vehicle size or other variable that represents the quality and final price of the vehicle. It would be completely absurd to impose a land price of 20,000 euros (for example) to a five -meter car and leave the same figure for a large five -meter berling, generally associated with higher quality vehicles, cost and price. Liberating tariffs on Chinese manufacturers is also an advantage for Europeans who manufacture in Asian soil. In this way they will be able to offer their products without having to pay the corresponding rates so from Germany they already press so that this decision comes forward. Those who can show more contrary to this proposal are French manufacturers such as Renault or Stellantis. Except the Dacia Springthe Renault group does not bring electric cars from China and has always sold as a value to produce its Renault 5 In France. Stellantis either has Factories in China And in Europe it sells Leapmotor cars but the goal is that are manufactured in European landreuseting the facilities that the company has already distributed throughout Europe. At the same time, China needs agreements to continue selling cars outside its borders. Its production threatens to create a surplus of vehicles. Byd aims to sneak into the Five largest … Read more

They were the same that should regulate Tesla’s cars

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Although Critical voices with methods Elon Musk at the head of Doge has already put an expiration date to his political adventure, the Millionaire has found time to fire officials of the National Administration of Traffic Security on the roads. These are the same officials who must ensure that Tesla complies with the regulations for deploy your self -employed cars, As reported he Financial Times. Doge’s long shadow. In February 2025, Doge ordered mass layoffs in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These cuts affected 4% of the 800 officials of this agency, including specialized engineers of the vehicle automation security office. Among the layoffs, there were three of the seven experts dedicated exclusively to creating the regulation that the Cyberercab and Tesla’s cars equipped with an autonomous driving system. A stone in the shoe for Tesla. The NHTSSA office currently maintains eight open investigations against Tesla, many related to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. According toThe published by The Verge, These investigations often flow into Calls to review their cars or updates of your software for Correct errors. One of the dismissed workers assured the Financial Times that the layoffs “would weaken the ability of the NHTSSA to understand autonomous driving technologies. This office should be at the forefront in the management of autonomous vehicles and in the definition of future regulations.” “It would be ironic for Doge to stop the display of Tesla,” said another former employee of the traffic security administration. Musk plays a lot with the autonomous car. Tesla has very ambitious plans to launch a fleet of Robotaxis in Austin during the summer and start the production of the Cyberercab model for next year. These vehicles will not have a steering wheel or pedals and require Specific regulatory approvals like him AV Step programmanaged by the NHTSA. If the agency does not have the necessary resources, That regulation might not have a list on time. “Letting Dog dismiss those of the Division of Autonomous Vehicles is crazy. We should be pressing to incorporate more personnel into the NHTSA. They should be developing a national framework for autonomous vehicles. Otherwise, Tesla has no possibility of expanding its FSD or Robotaxis technology,” a Tesla manager told the North American. Tesla’s future is autonomous. The concept of Robotaxi is key to the strategic future of Tesla. Elon Musk has opted for this model as an economic and sustainable solution for urban transport. According to their statements, robotaxis could drastically reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for human conductors. This approach seeks to position Tesla as Leader in front of competitors such as Waymo (Alphabet) and Zoox (Amazon), which also develop similar technologies and already have fleets working autonomously By cities like San Francisco. Suspicions of conflict of interest. It is not the first time that the shadow of the conflicts of interest de Escane about Elon Musk and his role in the cuts of government agencies that regulate the activity of their companies. The accusations began when Doge cut the resources of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications FCC Commission, agencies responsible for regulating the operations of Spacex and Starlink. The same suspicions fell to the millionaire when Doge announced the dismissal of officials of the US Labor Inspection, just when the death of an operator was investigated at the Tesla plant. OK With what is published by The GuardianDemocratic senators have already presented a bill on a possible conflict of interest of Elon Musk at the head of Doge. In Xataka | Elon Musk fired hundreds of employees and now he has to hire them again: they were experts in nuclear weapons Image | Flickr (Gage Skidmore), Tesla

Japan has been charging a 0% tariff to foreign cars. You will not find one among the 50 best selling

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Japan is a fascinating country, of those that it costs to understand from the point of view of a western one. Perhaps because we ourselves have turned our backs on Asian culture during our years of teaching or because, simply, they have historical and cultural peculiarities that we are complicated to assimilate. What is certain is that the Japanese have entrenched the consumption of the local product. You have to keep in mind that Japanese society is deeply nationalistperhaps because it is surrounded by other countries where this feeling is also entrenched as China or the Koreas, which has caused continuous tensions in the area. After the Second World WarThe United States financed the recovery of Japan, with the clear objective of putting a geopolitical cap to communism that threatened from China and Korea. A movement that could have diluted this nationalist feeling. Little by little, the country was growing and in the 70s managed to diversify its industry and, at the same time, apply technical novelties that placed it at the world avant -garde in many sectors. Taking advantage of the weakness of the Yen against the dollar, they decided to put all their effort into export as much as possible of your products. Those exports flooded the world product economy. One of the most significant were cars. In its technical innovations, the country prioritized the efficiency of its engines, key to flooding the market when the oil crisis. In front of American and European cars, The Japanese were cheaper and more efficient. It was at that time that the industry shot completely and Japan decided to make a decision: he raised tariffs on foreign cars. Pass and see Something like that should have thought of Japanese politicians in 1978. With the aim of being more competitive in the face of foreign markets, the country raised all tariffs for those who wanted to import a car to their country. That is, any foreign brand could sell its cars in Japan without paying a single extra euro. In Japan they should not be afraid of what was going to happen. Its industry was so powerful and cultural factors so decisive that foreign vehicles have not finished cauling in the market. For proof, In 2016 the European Union lifted the 10% tariff with which he taxed Japanese cars. The 3% paid by Japanese manufacturers to produce in Europe but use Japanese pieces, but also raised Japanese. In return, the European Union found the open door to sell other products, such as cheese or wine. So, The European Union He came from buying 575,000 cars worth 9,000 million euros while we were barely sold 279,000 vehicles for a value of 7.3 billion euros, they collected in The world. From Auqí we can get two readings. The European Union, a specialist in the export of cars, had barely placed in the country Japanese 279,000 cars in a market in which Five million cars were almost sold that 2016. Of the 12 best -selling brands that year in the country, only one (Mercedes in tenth position) was foreign. And none of the 30 best -selling cars in the country was a foreigner. The cars that the European Union managed to place in Japan were high -price vehicles. The average unit cost Japan more than 26,000 euros while those bought by the European Union cost less than 16,000 euros. That is, it costed Europe (and much) to compete by volume. When Japan opened its doors to the world, it had to be aware of the country’s particularities. The hard emission and space standards have made the center cars of large cities disappear. From the 60s The Shako Shomeishhothe obligation to have a space to park the car to have the right to buy a car. In a country that is concentrated in cities, the limitation is decisive. In addition, the Japanese client fully trusts his companies and has trouble opening to new technologies. The host of the hybrid car in front of any other technology (and the Resistance of Japanese firms themselves The electric car attests to it) is a good example of this. To this we must add that, by price, the great generalists cannot compete since local vehicles are sold much cheaper taking advantage of a manufacturing within the country that is more competitive than beyond their borders. The value of YEN, lower than the dollar, the euro or the pound, allows them to obtain large amounts of money for the development and manufacture of a product that allows them to lower prices in their local market. On the contrary, foreign companies that have to sell there face A cut market For emission regulations, the space regulations barrier and that have the obligation to change the production of the car since when driving on the left they need to position the controls on the opposite side. An added cost that puts another lock. The result is that Europeans and Americans end up offering Japan cars that do not interest. In addition, in Japan the minivans, contained on the outside and of wide interior space are religion. A type of car that has disappeared in Europe while in Japan the Toyota feels, the Nissan Note and the Honda Freed occupied the squares of third, fourth and fifth best selling car In the country. And you can keep going down in the list of the 50 best -selling cars in Japan In 2024. You will not find one that is a foreigner. Photo | Toyota In Xataka | The problem of US cars in Europe is not tariffs: they are not interested in the least

What cars can circulate and which ones rest on April 12

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Rest days arrive a week. “For some more than for others,” those affected by today do not circulate sabbatino today. Because, indeed, affected cars have to rest and that means that they cannot move from home. Why does this happen? Because it applies today does not circulate, the program designed by the CDMX Ministry of Environment (Sedema) For the improvement of the air quality we breathe. A project that prevents some cars from moving with ease where it applies. Less cars, less pollution. It is a simple formula that has its implications in the atmosphere. Therefore, although painful, it is a measure that is applied in the 16 mayors in Mexico City and in the following conurbation municipalities of the State of Mexico: Atizapán de Zaragoza Coacalco de Berriozábal Cuautitlán Cuautitlán Izcalli Chalco Chicoloapan Chimalhuacán Ecatepec de Morelos Huixquilucan Ixtapaluca La Paz Naucalpan de Juárez Nezahualcóyotl Nicolás Romero Tecámac Tlalnepantla de Baz Tultitlán Chalco Valley What cars and plaques affect the Sabatino today If we observe the superior image you can easily check what the restrictions that are applied. But what happens to Saturdays? Which is a bit more complicated because not always the restrictions touch them. That is because the car hologram marks the restrictions of each day but on Saturday there are special standards. Because, in this case, it will depend on the plate number as well. And, however, not all holograms always rest … To order all this mess, the easiest thing is to think that there are three types of cars: Cars that can circulate every Saturday Cars that have to rest every Saturday Cars that rest on a Saturday yes and another Restrictions, yes, do not apply all day. They are active between 05:00 and 10:00 p.m.. That is, at night we can move freely and without taking into account any type of restriction. With all this clear, what can we do if we are affected by today does not circulate sabbatino? In principle, be clear when we have to stay at home. For that, the following must be taken into account. Cars with Hologram 2 rest every Saturday. None of them can circulate. On the contrary, those of Hologram 0 and 00 have no problem. These cars can move with total freedom. The “problem” comes with those of Hologram 1. In this case it depends on the plate number. Every week is broken. In this case, the Saturday April 12, 2025as we are on the second Saturday of the month of April touches the cars with a plate finished in number to stay at home. Despite this, there are some exceptions that must be taken into account because those cars can move with total freedom: Those that work for electricity, natural gas or are hybrid Those who have disabled plate All those dedicated to urban transport services (includes funerals) Those who offer school or passenger transport Those destined for public safety and/or civil protection In case of breaching these restrictions, the fine will be 20 to 30 times the unit of measurement and update (Uma), which is equivalent to 1,924.40 pesos and even 2,886.60 pesos. Photo | Viktor Bystrov In Xataka | Contamination is not only making you live less and worse. You are also making you darker

Spain looked at Chinese cars as a salvation table. In the commercial war, the risk of dying drowning runs

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“Spain is in favor of more balanced relations between the EU and China,” with these words Pedro Sánchez, president of the Government, has defended his approach to China before the commercial war that is being freed and during the same. And the automobile sector has a lot to do. “Essential partner”. With those words Pedro Sánchez has defined the relationship that China should have with the European Union. The words have pronounced them during their meeting with Xi Jinping, president of the country. The Spanish is in a round of visits by Asia in which he is stopping in China and Vietnam. Both countries have been severely punished by the United States. China still maintains 125% tariff Despite the 90 -day truce that Donald Trump has granted. Vietnam had been punished with some 46% tariffs. The importance of words. This “essential partner” is not accidental and shows Spain’s approach to China in full tension for the commercial war that are pounding the United States and the Asian country. In fact, the words of the words of the European Union is unmarked as “partner, competitor and systemic rival”, collected by The country. Sanchez needs to play with tact with his statements. Only a few days ago, Scott Besent, secretary of the United States Treasury, said that “I am not sure if it was the prime minister or the Minister of Economy of Spain, who made some comments this morning: ‘Maybe we should align more with China.’ That would be to cut off the neck”, in words collected by The confidential. Xi Jinping, meanwhile, thanked Sánchez for the “firm will” to maintain good relations between the two countries, emphasizing that it is the third time that the president of the Spanish Government visits the Asian country, they point out in The world. The equilibrium game. Spain has encountered the most uncomfortable view at the right time. With the agenda already scheduled, it was seen if the president of the Government would be willing to go to China in the middle of the commercial tension with the United States. The single presence is seen as a Spanish approach to the Chinese side and, of course, It is unmarked from European politics that bets to get wet as little as possible. However, Spain has a good number of Chinese investments in our country. The commercial balance between the two countries It is still very unbalanced In favor of China (we import goods worth 45,174 million euros and export there products worth 7,467 million euros) but China has the key in key sectors. Putting the carpet. Without a doubt, one of the sectors in which Spain wants to influence is the car. China is disembarking in Europe. His commercial war with the United States will force him to disembark in greater force in Europe and Spain is a perfect gateway. With the fees to the electric car, the plug -in hybrids and the Chinese low ranges vehicles have A huge opportunity in countries like Spanish where “electricity” is not so developed. All their companies need to open markets outside China to seek profitability. If the perspectives are maintained, byd will be in 2025 One of the five greatest manufacturers of the world. Given this situation, Spain is clear that it wants to be a very important part of Chinese landing in Europe. The automobile sector is essential for Spain. Not only in its factories, you have to add ports that receive cars, distributors and a Powerful auxiliary and component industry. It is better for us. The biggest problem facing Spain is that it is best to open to China if you want to open your business routes in the automobile sector. When the tariffs of Chinese electric car were voted for the first time, Spain was favorable. A visit to China and a threat of attacking the Spanish pig directly (whose exports to China are key) He changed the Executive idea. But, in addition, other threats float in the air. In Europe, France or Italy remained firm in their favorable vote to tariffs on Chinese electric cars. Then, China ordered to stop investments In those countries and since then we have not had news of new approaches. At the moment, Spain has Chinese investments in different ports To receive and start distributing cars that arrive from Asia, the investment of Chery in Barcelonathe agreement between Catl and Stellantis For a battery plant in Aragon or the Extremadura projects to produce batteries for electric cars. But there are certain problems. In a first reading, it seems clear that if Spain has the opportunity to continue expanding its Chinese investments in the automobile sector to be key in the European car of the future and if you have a threat to its head of withdrawing investments or torpedoing trade between the two countries, the approach to China seems completely logical. The problem is to pull the rope tense, irremediably, on the other. The United States has already warned Spain that its position is not correct and some sectors are (obviously) worried. The direct impact In the automobile industry it is not too high but, for example, shipments to the United States of olive oil They have shot under the threat of tariffs. What can we expect? Given this context, Spain will have to play its cards to several bands. Approach enough to Beijing but without burning. It will be necessary to see if the United States maintains its commitment to tax trade with the European Union with a flat rate or if it extends tariffs by sectors, which can be an indirect attack on a specific country. A good example is the 25% tariff to the car. The United States government has repeatedly decided to pause its tariffs to Mexico or Canada but keeping them in the car market is a clear attack on these countries. Also to Germany, in Europe, which is The country that exports more vehicles to the United States. We will have … Read more

After matching his space bet, Jeff Bezos has invested in the other great Elon Musk project: electric cars

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Jeff Bezos is financing under a startup of electric vehicles called Slate Auto, which works since 2022 in a Pickup Compact and affordable with an expected price of $ 25,000, as it has revealed Techcrunch. Why is it important. This investment is a very different approach to the one followed by the majority of electric startups, which have opted for luxury models with high margins. Slate Auto changes the usual strategy when directing directly to the mass market, that of the general public. And just at a time when the growth of some brands has slowed down. In the case of Tesla, has collapsed. Between bambalins. The company was born as part of Re Manufacturing, another company supported by Bezos and co -founded by Jeff Wilke, former CEO of Amazon Consumer. Since then, he has attracted several executives from Ford, GM, Stellantis and Harley-Davidson, in addition to several former Amazon ex-employed. The figures. Slate raised at least 111 million dollars in a series A round in 2023, and according to documents from the state of Delaware mentioned by Motorpasionhas authorized about 500 million preferential shares for a series B $ 2.37 per share. That is, almost 1.2 billion dollars. In addition to Bezos, the company has the investment of Mark Walter, majority owner of the Dodgers, a baseball team, and Thomas Tull, main re manufacturing investor. The strategy. The Pickup of two Slate places follow a minimalist philosophy inspired by the Ford Model T and the Volkswagen Beetle. The company’s plan is to compensate for the low margins of the vehicle with an accessories line for customization, similar to the Harley-Davidson business model or division Mopar of Stellantis. And now what. Slate plans to start production at the end of 2026 in an installation in Indiana. During these days a prototype of the car in Los Angeles has been sighted and photographed, showing a simple and functional design, published in Reddit and collected by Carscoops. Far away from the futuristic lines of a possible rival like the Cybertruck of Tesla. Expected that, after the exclusive Techcrunch And the first photo of the prototype, the company is encouraged to share some more information than until now, where it has been cryptic in its communications. Outstanding image | Reddit In Xataka | The problem of US cars in Europe is not tariffs: they are not interested in the least

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