Innovation’s Day: Webinar AI & Industrial Automation

EDIH-NWACB, Industry News

  Automotive and Mobility EDIH are pleased to invite you to a free webinar on: “AI and Industrial Process Automation: A Practical Implementation Framework” 🗓 Date: 28.01⏰Time: 15:00 The webinar is highly practical, with a strong focus on the following key topics: Selecting the right AI use case: How to identify processes with the highest potential for automation and fast return on investment (ROI). Data as the foundation: What data is required, where it comes from (ERP, MES, IoT), and how to ensure its quality. Implementation methodology: The journey from Proof of Concept (PoC), through a pilot project, to full-scale deployment across the organization. Measuring success: Key metrics and performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the impact of implemented AI solutions. Preventing failure: Analysis of common pitfalls in industrial automation and how to avoid them. Case studies: Review of real-world automation scenarios and their measurable business outcomes. Speakers: Radoslav Geshev – 15+ years of experience in technology, with a focus on AI strategy, business process automation, and digital transformation.Specialized in the development and implementation of AI solutions that optimize operations and accelerate company growth.Has led numerous successful projects, with expertise in turning strategic visions into measurable results through intelligent automation. Toma Tomov  – 10+ years of experience in technology, with the last 2 years fully focused on AI automation and the implementation of intelligent business solutions.Specializes in AI integrations, process automation, and transforming traditional operations through artificial intelligence.Leads projects achieving up to 70% reduction in manual work and 30–50% cost savings. Holds 5+ AI certifications and works with OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and leading automation platforms. 🔗 Registration link:https://forms.gle/TRAG43U3Af3tMp438 📩 After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the online meeting. EDIH NWACB represents a partnership initiative based on long-term cooperation with leading organizations from the region and nationally significant partners who work on the development and digital transformation of the automotive and manufacturing sector in Bulgaria.

Visteon and TomTom launch ‘world first’ in-car local AI navigation system

Industry News

Companies say they are establishing a new industry standard for ‘privacy-first’, locally-processed AI navigation – without reliance on cloud connectivity. Visteon has announced a strategic collaboration with TomTom, a specialist in mapping and location technology, to deliver what it says is the world’s first in-car local AI conversational navigation assistant. Through this partnership, Visteon’s cognitoAI platform integrates TomTom’s Automotive Navigation Application to create a ‘privacy-first navigation experience’. By combining Visteon’s fine-tuned multimodal Vision Language Model (VLM), which enables local processing for speed, privacy, and reliability without reliance on cloud connectivity, with TomTom’s Automotive Navigation Application that supports a hybrid connectivity for navigation, the partnership ‘delivers natural voice interaction and a seamless balance of performance and flexibility’. “Privacy shouldn’t be a compromise in the age of AI,” said Sivakumar Yeddanapudi, Global Vice President – Digital Cockpit and Connected Services at Visteon. “We’ve solved one of the automotive industry’s biggest AI challenges. Now, working with TomTom, we’ve proven that the most advanced conversational navigation can run entirely on vehicle hardware. Local processing means faster response times, reliable operation without connectivity, and an intelligent, high performance navigation experience.” Visteon’s cognitoAI is built on a hybrid architecture that it says seamlessly switches between offline and online modes, ensuring continuous operation in all driving conditions. Drivers interact using natural language rather than rigid commands, with the system accurately interpreting conversational and imprecise requests through fuzzy search. Queries such as finding nearby destinations, specific categories, or points of interest along a planned route are handled intuitively, with results dynamically adjusted to avoid traffic congestion and road hazards while incorporating real-time traffic and weather data. Visteon’s platform supports natural conversation across multiple languages, enabling contextually relevant assistance for global markets. Leveraging TomTom’s advanced location intelligence, it optimises charging station recommendations for electric vehicle drivers based on route, battery state, and preferred networks, while its deep integration with vehicle systems enables proactive alerts and personalized guidance that evolve with individual driving patterns and habits. “We are proud to partner with Visteon on this milestone. TomTom’s Automotive Navigation Application was purpose-built to deliver an intuitive driver experience and accelerate the path to production for our partners.” said Manuela Locarno Ajayi, SVP for Product Engineering, TomTom. “By leveraging TomTom Automotive Navigation Application’s robust architecture, Visteon was able to quickly embed their innovative cognitoAI engine, bringing a truly privacy-first, conversational, and highly personalized experience to drivers faster than ever before.” The partnership leverages Visteon’s expertise in automotive AI and in-car computing alongside TomTom’s decades of expertise in location technology. Together, the companies say they are establishing a new industry standard for privacy-first, locally-processed AI navigation. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

Bosch to present AI in the cockpit at CES 2026

Industry News

Bosch says new AI-powered cockpit enables existing cockpit systems to be quickly and easily upgraded with advanced AI functions. Bosch says it is significantly advancing AI in vehicles through working with partners Microsoft and NVIDIA. The company maintains that the new ‘AI extension platform’ quickly and easily expands current cockpit systems with AI functions – and will be demonstrated at the CES in Las Vegas next month. Features of Bosch’s AI-powered cockpit include an AI voice assistant that anticipates needs, comprehensive scene understanding of the vehicle interior, precise navigation, and extensive entertainment options. For instance, a simple statement like, “I’m feeling cold,” can trigger multiple coordinated actions, such as activating the seat heating while simultaneously adjusting the cabin temperature. “Bosch’s new AI-powered cockpit enables both drivers and car manufacturers to fully leverage the capabilities of modern automotive software. Thanks to the ‘AI extension platform,’ new functions can be implemented in the vehicle much faster in the future,” says Markus Heyn, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH and chairman of Bosch Mobility. Bosch says a key application is turning unproductive downtime in the car into productive work time. Together with Microsoft, Bosch says it is transforming the car into a mobile office without compromising on driver safety. By integrating Microsoft Foundry and specialized features for the cockpit, the solution ‘provides seamless access to the Microsoft 365 productivity suite’. Moreover, Bosch maintains that Microsoft 365 applications can be intelligently connected with other vehicle domains to prioritize safety and minimize distraction. For example, a driver can use an intuitive voice command to join a Microsoft Teams call, which in turn prompts the system to proactively activate adaptive cruise control. Bosch says its new “AI extension platform” allows today’s vehicles to be quickly and easily retrofitted without changes to existing hardware or system architecture. At its core, the platform leverages the powerful “NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin system-on-chip” (SoC), which forms the foundation for complex AI applications in the cockpit. It builds on the “NVIDIA CUDA” platform, allowing automakers to integrate their own AI models and agents. Offering 150 to 200 tera operations per second (TOPS) of additional compute power, the compact unit connects via simple power and Ethernet interfaces and is supported by flexible active air or liquid cooling options. To accelerate the development and deployment of complex AI features, Bosch also utilises NVIDIA’s software suites, including the “NVIDIA NeMo framework” for managing the end-to-end AI lifecycle. This, it says, enables seamless integration of advanced in-cabin applications such as real-time sensor processing and vision-language models (VLMs). In addition, core reasoning and speech capabilities powered by “NVIDIA Nemotron models” deliver contextual understanding, multi-step reasoning, and natural, conversational user interactions. Furthermore, using Microsoft Foundry, Bosch designs and manages the in-vehicle AI, ensuring a scalable, always up-to-date AI assistant experience in the cockpit. Bosch will demonstrate the AI-powered cockpit and the AI extension platform for the first time at CES 2026 in Las Vegas in January. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

EU prepares new compact EV class in push to cut costs

Industry News

The European Union (EU) is preparing to introduce a new category for compact electric cars, with lighter technical standards than existing battery‑powered models, according to a Nikkei Asia report. The move comes as part of an effort to reduce manufacturing costs and sharpen price competition with Chinese brands. The European Commission is expected to publish a draft framework shortly for the “E car” category. The new class would come into force in the next few years once it has been approved by key institutions. Under the emerging proposal, the category would be defined using criteria such as vehicle dimensions, weight and motor displacement. Member states are also due to discuss how national vehicle tax exemptions might apply to these models. Current EU regulations require electric cars to be fitted with features including driver drowsiness monitoring, lane‑keeping systems and emergency stop signalling. These rules were designed around longer‑range vehicles and have added to production costs for smaller EVs. Industry price expectations cited in the report suggest that models falling under the new compact EV class could sell for 10-20% less than comparable current offerings, bringing list prices into the region of €15,000-€20,000 ($17,500 to $23,200). The EU has already moved to raise tariffs on Chinese‑built electric cars, with duties now reaching as high as 45.3%. The new classification is intended to help European manufacturers to better compete on price. The framework is viewed as particularly relevant for European groups developing compact battery cars, including Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault. The report says incentives tied to the E car class – such as development support and tax incentives – are expected to depend on vehicles being built within the EU. On that basis, BYD, which has a manufacturing facility in Hungary, would be the only Chinese carmaker currently positioned to qualify for such support. In Japan, Kei models are defined by limits on factors such as size and emissions, and accounted for 35% of new light vehicle registrations in Japan in 2024. The EU has previously criticised Japan’s kei regulations, describing them as a form of non‑tariff barrier. The bloc’s own compact EV classification is now poised to affect the strategies of Japanese manufacturers that specialise in kei cars. Some of their models could be sold in Europe without needing any changes to their specifications. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

Tommy Ver Elst, General Manager of Sensata Technologies Bulgaria, Elected Chair of the Board of ACB

Industry News

Tommy Ver Elst, General Manager of Sensata Technologies in Bulgaria, has been elected Chair of the Board of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria during the organization’s Annual General Meeting, held on 3 December 2025 in Sofia. Under his leadership, and with the support of leading companies from the automotive industry, a new phase in the development of the Cluster is set to begin, focused on expanding activities and implementing a number of large-scale projects in close collaboration with business and industrial partners. About Tommy Ver ElstTommy Ver Elst has served as General Manager of Sensata Technologies Bulgaria since 2011, having joined the organization in 2009 as Operations Manager. In addition to his current responsibilities in Bulgaria, he also serves as Sensata’s Regional Operations Leader for Europe. He brings over 20 years of international management experience in cross-regional operations within dynamic, high-tech business environments, developing organizational structures and teams aimed at positioning the company as a preferred partner and employer. In 2025, Sensata Technologies Bulgaria was recognized with awards in various categories, including Innovation, Team Excellence, and Operational Excellence. Next year, the company will celebrate 25 years of sustainable development in Bulgaria. “The success of the Bulgarian automotive industry depends on how quickly companies adopt digitalization and high-tech solutions. With the active support of our members and partners, Automotive Cluster Bulgaria will assist companies in responding to the dynamic changes in the sector through new initiatives and strategic projects aimed at enhancing competitiveness and sustainable growth,” said Lubomir Stanislavov, Executive Director of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria. New Automotive Cluster Bulgaria Board of Directors: SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES BULGARIA EOOD AUTO PARK BULGARIA JSK EY FESTO GESTAMP ETEM AUTOMOTIVE BULGARIA HANON SYSTEMS PLOVDIV EOOD MELEXIS BULGARIA ROBERT BOSCH STANDARD PROFIL BULGARIA EAD STARCK TECHNOLOGY AD VIENNA REAL ESTATE VISTEON ELECTRONICS BULGARIA

Imprimatur launches first AI-powered translation platform developed for automotive

Industry News

Verto is Imprimatur’s powerful desktop solution for the automotive industry allowing customers to choose between expert human translation for nuanced accuracy or AI-powered machine translation Underpinned by the latest AI technology responding to customers’ demands for maximum speed, efficiency and cost savings Verto is driven by Imprimatur’s purpose-built AI-powered translation engine with automotive sub-domains LONDON, November 20, 2025 – Language specialist Imprimatur has answered automotive customers’ need for a single tool with multiple translation services which embraces the powerful potential of AI. The company’s three-decade track record in translating for the industry enabled the development of Verto, which offers expert human translation, AI-machine translation and hybrid options. Auto driven Imprimatur’s 30-year focus has been entirely on the auto sector, providing an unparalleled bank of industry data and terminology. Verto combines this armoury of specialist information with AI translation to handle auto’s high volume of complex documentation for unmatched accuracy and consistency. Verto’s AI-powered machine translation engine is focussed on the auto industry, with specialised sub-domains for passenger cars, motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, yachts and agricultural machinery. The new platform can translate material across entire organisations and functions, including Sales & Marketing, Press & Public Relations, Aftersales, Dealer Training and Engineering. Verto can handle over 500 languages in more than 50 file formats. Accelerated by AI Imprimatur uses AI to enhance and elevate human creativity, while keeping its people firmly at the centre of Verto’s development and implementation. AI chooses the best-performing neural machine translation engine for each task from Imprimatur’s own and up to 16 industry-standard alternatives Verto incorporates AI Write Assist which allows users to improve source copy in English (UK and US), French, German, Italian, Portuguese (European and Brazilian) and Spanish After translation, AI is used to review a file in its entirety for accuracy, grammar and fluency, referencing translation memories and dictionaries to enforce brand-specific terminology and ensure consistency. The Verto platform provides real-time project tracking through a personal dashboard, with flexible customised workflows, built-in quoting and spend tracking, plus access to analytics and on-demand reporting. Verto’s enterprise-compliant security protects company confidentiality and intellectual property throughout every stage of the process. The system also supports integrations with enterprise platforms. “Although the role of AI continues to evolve, successful projects require the support of trusted external specialists. Imprimatur’s human-first philosophy positions us as the partner that understands your business, prioritises measurable outcomes, and ensures effortless collaboration,” said Nicola Humphreys, Managing Director of Imprimatur. Verto is already in full use by Imprimatur’s first customers. Find out more about its potential to increase the productivity and accuracy of language services while unlocking time and resulting cost advantages by requesting a demonstration at https://imprimatur.co.uk. ### Imprimatur is a language services and translation specialist, servicing automotive manufacturers and their suppliers globally and regionally since 1995. Its expertise spans creative and technical language projects, handling assets for all automotive’s functions. Based in London, with a global network of automotive language experts, Imprimatur is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17100:2015 and ISO 18587:2021 certified. Founded by Managing Director Nicola Humphreys, who is Chair of Women On the Move Against Cancer (WOMAC), Imprimatur is a Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders associate member and Motor Industry Communicators Association full member. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

European electric car registrations surge over 38 per cent

Industry News

173,173 battery-electric vehicles were newly registered in the EU in October, according to the industry association ACEA, marking a 38.6 percent increase compared to the same month last year. However, the data reveals that not every market and manufacturer is keeping pace with this growth. Across all powertrains, the ACEA statistics report 916,609 new registrations in EU countries, with 173,173 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for an 18.9 per cent market share. Considering all of Europe (including EFTA countries and the United Kingdom), 225,399 new electric cars (+32.9%) were registered in October, representing a 20.6 per cent market share. However, electric car registrations are not evenly distributed across the EU: 65 per cent of battery-electric registrations are concentrated in the four largest markets, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. Germany leads with 52,425 new electric cars, making it the largest single market ahead of France (34,108 new BEVs) and the UK, which recorded 36,830 new electric cars when considering all of Europe, not just the EU. Overall, only a few markets recorded declines compared to October 2023, primarily smaller markets with registrations in the double or triple digits. Estonia, for example, saw just 77 new electric cars, a 35.3 per cent drop from the 119 registered in October 2023. Malta experienced a 34 per cent decline (150 instead of 227 BEVs), and Greece registered 799 new electric cars, 13 per cent fewer than the previous year. Markets like Sweden (8,707 registrations, -0.8%) and Belgium (12,360 registrations, -3.0%) saw only slight declines compared to the previous year. Strong growth in Eastern Europe Overall, most markets show positive growth, with Poland, Slovenia, and Slovakia standing out with triple-digit growth rates: Poland registered 4,812 new electric cars, a 319.9 per cent increase; Slovenia saw a 208.1 per cent rise (to 687 vehicles); and Slovakia experienced 125.1 per cent growth (to 403 vehicles). Other Eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria (+84.6%), Romania (+80.4%), and Croatia (+69.6%), also recorded above-average growth. Looking at year-to-date development: In the first ten months of 2025, 1,473,447 new battery-electric cars were registered, accounting for a 16.4 per cent market share out of nearly nine million total registrations across all powertrains. Including the UK and EFTA countries, 2.02 million new electric cars have been registered in 2025 so far, representing an 18.3 per cent market share. The overall EU market grew by 1.4 per cent year-to-date, while Europe as a whole saw a 1.9 per cent increase in registrations compared to the previous year. Electric car registrations, however, surged by 25.7 per cent in the EU and 26.2 per cent across Europe. While this growth is positive, ACEA considers it insufficient: With a 16.4 per cent market share, battery-electric cars are “still below the pace required for this phase of the transition,” according to the association. Instead, the focus remains on the development of part-time electric vehicles: “Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular power type choice among buyers, with plug-in hybrids continuing to gain momentum,” states ACEA. The numbers confirm this trend: In October, PHEVs recorded the highest growth among all powertrains in the EU, with a 43.2 per cent increase, and a 32.4 per cent rise year-to-date. Hybrids also saw growth, with 316,068 EU registrations in October and approximately 3.11 million units year-to-date, making them the largest powertrain category. Meanwhile, pure gasoline and diesel vehicles experienced double-digit declines. However, the statistics are somewhat misleading: ACEA combines full hybrids and mild hybrids under ‘hybrids’, which includes vehicles that can drive only very short distances—or not at all—on electric power alone, essentially functioning as near-pure internal combustion vehicles. Statistically, they are classified as hybrids rather than gasoline or diesel vehicles. In the manufacturer statistics, ACEA—consistent with its usual practice—does not break down registrations by powertrain. While the Volkswagen Group remains the largest brand group with 264,069 registrations (+7.9%) in October, and Volkswagen leads at the brand level with 105,408 registrations (+5.9%), these figures include hybrids and internal combustion vehicles. For pure electric car brands, the focus remains on Tesla. October, being the first month of a quarter, is traditionally weaker for Tesla, as the company typically records most deliveries and registrations toward the end of each quarter. Following the registration of 25,656 new Teslas in September, only 5,647 were registered in October. While Tesla managed to reduce losses to -18.6 per cent year-over-year in September, October registrations were 48.0 per cent lower than the 10,867 recorded in the same month last year. Year-to-date, Tesla has registered 117,000 vehicles in the EU, 39.2 per cent fewer than the 192,439 units in the same period last year. The development in November and December will be critical: Historically, Tesla has achieved strong year-end surges, but 2025 may focus on mitigating declines. While the Model Y remains a top electric seller in several markets, Tesla’s overall results are falling short of last year’s figures. This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

How Talent is Powering The Auto-Tech Transformation

Industry News

By Kristin Trecker, Chief Human Resources Officer, Visteon The automotive industry is transforming faster today than at any point in the last 25 years. Software-defined platforms, AI, and silicon innovation are reshaping how vehicles are built, how businesses compete, and how people work. The pace feels less like traditional manufacturing and more like a startup — fast, bold, and unforgiving to those who hesitate. In this environment, HR can’t afford to play catch-up. We can’t be the function that reacts after the fact. We have to lead. At Visteon, we’ve reimagined HR to be a driver of transformation. Yes, we still provide the essentials that every employee counts on, from payroll to benefits, but that’s only one part of the picture. Our larger role is to enable speed, agility, and bold pivots by wiring our talent for innovation, adaptability, and tech fluency from the ground up. Running HR Like a Tech Function Now, when I say HR is operating like a tech function, I don’t mean we’re writing code. But we are borrowing the same principles that power the best tech organizations: agile, data-driven, product-led. Instead of focusing only on transactions, we’re building products — modern tech stacks, leadership programs, AI-enabled tools — designed to solve real business problems. Every decision is tested, iterated, and scaled the way an engineering team would approach code. This shift isn’t about HR tech for HR’s sake. It’s about embedding velocity and precision into the way people lead, learn, and grow. AI as a Strategic Enabler AI is a perfect example. Every experiment we run begins with a business case and a clear goal: make work better. Whether it’s faster upskilling, learning that feels intuitive, or smarter hiring, AI has to add value to the employee experience and the business. At Visteon, this thinking extends beyond HR. On one hand, we’re deploying It in our products – through cockpit intelligence platforms like cognitoAI. On the other, we’re investing in AI to strengthen our workforce – giving people the reign to learn faster and work smarter. This dual perspective ensures that AI adoption creates impact for both for the drivers who experience our technology and for the teams who build it. The Talent Imperative Talent remains the ultimate competitive edge. We prioritize adaptability, curiosity, and fluency in technology and change — qualities that matter more than any job title. The leaders who excel at Visteon understand technology and know how to translate it into strategy and culture. They’re comfortable moving fast and operating in ambiguity when the answers aren’t obvious yet. Our role in HR is to create the conditions for that success: an environment where experimentation and growth are expected, and capability is constantly increasing. As I often remind my team, our mission is to improve the business by increasing the strength of our talent. Looking Ahead At its core, our HR transformation isn’t a story about systems; it’s a story about people. Giving them the tools, mindset and confidence to lead through constant change is how HR translates into business impact — and why talent will always be the driver of auto-tech transformation. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

Samsung’s Harman claims industry first with in-vehicle visual display

Industry News

Harman’s ‘Ready Display’ achieves HDR10+ Automotive certification, which it says sets a new benchmark for in-vehicle visual quality. Harman, a business unit of Samsung Electronics, says it has achieved an industry first that creates an immersive home theatre style high resolution experience inside car cabins. It says that as vehicles rapidly evolve into digital hubs, consumers increasingly expect their vehicles to be as visually rich and adaptive as they typically experience in their homes. Harman says the ‘Ready Display’ product is the first to achieve the HDR10+ Automotive certification, setting a new industry benchmark for in-vehicle display performance. Moreover, the company claims the product ‘transforms the car ride from a simple mode of transportation into a cinematic journey, redefining how passengers see, feel and connect with content on the move’. Harman says it collaborated with Samsung and Panasonic in establishing the HDR10+ Automotive technology specification, helping define how high dynamic range content should be experienced in vehicles. Developed by HDR10+ Technologies LLC, Harman claims the certification ensures that in-vehicle displays reproduce High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with fidelity—even under the challenging lighting conditions of a car cabin. To earn certification, displays must pass several comprehensive evaluations. These tests confirm that the display can deliver cinematic-quality visuals with consistent brightness, contrast and colour accuracy across varying lighting conditions and viewing angles. The certification also validates HDR10+ “Adaptive” capabilities, which dynamically adjust brightness and colour based on ambient light, ensuring a consistent viewing experience whether driving under midday sun or city lights. Harman says the HDR10+ Automotive certified display allows drivers and passengers to ‘enjoy lifelike visuals with cinematic depth, detail and consistency in any lighting condition’. “We’ve long envisioned bringing the living room experience into the car,” said Shilpa Dely, Vice President and Ready Display Business Lead, Harman International. “Earning the world’s first HDR10+ Automotive certification is how we’re delivering on that commitment—setting a new benchmark for immersive, in-cabin display quality that automakers and consumers can trust.” Harman’s Ready Display, powered by Samsung’s cutting-edge Neo QLED technology, is designed to be ‘both visually brilliant and dynamically intelligent’. The line-up includes the NQ3, NQ5 and NQ7 series, each ‘engineered to thrive in the ever-changing lighting environments of a car cabin, from blazing midday sun to the shifting glow of city lights’. With intelligent image algorithms, these displays dynamically optimise contrast, brightness and colour in real-time. For automakers, Harman says the certification provides a ‘trusted path to differentiation with world-class in-cabin experiences that resonate with consumers’. Harman maintains thar for consumers, the benefit is simple yet powerful: uncompromised visual quality on every drive. Whether it’s catching up on a favourite show while charging, entertaining kids in the backseat, or navigating safely with enhanced clarity, ‘Ready Display transforms the car into a destination for immersive experiences—making every moment in the cabin as compelling as the content itself’. Beyond entertainment, Harman also maintains that ‘these advances pave the way for adaptive displays that elevate safety, usability and comfort behind the wheel, ensuring every moment in the car feels effortless and extraordinary’. This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.

Younger drivers leading charge to EVs – and new car marques

Industry News

Under 35s more open to buying used EVs, and unfamiliar brands New research reveals how drivers’ attitudes to EVs differ dramatically by age. Kwik Fit’s annual study of people’s car buying intentions has found that nearly one in five (18%) drivers aged 18-34 expect to buy a fully electric model next. This compares to just 11% (one in nine) of drivers over 55 who are planning to change their car.1 When looking at low emissions cars more broadly, 42% of drivers aged 18-34 say their next car will be either a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hybrid – for drivers over 55 the figure is 36%. Taking UK drivers as a whole, 38% of motorists planning to change their car say it will be to a low emissions vehicle. This figure has not risen over the last two years, despite the rapid growth in new electric car registrations, which accounted for 47% of all new car registrations in 2025 to date.2,3 The study for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, looked into the attitudes which are influencing drivers’ intentions regarding EVs. Although Kwik Fit’s research has previously found that concerns over an EV’s battery life put off many potential buyers, 52% of drivers aged 18-34 said they would be happy to buy a used EV – nearly three times the proportion of drivers over 55 (18%). In a related finding, some 42% of younger drivers said that used EVs are better value than a secondhand petrol or diesel model of a similar price. In contrast, only 9% of over 55s think this, with 46% disagreeing. The UK has seen a massive increase in the purchase of Chinese-made EVs, with China’s number one car brand BYD reporting an 880% jump in sales in September compared to the previous year. Kwik Fit’s research shows that this is likely to be driven by younger buyers – 43% of 18-34 year olds said they would be more likely to buy an EV made in China than a Chinese-made petrol or diesel car. Only 14% of over 55s think the same. Looking at the market more broadly, the shift to EVs is providing opportunities for more car brands to enter the UK. 42% of younger drivers (18-34) say they are more prepared to consider an EV from an unfamiliar manufacturer than they would an unknown petrol or diesel car. For drivers over 55, who are arguably more established in their views of car brands, the figure is just 14%. While the number of the drivers intending to switch to low emissions has remained static, some of the perceived barriers to buying an EV have been reducing. Kwik Fit has been tracking drivers’ reasons for not considering an EV and the most common barrier has consistently been a perception of the restrictions in range. While still the biggest negative factor, the number of drivers citing this has fallen over the last two years, from 41% of drivers in 2023, to 39% last year and 37% this year. Over the same period drivers’ concern over the availability of fast charging points has also reduced. In 2023 this was cited by 37% of those not considering an EV, this year the figure has fallen to 33%. Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, says: “This research reveals a multi-speed transition to electric vehicles which varies between age groups. The overall proportion of drivers planning to switch to low emissions for their next car has remained the same since last year. However, our study shows that younger drivers are much more open to moving to EVs – and new car brands – than many older drivers. It’s also interesting to see them much more willing to buy a used EV, especially as we are seeing more vehicles moving out of the fleet sector into private ownership. “The findings show that the UK car parc will have a mix of powertrains for many years to come, and it’s crucial that drivers are supported with a maintenance and servicing network irrespective of their type of car. That’s why Kwik Fit staff are trained to work on all vehicles and why we carry the widest range of tyres in the UK.” Kwik Fit provides servicing for all types of vehicle and has one of the largest networks of EV trained auto technicians in the UK. In order to find the range of services offered at their nearest Kwik Fit centre drivers can contact the centre directly. Details of their nearest centres are available at kwik-fit.com This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.