BMW is USA’s biggest vehicle exporter, worth $10.1 billion in 2024

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March 2, 2025

A person inspects a new MW Biggest US Exporter for 2024

BMW has continued its successful run of being the leading automotive exporter in the United States.

New information confirmed by the US Department of Commerce shows that BMW Manufacturing’s Plant Spartanburg exported vehicles worth $10.1 billion (£7.98 billion) in 2024.

The figure means that during the last decade, BMW has achieved total vehicle exports from the United States worth $104 billion (£82 billion).

Close to 63 percent of all the BMWs made at Plant Spartanburg – equivalent to 2.7 million cars – were shipped overseas between 2014 and 2024.

From South Carolina to the world

From the 396,117 X-branded BMW SUVs built at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina during 2024, almost 225,000 were exported to Europe, South Korea, Canada and China.

The plant also celebrated its 30th anniversary during 2024 – saw the opening of BMW’s first press shop in North America, which means body panels for the BMW X3 can now be stamped in-house. The X3 is one of the core models built at Plant Spartanburg, and one of the BMW’s best-selling vehicles in the United States.

Further investment has expanded the assembly hall responsible for building the BMW X3 and X4 models by 50 percent to 2.4 million square feet. The extra space will be used for manufacturing fully electric vehicles by 2026.

Aiming for an electric future

Electrification will be key to BMW Manufacturing’s future in the United States. The plan is to build six fully electric models in the country by 2030.

A substantial $700 million (£552 million) is being spent on BMW Plant Woodruff, also located in South Carolina. Set to be operational later next month, this will produce high-voltage batteries for electric models assembled in Spartanburg.

“When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line in 1994, it was the beginning of a great legacy for Plant Spartanburg in the United States,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Our dedicated associates have assembled nearly seven million BMWs, and because of our export success, millions of customers around the world experience the innovative technology and premium quality of our X vehicles.”

“Our achievement as the country’s leading automotive exporter demonstrates BMW’s trusted partnership with this state and our continued commitment to the United States.”

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Orders now open for UK-spec Corvette Z06… at twice its US price

By

John Redfern

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March 1, 2025

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The wait is over for those eagerly anticipating a right-hand-drive version of the all-American Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Shropshire-based Lumen Automotive is one of the three UK dealerships taking enquiries from those interested in owning the mid-engined supercar. It is joined by Arnold Clark sites in Altrincham and Glasgow.

It marks the first time a Corvette Z06 has been officially offered for sale in the UK, as Chevrolet makes the car a truly global option for enthusiasts.

There is a slight catch, however, as prices for the Corvette Z06 start from £179,791 – more than a brand new Porsche 911 GT3.

The all-American supercar

By comparison, fast car fans in the United States can purchase a Corvette Z06 from $112,000 – equivalent to just £88,300.

Even if it costs hugely more on this side of the Atlantic, though, the Z06 still arguably offers value for money in terms of its performance.

Taking a direct influence from the Corvette C8.R race car, not least its the flat-plane-crank 5.5-litre ‘LT6’ V8 engine, the Z06 could certainly cause a stir at any track day.

While US-specification models have a full-fat 670hp output, UK cars will be mildly detuned to 646hp, along with 439lb ft of torque.

Ready for track day action

Even with the slight drop in horsepower, 0-62mph in a ‘British’ Z06 takes 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 186mph. Power reaches the wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Performance brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear are fitted as standard. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes will be available for those who require even more stopping power.

Full details of the UK Z06 specification have yet to be confirmed, along with which options for personalisation will be available.

For those with a smaller budget, the regular 482hp Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is available to order from £94,625.

The hybrid Corvette E-Ray will also join the UK range in the near-future, although there is no word on whether the hypercar-baiting Corvette ZR1 will be sold here.

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British Mercedes-AMG F1 engineers help to develop new EV battery tech

By

John Redfern

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February 28, 2025

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The Formula One world has returned to action this week, as pre-season testing begins in Bahrain.

However, the period since the 2024 season ended has not been a holiday for the experts who construct engines for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.

Engineers from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) – based in Brixworth, Northamptonshire – have been helping to develop new EV battery technology.

This includes installing advanced solid-state batteries into a Mercedes-Benz EQS electric car, then testing them in real-world conditions.

A future state of mind

Solid-state batteries are seen as key to boosting future EV performance, along with improving safety and reducing weight. The vast majority of electric cars currently on sale use less sophisticated lithium-ion cells.

Most significantly, solid-state batteries bring greater efficiency, which could extend the driving range of electric cars between charges.

Following a series of bench tests, the solid-state batteries were fitted to the EQS test car in late 2024. Laboratory work was then completed before the slightly modified Mercedes was ready for road testing.

A team from HPP worked with Factorial, the American maker of the lithium-metal battery cells, to help the new technology be rapidly integrated into the prototype EQS. This makes it the first time a production car has been fitted with solid-state batteries.

Going the distance

Compared to the same weight and size of traditional lithium-ion batteries in the Mercedes-Benz EQS, the solid-state cells can increase range by a considerable 25 percent.

Mercedes-Benz is now aiming for a maximum range of 620 miles with the new batteries fitted. By comparison, an existing EQS 450+ can achieve an official range of 497 miles.

Further rounds of laboratory evaluation and more road tests will follow, although the reality of solid-state batteries is getting closer.

“Being the first to successfully integrate lithium metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle platform marks a historic achievement in electric mobility,” said Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy.

“This breakthrough demonstrates that solid-state battery technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into real-world application, setting a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry.”

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Number of vans on UK roads has doubled since 1998

By

John Redfern

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February 26, 2025

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Van ownership in the UK is accelerating, with new drivers being attracted to the vehicles by their practicality and fitness for purpose.

In 1998, around 2.3 million vans were being driven on British roads. That number has now doubled to 4.6 million vans.

Research undertaken by The Green Insurer has highlighted the changing attitudes to van ownership, and why even more motorists are likely to make the switch from driving a car.

Interestingly, almost one in five (19 percent) of those surveyed said they were planning to buy a van in future.

Younger drivers opting for vans

At present, 15 percent of UK drivers own a van, but the ‘white van man’ stereotype has quickly become outdated.

While a fifth (19 percent) of men in the UK have a van, 11 percent of women are also now van owners.

Younger drivers are also being drawn to van ownership, with those aged between 25 and 34 most likely to have purchased or leased one. Some 37 percent of those in this age range said they had a van.

Despite the overall increase in ownership across the last three decades, more than half of the survey respondents (54 percent) said they had bought their van during the past two years.

Business meets pleasure

Drivers are moving to vans for more than just work purposes, too. Just 19 percent said they had a van for employment reasons alone, with 37 percent saying they made use of one for both work and leisure.

The biggest single reason for those who chose a van over a car was the former being better at carrying large items, such as camping equipment and surfboards. Almost three quarters (71 percent) of those who had picked a van said this was their reason for changing.

More flexible interiors for carrying large objects mattered to 41 percent of people, while being able to carry more people was a factor for 37 percent.

Paul Baxter, CEO of The Green Insurer, said: “Our research confirms that van ownership is on the rise, especially amongst younger people who want a practical vehicle that suits their lifestyle, which may involve transporting bulky items.”

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‘White van man’ myth belongs in the 1990s says new survey

By

John Redfern

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February 25, 2025

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The traditional ‘white van man’ stereotype reached its peak in the 1990s, but Mercedes-Benz believes that’s where it should remain.

New research from the German company, timed to mark the 30th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has uncovered the changes in Britain’s van drivers during the past three decades.

For the annual Mercedes-Benz Vans ‘Under the Bonnet’ report, 2,500 business owners and van drivers were surveyed.

The research highlighted the changing status of van drivers, with almost nine in 10 (86 percent) of UK business leaders saying they see van drivers as “brand ambassadors”.

Rolling with the times

The importance of e-commerce and the growth in van driving jobs means that nearly half (46 percent) of van drivers today hold a degree up to Masters level. And 3.2 percent have a PhD.

Mercedes-Benz notes this also reflects the changes in education levels over the last three decades. In 1995, just 12 percent of the UK population had a degree, compared to more than 50 percent today.

The study also highlighted that one third (33 percent) of van drivers are now privately educated or attended a grammar school.

When it comes to hobbies, two thirds (63 percent) of van drivers said they enjoyed reading in their spare time, almost twice the 33 percent who said the same six years ago.

Keeping the world moving

More than half (59 percent) of van drivers said they enjoyed doing puzzles such as Sudoku and Wordle as a pastime.

Other van driver clichés being challenged in 2025 include the tabloid newspaper wedged into the front of the dashboard. A majority (53 percent) said they would choose a broadsheet newspaper over a tabloid.

Sarah Palfreyman, sales director at Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said: “For 30 years, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been the trusted partner of those who build, deliver, care and create. Now, with the all-electric eSprinter leading the way, the journey continues into a more sustainable future.”

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Renault gifts EV fire safety patent to all car makers

By

John Redfern

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February 25, 2025

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New Renault 5 cars in green and yellow, against a city backdrop

Car manufacturers around the world will be able to make use of Renault’s novel idea to improve electric vehicle fire safety.

The French company has decided to make the patents for its ‘Fireman Access’ design available to all, via a free licence agreement.

This means other car makers can copy Renault’s initial concept. However, in return, they must agree to share upgrades and developments for the benefit of all

It comes as the Renault Group pledges to become a global partner of the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

A simple solution to battery fires

Transparent car illustration showcasing an electric vehicle's internal components, including battery and motor. Highlighted feature labeled "Fireman Access" with vibrant gradient background.

Renault’s Fireman Access system should allow emergency workers to extinguish an electric car fire in the same time usually required for a petrol or diesel vehicle.

It uses an adhesive disc placed over an opening to where the EV’s main lithium-ion batteries are stored. Should the car catch fire, a jet from a firefighter’s hose can be used to dislodge the disc, flooding the battery compartment with water.

This prevents the risk of ‘thermal runaway’, and should allow a battery fire to be extinguished in just minutes – as opposed to the several hours often needed for electric vehicle fires.

The Fireman Access design is already standard on all electric and plug-in hybrid cars sold by Renault, Dacia and Alpine.

Improving safety for electric cars

Close-up of a metallic car chassis structure, showcasing intricate grooves and design, placed on a granite floor within an industrial setting.

Fireman Access is a recent development by Renault, which has created more than 2,000 safety-related patents since 1970.

Another innovation is the QRescue Renault system on all the company’s new cars. This places a QR code in the front and rear windows, allowing emergency services to instantly see the relevant technical data for that vehicle.

“Innovating to improve road safety is part of who we are at Renault,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. “We’re particularly proud of the partnership developed with the fire services in recent years. Fireman Access is a practical demonstration of what can be achieved by combining our expertise as a manufacturer with the skills of the men and women who keep us safe every day.

“Today, I’m delighted to be making this innovation freely available, because when it comes to a subject like safety, we need to break down all the barriers. This move is also in keeping with the commitment made alongside the United Nations, to make mobility safer all over the world.”

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Cold as ICE: Maserati reveals new GranCabrio on a frozen lake

By

John Redfern

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February 24, 2025

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Two convertible sports cars parked on a snowy field, surrounded by mountains and trees under a clear blue sky.

Driving roof-down on a frozen lake might seem a little masochistic, but that’s exactly how Maserati revealed the latest updates for its GranCabrio range.

The prestigious International Concours of Elegance (ICE) in St Moritz, Switzerland sees collectable cars displayed against a backdrop of jagged mountains and powdery snow.

Now into its fourth year, it makes for a bracing alternative to traditional summertime concours shows, with attendees politely reminded of the ‘Alpine comfy warm’ dress code.

For 2025, Maserati chose the event to reveal a unique GranCabrio ICE edition (the blue car pictured above), which was inspired by its frozen surroundings.

As cold as ICE

Aerial view of a sleek blue sports car with luxurious white leather interior, parked on a cracked ice-like surface.

Designed by Maserati’s Fuoriserie customisation programme, the ‘GranCabrio Trofeo One of One – THE ICE’ features an exclusive paint colour mixed especially for the event.

Three layers of paint are used to create the deep and rich blue finish. Called ‘Ice Liquid’, it pays tribute to the lake where the car was revealed.

More blue paint can be found on the brake calipers, with Gloss White used for the side air intakes, Astreo forged alloy wheels and bespoke model badges.

On the inside, the leather upholstery is – naturally – ice white, with 3D carbon fibre trim and a Blue Marine fabric soft-top.

A new entry-level GranCabrio

A sleek Maserati convertible is parked on a snowy surface with a forest backdrop, featuring clear skies and bright sunlight.

Maserati also used the International Concours of Elegance to unveil a new entry-level model for the GranCabrio lineup.

Slotting beneath the electric Folgore and 550hp petrol-powered Trofeo is the base GranCabrio. This means the open car now shares the same range hierarchy as the GranTurismo coupe.

The GranCabrio features the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre ‘Nettuno’ V6 found in the Trofeo version. However, its output is trimmed back to 490hp, with an accompanying 443lb ft of torque.

With all-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the GranCabrio accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 188mph. In truth, it could be all the Maserati drop-top anyone really needs.

New colours and carbon trim

A convertible sports car driving on a snowy road with a forest backdrop and a person inside.

For the new GranCabrio’s St Moritz debut, Maserati opted for Verde Giada green paintwork, black-painted brake calipers and diamond-cut alloy wheels with gloss black detailing.

The use of Verde Giada reflects the changes Maserati has made to the GranCabrio’s paint palette. This sees extra colours available, although the Fuoriserie department can still cater to bespoke requests.

More ice white leather was used inside this GranCabrio, with the famous Maserati trident logo embroidered into its headrests.

A 19-speaker Sonus Faber sound system is also part of the package, along with adaptive LED headlights and 3D carbon fibre trim.

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Polestar 3 can now be started using an iPhone or Apple Watch

By

John Redfern

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February 23, 2025

0

A Polestar 3 car driven by a person on a scenic open road, surrounded by rolling hills and clear skies.

An update for the Polestar 3 electric SUV means owners can now use their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a car key.

The over-the-air (OTA) software upgrade will allow Polestar 3 drivers to add their digital key to an Apple Wallet.

This means they can then unlock, lock and even start the Polestar 3 while the connected iPhone remains in their pocket. Alternatively, simply wearing an Apple Watch will be sufficient to open and drive the Polestar 3.

A Power Reserve function means the digital key will remain usable even if the iPhone or Apple Watch runs out of battery charge.

A white Polestar 3 electric car is charging in a parking lot outside a modern building with glass windows and a dark entrance.

Adding the Polestar 3’s digital key to an Apple Wallet also allows it to be shared with up to five different drivers.

Owners will be able to send a digital key to an individual’s own Apple Wallet via apps such as Messages, WhatsApp, AirDrop and even email.

Separate settings can be used for each digital keyholder, to determine whether they can simply open the Polestar 3, or be able to start and drive it.

Other recent Polestar OTA updates allow digital keys to be shared between Apple smartphones, plus with those using selected Samsung and Google Android devices as well.

Listening to customer demand

Interior of a Polestar 3 electric car showing the dashboard and steering wheel

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said: “At Polestar, we are committed to delivering a premium experience, and that includes our personal relationship with our customers – they asked for car keys in Apple Wallet, and so we delivered. The convenience of using your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock and start your car, and easily share access to the vehicle with others, shouldn’t be underestimated.

“This update is part of an intensive program of over-the-air software updates for our cars that we embarked on since we delivered our first Polestar 2 to customers in 2020. The outstanding Polestar 3 continues to get even better, and we will continue to add value for our customers like this with future OTA updates.”

The Swedish marque plans to bring the same Apple Wallet functionality to its Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe in due course.

Later this year, existing Polestar 3 owners will also be offered a free hardware upgrade to a more powerful Nvidia infotainment processor, also due for use in the 2026 model-year car.

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Number of supercars in the UK hits a record high

By

Richard Aucock

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February 23, 2025

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The number of supercars in the UK has hit a new record high of more than 23,300 vehicles. That’s according to research from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

In the year ended June 2024, there were 23,320 supercars registered in the UK, up four percent compared to the previous year.

Ferrari led the way as the most popular brand by a huge margin, with 14,714 supercars on British roads.

However, Lamborghini was the fastest-growing supercar brand, with numbers up eight percent to 5,421 cars.

Could supercar sales suffer?

The new supercar record comes amid fears that high-net-worth individuals could be pushed out of the country by a raft of tax rises.

This could ‘depress the number of supercars owned in the UK,’ says UHY Hacker Young. Data from Henley and Partners shows that more than 9,500 millionaires already left the UK last year.

Further forthcoming tax increases include an increase in higher rate capital gains tax, and an increase in stamp duty for additional property purchases.

Given how many supercars are bought using debt finance, there were also fears higher interest rates could impact supercar sales.

However, UHY Hacker Young partner Brian Carey said rich buyers have so far defied the odds: “Supercars are now seen as an alternative asset class amongst the ultra-high-net-worths.

“The expectation is that their rarity value with push their prices up as opposed to suffering rapid depreciation like a normal luxury car.”

The figures show that McLaren numbers in the UK are broadly stable at 3,045, while Bugatti has risen slightly to 136 cars. However, the number of Koenigseggs registered has fallen by 14 percent, to just seven cars.

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McLaren 750S and Artura MCL38 editions celebrate 2024 F1 title

By

John Redfern

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February 22, 2025

2

Three sleek McLaren cars displayed indoors, against an illuminated "CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONS 2024" backdrop. Vibrant orange and black color scheme highlights modern design.

Last year saw McLaren clinch its ninth Formula One Constructors’ World Championship – the team’s first overall victory since 1998.

Much has changed at McLaren in between those two titles, however, with the Woking-based company now a fully fledged supercar manufacturer.

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This provides more opportunities to commemorate a Constructors’ World Championship – such as with McLaren’s new MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S and Artura models.

On cloud nine

A sleek McLaren 750S sports car is showcased indoors against a striking, illuminated orange and white backdrop with bold letters.

Only eighteen people around the world will be able to join the MCL38 Celebration Edition club, as McLaren will build nine examples each of the 750S and Artura.

Nine represents the number of Formula One Constructors’ World Championships the McLaren team has won. The number is displayed prominently behind each car’s front wheelarch.

McLaren Special Operations has created a bespoke Papaya Orange and Anthracite exterior colour scheme: an obvious nod to the MCL38 Formula One car’s livery.

The Artura has exposed carbon fibre sills signed by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. On the 750S, this also includes a line drawing of the MCL38 racer.

Genuine F1 carbon included

A sleek orange and black McLaren Artura sports car is displayed indoors against an illuminated background with large text, creating a striking visual impact.

Inside, the level of motorsport commemoration moves up a notch, starting with a champions’ laurel stitched into the headrests.

A dedication plaque, bespoke to each of the 18 cars, is made with a genuine piece of McLaren MCL38 carbon fibre bodywork.

There is also a separate plaque found beneath the bonnet, which details the pole positions, race wins and fastest laps recorded by the MCL38 F1 car during the 2024 season.

The McLaren 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition benefits from a steering wheel with exposed carbon fibre trim, featuring a 12 o’clock centre marker in Papaya orange.

‘The pursuit of excellence’

Formula 1 race car with a trophy in a showroom, featuring bright orange lighting and sponsor logos. Background shows a luxury sports car.

Beneath the celebratory adornments, the limited edition Artura and 750S remain mechanically identical to regular production cars.

This means a hybrid-enhanced twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 producing a total of 700hp for the Artura. The 750S is endowed with a 750hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8: good for a top speed of 206mph.

Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, said: “The relentless pursuit of excellence is intrinsic to the McLaren mindset and in 2024 we demonstrated this with incredible success on both the track and the road.

“The achievements of Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and the entire McLaren Racing team in winning the Formula One Constructors’ Championship are beyond inspirational – and what better way to mark this than with an ultra-exclusive Celebration Edition of our award-winning Artura and 750S.”

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From South Carolina to the world

Aiming for an electric future

The all-American supercar

Ready for track day action

A future state of mind

Going the distance

Younger drivers opting for vans

Business meets pleasure

Rolling with the times

Keeping the world moving

A simple solution to battery fires

Improving safety for electric cars

As cold as ICE

A new entry-level GranCabrio

New colours and carbon trim

Sharing your keys digitally

Listening to customer demand

Could supercar sales suffer?

On cloud nine

Genuine F1 carbon included

‘The pursuit of excellence’