Car news, 9 December ’24: Battery maker bankruptcy could delay Porsche’s electric sports car, Chinese brands pushing for more PHEVs to dodge tariffs, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Monday 9 December 2024. Notably in car news today: Battery maker Northvolt’s bankruptcy could delay Porsche electric sports cars, and Chinese automakers are pushing more with PHEVs to avoid pure-EV tariffs in Europe.

Browse this issue:

• Battery firm bankruptcy could delay electric Porsche 718
• Chinese automakers shifting to PHEVs to dodge tariffs 
• Recaro Automotive saved from bankruptcy
• Mercedes-AMG Purespeed goes into production
• Reviewed: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E300

Northvolt bankruptcy could delay electric Porsche Cayman and Boxster 

• Battery maker Northvolt’s recent bankruptcy could have repercussions for Porsche’s first electric sports cars, the future Boxster and Cayman.

• Carscoops has reported that Northvolt’s financial troubles could result in the electric two-door sports cars being delayed until well into 2026.

• However, the outlet has also quoted there are other delays with the electric Boxster/Cayman duo, thanks to an issue with a component within the drivetrain. 

• But it’s not just Porsche who could be impacted by the issues at Northvolt, with Audi and Volkswagen also likely to be affected. 

• Northvolt currently supplies battery packs for the Volkswagen Group, as well as companies such as Volvo and Scania. 

Chinese automakers are bolstering PHEV lineups to beat Europe tariffs

• Chinese automakers such as BYD and MG are pushing heavily in the PHEV market to avoid tariffs in Europe. 

• Tariffs are currently in place for electric vehicles from China entering the European market, but there is no such legislation for plug-in hybrids. 

• According to Automotive News China, experts predict that China will boost hybrid exports by as much as 20 percent in the next 12 months. 

• BYD will soon launch in Europe its Seal U hybrid model to take on Volkswagen’s Tiguan PHEV, as well as models like Toyota’s C-HR PHEV. 

• In Australia, hybrids are becoming very popular, largely thanks to Toyota, as well as brands such as BYD and MG. 

Recaro Automotive saved from bankruptcy

• Recaro Automotive, the well-known automotive seat manufacturer, has been saved from bankruptcy thanks to Italian company Proma Group.

• The German company, based in Stuttgart, has made performance sport seats since 1965 and, most recently, has been providing seats for brands such as Ford and Ineos. 

• According to Motor1, Recaro is reportedly partially responsible for Ineos halting production of its four-wheel drive models for several months – Recaros are the seat of choice for these vehicles. 

• Recaro seats became renown in fast Fords such as the Ford Focus ST/RS and Fiesta ST, as well as originally being fitted to several Porsche models over the brand’s history. 

• Recaro also has an aviation division that builds seating for aircraft, while the Recaro gaming division builds seats for online play.  

Mercedes-AMG to build limited-run Purespeed model with no windscreen or roof

• Mercedes-AMG has debuted its latest, limited-run project called Purespeed at the Abu Dhabi Formula One race. 

• Based on the AMG SL underpinnings, the sports car utilises the brand’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that produces 430kW/800Nm. 

• Limited to just 250 examples, the Purespeed uses a Formula One-inspired Halo device that runs down the centre of the vehicle to boost safety for occupants. Two AMG helmets are included with the price of this limited edition model.

• Although pricing is still unconfirmed, expect the Purespeed to be much more expensive than the current SL 63 model. It’s unclear if Australia will see any examples in the future. 

Mercedes-Benz E300 reviewed

• Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s video review of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E300 was published, including his thoughts on the sole available grade of non-AMG E-Class available in Australia.
  
• Tom liked the steering, turning circle, refinement and powertrain most of all with Mercedes-Benz’s newest E-Class.
  
• However, Tom found that the E300 should have 18- or 19-inch wheels over its 20-inch units, while noting that servicing the car is also pretty expensive.
  
• In conclusion, Tom recommended the new E-Class because of its refinement, smoothness and quality, but would prefer the BMW 5 Series due to ultimately having a larger range of powertrains.
  

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 10 December at 4.30pm Sydney time.