Core Insights - The article highlights smart's strategic expansion in 2025, entering new international markets and enhancing its product lineup, setting the stage for a significant growth phase in 2026 [1][2][16] Global Operations - In 2025, smart launched cars in 10 new international markets, increasing its operational presence to 39 countries and regions across five continents [3][6] - The brand's retail network expanded by 25% to 688 outlets globally, with a notable 130% increase to 72 outlets in new markets across Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Latin America, and a 43% increase to 294 outlets in China [4][7] Product Recognition - smart's models received multiple accolades, including the smart 5 being named Car of the Year 2026 in Norway and the smart 3 BRABUS winning Performance Electric SUV of the Year in Singapore [3][5] - All smart models have achieved Red Dot Design Awards and 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Ratings, underscoring the brand's commitment to design and safety [6][8] Product Roadmap - The product lineup will expand from three to five models with the introduction of the smart 2 and 6 EHD in 2026, including the first premium fastback sedan [10][12] - The smart 2 is set to premiere in Europe in late 2026, showcasing the brand's engineering advancements [13][12] Brand Philosophy and Partnerships - smart emphasizes its "open your mind" philosophy, fostering creativity and collaboration through partnerships with various brands, including Disney and the Keith Haring Foundation [14][16] - The brand aims to shape a mobility culture that is expressive and inclusive, reflecting its commitment to premium electric mobility [16]

Major DevelopmentPlease click here for an enlarged chart of Halliburton Co (NYSE:HAL) .Note the following:This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock.  The chart of HAL stock is being used to illustrate the point.President Trump has extracted Venezuelan President Maduro by force.  Maduro is being produced in front of a court in New York.  President Trump has said that the U.S. will run Venezuela and invest billions in oil.Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves of roughly 303 billi ...

General Motors (GM) reported a dip in fourth quarter sales but strong overall full-year results in the US, capping off another robust year for the Big Three automaker. GM reported Q4 sales slipped 6.9% from a year ago to just over 703,000 but were up 5.5% in 2025 to 2.853 million vehicles, making it the top-selling automaker in the US. GM said full-size pickup sales were up for the sixth straight year, the best in 20 years. Sales of full-size SUVs like the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon also propelled GM to a ...

European closed on a firm note on Monday, lifted by gains in defense, technology and mining sectors. Investors closely followed the developments on the geopolitical front amid U.S.- Venezuela tensions, and looked ahead to some crucial economic data, including U.S. non-farm payroll report and inflation readings due later in the week.Defense stocks surged as investors assessed risks linked to U.S. strikes on Venezuelan military and port facilities over the New Year's weekend.The pan European Stoxx 600 climbe ...

Sales are expected to slow after three years of gains as consumers push back on rising prices. ...

Core Insights - The EU's long-term forecasts for BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) sales have been adjusted, reducing the expected share from approximately 60% in 2030 to 50% [1] - The proposed changes to CO2 reduction targets for 2030 and 2035 are significant, with a shift from a 100% reduction by 2035 to a 90% reduction, allowing for some combustion-based technologies [6][13] - The introduction of a new segment for small, affordable BEVs that earn 'supercredits' is expected to incentivize sales and support compliance with CO2 regulations [4][11] Regulatory Changes - Minimum quotas for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and low emission vehicles will be required for fleets, with specific targets for countries like Germany needing to achieve over 50% ZEVs by 2030 [5] - The 2030 target for CO2 emissions will require a reduction of more than 40 grams/km in average tailpipe emissions, which poses a challenge for OEMs not currently compliant with the 2025 target [7] Market Dynamics - The BEV share in the EU passenger car segment is projected to be just over 17% for 2025, with significant year-on-year growth of 32% compared to 2024 [8] - Business registrations accounted for 60% of all BEV registrations in 2025, indicating a stronger uptake in the business sector compared to private buyers [9] Challenges and Opportunities - The lack of private buyer participation in the BEV market is a significant barrier, as the cost of ownership and required behavior changes may deter potential buyers [10] - The proposed removal of company car benefits for non-ZEVs is expected to maintain momentum in the business sector, while private sector adoption remains challenging [9] Future Outlook - The measures around 2030 are seen as well thought out, potentially allowing the industry to comply with fewer penalties, provided EU support continues [12] - The conditions for ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles post-2035 suggest a significant reduction in their volume, with a de facto ban on ICE propulsion for many OEMs [13][15] - The transition to a zero-tailpipe vehicle fleet remains a priority, with the industry needing to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape while maximizing technical advancements in e-mobility [16][17]

DETROIT — General Motors on Monday reported a 5.5% increase in its annual U.S. sales in 2025, despite a 6.9% decrease during the fourth quarter. The Detroit automaker's sales results were driven last year by incremental sales of EVs as well as gains in large SUVs and entry-level vehicles such as the Buick Envista. GM's 2025 sales are expected to be among the standouts for the U.S. automotive industry, which Cox Automotive expects to have risen about 2% compared with 2024. Other U.S. automakers also reported ...

LOS ANGELES & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--aShareX, a US based fractional investment platform, and TheCarCrowd, a UK-based collectible car manager, today announced the first sale of fractional shares in a collectible car on the aShareX platform. This left-hand drive Ferrari 328 GTS is one of the finest examples of its kind. The offering will go live for investment on Monday January 5, 2026. The Ferrari 328 GTS has been driven just 2,000 Kilometres and was selected by TheCarCrowd for its exceptional. ...

Tesla’s (TSLA) Q4 2025 deliveries plunged 16% year-over-year (YoY) and fell short of the already toned-down forecast that analysts had set for the Elon Musk-run company. In the full year, it delivered 1.64 million vehicles, which was 8.6% lower than the previous year. The company’s deliveries have fallen on an annual basis for two consecutive years, and if not for the sales bump in Q3 ahead of the expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit, last year's numbers could have looked even uglier. Notably, BYD (BYDD ...

U.S. stock markets are experiencing a robust midday rally on Monday, January 5, 2026, as investors digest significant geopolitical developments and look ahead to a busy week of economic data. All three major indexes are showing strong gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) hitting a new all-time high, while energy and select technology stocks lead the charge. This positive momentum comes after a mixed start to the new year, with some indexes struggling last week.Market Indexes Show Broad Streng ...