2018 Ford Fiesta minicar unveiled in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

2018 Ford Fiesta (European spec)Subcompact cars aren't getting much attention from buyers in the U.S. these days, but they remain a hot commodity in other markets. So while a redesigned 2018 Ford Fiesta debuted in Europe earlier this week, Ford appears to be taking its time on plans for a U.S. launch. The current generation is sold here, but Ford did not discuss U.S...

Smart ForTwo minicar: 15 years later, has it made a difference?

2016 Smart ForTwoMinimal cars are often an appealing idea: why should one person drive a two-ton vehicle with five or more seats on local journeys of 10 miles or fewer? Then there's the crushingly difficult parking in major European, Asian, and North American cities. Add to that, perhaps, a desire for minimal use of energy and material resources. So why not design...

European electric and plug-in hybrid sales for Jan-Sep 2016

2016 Renault Zoe electric carThe Renault Zoe again maintained the title of best-selling electric car in Europe for another month. The Renault hatchback was leading European electric-car sales in August, and we now know that it kept the lead through September, the most recent month with available data. As has been the case all year, the Zoe's main competition was the Nissan...

Could an EU switch to on-road emission tests allow more pollution?

2016 Renault Clio RSThe Volkswagen diesel scandal convinced European regulators to switch from laboratory emissions testing to tests that involve actual, on-road driving. This could prevent automakers from deploying "defeat device" software like the kind used by VW on laboratory tests, as well as produce results that more closely align with what consumers can expect...

Emission debate in Europe: should new EU agency test, or each nation?

Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) on a Peugeot 308The Volkswagen diesel scandal has brought increased scrutiny on how new cars are tested for emissions and fuel economy. VW's use of "defeat device" software to cheat on laboratory emissions tests could cause regulators to put greater emphasis on on-road emissions testing. But, in Europe at least, there is some debate about which entity will...

Ford Mustang is unlikely winner of UK gas-mileage marathon

Ford Mustang GT at 2016 MPG Marathon, U.K.The Ford Mustang isn't usually the first vehicle that comes to mind when thinking about fuel-efficient cars. But a new Mustang recently won the title of most-improved fuel economy in a U.K. gas-mileage marathon. It wasn't a Mustang EcoBoost, the 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model introduced to provide at least somewhat more-efficient...

World will follow Norway’s lead on electric cars, minister says

Electric-car rally in Geiranger, Norway [Image: Norsk elbilforening via Flickr]When it comes to electric-car adoption, Norway is unique. Electric cars make up a larger share of new-car sales in the Scandinavian country than anywhere, thanks to a very particular combination of factors. On average, most Norwegians drive short distances, meaning the relatively short ranges of the first crop of modern electric cars were never as...

Kreisel brothers: Austria’s secret electric-car weapon?

Kreisel Electric Porsche PanameraThere's no shortage of companies trying to replicate the success of Tesla Motors. Startups such as Faraday Future, Lucid Motors, and NextEV have all announced plans to build long-range electric cars aimed pretty much directly at the Silicon Valley automaker's electric cars. But rather than take on Tesla itself, a small Austrian firm plans to equip...

Scotland shows path toward boosting renewable energy in a big way

Nissan Leaf in ScotlandScotland isn't known for having the most pleasant weather. But its persistent winds make the country a great place for renewable energy. Over the past few years, officials have overseen the construction of numerous wind turbines, in hopes of turning Scotland's weather into a useful resource. CHECK OUT: What Country Powered Itself Entirely On...