Lotus Cars has announced Focus 2030, an updated business strategy to strengthen the company’s competitiveness and create a more flexible and sustainable business model to support resilience amid challenging market conditions.

Built on four core pillars – brand reinforcement, a multipowertrain strategy, close partner collaboration and financial discipline – Focus 2030 marks a significant reset for the brand.

Lotus Group CEO Qingfeng Feng said, “Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today. Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business to keep us true to our DNA. We are obsessed with engineering, obsessed with performance and obsessed with building drivers’ cars, and that is what will grow this business.”

Lotus Cars said it will continue to base all vehicle development decisions on its core principles of lightweight design, aerodynamics, engineering performance, and driver engagement, regardless of product type or powertrain. The company said its design and engineering operations will remain rooted in the UK, while research and development activities in China will support faster scalability and market delivery.

As regulatory requirements and consumer demand continue to evolve at different rates across global markets, Lotus Cars said it will adopt a flexible approach across internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technologies. In the near term, the company is targeting an electrified portfolio mix of approximately 60% PHEV and 40% BEV, while supporting what it describes as a customer-led transition toward full electrification.

The company has said the first product initiative under its new strategy will be X-Hybrid, which combines Lotus’s ICE and BEV expertise. The system is reportedly designed to offer long range, flexibility, practicality, sustained performance and Lotus’s characteristic driver engagement.

The proprietary X-Hybrid technology was first launched on the Eletre, as Eletre X. Customer deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in Q4 2026, making it the first technology of its kind to come to market, according to Lotus.

Reaffirming its performance-focused DNA, Lotus Cars said its next step in developing proprietary hybrid technology will be the unveiling of its first supercar, Type 135, planned for 2028. The model is expected to feature a V8 hybrid powertrain producing over 1,000ps and will be manufactured in Europe, with further details due to be announced later this year.

Daniel Li, chairman of the board of directors at Lotus Technology, and executive vice chairman of Geely Holding Group, said, “Geely has believed in Lotus from the beginning, and that belief has not wavered. We are committed to giving Lotus the resources it deserves to compete at the highest level. What Lotus brings is irreplaceable, and Focus 2030 is proof that we take that responsibility seriously. We are excited for the next chapter in the brand’s story.”

In related news, TraXon 2 hybrid demonstrates emissions reduction potential for heavy commercial vehicles

As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

Nissan Motor has announced its long‑term vision: Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life, a plan to integrate mobility intelligence into everyday life through Nissan’s focus on AI-defined vehicles (AIDV), offering a choice of electrification technologies to meet diverse customer and market needs.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO, said, “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan‘s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced.”

At the core of the strategy is Nissan AIDV, combining Nissan AI Drive and Nissan AI Partner technologies. The company says this will integrate AI with vehicle control and safety systems, building on existing advanced driver assistance technology. Nissan aims to deploy AI Drive across 90% of its line-up over the long term.

The first model expected to reflect this approach is the latest Nissan Elgrand, due in summer 2026, which will introduce next-generation ProPilot with end-to-end autonomous technologies by the end of the 2027 financial year.

Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, added, “Across the Americas, our focus on execution is making the region a key contributor to Nissan’s turnaround, driven by both revenue growth and disciplined cost reduction. We delivered significant year-over-year increases in US retail share, making Nissan the fastest-growing mainstream brand since August 2025. We’re also seeing solid progress in Canada and continued growth in Mexico, where we have maintained the #1 position for 18 consecutive years – proof that getting the fundamentals right matters. Our balance of strong execution today and smart, impactful investments in the future will strengthen our business and drive sustainable growth.”

Electrification

Alongside autonomy development, Nissan is expanding electrification through its e-Power hybrid system and a wider mix of powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range extender systems developed through partnerships. A new hybrid system for frame-based vehicles is also planned.

This broader offer includes development of a new hybrid electric vehicle system (HEV) for future frame‑based vehicles, serving customers requiring greater capability and long‑range confidence. Nissan says it will complete the spectrum of customer choice by offering plug‑in hybrid and range‑extender hybrid solutions through partnerships.

Streamlined product portfolio

The company will streamline its model line-up from 56 to 45 models, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas. At the same time, Nissan says it will expand powertrain options for each model, to give customers more choice, increase volume per model and strengthen the company’s business foundation.

Key upcoming models include the Rogue and X-Trail Hybrid e-Power, the Xterra for North America, the Juke EV for Europe, and the Skyline for Japan. Infiniti will also be expanded with new and refreshed models, including an all-new QX65 SUV due in 2027.

Nissan said its industrial strategy will shift toward architecture-led development based on shared platforms and software, aiming to improve development speed, cost efficiency and scalability.

Espinosa concluded, “As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan seizes the opportunities provided by AI technologies, by electrification and the innovation embedded in our latest products to drive market growth and focus relentlessly on serving the customer.”

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke

ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) has completed a dedicated testing event for the TraXon 2 Hybrid, its next-generation hybrid transmission for heavy commercial vehicles. The system demonstrated its potential to reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility, meeting the practical needs of logistics companies.

“TraXon 2 Hybrid delivers a clear advantage for high‑mileage operations by substantially reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining cost efficiency,” said Christian Feldhaus, vice president of transmissions and hybrids at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions. “Based on our ongoing discussions with vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and industry bodies, we see hybrid technologies providing a clear and practical pathway toward significant emissions reduction in future heavy‑duty transport.”

Emissions-saving technology

The TraXon 2 Hybrid builds on the all-electric TraXon 2 platform. The hybrid system enables electric-only driving in urban zones while retaining combustion operation for long-distance transportation.

ZF test evaluations confirmed that the system supports substantial CO2 reductions in long-haul and distribution applications when operated with consistent recharging. The PHEV system can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 47% in long-haul transportation and up to 73% in distribution transportation. This supports the European fleet emissions targets for 2030 and provides flexibility for future toll and tax regulations.

The TraXon 2 Hybrid builds on ZF’s e-mobility platform, which includes electric central drives such as CeTrax 2 and AxTrax 2 e-axles, and supports applications where full electrification is not yet practical across all routes. For fleets with limited investment capacity, it also enables a gradual transition to electrification, including operational, dispatch and charging adjustments.

The hybrid platform integrates an in-house-developed electric motor and operates at 600-800V, with 190kW continuous power and higher peak output. Positioned in a P2 layout between the clutch and transmission, the electric motor enables pure electric driving up to 12th gear and supports regenerative braking for improved efficiency. The combustion engine operates according to the vehicle’s driving strategy and provides range for long-haul applications. The system is designed to improve overall efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions while retaining the range and refueling flexibility of a combustion engine. It can be combined with diesel, HVO/e-fuels, CNG/LPG and hydrogen combustion engines.

In related news, Volvo begins on-road testing of hydrogen ICE heavy trucks

MG has launched the SolidCore Battery, a semi-solid-state system designed to improve electric vehicle (EV) range, charging speed, performance and cold-weather reliability.

The battery features solid-state electrolytes within each cell, forming a protective barrier that extends lifespan and ensures compliance with future regulatory standards. According to MG, this architecture performs well in low temperatures, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and delivering improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs. The SolidCore Battery is expected to appear in MG electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2026.

Alongside the new battery, MG has also introduced its Hybrid+ technology, which combines advanced software and hardware to optimize fuel consumption, provide faster power delivery and improve integration between mechanical and electric systems. The technology includes a larger 1.83 kWh battery to extend electric-only range, an innovative three-speed hybrid transmission and an eight-mode Logic Engine to enhance power management.

MG said Hybrid+ also improves cabin refinement through noise and vibration suppression while maintaining high thermal efficiency and responsive, smooth power delivery. A fully integrated Hybrid Control Unit with real-time terrain detection enables the system to adapt propulsion strategies to changing conditions. In 2025, MG sold 137,000 hybrid vehicles across Europe, with the MG HS ranking among the top 10 best-selling hybrid models in most countries.

Commenting on the latest technology advances, MG Europe and the UK’s vice present, Kimi Li said, “MG’s new SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology provide tangible benefits for our customers and position our vehicles at the forefront of their class. These advancements reinforce MG’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology and electric mobility more intuitive, accessible and widely available. Our strategy of developing MG vehicles in Europe, for Europe further enhances the desirability, versatility and value that our cars deliver to customers across the European market.”

The announcements coincide with the opening of MG’s European Engineering Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as a hub for developing vehicles tailored to local climate conditions, road environments and customer preferences.

Related news, Flexible, modular hybrid drive targets global EV applications

Magna is expanding its hybrid portfolio with the introduction of DHD REX, a dedicated hybrid drive designed for range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). The system aims to provide an electric-like driving experience with instant torque response, smooth operation and seamless range extension.

The ready-to-integrate solution uses a modular, single-motor architecture that allows auto makers to adapt the drive to meet diverse regulatory, infrastructure and customer requirements across global markets.

“Magna’s approach to electrification is centered on giving our customers flexible pathways forward,” said Magna Powertrain president Diba Ilunga. “DHD REX reflects our commitment to adaptable, customer‑focused solutions that support a wide range of performance and market expectations.”

DHD REX complements Magna’s DHD Duo, the company’s dual e-motor dedicated hybrid drive already in series production. Designed from the ground up for scalability and integration flexibility, the single-motor configuration reduces system cost and complexity while delivering smooth, predictable vehicle behavior across all driving scenarios.

Magna’s DHD REX range-extender hybrid drive reportedly delivers flexible electrified performance, offering a set of technical capabilities designed for diverse global applications. Its architecture and efficiency reduce size, weight and system cost while providing validated performance. The system supports multiple operating modes, including pure electric driving, a generating mode for efficient range extension and an optional parallel hybrid mode for enhanced highway performance. Scalable across B- to E-segment vehicles in AWD layouts – including SUVs – it can be adapted to meet varying regional regulatory requirements. Additionally, the modular and compact design simplifies packaging and facilitates integration across ICE-based and BEV platforms.

Related news, Polestar scales battery recycling and refurbishment initiatives across EV range

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As the automotive industry advances toward a future defined by electrification, hybrid systems and alternative fuels, one technology continues to demonstrate its essential value: gasoline injection. In a mobility landscape where electric, hybrid, hydrogen and advanced combustion engines will coexist, cutting-edge gasoline injection systems remain a cornerstone of efficiency and emission reduction.

Over the past decades, fuel injection technology has revolutionized engine performance and environmental impact. The transition from carburetors to electronically controlled injection systems marked a dramatic step forward, reducing CO and HC emissions by orders of magnitude and significantly lowering NOx. Today’s advanced injectors, capable of delivering precisely metered and finely atomized fuel either into the intake manifold or directly into the combustion chamber, ensure optimal air-fuel mixing and cleaner, more efficient combustion. The result is lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and enhanced engine responsiveness.

In hybrid vehicles in particular, gasoline injection technology plays a decisive role. By operating the internal combustion engine within highly efficient load ranges, hybrid architectures maximize the benefits of high-precision injection systems. This synergy translates into measurable gains in fuel economy and substantial reductions in harmful emissions, supporting increasingly stringent global regulations without compromising performance or driving pleasure.

At Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies, innovation is at the heart of this evolution. With more than 500 million gasoline injectors produced in Italy and installed in vehicles worldwide, the company stands as a global leader in fuel system engineering. From the pioneering low-pressure Deka models to the latest-generation high-pressure GDI XL5 injectors, every product embodies advanced design, manufacturing excellence and a relentless focus on quality. Complemented by integrated fuel rails and diesel aftertreatment solutions such as RDU and DDU, these technologies form a comprehensive approach to emission control and system optimization.

Dumarey’s manufacturing expertise extends beyond fuel injection to include aftertreatment dosing systems. Our Reductant Dosing Unit is available in three configurations customized for light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty applications. The product line includes both air-cooled and liquid-cooled variants, with options for integrated wiring harness assemblies to simplify OEM installation. Our Diesel Dosing Unit (HC injector) provides equivalent functionality for hydrocarbon-based aftertreatment strategies, enabling multiple NOx reduction approaches within a single component platform.

As the industry transitions toward zero-emission powertrains, our engineering capabilities extend to hydrogen industry applications where precise fuel metering and material compatibility with hydrogen gas present unique technical challenges for next-generation propulsion systems.

As the industry embraces a multi-technology future, gasoline injection continues to evolve – smarter, more precise and more sustainable than ever before. It is not simply supporting the transition to cleaner mobility; it is actively enabling it, by combining technological expertise with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies is helping drive the automotive industry toward a future where performance, efficiency and environmental responsibility move forward together.

Despite the vehicle being planned as a purely EV platform from the outset, Lotus has announced a range-extended hybrid version of the Eletre, looking to capitalize on increasing demand for REEVs in both the Chinese and other global markets.

It will be based on what the company calls the X Hybrid platform and will combine a 70kWh battery with a 150kW range-extender ICE, capable of producing up to 25kWh in steady-state running. Notably, the vehicle has a 900V architecture and can fast charge at up to 350kW, with a claimed all-in range of 1,200km.

The concept is already being trialled in a China-market-only SUV called the Lotus For Me. According to Qingfeng Feng, the CEO of Lotus Tech, “With For Me, we are proving that advanced technology must serve the drivers, not replace them, delivering constant performance, total control and real safety in every condition, so that consumers can enjoy the emotion of driving and the confidence of protecting what matters most.”

Details of the range-extender ICE have not been revealed, but with Lotus parent company Geely also holding a stake in the Horse Powertrain JV, which markets its X-Range series of compact, range-extender-specific powertrains, it would not be surprising if these engines were used.

More details of the Horse REEV engines can be found here

Horse Powertrain has revealed a new hybrid transmission Amorphous Motor that has achieved an industry-leading efficiency of 98.2%, enabling a 1% reduction in whole-vehicle fuel consumption.

First seen at IAA Summit 2025, the Amorphous Motor uses amorphous steel – a steel alloy with high durability, strength and magnetic permeability – for the stator block.

By leveraging these properties of amorphous steel, Horse Powertrain has reduced the thickness of the steel layers required to make up the motor stator. As a result, the sheets used to assemble the Amorphous Motor are 0.025mm thick – one tenth the thickness of steel used in traditional motors.

Using this highly conductive material, the Amorphous Motor’s losses to stator iron are reduced by 50% compared to equivalent designs. This enables the motor to achieve efficiency of 98.2% while outputting a maximum power of 140kW at 360Nm.

These efficiency gains mean that hybrids using the Amorphous Motor in their powertrains will see a 1% reduction in fuel and power consumption compared to those using existing motor designs, helping automotive OEMs deliver a new generation of low-emission vehicle models.

Ingo Scholten, deputy chief technology officer of Horse Powertrain, said, “This latest innovation demonstrates Horse Powertrain’s continued commitment to research and development, providing suppliers and OEMs with the tools to raise the bar on when it comes to fuel economy and emissions performance.

“The Amorphous Motor is an ideal tool to power a new generation of high-efficiency range-extended EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, ensuring these technologies continue to play a substantial role in automotive’s decarbonization journey.”

Related news, Horse Powertrain invests €45m in Spain’s first tilting gravity die casting facility

The Austrian Society for Automotive Engineers (ÖVK) has announced it is collaborating with the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China SAE) to deliver the ‘Forum on Powertrain for Sustainable Mobility’ as part of this year’s International Vienna Motor Symposium, which will take place at the Vienna Hofburg on April 22-24.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, 22 April, 2026, at 3:30pm, ahead of the official opening of the International Vienna Motor Symposium, which has been organized by ÖVK since 1985. The forum bring together leading representatives of Chinese organizations and companies with European representatives of renowned automotive companies and development service providers. The aim of the forum is to openly discuss different technological approaches, market strategies and regulatory frameworks, to learn from each other, and to integrate these insights into company strategies. 

The forum will combine the technological strengths of the Chinese and European automotive industries to develop new paradigms for global powertrain efficiency. It will include an in-depth look at China’s Technology Roadmap 3.0, strategic benchmarking against EU CO2  regulations, and the exchange of best practices from industry leaders such as Great Wall Motors, AVL and SERES Power.

The event will be chaired by Prof. Xiangyang Xu of Beihang University, who is a fellow of China SAE, chair of the Roadmap 3.0 powertrain group and one of the key figures in the strategic orientation of Chinese powertrain research. Forum co-chair will be Prof. Uwe Grebe, professor of powertrain and automotive technology at TU Wien.

The forum will open with a keynote speech by Prof. Xu, one of the co-authors of Roadmap 3.0. In his presentation, ‘Energy-saving and new energy vehicle technology Roadmap 3.0 – High-efficient powertrain special topic interpretation’, he will provide insights into the technological guidelines and efficiency strategies for future powertrain systems in China.

Other high-profile presentations from Europe and China at the forum will shed light on different perspectives of sustainable mobility, and will include: ‘Technology neutrality – a prerequisite for sustainability and resilience’, by Stephan Neugebauer, BMW, chair of European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC); ‘WM Hi4: ONE Power Scalability Design – Bridging off-road capability and urban mobility’, by Yongqing Zhu, chief engineer, power and chassis R&D Center, Great Wall Motor (GWM); ‘Powertrains for sustainable mobility: One fits all or market-specific solutions?’, by Lukas Walter, COO of engineering at AVL List; and ‘Applications and Trends of REV in China’, by Zhigang Wang, general manager, SERES Energy and Power Research Institute, Chongqing Seres Phoenix Intelligent Innovation Technology Co.

The forum will conclude with a panel discussing the comparison of China-Europe automotive technology routes under the goal of sustainable development, European market layout strategies of Chinese enterprises, and battery supply chain and technological development. This closing round will include all speakers as well as Ruiping Wang, CEO, Aurobay Holding, and will provide in-depth insight into the strategic and economic considerations of the individual shareholders.

The Forum on Powertrain for Sustainable Mobility is open to all registered participants of the International Vienna Motor Symposium.

Automotive Powertrain Technology International is an official media partner of the International Vienna Motor Symposium, which will take place at the Hofburg Conference Centre Vienna in Austria on April 22-24, 2026. 

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