Safer
Cleaner
Smarter
International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
Upcoming event(s)
Latest News
Stay updated with our latest news
OICA'S TOP 5 NEWS
Francois Roudier
February 3, 2026
China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles in World-First Safety Policy
Bloomberg News – February 2, 2026
China will require mechanical interior and exterior door releases on all EVs from 2027, targeting flush electric handles after fatal crashes. The rule affects most leading EV models, raises redesign costs, and signals China’s growing influence as a global automotive safety rule-setter.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/china-bans-hidden-car-door-handles-in-world-first-safety-policy?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
UK Fears ‘Made in Europe’ Plan Will Hit Car, Tech, Green Sectors
Bloomberg – Alex Wickham – February 2, 2026
London warns EU “Made in Europe” subsidy rules could disrupt deeply integrated UK-EU auto supply chains, raising costs and weakening competitiveness. The car sector is a key test of whether post-Brexit ties can reset without fragmenting Europe’s industrial base.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/uk-fears-made-in-europe-plan-will-hit-car-tech-green-sectors?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
EU Companies Adopt BYD, Yutong Buses Despite China Security Fears
Nikkei – Jens Kastner – February 2, 2026
Chinese electric buses are gaining share in Europe on price and performance, aiding fast fleet electrification. Political resistance is rising over security and dependence risks, highlighting tension between affordability-driven decarbonization and Europe’s push for industrial sovereignty.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/eu-companies-adopt-byd-yutong-buses-despite-china-security-fears
Hyundai Motor to Deploy AI Robots at US Plants as Trump Tariffs Hit Profit
Nikkei – Nami Matsuura & Na Kiyoung – February 3, 2026
Facing tariff-driven margin pressure, Hyundai will deploy Boston Dynamics humanoid robots in U.S. plants from 2026, accelerate localization, and invest heavily in AI-led automation—signaling a strategic shift toward robotics to cut costs and sustain growth.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/hyundai-motor-to-deploy-ai-robots-at-us-plants-as-trump-tariffs-hit-profit
Why European Automakers Are Rethinking Software Independence
Automotive News Europe – Lois Jones – February 2, 2026
Rising software complexity is pushing European automakers to abandon fully proprietary strategies for partnerships. Cost overruns and delays have made alliances essential, recasting carmakers as integrators of shared digital platforms rather than owners of unique software stacks.
https://www.autonews.com/technology/ane-vw-bmw-stellantis-software-partners-0202/
Francois Roudier
February 2, 2026
What is minimum pricing? How the EU’s trade tool works for Chinese EV imports
Automotive News Europe – Peter Sigal – February 1, 2026
The EU may let Chinese EV exporters avoid tariffs of up to 35% by accepting model-specific minimum price floors. Only VW has applied so far. Supporters see job protection; critics warn enforcement risks and higher Chinese margins.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/automakers/ane-eu-china-minimum-pricing-0201/
Ford held talks with China’s Xiaomi over EV partnership
Financial Times – February 1, 2026
Ford explored preliminary EV partnership talks with Xiaomi and BYD, potentially involving U.S. manufacturing, triggering political backlash. The episode highlights Ford’s strategic vulnerability as EV demand slows and low-cost Chinese competitors loom.
https://www.ft.com/content/678a173f-0387-46a0-a1c2-b28c4f8a64d4
Ottawa, South Korea discuss bringing auto manufacturing to Canada
Canadian Press – January 29, 2026
Canada and South Korea signed an MoU to attract auto manufacturing and strengthen EV supply chains. The pact targets Korean OEM production in Canada, job creation and positioning the country as a next-generation vehicle hub.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/anc-canada-south-korea-auto-manufacturing-cp-0129/
Stellantis to hike Italy output this year thanks to new models, Europe chief says
Reuters – Valentina Za – January 30, 2026
Stellantis plans to lift Italian production in 2026 with new hybrid and EV models, reversing a 2025 slump. Hiring, extra shifts and €7bn in supplier purchases aim to reassure Rome on long-term industrial commitments.
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/stellantis-hike-italy-output-this-year-thanks-new-models-europe-chief-says-2026-01-30/
BYD shares fall to lowest in over a year as January sales drop 30%
Nikkei – Wataru Suzuki – February 2, 2026
BYD’s January NEV sales fell 30% as China cut subsidies, pushing shares to a one-year low. Domestic weakness contrasts with a 51% export surge, reinforcing BYD’s accelerating overseas expansion strategy.
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/electric-cars-in-china/byd-shares-fall-to-lowest-in-over-a-year-as-january-sales-drop-30
Francois Roudier
January 29, 2026
Tesla kills Model S sedan, Model X crossover to free factory space for Optimus humanoid robot
Automotive News – Laurence Iliff – January 28, 2026
Tesla will end Model S and X production to repurpose Fremont capacity for Optimus humanoid robots, signaling a pivot from legacy cars to autonomy and robotics as sales fell and profits slumped, despite sharply higher planned investment.
https://www.autonews.com/tesla/an-tesla-q4-earnings-kills-car-models-to-build-optimus-robots-0128/
UK Car Production Drops to Lowest Since 1956 After JLR Shutdown
Bloomberg – Jamie Nimmo – January 29, 2026
UK car output fell 8% in 2025 to 717,371 vehicles, the lowest since 1956, hit by Brexit frictions, tariffs, weak EV demand and a six-week JLR shutdown after a cyberattack. SMMT sees a tentative rebound in 2026.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-29/uk-car-production-drops-to-lowest-since-1956-after-jlr-shutdown?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
Toyota hits record high 10.5m vehicle sales in 2025 despite Trump tariffs
Nikkei – Yuichi Shiga – January 29, 2026
Toyota sold a record 10.54 million vehicles in 2025, up 3.7%, remaining global leader despite higher U.S. tariffs. Hybrids drove profits, India surged, China stayed flat, and BEV sales grew over 40% from a low base.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/toyota-hits-record-high-10.5m-vehicle-sales-in-2025-despite-trump-tariffs
Truckmaker Volvo flags improved outlook after quarterly profit drop
Reuters – Marie Mannes – January 28, 2026
Volvo Group reported a 9% Q4 profit drop but raised its 2026 outlook, citing stabilizing truck demand in Europe and North America. Markets are expected to be flat to slightly better, though uncertainty and a weaker first half persist.
https://www.reuters.com/business/truckmaker-volvo-groups-q4-operating-profit-beats-forecast-2026-01-28/
Volkswagen moves closer to SDV: First Chinese car with zonal architecture goes into series production
Automobilwoche – Micha Gebhardt – January 28, 2026
Volkswagen has started series production of its first China-developed zonal electronic architecture, cutting ECUs by ~30% and development time by up to 30%, anchoring its “In China, for China” software-defined vehicle strategy.
https://www.automobilwoche.de/autohersteller/volkswagen/amw-volkswagen-bringt-cea-in-china-in-serie/
Founded in Paris in 1919
About OICA
OICA represent the global auto industry that drives economic progress.
Through our autos, we connect people, products and services to enhance quality of life and sustainable automobility. We are committed to technological innovation in the areas of safety, environnement, fuel efficiency, and we seek global harmonization of safety and environmental standards to benefit all countries.
A word from the president
President – SIAM
Featured Members
Discover OICA Members worldwide
Our Members
Join a global network of automotive organizations
Explore Industry Topics
Learn more about the automotive world
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover useful information and helpful answers here
Be a vehicles Manufacturer or/and Importer association and contact us at oica@oica.net
Click on UNECE section to get the information.
Free for non-commercial use and members but please contact us for commercial use.
Every quarter and once a year.
Yes. Please read the definitions.
Contact us to get all the information about the organizers.
Get in Touch
Share your question or request, and our team will be in touch shortly.