AUTONEWS

Why is the Toyota Corolla the anti-tariff car in the US?

With the imminent entry into force of the 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, announced by former President Donald Trump, the US automotive market is on alert.

Starting April 2, the prices of new and used cars are expected to increase significantly — regardless of where the car was manufactured.

Amid the economic turmoil, a discreet and already well-known model may emerge as a safe haven for consumers: the Toyota Corolla.

According to a Reuters survey, only 16 models currently sold in the US have an average price below $30,000.

And of these, only one is manufactured within the US: the Toyota Corolla sedan, assembled at the Blue Springs plant in the state of Mississippi since its inauguration in 2011.

This national origin may protect the Corolla — at least partially — from the approaching tariff storm.

In a statement released recently, Toyota said it does not intend to increase Corolla prices due to the new tariffs. The statement sounds like a relief for those looking for an affordable car, but experts warn that, in practice, the promise may be difficult to fulfill.

This is because the impact of the tariffs is not limited to finished vehicles, but also to key parts and components such as engines, transmissions, electrical systems and powertrain assemblies.

The scenario is even more complex when you consider that practically no modern car is 100% produced in a single country. Even vehicles assembled in the US often rely on components from different parts of the world.

As a result, logistics and production costs are expected to rise for all automakers — and, inevitably, part of this burden will be passed on to consumers.

According to estimates from Cox Automotive, cars manufactured in the US could see an average increase of US$3,000, while imported cars are expected to rise up to US$6,000.

This forecast indicates that buyers of popular cars, who would normally invest in a brand new car, may migrate to the used car market. This, in turn, would increase the demand for used cars and trigger a new round of price increases — a domino effect that could affect the market as a whole. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, appears to be an exception in this wave of uncertainty. In addition to being one of the best-selling models in the world, it is known for its mechanical reliability, cost-benefit and easy maintenance. 

These attributes, combined with domestic manufacturing and the promise of keeping prices stable, could consolidate it as the main choice among consumers seeking savings and predictability. If the tariffs really do come into effect as announced, the Corolla could emerge as the last bastion of affordable cars in the United States — and its demand could possibly grow even more in the coming months. At a time when everything points to rising prices, it could be one of the few certainties on the uncertain horizon of the American automotive industry. 

What Toyota said... Toyota will continue to operate as it has always operated and focus on reducing fixed costs, the company said on Monday, without expressing any intention to raise prices in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. 

Japanese media reported on Monday that the world's largest automaker has no plans to raise prices on vehicles sold in the United States for now, even as Trump imposes 25 percent tariffs on global auto imports that take effect on April 3. 

"While we closely monitor developments from U.S. authorities, including tariffs, we will continue to work to reduce fixed costs and maintain our current operations for the time being," a Toyota spokesman said in a statement. In 2024, the U.S. was Toyota's largest global market, with a volume of 2.3 million vehicles.

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AUTONEWS

Dacia Bigster mini camper

Dacia is working on many new features, including the Bigster. In addition to offering many smart new features, the Romanian car manufacturer's SUV will also have a 4×4 version. Kits for camping experiences with all the comfort possible are therefore a must. Thanks to the Pack Sleep system, the new Bigster can be transformed into a real mini camper.

Part of the InNature accessories line, the Pack Sleep is designed for maximum practicality: a multifunctional box that acts as a shelf and storage compartment that transforms into a comfortable double bed in just 2 minutes, measuring 190 x 130 cm. We are talking about an investment of just over 2,100 euros that significantly expands the possibilities of using the SUV.

But it doesn't end there, because there are other accessories available such as the blackout curtain kit, available at 246 euros, which covers all 8 windows ensuring privacy without compromising ventilation, thanks to the possibility of lowering the windows even with the curtains installed.

For those looking for maximum space, the 465 euro tailgate tent is the ideal solution. This connects to the back of the vehicle and creates a living space of 210 x 220 cm with an internal height of 170 cm: a perfect space to accommodate up to three people and set up a living area with a table and camping chairs. A solution, decidedly more comfortable than a “normal” tent, designed for those who need more space.

The Box length of the Bigster is about 1 m to the rear seat, with the seats folded down even more. Boot capacity is 550 to 1.900 litersthe Loading opening measures around 73 cm – enough space to use the sleep pack effectively and still carry luggage.

Dacia The Sleep Pack offers new car configuration for 1.590 EUR – regardless of the selected drive variant. Whether Mild hybrid with 140 hp, Hybrid or Bi-Fuel: The accessories fit all variants.

A Roof rack for about 680 EUR is also available. This results in a complete package for around 26.400 EUR (including Sleep Pack and camping accessories) based on the Bigster with entry-level price from about 24.000 EUR in Deutschland.

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RENAULT

We drove the now electrified Renault Scenic crossover, see what the experience was like... 

The Renault Scenic helped define the concept of the family car in the 90s. Far from the SUV craze, larger families who needed space and versatility almost always turned to MPVs. It was the golden age of this bodywork, which has now practically disappeared.

Times have changed. Result? Renault realized this and transformed the Espace and Scenic into two crossovers. The first is an extended version of the Austral and keeps the combustion engines; the second — the protagonist of this essay — has been radically transformed and is now 100% electric.

But there are some DNA traits that Scenic hasn't lost: at its core it remains a family car, with space for everything and everyone. At least that's what Renault tells us. Is the new Scenic everything the French brand promises? We went to find out.

Now that it has left its monovolume silhouette aside, the Scenic presents itself with two well-defined volumes and “dressed” in Renault’s latest style language, marked by a torn light signature and more angular elements.

The result is a model with a more aggressive look, something that becomes even more pronounced when we opt for the Alpine esprit trim level, as in the version tested, which comes here in the star black shade and darkened 20” rims. If we add to all this the fact that the new Scenic is 10 cm wider than the Megane E-Tech, we realize that this crossover has a more imposing stance and a much more dynamic image than this model has ever had. 

The interior hides an important asset... If it is on the outside that the Scenic wants to impress us, it is on the inside that it has one of its greatest assets: the Google-based infotainment system.

Simple to use, with menus that share a lot of the DNA we find in Android smartphones, it is quite fluid, very fast and, above all, very convenient.

This is because it offers native integration with applications that the vast majority of drivers use daily: Google Maps, Waze or Spotify, for example, and everything can be controlled through Google Assistant.

Despite all this digitalization, Renault did not fall into the trap of creating an overly minimalist interior and kept dedicated physical buttons for the air conditioning and some quick-access controls on the steering wheel.

Furthermore, it is worth praising the excellent work that Renault did in terms of assembly and interior finishes, which are several notches above what we find, for example, in this model's younger "brother", the Megane E-Tech.

The biggest criticism I have is related to the number of rods found on the periphery of the steering wheel, especially the transmission one, which ends up covering part of the digital instrumentation.

And the space?...I began this essay by saying that it was necessary to confirm whether, after all these changes, the Scenic was still a reference as a family car. Well, when it comes to interior space, the answer is yes.

There is plenty of space in the second row of seats, the rear doors open wide (those who need to put child seats in the back seats will appreciate it) and despite the low roof, access to the interior is simple.

Those traveling in the back are also entitled to some perks that don't go unnoticed: the central armrest is a kind of Transformer that hides a support for tablets and smartphones, the central console offers two USB-C ports and the panoramic Solarbay roof (optional) can go from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.

The trunk also deserves to be highlighted, as it offers 545 liters of capacity, expandable to around 1600 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Proof of autonomy anxiety... The version tested here (220 hp long autonomy) is the most powerful and with the greatest autonomy that we can find in the Renault Scenic E-Tech range. This means we have the largest battery of all, with 87 kWh, and an electric motor that delivers 160 kW (218 hp) and 300 Nm.

But let's get to the number that really matters: in this configuration, the 100% electric Scenic is capable of traveling up to 603 kilometers on a single charge. Which puts it in a prominent position within the segment. With smaller rims this number can increase to 625 kilometers.

Equally important is the fact that it supports alternating current (AC) charging powers of up to 22 kW (optional), although it does not exceed 150 kW in direct current (DC). Furthermore, all versions are equipped with a heat pump, regardless of the equipment level.

Driving without any major concerns at this level and covering around 100 kilometers on the highway every day, I finished this test with an average consumption of 17.9 kWh/100 km, which in theory allows me to get 486 kilometers from a full charge.

However, it is important to note that I traveled below 16.5 kWh/100 km, which already puts us above 527 kilometers for each charge. It's enough for most people to get through a week of commuting on a single charge.

Good sensations behind the wheel...My opinion hasn't changed since I drove the Scenic when it was first introduced. It continues to convince with its ease of driving and the progressive way in which power and torque delivery is made available.

Perhaps the most interesting thing is the fact that it is also very competent from a dynamic point of view: the steering has great feel, the body movements are well controlled and the chassis is very well planted on the road.

The Renault Scenic is available on the national market with prices starting at 40,690 euros, for the 170 hp version and 60 kWh battery — see all prices.

The 218 hp version with an 87 kWh battery starts at 46,500 euros, which leaves this Scenic E-Tech around 2,500 euros above its arch-rival Peugeot E-3008, which in the 213 hp variant, with a 73 kWh battery and 529 km of autonomy starts at 44,150 euros.

The electric Renault Scenic arrived, saw and conquered. It is one of the best models in the segment and in the version with the largest battery it leaves no room for any autonomy anxiety. In this esprit Alpine gains important arguments, mainly aesthetic, but this — together with some optional extras — takes away its competitiveness and pushes the price to levels that, in my opinion, it doesn't make sense to pay. The techno version, one level below, therefore deserves extra attention.

Pros: 

-External image 

-Finishes and materials 

-Infotainment system 

-Consumption and autonomy 

Cons: 

-Price of this version 

-Brake feel 

-Firm suspension

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MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi Triton Help Link: the pickup truck that offers solutions for Civil Defense work in disaster situations

Mitsubishi Motors officially launches this week, during LAAD – Defense & Security 2025, which takes place between April 1st and 4th, its newest vehicle, 100% customized at the brand's factory in Catalão, Brazil, which offers important connectivity solutions that can be very useful for Civil Defense work in disaster situations.

Named Triton Help Link, the vehicle is the result of a partnership between the three-diamond brand and the companies TIP Brasil, Nokia, Elsys and Primefield. Produced on a Triton unit, the newest generation of Mitsubishi Motors' pickup truck line, the model offers all the already known ability to traverse all types of terrain combined with a very high capacity for sending internet and telephone signals, perfect for emergencies, allowing for the sending of distress calls even in areas without any type of signal, within a radius of up to 20 kilometers and connection by message between 700 and 1000 people.

The Triton Help Link will be presented at LAAD, which starts today in Rio de Janeiro, and will also be present at the ABRINT trade fair focused on telecommunications. The model will be available for direct sale only to legal entities, with a price to be defined.

Partnership with telecommunications companies...To execute all the functionalities of the Triton Help Link, Mitsubishi Motors has partnered with several companies in the telecommunications sector, especially TIP Brasil as an integrator of telecommunications solutions, in addition to Nokia to supply the LTE antenna system; Elsys to supply the Amplimax system, and Primefield to offer a solution for connection to the Starlink network.

“TIP Brasil, in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors and Nokia, presents an innovative solution that combines the robustness of Mitsubishi’s Triton with Nokia’s advanced technology and TIP Brasil’s mobile infrastructure to bring barrier-free connectivity anywhere. This initiative integrates the strength of the public network with the flexibility of the private network, allowing city governments and government agencies to provide emergency mobile coverage in regions affected by natural disasters, where traditional communication has been interrupted,” says Alexandre Alves, CEO of TIP Brasil.

For Nokia’s director of mobile networks for companies in Latin America, Renato Bueno, Nokia brings the power of private mobile networks to the communication of Brazilian defense and security forces in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors and TIP Brasil. “By equipping vehicles with the Nokia Small-cells All-in-One 4G solution, we offer a highly reliable, capable and easy-to-implement mobile network, enabling defense and security forces to modernize their communication networks, supporting real-time data analysis applications for intelligent and mission-critical operations,” adds Bueno.

The antenna is attached to the truck body (image above)

With these partnerships, Mitsubishi Motors ensures that the Triton Help Link comes equipped with Amplimax, Starlink antenna, PY antenna for radio communication, PY radio communicator, RAM Sharing LTE antenna, LTE signal converter, batteries, power generator, power tower, weather station, antenna mast and all the support for fixing the solutions.

About the Triton Help Link...The new Triton is already recognized in the market for being an extremely robust and safe vehicle. In order to make the model even more complete for use by Civil Defense in disaster situations, the Triton Help Link is customized with functional elements that maximize its ability to overcome obstacles, which guarantees greater safety and comfort for users, while minimizing damage to the vehicle.

With this, the Triton Help Link is equipped with off-road tires, steel wheels, Wheel Flare, snorkel, protective seat covering, flares, rubber mats or trays, and customized stickers.

As for the telecommunications system when in tactical use, the objective is for the car to serve as support for rescue operations of any type and magnitude by using RAM Sharing LTE to receive and transmit signals. Positioning the vehicle in a strategic location is also useful for other communication systems also used by aid forces.

The vehicle also has a Wi-Fi router and a low-power power tower to supply emergency and/or domestic equipment, such as a power tower for charging cell phones and supplying low-consumption equipment.

To support Tactical Forces, Triton Help Link will also have a weather station to monitor and send data about the focal point of the affected region.

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HYUNDAI

Hyundai Palisade appears in projection as a large pickup truck 

Hyundai has taken a liking to pickup trucks and the recent agreement with GM gives a good idea of ​​this. But the big news of the year is the dual introduction of the all-electric Ioniq 9 and the arrival of the second-generation Palisade, a three-row crossover SUV.

Quite a bit is already known about the new Palisade: redesigned, it can seat up to nine people, at least in its original Korean version, and promises to stand out in traffic with an imposing and modern design.

Among the striking details are the front central seat, which also functions as an armrest, and an engine compartment that, by leaving aside the traditional V6, opts for a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, capable of delivering 277 horsepower and 42.9 kgfm of torque.

The cherry on the cake, however, is the hybrid option, where the four-cylinder engine teams up with an electric one to achieve a total of 329 horsepower, 38 more than the current model with the naturally aspirated V6.

However, a 2.2 CRDi diesel is suitable for regions where it is appreciated. The model for the US has not yet been revealed, leaving room for much speculation.

There is gossip and theories circulating among digital content creators specializing in cars, who live in a parallel universe where vehicular projection is the rule.

For example, the AutoYa YouTube channel has already provided an unofficial look at the 2027 Hyundai Palisade ‘Cruz’ pickup truck, suggesting a launch in the first quarters of next year, with possible additions like a rugged XRT trim for North America.

And it doesn't stop there: the idea of ​​a Santa Cruz-style version, but in real size, is also already circulating.

Imagine a complete pickup truck, with a large cargo bed and space for five or six people, a strong competitor against established models such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram pickup trucks or Toyota Tundra.

In short, Hyundai is betting on a diversified portfolio that ranges from economical options to radical innovations, showing that, for the automaker, innovation and variety are essential ways to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market.

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AUTONEWS

Carmakers face doubts and jolts over US tariffs

Raise prices or cut into their margins, open or close factories: carmakers must soon make major decisions as the United States imposes stiff tariffs on imported vehicles.

The 25% tariffs that the administration of President Donald Trump will impose as of Thursday will apply to cars and parts not manufactured in the United States.

Even US automakers will be impacted as they import foreign parts and manufacture vehicles for the US market in neighboring Canada and Mexico.

Bank of America estimates that the tariffs will apply to 7.3 million vehicles, or 8% of global sales, and will expose carmakers to added costs and chaos.

Taking stock...One, albeit temporary, strategy to cope with the new tariffs is to avoid them by shipping as many vehicles as possible to the United States before they come into force.

"Shipments have expanded quite a bit to absorb the first shock" of the tariffs, said Cigdem Cerit, an auto industry expert at Fitch Ratings.

"Everyone did build a little buffer," she added.

South Korea's Hyundai was among the automakers that most built up its stock of cars, according to Cox Automotive, an automotive services firm.

US-European auto giant Stellantis—a 14-brand company whose vehicles include Jeep, Peugeot and Fiat—ate into its ample stocks that had weighed on results in previous quarters.

But the stocks will likely last no more than a few weeks, especially if Americans rush to dealers to snap up any remaining deals.

"After an initial, short surge in buying, we expect vehicle sales to fall, new and used prices to increase, and some models to be eliminated if tariffs persist," said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive.

Sticker shock...It is an open question about how much car prices will rise and to what extent sales will fall.

Bank of America estimates that US vehicle prices would rise by about $10,000 if manufacturers fully pass on the cost of tariffs and maintain their profit margins.

"However, we don't expect consumers would absorb the price increase in full," said analysts at the bank.

Carmakers "are more likely to sell vehicles at breakeven until they rebalance the production footprint", it said, estimating that US consumers would see price hikes of around $4,500.

Mid-range imported vehicles are likely to feel the pinch, such as the Chevrolet Silverado pick-up and the Toyota Rav4 SUV.

But even manufacturers like Porsche could have trouble passing on the cost of tariffs on low-end models like its Macan SUV, said Fitch's Cerit.

Ferrari was the first carmaker to announce a hike in prices—as much as 10%—on vehicles sold in the United States, its top market.

A major question is whether consumers continue to buy the same vehicles at a higher price, said Deloitte auto analyst Guillaume Crunelle.

He believes that is unlikely as "people buy in the price bracket that corresponds with their means".

Made in the U.S...Donald Trump has stated that the goal of the tariffs is to encourage manufacturing jobs to return to the United States, but it is unclear whether that will be achieved.

Crunelle said companies will ask themselves: "Is it more competitive to manufacture in the United States, with a weaker market, or to pay customs duties?"

US manufacturers are still hoping that tariffs will be reduced on vehicles imported from Canada and Mexico, where they have numerous factories.

"Manufacturers have need for certainty," said automotive sector analyst Sebastien Amichi at the consulting firm Kearney.

Hyundai and Stellantis have announced the opening or reopening of factories since Trump's November re-election.

But such moves can take several years and suppliers, which are also in a weak position due to the switch to electric vehicles, must also follow manufacturers.

European and Japanese carmakers that play Trump's game face a double cost, according to Deloitte's Crunelle: in addition to building new factories they have to pay the costs of laying off workforces at home.

Some may refuse to have their arms twisted into manufacturing in the United States.

"I'll bet that certain manufacturers will prefer to reduce their production costs" at home rather than set up in the United States, Crunelle said.

© 2025 AFP

 

AUTONEWS

Pirelli launches the fifth generation of the PZero line

Pirelli has launched the fifth generation of the P Zero, one of the brand’s flagship tyres.

The P Zero was the first to establish the Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyre segment, and has evolved continuously over the years to anticipate the demands of the premium and prestige automotive sectors.

By combining artificial intelligence systems with algorithms developed by Pirelli itself, research and development engineers have created innovative solutions that provide an unprecedented understanding of tyre performance dynamics. Virtual testing of prototypes has also played a key role in this process, reducing development times and optimising resources.

The new P Zero boasts two key strengths: excellent performance and safety, thanks to a significant improvement in handling, proven in dry and wet track tests, as well as reduced braking distances. Since its launch, the new tyre has been awarded the ‘A’ rating on the EU tyre label for wet grip.

The fifth generation of the P Zero tyre is available for 18 to 23-inch rims, with over 50 references already on the market.

The advances that characterise the new P Zero have been achieved thanks to advanced development technologies. By combining artificial intelligence systems with algorithms developed by Pirelli itself, the brand’s research and development engineers have created innovative solutions that allow an unprecedented understanding of the dynamics of tyre performance. Virtual testing of prototypes has also played a key role in this process, reducing development times and optimising resources.

The new P Zero has two key strengths: excellent performance and safety, thanks to a significant improvement in handling, proven in dry and wet track tests; and reduced braking distances. Since its launch, the new tyre has been awarded the “A” rating on the EU tyre label for wet grip. One of the main objectives of this new Pirelli product has been to anticipate the constantly evolving needs of the automotive market, with a particular focus on the transition to electric mobility.

The development strategy focused on the tyre structure and tread design, which has been optimised by updating the grooves and contact patch to improve cornering grip. A more balanced contact patch improves braking and reduces wear, ensuring consistent performance throughout the tyre’s life cycle. The new P Zero also stands out visually, thanks to new graphics with contrasting markings on the tyre sidewall.

A large part of the new range incorporates Pirelli’s exclusive technologies, including Elect: a package of technologies developed specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which increases range by up to 10% by reducing rolling resistance, and also integrates solutions specifically designed to cope with the high torque levels of these types of vehicles and to reduce noise.

In addition, Pirelli engineers are already working on developing specific versions for dozens of models about to be launched, with homologations already granted for cars such as the Lamborghini Urus SE, Audi A5, BMW M5 and M5 Touring, Mercedes GLE and GLS, Lucid Gravity, Polestar 4, Nio ET9 and Xiaomi SU7.

The P Zero family includes UHP products developed for a wide variety of uses: from electric vehicles to track driving, including tires for specific use in winter conditions. In addition to this latest P Zero, the other members of the family provide an extended response to all driving needs.

These include the P Zero E (which combines electric mobility and safety — proven by the triple “A” rating on the EU tire label — with a lower environmental impact, thanks to the use of more than 55% natural or recycled materials) and the P Zero R, designed to maximize sports performance and driving pleasure in high-performance cars and SUVs.

For track use, Pirelli offers the P Zero Trofeo RS, also approved for road use.

The range also includes the P Zero Winter 2, which enhances performance and driving pleasure even on wet or snowy roads.

The P Zero name first emerged in motorsport and continues to be synonymous with the highest level of tire performance, from Formula 1 to many other categories.

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