AUTONEWS

An electrifying prospect: Retrofitting diesel buses instead of replacing them

An Empa study shows that retrofitting existing diesel buses for electric operation would allow the entire European bus fleet to be electrified about 15 years earlier. This would benefit not only the environment but also bus operators. With the cost savings, they could expand public transportation services – without a significant need for additional infrastructure.

One our biggest “to-dos” on the path to net-zero is transportation. Electric vehicles are replacing internal combustion engines; public transit is expected to grow, while private vehicle use is likely to decrease. Buses are a particularly attractive option for expanding public transportation: Unlike railways, they require virtually no new infrastructure. If private vehicle use declines at the same time as bus capacity expands, existing roads will have enough space to accommodate additional buses.

However, to fulfill their role in promoting sustainability, the buses must run on electricity. Today, diesel buses are increasingly being replaced by electric buses. But this process is still in its infancy: In 2023, just under three percent of all buses on European roads were electric. “If the bus fleet remains constant, it will take until at least 2055 for more than 95% of all European buses to be replaced by electric ones,” says Harald Desing from the Technology and Society laboratory at Empa in St. Gallen. “That’s after 2050, the year by which the net-zero target is supposed to be achieved in Europe and Switzerland – and many countries and regions have set themselves even more ambitious goals.”

In a paper recently published in the journal Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability, Desing therefore examined the potential of a different approach. “If we retrofit existing buses to run on electricity instead of replacing them with new ones, we’ll achieve full electrification of the bus fleet about 15 years earlier – and save on emissions and raw materials in the process,” concludes the researcher.

Simple conversion for lower emissions...As part of the EU research project CircEUlar, Desing has examined in detail the potential of this so-called e-retrofitting for the European bus fleet. His study shows that the conversion would be technically and economically feasible. “There are already companies today that offer e-retrofits for diesel and gasoline vehicles,” says the researcher. The major advantage with buses is that the process and the required components could be standardized. “In contrast to the wide variety of cars, there are only a few model series of city buses, but they are produced in large numbers,” explains Desing.

The average lifespan of a diesel bus in Europe is about 20 years. After that, the end-of-life vehicles are usually sold to other countries, where they continue to operate for many decades – and continue to produce emissions. “That’s not the most sustainable solution. Climate change doesn’t stop at national borders,” says Desing. Retrofitting prevents the bus from continuing to run on diesel elsewhere – and the conversion itself causes about 20 to 50 percent less environmental impact per bus than the production of a new bus.

To convert a diesel bus into an electric bus, you essentially need to replace the engine and transmission. Batteries are installed in place of the exhaust system and diesel tank. Any auxiliary drives for the air conditioning, braking system, and power steering can be converted to small electric motors relatively easily. “With standardized retrofit kits, a single conversion would take only a few days. The electrification of the fleet could thus take place without significantly impacting day-to-day operations,” the researcher explains. Furthermore, the removed parts consist largely of steel and aluminum and can be recycled.

A faster and more cost-effective path to an e-bus fleet...Another advantage of retrofitting: Fleet operators would not have to wait for their vehicles to reach the end of their 20-year service life or artificially shorten it but could make the switch at any time. This could even extend the buses' service life: “Today, buses are replaced because they no longer meet modern emissions standards, such as those for particulate matter or noise,” explains Desing. “When the powertrain is replaced, the body and interior can often remain in service for much longer.” Bus operators thus save costs in the long term. Alternatively, these savings could also be invested in expanding the bus fleet.

The additional charging infrastructure for electric buses was not the subject of Desing’s study. However, the researcher is confident that this could be implemented relatively easily. “In locations with existing overhead lines, for example, buses can be charged while in motion,” the researcher explains. This would enable even greater cost savings during retrofitting, as smaller batteries would suffice.

To further pursue this promising strategy, the technology for e-retrofitting would need to be standardized and scaled up. Although his study focused on the European bus fleet, Harald Desing also sees potential for other countries and regions – though this would first need to be investigated more closely. It would also be conceivable to retrofit trucks, which are on the roads in even greater numbers.

E-retrofitting as a way to accelerate bus fleet electrification in Europe? Assuming a similar operational lifetime of the existing bus fleet in the coming decades, >95% electrification of the European bus fleet will not be achieved before 2055. As most European countries aim at becoming climate neutral before 2050, this strategy of replacing the current, predominantly diesel-powered bus fleet with new BEV will arrive too late. What we need, thus, is a strategy capable of accelerating bus electrification, not least to make public transport more attractive to motivate reduced car reliance.

The electrification of bus transit is one essential milestone on the road to reach cities’, regions’, and countries’ climate goals, improve air quality in urban areas and reduce noise pollution. Mature technological options are available on the market and new city bus registrations in Europe are on a fast track to reach 100% likely still this decade provided current growth rates continue (estimate by Transport & Environment). And in regional and inter-city bus transit, the share of battery electric vehicles (BEV) is also constantly increasing.

But the question is: is it fast enough to electrify the existing fleet compatible with Europe’s climate ambition? In the past 25 years, the number of buses on European roads (EU+4) remained about constant at roughly 800,000 units. More than 95% of the existing fleet in 2025 was powered by fossil drive trains (mostly diesel, some petrol, gas, and hybrids), which will have to be replaced to reach emission-free bus transit. The average lifetime in the last 25 years was around 20 years and replacements of buses were driven by improving emission standards and fuel efficiency.

''If 95% of all buses produced since 2010 and still on the road today would be retrofitted, it would allow to achieve electrification 15 years earlier than in the replacement scenario. For whole of Europe, this can safe 300 million tons of CO2,e emissions, more than the emissions of Spain in 2024''...Harald Desing, Scientist, Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

Bus electrification: time to replace the fleet are too long...Assuming a similar operational lifetime of the existing bus fleet in the coming decades and a very ambitious target of reaching 100% clean bus registrations by 2035, >95% electrification of the European bus fleet will not be achieved before 2057. As most European countries aim at becoming climate neutral before 2050, this strategy of replacing the current, predominantly diesel-powered bus fleet with new BEV will arrive too late even if we would ambitiously ramp-up new BEV bus registrations. What we need, thus, is a strategy capable of accelerating bus electrification, not least to make public transport more attractive to motivate reduced car reliance.

One possibility would be to shorten the lifetime of existing diesel buses and replace them with BEV prematurely. This strategy will, however, increase the cost of the public transport system and requires the bus industry to temporarily increase production numbers. If old diesel buses continue to get sold to countries outside Europe, they will remain on the road and thus still emit CO2 for many decades to come. Scraping functioning diesel buses prematurely, in contrast, is perceived a waste of resources and counter to the circular economy paradigm even though this would be environmentally beneficial.

Provided by Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

CITROEN

Citroen e-C3 TONIC

With the e-C3 TONIC special edition, Citroen continues its mission to make electric mobility accessible to all by offering a model designed for customers looking for a vehicle that is affordable, attractive and adapted to their daily lives.

Aimed primarily at urban buyers and drivers who want to switch to an electric car without compromising on the essentials, this new edition combines style, connectivity and ease of use at a particularly competitive price.

Based on the YOU trim level, the e-C3 TONIC builds on the strengths that made the new e-C3 a success: five full-size seats, industry-leading comfort and a practical approach to electric mobility. It builds on this foundation with a distinctive design signature, roof rails and a two-tone roof, as well as features highly appreciated in everyday use, such as its 10-inch colour touchscreen, to provide a modern, intuitive and connected experience.

Available in two options to best suit a wide range of uses and budgets, the e-C3 TONIC allows everyone to choose the solution that best suits their needs. This approach remains true to Citroën’s philosophy of making electric vehicles even simpler, more accessible and more relevant for as many people as possible.

With the TONIC special edition, Citroën is bringing new energy to its electric C3 by highlighting its distinctive and instantly recognisable design. This version stands out thanks to a combination of unique styling elements:

A two-tone roof available in Aden Red or Perla Nera Black, adding contrast and character.

The roof rails and rear spoiler are borrowed from the higher trim levels for a more aggressive look.

The Yellow Lemon elements on the front bumper add a fresh, bold and vibrant touch of colour.

The TONIC badge positioned below the door mirrors. Designed in an abstract, geometric style, it is a true signature of the edition.

A sticker that adds a graphic touch to the windscreen pillar.

Available in Blanc Banquise or Noir Perla Nera body colours, the e-C3 TONIC embraces a youthful, urban and expressive identity, in line with the expectations of customers looking for a car that is both affordable and satisfying to own.

Accessible and connected, the e-C3 TONIC offers all the essential features expected today, with an added touch of modernity. The interior emphasizes simplicity and comfort with:

A central, ergonomic 10.25-inch colour touchscreen.

A dashboard with fabric inserts, taken from the PLUS trim level, which enhances the perception of quality and visual comfort.

This warm and modern interior environment is fully in line with Citroën’s DNA, focused on ease of use and well-being in the vehicle.

The TONIC special series aims to offer affordable electric mobility adapted to every need. Depending on their use and budget, customers can choose between two range options:

The most affordable option, the e-C3 Urban Range, is equipped with a 30 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 206 km WLTP (293 km in urban driving) and the possibility of fast DC charging up to 30 kW, perfect for everyday urban and suburban journeys.

The most versatile option, the e-C3 Comfort Range, is equipped with a 44 kWh battery, offering up to 309 km WLTP (440 km in urban driving), and the possibility of fast charging up to 100 kW, which expands the possibilities of use with a longer range.

Each customer can thus choose the solution that best suits their lifestyle and driving habits.

 

Autonews

 

AUTONEWS

Airlines maintain flight frequencies despite increased competition from high-speed rail

The European Union supports high-speed rail as a sustainable form of transport and how market liberalization can help promote its development. Spain is one of the few countries where this measure has been implemented. In 2020, the market was opened to competition on the main high-speed rail corridors: Madrid–Barcelona, Madrid–Valencia, Madrid–Alicante, Madrid–Seville and Madrid–Málaga. As a result, both the supply of services and passenger demand increased. On these routes, the frequency rose from 78 to 115 journeys a day and the number of seats increased by 60% (from around 24 million in 2019 to around 37 million in 2023). As for demand, it rose by up to 45% (from around 20 million passengers in 2019 to over 30 million in 2023).

These positive results of liberalization increased the market share of high-speed rail to over 80% on most routes compared with air travel on those routes where the two modes compete. Airlines responded to this competition by reducing seating capacity, replacing some aircraft models with others of lower capacity. However, flight frequency remained unchanged.

“The significant increase in high-speed rail services in Spain following liberalization has not led to a reduction in the number of flights,” the three authors of the article conclude. They are Daniel Albalate, director of the Observatory for the Analysis and Evaluation of Public Policy at the UB; Albert Gragera, professor from the Department of Applied Economics at the UAB; and Pere Suau, head of the Sustainability, Management and Transport Research Group (SUMAT), affiliated with the Digital Transformation and Governance Research Centre  (UOC-DIGIT), and professor of Economics and Business Studies.

The liberalization of the high-speed rail market in Spain in 2020 led to an increase in passenger numbers compared with its competitor, air travel. Airlines responded to this increased competition by reducing seat capacity by 10% to 16%, while maintaining flight frequencies to preserve connectivity through their hub airports, according to a study by researchers from the University of Barcelona, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya published in Research in Transportation Business & Management.

The article explains how the European Union supports high-speed rail as a sustainable form of transport and how market liberalization can help promote its development. Spain is one of the few countries where this measure has been implemented. In 2020, the market was opened to competition on the main high-speed rail corridors: Madrid–Barcelona, Madrid–Valencia, Madrid–Alicante, Madrid–Seville and Madrid–Málaga.

As a result, both the supply of services and passenger demand increased. On these routes, the frequency rose from 78 to 115 journeys a day, and the number of seats increased by 60% (from around 24 million in 2019 to around 37 million in 2023). As for demand, it rose by up to 45% (from around 20 million passengers in 2019 to more than 30 million in 2023).

These positive results of liberalization increased the market share of high-speed rail to more than 80% on most routes, compared with air travel on those routes where the two modes compete. Airlines responded to this competition by reducing seating capacity and replacing some aircraft models with others of lower capacity. However, flight frequency remained unchanged.

"The significant increase in high-speed rail services in Spain following liberalization has not led to a reduction in the number of flights," the three authors of the article conclude. They are Daniel Albalate, director of the Observatory for the Analysis and Evaluation of Public Policy at the UB; Albert Gragera, professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the UAB; and Pere Suau, head of the Sustainability, Management and Transport Research Group (SUMAT), affiliated with the Digital Transformation and Governance Research Center (UOC-DIGIT), and professor of economics and business studies.

"This has implications for the promotion of high-speed rail as a more sustainable mode of transport," they add. "Making high-speed rail more attractive through market forces does not appear to be a path that will lead to significant environmental and climate improvements."

They suggest that the cause could lie in the interests of network airlines, "which must maintain high flight frequencies even if it means using smaller aircraft, as many domestic flights feed into the Madrid-Barajas hub. Even with fewer passengers, these flights continue to operate to fill intercontinental aircraft."

"In conclusion, if a market liberalization as successful as that of the high-speed rail network has not been able to reduce the number of flights, it is unlikely that any market dynamics will succeed in doing so," they state. They even argue that "even if, as is intended, Spanish legislation moves toward banning short-haul flights, its impact on the number of flights and emissions would be very limited if connecting flights to hub airports continue to be exempted."

How trains can be an alternative to planes in Europe... The Dutch airline KLM recently launched an advertising campaign called “Fly Responsibly.” Surprisingly, it seems to encourage viewers to travel less. “Do you always need to meet face-to-face?” it asks. “Can you take the train instead of the plane?”

The influence of environmental activist Greta Thunberg likely explains why airlines feel compelled to say these things. “Flight shame”—the feeling of guilt associated with choosing air travel when more sustainable alternatives exist—has left many airline customers feeling uneasy about the aviation industry, which consumes five million barrels of oil a day and is projected to be responsible for about 22% of carbon emissions by 2050.

High-speed rail networks in Europe already offer an alternative to air travel between European countries for distances of less than a thousand kilometers. For longer journeys, so-called “sleeper trains” are becoming increasingly popular. These services run overnight and provide passengers with a bed for sleeping. As more consumers question the ethics of their next flight, railway companies see an opportunity—and competition with airlines is heating up.

But can night trains help offset the international journeys most people currently make by plane?

The revival of European night trains...From 2009 to 2018, the European night train network shrank. The same holds true for conventional intercity rail networks, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe. This made air travel the only alternative on many routes. But that appears to be changing. When the German railway company German Rail decided to discontinue its overnight passenger train network in 2015, the Austrian federal railway (ÖBB) took over some of the services. In 2017, ÖBB’s night service carried approximately 1.4 million passengers, more than doubling its total passenger count from the previous year.

In 2018, ÖBB achieved a further 10% increase in passenger numbers. The company’s CEO, Andreas Matthä, stated that “night services are a viable alternative to short-haul flights” and pledged to continue investing in new services. Consequently, ÖBB is expanding its night train routes. Starting in January 2020, night trains will once again run between Vienna and Brussels, 16 years after the service was discontinued.

In the UK, Great Western Railway plans to refurbish its night trains to Cornwall. The Caledonian Sleeper, which serves London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, has been upgraded through a €150 million investment in new trains.

In response to a public petition, the Swedish government plans to reintroduce overnight rail services to other European countries. A night service from Malmö, in southern Sweden, to London is planned for 2022. The service could depart in the evening and arrive in the English capital by lunchtime the following day. Spanning nearly 1,300 kilometers, the trip is an example of the many rail journeys that could replace flights between European countries.

An alternative to air travel? Aviation industry executives are concerned that “flight shame” could threaten passenger traffic, and in some countries, this already appears to be happening. Swedavia, a company operating ten of Sweden's major airports, reported a 4% drop in passenger numbers in 2019 compared to the previous year. The decline was primarily in domestic travel, while the number of international passengers fell to a lesser extent. Despite this, European air traffic grew by 4.2% in 2019.

It is too early to tell whether the resurgence of overnight trains is a permanent trend driven by "flight shame." Nevertheless, environmental awareness continues to influence travelers' choices.

Researchers studying consumer profiles across different markets have recently identified a new type of traveler: the environmentally conscious traveler. People in this category strive to maintain the most sustainable lifestyle possible—and that includes reducing the number of flights they take.

However, researchers found that awareness of the environmental crisis does not automatically translate into behavioral changes, such as choosing alternative modes of transport over air travel. More often, distance and price are more powerful motivators, particularly for short- and medium-haul trips.

Source: University of Barcelona

AUTONEWS

Fiat Grande Panda test

It is larger than any Panda ever produced, falling just 1 mm short of the four-meter mark in length. In fact, it isn't a replacement for the third-generation Panda—which has just been discontinued in the UK but remains on sale in Italy and elsewhere.

Yes, the old Panda will be replaced in a few years, according to Fiat. Popularly known in Italy as the "Pandina"—a curious name—it is a very small car.

The Grande Panda, meanwhile, is larger: supermini-sized, though at the smaller end of the supermini spectrum. For the larger end of the supermini spectrum—with slightly more sophisticated, albeit more generic, trim—consider the 600. Oh, and for a more upscale compact Fiat, there’s the 500. Fiat’s specialty, now as always, is small cars.

Just look at it. Fiat’s head of design, François Leboine, is the man behind it. Immediately before joining Fiat, he was part of Renault’s advanced design team and created the model that would become the Renault 5. A real talent, without a doubt.

The Grande Panda isn't retro, but it captures the vibe of Giugiaro’s original 1980 Panda: a boxy shape, flat surfaces, practical plastic cladding, and a dashboard inside that resembles a shelf.

Fiat believes you’ll love this car for its "Fiatness," which is why they’ve stamped the name and monogram (four diagonal bars) all over it: on the seats, door panels, and rear pillar. The letters PANDA are even embossed into the doors—a move that isn't just for show, as it actually makes the panels more rigid.

Inside, the instrument cluster surround echoes the shape of the banked test track on the roof of the historic Lingotto factory. The pixelated lights and square vents are meant to evoke the windows of that building. It’s a bit of a stretch, perhaps, but the result is interesting nonetheless. There is just enough room for adults in the back seat. Fitting three people side-by-side is a bit of a squeeze, but the car's boxy shape ensures the outboard seats offer plenty of shoulder and headroom. It is more spacious back there than in the Renault 5.

There is plenty of space to store small items in the cabin, though most compartments lack lining, causing things to slide around and rattle with every movement. It might be a good idea to invest in a rubber case for your phone, a rubber wallet, a rubber sleeve for your water bottle...

A practical touch is the coiled, retractable charging cable—yes, just like a vacuum cleaner cord—hidden behind the Fiat logo on the front. This way, you don't have to carry it in the trunk or worry about it getting wet or dirty. It is 4.5 meters long, so even if you park with the charging port facing away from the charger, it will still reach the connection point.

 

AUTONEWS

Mazda documentary wins Bronze Lion at Cannes Lions 2026

Mazda Motor Corporation announced that its documentary "Goodbye RX-7: Saying Farewell to a Dear Friend" has won the Bronze Lion in the Entertainment category at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, earning Mazda its first award at the festival.

Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) today announced that its documentary film, “Goodbye RX-7: Saying farewell to a dear friend”, which depicts the bond between a car owner and her car, has been awarded a Bronze Lion in the Entertainment Lions category at the “Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (Cannes Lions) 2026.” This marks Mazda’s first-ever award at the festival.

The Cannes Lions, established in 1954 and held annually in June in Cannes, France, is one of the world’s largest festivals dedicated to advertising and communications. During the festival, award-winning works across each category are announced sequentially, and the festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious creative awards in the world.

The award-winning film is a documentary that traces the shared journey of a female owner and her cherished RX-7 over 25 years, capturing the irreplaceable bond forged between a human and a car. Through the owner’s deep affection and gratitude, culminating in her decision to relinquish her driver’s license as she approached 80, the film conveys that a car is not merely a means of transportation, but a companion that accompanies one throughout life.

Mazda believes that cars are irreplaceable partners that enrich people’s lives through the joy of driving. Based on this belief, the film tells a story of how the time and memories shared with a car shape the brand—an aspect that was recognized through this award. In addition, Mazda has carried forward the owner’s sentiments by taking in the vehicle and assigning it a new role as a PR car, thereby contributing to the continuation of the story portrayed in the film.

Founded in 1954 and held annually in Cannes, France, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is one of the world's leading advertising and communications events. The Entertainment Lions category recognizes brand content that goes beyond traditional advertising and engages audiences through entertainment and cultural relevance.

The film tells the authentic story of long-term ownership of a Mazda RX-7 over approximately 25 years, combining real-life use and maintenance of the vehicle with the final stages of ownership. It provides a believable portrayal of the relationship that can develop between driver and car over time, while addressing broader themes such as the vehicle's lifecycle and changing mobility needs, including voluntary retirement in later life.

The production was made in collaboration with the Japanese production company that initiated the project and submitted it for Cannes Lions. The documentary uses a factual interview-based approach, combined with observational footage, to provide an authentic record of ownership.

The RX-7, which was produced from 1978 to 2002, is one of Mazda’s most recognizable models and is closely associated with rotary engine technology. It remains a key element of Mazda’s heritage preservation efforts and engagement with enthusiasts around the world.

In addition to Cannes Lions, the film has also won several international awards, including the Crystal Award at the MAD STARS 2025 (Busan International Marketing Advertising Festival), the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Eibunren Awards 2025, and the TEAM UKYO Award and Grand Prix at the International Auto Film Fest 2026.

The project is part of Mazda’s broader strategy to capture long-term customer relationships and the continued value and relevance of its vehicles beyond their production.

Mazda PR

AUTONEWS

Fiat Topolino Sport Special Edition

FIAT introduces the new Topolino Sport Special Edition, a special version designed to captivate a younger audience by drawing inspiration from its rich heritage—specifically the iconic 1958 Nuova 500 Sport, a symbol of boldness and sporting spirit. In this reinterpretation, the new edition stays true to its roots while speaking the language of new drivers. Simple, fun, and iconic: these three words capture the essence of the new Topolino Sport, where timeless charm meets a fresh, contemporary attitude.

Rooted in history yet with an identity designed for the present, the new Topolino Sport boasts a bolder look and a dynamic, unmistakable presence. Created to appeal to a younger demographic, it embodies a vibrant spirit and a carefree approach to mobility, bringing fresh urban energy to young drivers.

This special series stands out for its expressive customization, offering four new color options and three distinct stripe combinations, allowing each customer to create a look that best reflects their personality. The palette includes white with a red stripe, blue with white stripes, yellow with black stripes, and black with red stripes.

A special edition created to connect with a younger audience, inspired by its rich heritage - and in particular the iconic Nuova 500 Sport from 1958, a symbol of boldness and sporting spirit.

As a modern reinterpretation of that heritage, the new edition remains true to its roots, while at the same time speaking the language of a new generation. Simple, playful and iconic: these three words capture the essence of the new Topolino Sport, where timeless charm meets a fresh, contemporary attitude.

Rooted in history, yet driven by modern energy, the new Topolino Sport offers a bolder look and an unmistakable dynamic presence. Created to resonate with a younger audience, it embodies a lively spirit and a carefree approach to mobility, bringing a new spark of fun to a new generation.

The exterior is further enhanced by distinctive design elements that reinforce its sporty character, including a unique stripe treatment, black headlight bezels, matte black wheels, and a "Sport" logo. Black mirror caps complete the look, highlighting its confident, contemporary identity.

Inside, the same design philosophy endures, offering a cohesive and refined aesthetic. The cabin features black seats and an updated "Dolcevita Box" clad in carbon-look vinyl, complemented by a new strap—details that add a modern touch while preserving the model's iconic appeal.

With its compact proportions, expressive style, and unmistakable character, the Topolino Sport reimagines urban mobility from a youthful, engaging perspective—staying true to its DNA while appealing directly to a whole new generation of drivers.

To make the ownership experience even more engaging and fun, all Topolino Sport customers will receive the new "Monsterlino" dual stereo speaker kit, featuring Bluetooth connectivity and hi-fi sound.

This special edition stands out for its expressive personalisation, with four new colour options and three distinctive stripe combinations, allowing customers to choose the look that best reflects their personality. The range includes white with red stripes, blue with white stripes, yellow with black stripes and black with red stripes.

The exterior is further enhanced with distinctive design elements that enhance its sporty character, including special striped treatment, black headlight bezels, matte black wheels and the Sport logo. Black mirror caps complete the look, highlighting its confident and contemporary identity.

Inside, the same design philosophy continues with a cohesive and refined aesthetic. The cabin features black seats and an updated vinyl-wrapped Dolcevita box, complete with a new seat belt - details that add a modern look while preserving the model's iconic appeal.

With its compact proportions, expressive style and unmistakable character, the Topolino Sport reinterprets urban mobility through a youthful and appealing lens - staying true to its DNA while directly addressing a new generation.

To make the ownership experience even more engaging and fun, every Topolino Sport buyer will receive the new Monsterlino Bluetooth hi-fi kit with two stereo speakers.

This special edition represents a seamless blend of heritage and innovation, proving that the Topolino remains simple, playful and iconic - today more than ever.

 

AUTONEWS

The legendary “Stojadin” is back as a dangerous electric beast: See what the new Zastava 102 e looks like

Car enthusiasts in the Balkans often like to reminisce about old domestic models that generations grew up with. You probably remember the story of the Zastava 5700 model, which many in the region thought was a real, secret project from Kragujevac, although it was actually the vision of Slovenian designer Andrej Troha. The same author has now attracted a lot of attention again with a project he called the Zastava 102 e, and it is a modern electric successor to the legendary Zastava 101, or the popular “Kec”.

The photos of this concept look very realistic, as if it is a model that is ready for mass production. Troha took the recognizable lines of the former “Stojadin” and successfully adapted them to today's trends, more precisely the form of a compact electric city crossover. The design of the Zastava 102 e combines striking details from the 1980s with modern solutions in the automotive industry. 

The front grille features a black honeycomb grille with a large orange ZASTAVA inscription. The round LED headlights with a light ring are directly reminiscent of the first series of the Kragujevac-based “Kec”, while the robust bumper and intakes give the vehicle a more stable and powerful stance.

When the car is viewed from the side, the rear end and the sloping trunk are immediately noticeable, which was the main trademark of the original Zastava 101. On the roof are integrated rails with powerful LED reflectors for night driving, while the rear end is adorned with futuristic arrow-shaped light clusters, a discreet black spoiler and a diffuser with attractive orange tow hooks. The whole story is rounded off by massive rims with orange details that blend perfectly with the metallic copper body color. Also, the car’s ground clearance has been significantly raised compared to the original, which was not that difficult.

The letter “e” in the name clearly indicates that the designer envisioned this model as a fully electric car. Although these are three-dimensional renderings and an artist’s vision, the images immediately sparked discussions on internet forums, and the main question that arises is: would you drive a modern “Kec” on electricity? The European and regional markets currently lack affordable, yet strikingly designed electric cars. If an investor were to emerge ready to revive such a concept in Kragujevac’s facilities, the Zastava 102 e would likely be a serious competitor to models like the Dacia Spring and would attract a huge number of buyers in the region.