FAST NEWS - Hubshop's Weekly Roundup / Week #02

1. Launches & New Releases: The Future Unveiled at CES 2026

• Sony Honda Mobility makes a big splash: At the opening of CES in Las Vegas, the joint venture unveiled the AFEELA Prototype 2026. Closer to production than ever, this "pre-production" version confirms U.S. deliveries starting at the end of the year. The concept: the car as a "space for creativity and entertainment," powered by AI and Unreal Engine 5 for the interface.
• Mercedes CLA - Streaming comes on board: The three-pointed star brand showcased the integration of the DTS AutoStage Video system, enabling high-definition in-car streaming. This CLA, spearheading the new MMA platform, promises record efficiency to take on Tesla.
• Caterpillar and heavy-duty autonomy: In a CES highlight, the construction equipment giant presented its vision of full autonomy for mining and construction sites, proving that the mobility revolution goes well beyond passenger cars.

2. Global News & Market: The 2025 Review and the January 1 Shock

• 2025 French Sales - The Clio remains queen: The results are in! The Renault Clio V finished 2025 as the best-selling car with over 100,000 registrations. The overall market fell 5% (1.63 million units), marked by persistent gloom despite the success of hybrids (now 50.5% of the market).
• The Renault 5 E-Tech tidal wave: In its first full year, the electric R5 became the best-selling electric car in France (37,997 units), dethroning the Tesla Model Y, which dropped 32%.
• 2026 Malus - Tightening the screws: Since January 1, the CO2 malus has reached record highs (up to €80,000) and the weight-based malus now kicks in from 1,500 kg. The good news: the ecological bonus has been increased for lower-income households, reaching up to €7,700 combined.

3. Motorsport - Dakar 2026: First Sparks in the Desert

• ⭐ Dakar - De Mevius and Canet surprise: The cross-country rally kicked off in Saudi Arabia on January 3. In the car category, Belgian driver Guillaume de Mevius (Mini) won the first stage around Yanbu, while Nasser Al-Attiyah already leads the overall standings. In the bike category, young rider Edgar Canet (KTM) impressed by taking the lead after Ross Branch was penalized.
• F1 2026 - The countdown begins: With the arrival of 2026, Formula 1 officially enters the year of its technical revolution. Teams are finalizing "lighter and more agile" car concepts (-30 kg) with tripled electric power (350 kW). Anticipation around the Audi power unit and the new 100% sustainable fuel is huge.

4. Upcoming Auto Events

• Brussels Motor Show (January 2026): The Belgian show is shaping up to be the major European event to discover the year's "affordable" new models, including the highly anticipated production Renault Twingo electric.
• Dakar finale: The next two weeks will be decisive for Sébastien Loeb, chasing his first Dakar title with the Dacia team.

5. Performance Pick of the Week

The Afeela Prototype 2026: Our pick goes to the boldness of the Sony-Honda alliance. While many doubted the project's viability, the Afeela now stands as a true, finished "smartphone on wheels," ready to shake up the premium segment. It proves that the 2026 auto industry is no longer defined by horsepower, but by computing power and user experience.

The team wishes you a fantastic 2026, off to a flying start!