Verified news for the week of December 1 to 7, 2025.

1. Performance & Product Releases and New Arrivals

• Solid-state batteries are getting closer: Japanese automakers have made major announcements regarding solid-state batteries. Toyota and Nissan have presented concrete targets for integrating this technology starting in 2027, promising to double range and significantly reduce charging times, which could revolutionize the electric vehicle market.
• First images of the electric Opel Manta: Photos of the upcoming Opel Manta electric coupe have leaked, confirming its fastback design and its positioning as a high-performance "halo" vehicle for the brand. The model is highly anticipated, as it is set to mark the return of a historic nameplate.
• Gearing up for CES 2026: Automakers, from Mercedes-Benz to Stellantis, are finalizing their announcements for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January. The main themes are in-cabin artificial intelligence and vehicle connectivity.

2. Global News & Automaker Market

• The leasing boom is accelerating: Year-end figures confirm that long-term leasing (LLD) and lease with purchase option (LOA) now account for an overwhelming share of new vehicle sales in France, particularly for electric models. This trend is directly linked to the rising purchase price of new cars.
• Price war confirmed for 2026: Facing pressure from Chinese brands, European automakers, including Stellantis, have announced that their 2026 strategy will include streamlined lineups and targeted price cuts on entry-level electric models, especially city cars.
• Mixed results for EVs: Despite a year-end marked by significant promotions, the electric vehicle market is showing signs of slowing in Europe, prompting the industry to reassess its short-term production targets.

3. Motorsport: The F1 Result

• ⭐ F1: Lando Norris Is World Champion!

  The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wrapped up the F1 season with a nail-biting finish. Although Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the race, Lando Norris (McLaren) took 2nd place, securing the points needed to become the 2025 World Drivers' Champion! It is Norris's first title and McLaren's first since 2008.

https://www.lequipe.fr/Formule-1/Actualites/La-saison-du-champion-du-monde-de-formule-1-lando-norris-en-chiffres/1615210

4. Upcoming Auto Events & Must-See Dates

• The Big 2025 Year in Review: Media outlets and automakers are publishing detailed analyses of sales and performance for the past year. This review will be key to anticipating 2026 trends (hybrids, compact EVs).
• F1 Silly Season: The final days of the year often bring major transfer announcements, with the "Silly Season" wrapping up ahead of the winter break and the start of preparations for the 2026 cars.

5. Performance Pick of the Week

Lando Norris, a Well-Deserved Champion: Our pick of the week goes to the new F1 World Champion, Lando Norris. His championship win, clinched at the final race under immense pressure from Max Verstappen, embodies the resilience of McLaren and the rise of a driver praised for his speed and consistency. His title opens a new era in motorsport.

See you next week for another Fast News!