FAST NEWS - The Hubshop Weekly Update / Week #48

News for the week of November 17 to 23, 2025.

1. Performance Releases, New Models & Products

• 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc Review: The automotive press has published the first reviews of the second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc. This model is Volkswagen's best-selling vehicle in Europe, and the reviews focus on its ability to maintain its benchmark status.
• Xpeng reaches a milestone: Chinese manufacturer Xpeng has announced it has passed the one million vehicles produced mark, signaling accelerating growth in the global market.
• Kia EV3 Launch: The new Kia EV3 compact electric SUV is now available at dealerships, with claimed ranges from 436 km to 605 km (depending on the battery), making it a competitive option in the B-segment.

2. Industry News & Manufacturer Announcements

• Renault slows down on fast chargers: Renault has announced that it plans to slow the rollout of its fast-charging network in Europe outside France. The group cites still-weak demand for electric vehicles and the cost of infrastructure.
• Renault and Dacia recognized for customer service: For the tenth consecutive year, the Renault and Dacia brands have won the 2026 Customer Service of the Year Award with an overall score of 18.88 out of 20.
• Waymo expands in the United States: The Alphabet (Google) subsidiary has announced the upcoming expansion of its robotaxi service to three new major U.S. cities, extending its lead in autonomous vehicle technology.

3. Motorsport - Weekend Results

• ⭐ F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix: Verstappen Wins! The Las Vegas Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen (Red Bull) win the race. Although he set the fastest time on track, both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris (pole position) and Oscar Piastri, were disqualified after the race for technical non-compliance.
• WRC - Title at Stake: Rally Japan took place in week 45. The World Rally Championship title has not yet been decided. It will be settled at the final event in Saudi Arabia (late November / early December), where Elfyn Evans (272 points) and Sébastien Ogier (269 points) are the two main contenders after Japan.

4. Upcoming Car Events & Must-Sees

• F1 - The Abu Dhabi Finale: The Formula 1 world is holding its breath for the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi. The stakes are at their highest following the McLaren disqualifications in Las Vegas.
• WRC - The Final Event: The World Rally Championship will be decided at the final event, where the Evans versus Ogier duel will determine the champion.

5. Performance Pick of the Week

McLaren's Double Disqualification in F1: Our pick, or rather the bombshell of the week, goes to the double McLaren disqualification in Las Vegas. This decision had a major impact on the championship, completely reopening the fight for both the constructors' and drivers' titles and making the final round in Abu Dhabi completely unpredictable.

See you after the Abu Dhabi GP for a special "Season Review" edition of Fast News!