components aimed at increasing electric vehicle (EV) range through weight reduction, using innovative materials, more efficient manufacturing processes, and lightweighting technologies. This initiative is part of the Electric and Connected Vehicle Strategic Project (PERTE VEC – Section B), under Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, funded by the European Union through the Next Generation EU program. The ultimate objective is...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/31

Geely Auto launches E5 and Starray EM-i across five European markets On March 27, Geely Auto announced that it had launched its new global energy models, the Geely E5 and Starray EM-i, across five European countries, including Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Their expansion into Europe is supported by Geely’s long-term investment in technology, with R&D and design centers in Germany, Sweden, the UK, and Italy, helping ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/27

[Exclusive Interview] Yokowo: Advancing smart mobility through flexible mmWave connectivity The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 was held in Barcelona, Spain from March 2 to 5, 2026. During the event, MarkLines conducted exclusive interviews with several exhibitors showcasing next-generation connectivity technologies. At the joint booth of Yokowo Co., Ltd. and Yonezawa Bussan Co., Ltd., we interviewed Mr. Kensuke Oe, Sales Manager at Yokowo, and ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/27

also be coated with a special zinc layer, which is uncommon for this type of steel. The coating improves corrosion resistance and helps protect the vehicle body for a longer time. The research project also includes RWTH Aachen University (Germany), National Center for Metallurgical Research CENIM (Spain), RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, and French Corrosion Institute. The new steel offers several benefits i.e., better protection in collision...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/26

[Exclusive Interview] 5GAA highlights progress in V2X and evolution of connected vehicle technologies The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 took place in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to 5, 2026. During the event, MarkLines conducted a series of exclusive interviews with companies presenting next generation connectivity technologies. As part of this coverage, we spoke with Dr. Maxime Flament, Chief Technology Officer at the 5G Automotive Associat...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/26

ANFAC, Spain, joins European Alliance for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles On March 25, ANFAC, the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers, joined the European Alliance for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (ECAVA), an industry forum for discussion and advice promoted by the European Commission. ECAVA brings together the entire value chain of the automotive sector, technology companies, start-ups, and research centers around th...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/26

KD, Spain, to present 10GBASE-AU optical camera system in TAIPEI AMPA & E-Mobility Taiwan 2026 On March 25, KD announced that it will showcase the first 10GBASE-AU optical camera system with fiber connectivity at TAIPEI AMPA & E-Mobility Taiwan 2026. It is developed together with Leopard Imaging. It features optical hybrid cabling from Corning and implements the KD7251 optical transceiver. The demonstration offers a tangible example of how optica...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/26

SEAT Martorell plant, Spain begins mass production of EV battery systems On March 25, SEAT & CUPRA started mass production of battery systems at its Martorell plant, Spain. These batteries will power electric models made there, including the VW ID. Polo. The battery systems use the VW Group’s Unified Cell, a global battery platform designed to work across different brands, regions and vehicle segments. The E-Box, known as the brain of the batte...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/25

Santana Motors, Spain partners with MSX International to support European market expansion On March 24, Santana Motors signed a collaboration agreement with MSX International, a leading global consultancy in the automotive sector, to support its planned entry into European markets. The agreement enables Santana to quickly gain access to European market knowledge, a strong network of contacts, and operational capabilities that would otherwise take...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/25

LPG, E85/ethanol and other fuels) sales decreased 39.6% to 18,319 units (1.9% share) . In February, sales volume of the top five countries increased 2.9% year-on-year to 676,456 units (69.1% share). Germany sales were up 3.8% to 211,262 units and Italy sales were up 14.0% to 157,248 units. France, Spain and UK were down 14.7%, up 7.5%, and up 7.2% respectively. The sales volume of the top five groups in February were flat at 657,179 units (67.1%...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/25

Kostal receives EUR 0.5 million ACCIO grant for investment plan in Catalonia, Spain Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG (Kostal) announced that its project, Kostal Electrica, S.A. Strategic Plan in Spain has received EUR 0.5 million in financial support from ACCIO (Catalonia Trade & Investment) under the High-Impact Business Investment Aid program 2023. The project will help to introduce new local activities and expansion of production capacity. It invo...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/24

Spain announces tax benefit for purchase of electric vehicles On March 20, the Government of Spain announced urgent measures in response to the impact of the war in the Middle East, including tax cuts on electricity and fuel and aid for the most affected sectors. A 15% income tax deduction is planned for buying an electric or plug-in vehicle. The measures also include a reduction in VAT on gasoline and diesel fuels, electricity, and natural gas....

News  Updated at: 2026/03/23

main structurally constrained even if European sales continue to grow. We will also be keeping a close eye on the development of more speculative Chinese localization plans, including a potential third BYD plant; new facilities from MG and Great Wall Motor; Geely’s production at Ford’s plant in Spain; and Dongfeng and Chery using Nissan’s and JLR’s facilities in the UK, among others. If these deals materialize, they could be instrumental ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/23

UGT FICA urges Spain government to seek clarity on Renault and Nissan investments amid war concerns On March 19, the General Secretary of UGT FICA, Mariano Hoya, urged the Spanish government to activate the social safety net to protect jobs, manufacturing operations, and the supply chain, expressing about the enormous concern about the consequences of the Iran war. He highlighted growing concern at major manufacturing centers like Renault and Ni...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/20

Renault discusses five new models for Spanish plants with labor unions On March 19, multiple sources reported that during a meeting between Renault Spain and the labor union, Renault proposed a new industrial plan for Spanish plants. It includes five new models, three for the Palencia plant (two electric and one hybrid vehicle) and two for the Valladolid plant (hybrid vehicles). This plan depends on approving a collective agreement that ensures c...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/20

Spain announces launch of new PERTE VEC 5 On March 19, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism announced that application for the battery-focused PERTE VEC 5 program will open in April with a budget of EUR 100 million. It will be governed by the CISAF state aid scheme, allowing for a longer project implementation period.  The ministry has already allocated more than EUR 200 million from the PERTE VEC 4 value chain line, highlighting EUR 16.8 millio...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/19

Basquevolt, Spain, secures new investors to accelerate industrialization of battery technology On March 18, Basquevolt announced the entry of Axon Partners Group, through its ClimateTech investment strategy supported by Ventures EPM, into its shareholding structure as an investor. It will enable Basquevolt to advance its industrial roadmap, including the scale-up of electrolyte production and the reinforcement of its manufacturing and validation ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/19

wireless smartphone connectivity. It has 17 intelligent driver assistance systems, enabling L2 autonomous driving through a network of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors, including a 540-degree surround-view camera system. Changan is now present in 16 European markets, with launches in Italy, Spain, and Poland coming soon. The model is designed at the Changan Design Center Europe in Turin and calibrated at the Changan UK R&D Centre in Birmi...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/17

Valeo and POWEN partner for renewable energy for Martos, Spain plant On March 11, Valeo announced a partnership with POWEN. The collaboration focuses on a new 7.8-Megawatt self-consumption solar project developed under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model. Valeo’s plant in Martos adopted this model, ensuring 100% self-consumption of the clean electricity generated at an external location, situated 6,000 meters away. The plant now produces ove...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/12

Mazda opens all-new CX-6e presales in Spain On March 10, Mazda Spain announced the start of pre-sales and pricing for the all-new Mazda CX-6e, a fully electric SUV that will arrive at Spanish dealerships in summer 2026. The Mazda CX-6e is equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 258 hp and 290 Nm of torque. It is powered by a 78-kWh LFP battery, allowing for up to 484 km of 52WLTP range in the Takumi version with 19-inch wheels. The...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/12