electric cars

Oct. 14 (UPI) — General Motors will take a nearly $2 billion financial loss in its third quarter over its electric vehicle program after a shift in U.S. policy.

On Tuesday, the Detroit-based carmaker revealed a $1.6 billion dent in a public filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission and added its “ongoing” in GM’s EV capacity reassessment.

It comes amid a turnaround in U.S. regulations on EV’s and the end to $7,500 federal tax credits under the Trump administration set in place by then-U.S. President Joe Biden.

“Following recent U.S. government policy changes, including the termination of certain consumer tax incentives for EV purchases and the reduction in the stringency of emissions regulations, we expect the adoption rate of EVs to slow,” the company stated in its filing.

GM’s more than $1 billion loss will include $1.2 billion in non-cash and other special charges. The other $400 million will result from contract cancellation fees and other commercial settlements related to GM’s EV investments over the last few years.

But it warned it was “reasonably possible” General Motors could face future similar charges.

The company is set to officially report the results next Tuesday. But GM’s finance shakeup will not impact its adjusted earnings so far as its relation to the New York Stock Exchange.

GM is a U.S.-based global company with 50 facilities in 19 states, including 11 vehicle assembly plants.

Its new energy arm was initially expected to double GM’s revenue over the next few years as the Michigan-based vehicle conglomerate rolled-out its EV program five years ago.

Over the summer GM announced a $4 billion U.S. investment to build manufacturing plants for both gas and electric cars in Kansas and Tennessee over the next two years.

A well thought-out interior, innovative tech and an impressive long range for an EV are just a few of the features that scooped the Renault Scenic The Sun’s Family Car of the Year award.

But could it cut the mustard (French or British) with an active family and hard-to-impress teenagers putting it through its paces?

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Here’s the lowdown on my extended Test.

Driving Experience

Over the months I had the Scenic on test, the lasting impression was that it certainly lives up to the name tag. It’s a serene drive across all types of terrain.

From a half-term trip to the West Country where we blasted down the M4 and M5 without the need for a pit stop, to a longer trek to the tip of Cornwall, we pushed the Scenic to the limit in terms of distance, weight and durability. 

As a result, it rose to the challenge, negating any fears that EVs can’t be the versatile plug-ins that so many British families are looking for.

While the acceleration is good, with a 0-62mph of 7.9 seconds, it won’t win any drag races. 

On motorways, it sits well at 70mph, with sound thrust on overtakes and lane changes. The brakes are solid and, around town, the ride held firm over pot-holed roads.

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There’s a drive mode for every whim. Eco mode naturally slows the car to optimise battery performance, capping speed and dialling down in-car features. 

All hail to its minimalist ways, which were particularly effective during a major motorway diversion.

A slightly longer route meant I might have been looking at an additional charging stop.

But I arrived home with 20 miles to spare and no range anxiety – job done!

For less frugal days, Comfort was the mid-range setting that became my default.

Sport provides that extra bit of power when required, and Perso is for those who want (and have the time) to create their own setup.

Battery Range

We’ve been treated to the Iconic Long Range 220 HP version, meaning that, in theory and on a full charge it can reach a range of 369 miles. This is pretty decent and, in my experience of EVs, gives it competitive appeal.

A larger battery size (87 kWh versus the standard model’s 60 kWH) does, however, come at an £8,000 price uptick, so one to factor into purchase budgets.

The Scenic’s output matched up well to the claimed range. In the colder months, it’s full charge only hit the 330 miles mark, but this is acceptable and more than adequate.

Similarly, on mid to longer journeys, it kept to the indicated range when driven in the 50-60mph territory. 

Any closer to 70mph and this began to drop off, but only as
expected, so not a point to fret over.

Cool Tech

Want suave design vibes? You got it. The tech was a tantalising teen dream. Sounds by French legendary electro-pop guru Jean-Michel Jarre and a rear-view mirror that can run as a video screen were the order of the day.

Throw in the Solarbay panoramic glass roof, which can darken or lighten on demand, and the awesome AC in the back and front sections of the cabin to dial up the chill factor, and we beat the heatwaves.

With the 12” multimedia touchscreen (portrait in shape so it feels like a large phone) and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system to boot, me and my gang were spoiled.

Family Friendly Features

As passengers in the back, my teens were impressed with the arm rest that keeps on giving. It unfolds to offer drinks holders, USB ports and a smart phone/tablet holder.

The boot area also had a surprise in-store. Prise up the easy-to-lift floor mat and you discover a whole new storage section. Excellent for boots in the winter, wetsuits in the summer and the dog kit whatever the season.

The Rivals

Renault is pitching the Scenic E-Tech into a cluster of new mid-sized EVs that have launched in the last year or so. 

Key rivals for the family-friendly vote come from the Kia EV3, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq. All offer sleek designs and impressive cabin features, which the Scenic stands up well to. 

The Tesla Model Y is also in this herd of contenders, but Elon’s recent political distractions has damaged his appeal to UK buyers.

Final Verdict

Making the switch to an EV might not yet be the right choice for regular families in the UK, but it is one that will start to become more familiar. 

With an on-the-road price of just over £45,000, the Renault Scenic E-Tech could be considered a relatively expensive option, but it is the full package.

It’s therefore not difficult to see why it was also crowned European Car of the Year 2024. 

Winning these accolades from experienced car reviewers is one thing, but surviving a few months with my clan is another. 

The Scenic stepped up to the mark here too, so add that to its trophy cabinet.

Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic Long Range – key facts

Here’s everything you need to know about The Sun’s Family Car of the Year:

• Price: £45,495
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds
• Battery: 87 kWh
• Top Speed: 105 mph
• Power: 220hp
• Range: 369 WLTP

FIRST it was Mondeo. Then Fiesta. Now Focus. 

Another much-loved Ford heading for the great scrapyard in the sky. 

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No matter. 

Kia is here to fill the gap by giving us two sensibly-priced, Focus-sized family hatchbacks called “4”. 

One petrol. 

One electric. 

Plus, an electric saloon thingy. 

The same thing happened with small cars. 

Ford axed the cheery Ka runabout six years ago. Yet Kia is still shifting the dinky Picanto by the boatload. 

I dunno. Them crazy Koreans giving people what they actually want. 

Right, let’s discuss the cars you see on these pages today. 

The yellow car is called K4. That’s a five-door petrol hatch from £25k. Well-equipped. Fizzy 1-litre or 1.6 turbo petrols. Seven-year warranty. As with any Kia. Undercuts a Volkswagen Golf by £3k. 

The blue car is called EV4. That’s a five-door electric hatch from £35k, before any electric car grant. Looks great. Drives sweetly.

The chassis could easily handle more power. Iron Man and Mickey Mouse integrated in the onboard computer. 

I’m serious. 

You can personalise the central screen and satnav with your favourite movie characters. The kids will love that. 

Then watch Netflix or play arcade games, if you ever need to stop to recharge. 

I say IF because the biggest 81kWh battery will do 390 miles by the official WLTP test. Closer to 320 miles in the real world.

Still more than most people do in a week. And way more than a Vauxhall Astra Electric can manage. 

Everything is super easy 

The regular EV4 has a 273-mile ­battery and recharges in a 30-minute tea-and-pee break. 

Driving impressions. You sit nice and low in this car. We like that. It rides nicely (multi-link rear axle). 

We designed this car thinking about the European customer because they love to drive

Kia engineer

Handles nicely (also multi-link rear axle). Accelerates smoothly. Everything is super easy.

If you want to feel more involved, use the braking regen paddles on the steering wheel to mimic changing down gears for a bend. 

I reckon the four-wheel-drive GT due next year is going to be a lot of fun. 

A Kia engineer told me: “We designed this car thinking about the European customer because they love to drive.” 

Too right. 

The cabin is copy-and-paste Kia’s other award-winning EVs. Which means a nice mix of screens and hard controls, cup holders and chargers for everyone, lots of recycled materials, and lots of S P A C and E. 

Like 10cm more legroom in the back than a Tesla Model 3. Like a wide-opening boot that swallows loads more stuff than a Focus, Golf or Astra. 

That’s the benefit of a ground-up ­electric car. It’s no bigger on the outside. But you get a next-size-up cabin. 

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Put simply, EV4 is a peach. 

Now for the car I’m less bothered about. The fugly EV4 Fastback. I reckon the designers were rushing to get to the pub. Either that or they finished it after they’d been to the pub. 

I’m sure someone will like it. 

It does have a bigger boot and the biggest battery as standard. 

But it costs £41k. 

At least Kia is doing Ford’s old job by giving everyone lots of choice. 

A LUXURY car is now able be unlocked without even using keys thanks to a hi-tech new feature.

The motor has left fans shocked as hands are not even needed at all to open the doors.

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Mercedes has unveiled their jaw-dropping new Mercedes-Benz Vision V, which has gained attention on social media.

One influencer shared the exciting new motor on TikTok with a tour of the Vision V.

The display of the car’s door lights up as she walks towards the vehicle, and reads: “Hi Tuesday Le Roux.”

Le Roux then says, “We’ve got face recognition. Let’s scan.”

A camera appears as it scans Le Roux’s face.

This enables the passengers doors of the Mercedes slide open and the front door swings out.

And illuminated side step also comes out making it easier for passengers to climb into the vehicle.

The interior of the Mercedes reveals fully white leather seats and an illuminating floor.

A 65-inch television screen is also able to emeberge from behind the front seats.

“We also have seven projectors all over the car creating a fully immersive experience, including projecting on the windows,” Le Roux adds.

Other features inside the Mercedes is a chessboard that folds out between the passenger seats which are zero gravity, have extendable leg rests, and can be fully reclined.

On the outside, the front grill can light up along with a “world’s first illuminated” Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.

And there is no glass at all along the front headlights, which actually contain crystal.

The rim of the wheels also illuminate.

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On the roof are several solar panels, and the back light is illuminated with a ring all around the back of the car – this contains the indicators.

Commenting on the video posted by car and technology influencer Tuesday Le Roux, fans shared their shock by this new motor.

One wrote: “Mercedes Vision V is like my living room.”

Another added: “Is this one car or heaven?”

A third said: “There is only two cars in the world, Mercedes Benz and the other cars.”

The Mercedes-Benz Vision V is set to be a range of luxurious people carriers to launch in 2026.

It will come in a variety of different models, from ultra-luxurious “CEO transport” to seven-seater family cars.

THIS is the moment the new world’s fastest car hit its record breaking speed of 308mph.

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme from BYD has now officially been crowned the new world’s fastest car – and it’s electric.

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It follows a test drive that was carried out at the German Automatic Testing Papenburg, driven by Marc Basseng.

Yangwang has now released the footage of this record-breaking run on the ATP Papenburg’s high speed oval that was achieved last week.

Basseng can be seen sitting calmly in the car with his helmet on, as the car seems to be rapidly accelerating through the track.

He exits the 49.7 degree banking at over 186mph (300kph).

Then floor it down the main straight to reach the peak speed of 308.4mph.

Basseng can then be seen celebrating the amazing milestone.

He gives a shout, a clap, and removes both hands off the wheel while still going at at 218mph.

The new Yangwang U9 Xtreme is a special edition of the Yangway U9 hypercar which is currently on sale in China.

Basseng also reached the 233 mph in the original Yangway U9 in 2024, and 292mph over the summer.

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the only other one that remains above it in speed, after being driven at 304.7mph.

Following the drive, Basseng said: “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance.

“Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine.

“Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”

Yangway has said it will sell “no more than 30” of these vehicles.

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It is the first in any production car to run a 1,200-volt electrical system.

The standard is 800-volt.

It also has a lithium ion phosphate battery with the familiar blade configuration of BYD models.

To exceed speeds of 300mph on the track, the car has revised DiSus-X suspension and semi-slick tyres.

And a hefty kerb weight of 2,480kg.

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme may usher a new era of electric supercars to challenge traditional petrol vehicles known for hitting top speed records 

Published on
22/09/2025 – 15:00 GMT+2

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Porsche’s share price slid over 7% on Monday afternoon after the firm slashed its profit outlook and postponed the rollout of an electric range.

Shares in Volkswagen, Porsche’s largest shareholder, were also down over 7% on Monday afternoon.

Porsche made the announcements on Friday, warning that the EV pivot would dent its operating profits by €1.8 billion this year.

It forecast a positive return on sales of up to 2%, down from a previous range of 5 to 7%. The announcement marked the fourth time this year the carmaker has lowered its guidance.

Porsche said that its new SUV series, previously intended to be all-electric, would “initially be offered exclusively as a combustion engine and plug-in hybrid model due to market conditions”.

The firm added that a new software platform for EVs, planned for the 2030s, would also be delayed. Simultaneously, Porsche’s existing combustion engine models will remain available for a longer period.

The Volkswagen Group, parent company of Porsche, said in a separate statement that it expected a €5.1bn hit to its operating profits this year because of Porsche’s poor performance.

Challenges for the industry in Europe

Europe’s carmakers are struggling with lacklustre demand for their EVs as Chinese competitors continue to lead on innovation and price, partly thanks to generous subsidies from Beijing.

Adding to their woes is an economic slowdown in China, denting consumer appetite in Asian markets, paired with vacillating political support for EVs in Europe.

Some firms, including VW, are hoping that the EU will allow for some flexibility on its pledge to ban combustion engine cars from 2035. On the other hand, a lack of clarity over this deadline, along with the rollback of consumer subsidies, is making it hard for companies to plan and make investment decisions.

Along with these challenges at home, proposed 15% tariffs from the Trump administration threaten to squeeze margins on EU exports to the US.

At the end of September, Porsche will leave the DAX, Germany’s leading stock index, after a dramatic slide in its share price. The firm’s stock has fallen over 30% this year.

In order to plug losses, the company is looking to cut jobs. In March, Porsche said it would axe around 1,900 posts by 2029 through natural turnover, restrictive hiring, and voluntary agreements. The company added that another 2,000 jobs would be lost through the expiration of fixed-term employment contracts.

TEN of the cheapest new cars on sale right now in the UK have been revealed.

Experts have also outlined their thoughts on the selection of new vehicles.

Top Gear gave advise on the list of the ten cheapest cars currently on sale, which includes a bizarre “micro car”.

1. Citroen Ami – £7,695

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At the top of the list is the Citroen Ami that is being sold for “the price of a well-used BMW 3 Series”.

It appears to have the “bones” of a quadricycle with a very boxy shape.

This Citroen comes with an 8bhp electric motor, and 5.5kWh.

Top Gear analysts said it was “fun to use and an entirely loveable object” which can reach top speeds of 28mph.

2. Leapmotor T03 – £14,495

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This is a small Chinese electric car that appears well built.

And its price of £14,495 includes a Leapmotor grant of £1,500.

Even though it is small, the interior is still quite roomy and reasonably comfortable.

“The Dacia Spring has already shown that cheap cars like this can have character, something the T03 severely lacks,” reviewed Top Gear.

3. Dacia Sandero – £14,715

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When it first came into the UK, the Dacia Sandero actually cost just £8,000.

However, it is still the cheapest “proper” petrol-powered car that can be bought in the country at the moment.

The vehicle has been described as “simple”, “spacious”, and one that “absolutely nails the brief” for allowing passengers to get from one place to another.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Dacia Sandero was: “If you don’t in the least bit care about cars, this is probably what you should buy.”

4. Dacia Spring – £14,995

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This car is small, electric and cheap for new cars generally.

It has also been considered “simple” but “fun” like its bigger sibling.

Top Gear stated: “It proves to everyone else it is possible for a BEV to weigh largely the same as its petrol equivalent.

“Well done Dacia.”

5. Kia Picanto – £16,695

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The latest Picanto from Kia is aligned with the maker’s belief in The Small Car,

While looking great, it has a fun motor that offers enough practicality for urban life.

“For a first car or something that’s just needed as a runabout, you can’t go at all wrong with the Picanto,” said Top Gear.

6. Toyota Aygo X – £16,845

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This is a 1.0L, three-cylinder-engined car ideal for the city.

It also has a 71bhp that comes through the front wheels for an exciting 0-62 mph in 14.9 seconds.

For the city, this is surely sufficient because it is unlikely you will going faster than 5mph much.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Aygo X was: “It rides and steers impressively well, although the little three-cylinder engine can feel a little gutless.”

7. Microlino – £16,990

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The Microlino is said to be “becoming the cutest, most adorable thing on the road at any given point”.

It is a “micro” car though so doesn’t leave any room for passengers.

Basically a life-sized, portable, electric Playmobil toy.

“As a car it’s flawed,” admits Top Gear.

“Think of it more as a pet.

“Not brilliantly house-trained, but somehow kinda loveable.”

8. Hyundai i10 – £17,100

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This Hyundai is thought to be the most sophisticated version of the humble i10 yet.

It offers fairly impressive levels of technology and tools, with some decent space inside.

A good overall small car, especially for the price.

“Well done Hyundai for having come up with a fresh city car when lots of other car-makers have canned theirs,” said Top Gear.

9. MG 3: £17,245

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The third generation of the Chinese car maker is small, but not a bad drive.

It’s simple, with a more refined interior to make a good all-rounder.

There is still room for improvement in the ride as Top Gear suggests: “If you can ignore the badge snobbery, you could do a lot worse.”

10. Fiat Grande Panda (hybrid) – £18,035

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This vehicle marks a return for Fiat in making motors that are cheap but fun and full of character.

Top Gear writes: “It has a cheery countenance and knowing sense of heritage.

“We approve.”

RENAULT’S beloved Clio has been reinvented for its sixth generation – and drivers in France have been left “dumbstruck” by its surprising new look. 

The new Renault Clio 6, unveiled this week in Munich, has sparked outrage in France, with some claiming the car is unrecognisable.

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One critic said it looked like Ford, another likened it to a Nissan and a third claimed it assembled a seat. 

Several compared it to a Mazda, while others thought they spotted hints of Alfa Romeo or Peugeot. 

Yet they all seemed to agree the Clio 6 does not look like a Renault and in a country with a 126-year attachment to the brand, the absence of its typical features has gone down badly. 

“The discovery of this new Renault has left us dumbstruck,” said Caradisac, the car website. 

“Unrecognisable,” said Capital, the financial magazine. “You can detect a bit of Peugeot, a pinch of Ford, a touch of Mazda and a hint of Seat.” It warned the design “risks disappointing” car-loving readers.

“You don’t change a winning team,” said Les Echos, the financial daily. “However, that is what Renault has done with its new Clio.”

Social media erupted with debate, especially over comparisons to Mazda. One Mazda owner joked: “The new Renault 6 does remind me … of a Mazda 3. This can’t be a bad thing, right?”

The row highlights Renault’s cultural and economic significance in France.

The Clio may not match the legendary Renault 4L or Citroën 2CV, but it has been a modern industrial success story and a familiar sight on French roads.

Over 17 million Clios have been sold since its 1989 launch. 

It was Europe’s second best-selling car last year, behind the Dacia Sandero, another Renault group vehicle, and the top-selling model in France in the first half of 2025. 

“It’s an old love story,” said Challenges, the financial website.

The Clio has even inspired clubs, online forums, and, controversially, a survey in 2023 found 25% of respondents had had sex in their car at least once – the Clio topping the list ahead of the BMW 3 and Audi A4.

The new Clio 6 advertising slogan, “Love redesigned,” hints at the “more spacious and generous” interior Capital mentioned.

Politics and economics also loom large. Renault is France’s only remaining national carmaker, with the state holding 15% to ward off takeover attempts. 

Meanwhile, rivals Peugeot and Citroën are now part of Stellantis, headquartered in the Netherlands.

Conservative voices have criticised Renault’s decision to make the Clio 6 in Turkey, while environmentalists are unimpressed by the hybrid, rather than fully electric, engine option.

Renault insists the car is aimed at a fast-changing market. CEO François Provost said his aim was to rival Chinese carmakers, whom he described as “the best.”

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Sept. 5 (UPI) — Tesla is preparing to offer Elon Musk a new pay and incentives plan that would give him more control, more shares and up to nearly $1 trillion in compensation.

Musk is already the world’s wealthiest person, and this new plan is worth about $975 billion.

In order to cash in on the full amount, Musk would have to multiply Tesla’s stock value by eight times over the next decade. All of his compensation would be in Tesla shares. Stockholders will vote on the package at a Nov. 6 annual shareholders’ meeting. Tesla also said in the filing Friday that it will ask shareholders to vote on whether to invest in Musk’s new xAI.

“Retaining and incentivizing Elon is fundamental to Tesla achieving these goals and becoming the most valuable company in history,” Robyn Denholm, chair of the Tesla board, and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, a director on the board, said in a letter to shareholders.

Musk’s net worth is more than $400 billion, according to Forbes. This compensation plan would add around $900 billion. If he raises Tesla’s stock value from $1.1 trillion to $8.5 trillion, it would be the highest compensation in history.

He would also have to stay at Tesla for 7.5 years to cash in his shares, and 10 years to get the full amount. He would also have to deploy 1 million autonomous taxis and humanoid robots, plus see a more than 24-fold increase in profits.

“If he performs, if he hits the super ambitious milestones that are in the plan then he gets equity — it’s 1% for each half a trillion dollars of market cap, plus operational milestones he has to hit in order to do that,” Denholm said on CNBC’s Squawk Box.

As companies around the world work to create electric cars, self-driving cars and robots, these milestones will be an enormous challenge.

Many shareholders are disillusioned with Musk over his recent performance. Tesla has seen profits slow in the past year as his behavior and his foray into politics hurt the company’s stock prices.

In January, a Delaware Chancery Court judge ruled against Musk’s 2018 compensation package and ordered him to return what he’d already earned from it.

Each of the 96 million shares received in the deal trades at just over $300. Musk would have to pay $23.34 for each of those shares, equal to the amount he was expected to pay when he was first awarded his 2018 compensation package. Tesla is appealing the ruling.

In early August, ​​Tesla’s board gave Musk a $29 billion pay package.

The new package was a “good faith” award designed to keep Musk at the helm of the company.

It would give him 96 million shares of the company that he could take after two years of service in a “senior leadership role” at Tesla. Musk hinted last month that he wanted more ownership at Tesla beyond his 13% stake to prevent his ouster by “activist” shareholders.

KEYLESS cars are becoming increasingly vulnerable to theft as criminals turn to sophisticated tools like Game Boy-style emulators, experts warn.

Alarmingly, most mechanics now consider traditional car alarms ineffective as deterrents.

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The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) says vehicle theft in the UK has surged by 75% over the past decade, with 130,000 cars stolen annually.

This trend has sparked calls for smarter, tech-based solutions to deter car thieves.

According to Fix My Car, car owners should adopt multiple layered security strategies and modern tools to help protect their motors – including engine immobilisers and GPS trackers.

Indeed, only 5% of mechanics trust traditional car alarms as effective deterrents, although everyday precautions, such as keeping keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas and checking on vehicles regularly remain essential habits.

Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar, said: “Car theft is no longer just about smashing windows or hot-wiring ignitions.

“Criminals are more cyber-savvy than ever, so drivers need to respond with a balanced approach using both smart technology and visible deterrents.”

And he added: “There are definite benefits to using traditional deterrents in your car, and many manufacturers still recommend steering wheel locks despite advances in vehicle security tech.

“I believe drivers returning to these methods are on the right track but we need to use all the tools available.

“That means combining mechanical immobilisers and telematics trackers with visual deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm stickers.

“And let’s not forget the cheapest and most overlooked measure of common sense.

“Keeping your keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas with CCTV, and checking on your car regularly are all simple habits that still go a long way.”

The rise in car thefts has also exposed vulnerabilities in high-end vehicles, such as Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5.

A furious driver, Adam Metselaar, threatened to sue the firm last year after his £47,000 keyless car was stolen in just 31 seconds using a gadget disguised as a Nintendo Game Boy.

Despite keeping his car keys in a protective box to prevent cloning, the thieves bypassed the system using a hi-tech “emulator” hidden inside the casing of the gaming device.

The grey Ioniq 5 was traced four miles away using an Apple AirTag, but it had sustained £10,000 worth of damage.

Hyundai admitted that similar thefts have affected at least 26 cars in London, as per September last year.

They later updated their Bluelink software to introduce additional anti-theft features.

As summer holidays prompt many motorists to leave their cars unattended, FixMyCar is encouraging drivers to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.

A combination of modern tracking devices, visible deterrents and simple precautions can go a long way in safeguarding cars from increasingly sophisticated thieves.

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Which car should I buy? Sun Motors Vehicle Reviews

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In the used car world, it’s all about the money.

Sun Motors makes it simple to see financing options available, enabling you to compare monthly payments, overall costs, and affordability. 

When you’re serious about securing your new car, you can use the fast and straightforward finance search option to see how much you can borrow, your monthly repayments, and any final lump sum you may need to make at the end of the term.

It makes it easy to:

• Check your budget first: Add some personal details and you’ll get a personalised finance quote in less than a minute.
• Get your approval upfront: Securing a finance approval in principle means you can relax and browse with the knowledge you’re in the driving seat.
• Browse cars in your budget: You can use Sun Motors’ intelligent search only to display cars you can afford, reducing temptation.
• Drive away happy: Secure your new car, sort out finance, and drive away happy!

Access to information on budget and repayments gives you the power to shop for a new car with total confidence you can afford it.

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Five used-car favourites selected by a Sun Motors expert

Low-cost family favourite: KIA Venga 1.4 

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This 5-door family-friendly KIA Venga 1.4 is for sale at a few quid under £2500. OK, so it’s a diesel and it’s nearly 10 years old, but if you’re looking for a reliable runaround, this compact MPV is a great choice. 

For the budget-busting price, you’ll get a no-frills motor that’s spacious, safe, and (hopefully) reliable enough for thousands more miles.

Smooth operator – BMW 2 SERIES 220D XDRIVE

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A bit of a step up from the KIA is the BMW 2 SERIES 220D XDRIVE. It’s a confident, capable, spacious, and safe grand tourer. OK, so this low-mileage model is diesel, but it’s Euro-6, so it’s not going to cost you a fortune in a congestion zone.

The elevated driving position is comfortable, and BMW’s reputation for reliability makes this a great family car that’s also a little fun once you’ve dropped the monsters off somewhere.

Approved & Awesome: Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition

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The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition is a bit of a beast. The TSI engine is smooth and super-reliable. Inside the car, the Match Trim feels like a real step-up from the standard spec.

The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition is a super-hot-hatch that comes used-approved. That means it’s been checked by the experts at VW to ensure it’s ready for the road. 

Europe’s most popular car: 2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Laureate

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Would you believe that the basic Dacia Sandero is Europe’s top-selling car? Seems everyone from Scots to Swedes loves a bargain. This 2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Laureate has fewer than 50,000 miles on the clock, which is nothing for the low-power, high-reliability powertrain.

Bodywork is up together, and it comes in Dacia’s classic gun-metal-gray. This is no-frills motoring available at £100 per month. We love it.

Superior and sporty: LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0

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Be honest, the Dacia isn’t going to impress anyone, but the LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0 will. Buy a used model and you’re getting a high-class motor without taking a massive hit on depreciation. 

OK, so £36,000 isn’t cheap, but class costs and the Range Rover Sport have both in spades. It’s a luxury city car that’ll pull jealous looks at the school gate, but a capable off-roader too. We know you won’t want to get it dirty though.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.

EUROPE’S car industry is “heading at full speed against a wall” and risks collapsing if the EU doesn’t rethink its ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the boss of a huge car firm has warned.

In a stark intervention, he said a “reality check” was needed before the 2035 ban on combustion-engine sales is locked in.

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Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius told German business paper Handelsblatt: “We need a reality check. Otherwise, we are heading at full speed against a wall.

“Of course, we have to decarbonise, but it has to be done in a technology-neutral way. We must not lose sight of our economy.”

The luxury brand — once gung-ho about going fully electric in Europe — has already dropped its ambitious 2021 pledge to stop selling combustion cars “where market conditions allow” by the decade’s end.

Källenius, who also heads the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), now warns the EU’s policy could trigger a last-minute rush for petrol and diesel cars before the cut-off, which “doesn’t help the climate at all.”

Electric cars remain far from dominating the market.

In the first half of this year, EVs made up just 17.5 per cent of sales across the EU, UK, and EFTA countries, while plug-in hybrids took 8.7 per cent.

Traditional hybrids accounted for 35 per cent, but that figure includes mild-hybrids, which critics say aren’t “true” hybrids.

Mercedes’ own figures show EV sales slipping — just 8.4 per cent of its global deliveries in the first six months of 2025, down from 9.7 per cent last year.

Even with plug-ins included, electrified models made up just 20.1 per cent of shipments.

The EU’s 2035 ban is due for review in the coming months, but Brussels has so far signalled no U-turn, reiterating in March its commitment to zero-emission new cars by the mid-2030s.

It comes as the boss of Stellantis — the giant behind 14 brands including Fiat, Peugeot, and Maserati — warned that unreachable EU CO2 targets could force plant closures.

Europe chief Jean-Philippe Imparato said the Franco-Italian group faces fines of up to €2.5 billion within “two-three years” if it fails to meet emissions rules.

Without a regulatory rethink by year-end, “we will have to make tough decisions,” he told a conference in Rome.

“I have two solutions: either I push like hell (on electric)… or I close down ICE (internal combustion engine vehicles).

And therefore I close down factories,” he said, pointing to the risk for sites such as Stellantis’ van plant in Atessa, Italy.

The warning comes amid fresh turmoil for Stellantis, with its new CEO Antonio Filosa inheriting the fallout from Donald Trump’s 25 per cent US import tariffs and a crisis at Maserati, which has seen sales plunge from 26,600 in 2023 to 11,300 last year.

With EV targets biting, petrol and diesel models under threat, and luxury brands cancelling investments — including Maserati’s £1.3bn electric MC20 Folgore — Europe’s car bosses are sending a clear signal to Brussels: ease off, or risk slamming the brakes on the continent’s auto industry.

Everything you need to know about electric cars

THE BEST selling cars of 2025 so far have been revealed, featuring a hatchback favourite that has roared back into the lead.

It comes as car manufacturers have updated their sales figures for the year, determining the current most popular new motors for UK drivers.

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At top of the charts again is the Ford Puma, which has continued to be a UK best-selling car in the last two years.

If it maintains this position for the rest of 2025, it could have a second consecutive year as the top model in the country.

This is despite slower start to the year than last, but regained its position in February.

The broader new car market is also experiencing fluctuations, which can be linked to challenges as well as uncertainty about government incentives.

However, a definitive list of the top 10 best-selling cars of the year at the moment has been provided through SMMT data.

1. Ford Puma – 30,764 units

The Puma has secured the top spot in UK sales since February this year, despite having a slow start to 2025.

This may be linked to its appealing features, being engaging to drive, and attractively priced.

There is also the option of a hot Puma ST variant, and soon arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E.

2. Kia Sportage – 27,494 units

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This family SUV from the Korean automobile manufacturer retained second place for the third consecutive month.

At the end of 2022, it entered its fifth generation, and still looks a fresh and modern vehicle.

With mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Kia Sportage provides great variety for buyers.

3. Nissan Qashqai – 24,529 units

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The Nissan Qashqai really peaked in 2022 as the UK’s best-selling car.

Since then, it has finished in second in 2023, and third in 2024.

It comes in at third again at the moment, proving to be a continually popular car for buyers.

The British-built family crossover provides excellent practicality, no doubt encouraged by the electrified powertrain that was added to its third generation.

4. Vauxhall Corsa – 22,196 units

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The Vauxhall Corsa has been another car that has fallen in the rankings over the past few years, after being the top in 2021.

Sales of the model fell steadily, to being left completely off the top 10 in 2024.

It has, however, been given a facelift, and proves to be performing well again.

The new supermini offers great value for money, with strong and economical powertrains, as well as some impressive digital tech.

5. Nissan Juke – 21,604 units

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The Nissan Juke finished in fourth place in 2024, and has remained a popular car in the UK.

The small SUV received a refresh in the middle of 2023, after being on sale with its brand new design from 2020.

It subsequently became hybrid powered for the first time.

6. Volkswagen Golf – 18,974 units

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The Golf is a dependable and efficient car that has been a popular one for some time.

It is good all-round family hatchback that has been slowly creeping its way back up the charts.

Autocar have considered this Volkswagen a “handsomely understated” designed car that has an effortless look.

There are options for drivers to customise their vehicle’s interior, though, and the new models can even come with heated seats. 

The German company has provided a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid for the model, so it continue to climb in the ranks.

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The MG HS has been described as offering “nothing short of class-leading value for money” to justify its placement on the list.

It is available with a petrol engine or as a plug-in hybrid.

The family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 360 degree parking camera and smartphone mirroring capabilities.

8. Volkswagen Tiguan – 17,750 units

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This is Volkswagen’s popular family SUV, that has consistently been one of its best-sellers in the UK.

It is a practical and versatile option that gets a wide range of powertrains from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids.

Standard equipment of the vehicle includes a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens.

9. Peugeot 2008 – 17,605 units

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The French firm offers style, frugal hybrid trains and electric options with this model.

The Peugeot 2008 also provides generation standard equipment for its price.

This includes front and rear parking sensors, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and active safety braking.

10. Hyundai Tucson – 17,249 units

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This car has been a regular favourite in the UK’s top 10 list.

The popular SUV is arguably the most premium option on the list, with a eye-catching look and unique lighting arragnement.

It has plush interior and a range of electrified powertrains for many Brits.

June 26 (UPI) — SK Group has emerged as the most profitable conglomerate in South Korea thanks to the stellar performance of its key affiliate SK hynix, the world’s No. 2 memory chipmaker.

According to Seoul-based business tracker CXO Institute on Wednesday, SK Group’s subsidiaries recorded $20 billion in operating profit last year, surpassing Samsung Group’s $19.9 billion.

This means that Samsung Group, a perennial leader in profitability, has now failed to claim the top spot for two consecutive years. In 2023, Hyundai Motor Group led the rankings for operating income.

“Throughout last year, SK hynix single-handedly carried SK Group. And the trend is expected to continue this year, which means SK Group may become the most profitable company for two straight years,” CXO Institute chief Oh Il-sun told UPI.

Lee Phil-sang, an adviser at Aju Research Institute of Corporate Management and former Seoul National University economics professor, echoed that view.

“Samsung Electronics is putting forth great efforts to catch up in next-generation chips, but it will take some time. SK hynix is projected to be more profitable than Samsung Electronics this year,” he said in a phone interview.

Driven by the booming sales of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, which are used for AI applications or supercomputers, SK hynix delivered record-breaking profits in 2024.

Its operating profit reached $17 billion, accounting for 85% of SK Group’s total, a dramatic turnaround from its $5.68 billion operating loss in 2023. In the first quarter of this year alone, SK hynix chalked up $5.48 billion in operating profit.

Based on the impressive results, the company’s market capitalization topped $150 billion this week for the first time, trailing only Samsung Electronics’ $262 billion. The latter is the world’s largest manufacturer of memory chips and smartphones.

Despite SK’s current edge, some watchers believe that Samsung Group may reclaim the top position this year as the prices of DRAM, a major product of Samsung Electronics, show signs of recovery.

“From the third quarter, technology and sales are expected to gradually normalize,” Daishin Securities analyst Ryu Hyung-keun noted in a recent report. “While it won’t be easy to restore technological competitiveness in a short period, the strategic shift should begin to yield signs of improvement in the second half.”

Samsung Electronics posted $4.9 billion in operating profit during the first three months of 2025, up 1.2% year-on-year.

When it comes to 2024 sales, Samsung Group was the runaway leader with $294 billion, far ahead of $215 billion of Hyundai Motor Group and $152 billion of SK Group.

Samsung Group also led in employment as more than 280,000 workers were on its payroll, compared to around 200,000 for Hyundai Motor Group and 150,000 for LG Group.

In terms of per-capita turnover, Mirae Asset Group was atop the list with $2.7 million. It is one of the biggest financial conglomerates here, focusing on asset management, brokerage, investment banking, and insurance.

“We can say that Mirae Asset workers generated the largest added values on average last year. In other words, the group wins out in efficiency,” CXO Institute’s Oh said.

By contrast, LG Group struggled to find its feet last year as the outfit failed to remain profitable. The Seoul-based group logged $392 million in operating loss, up 38% from a year before.

“LG Group has been languishing because its main unit LG Energy Solution faced a double whammy of the electric car chasm and the intensifying competition from Chinese players,” said economic commentator Kim Kyeong-joon, formerly vice chairman at Deloitte Consulting Korea.

“The group should address both issues to rebound, which is not an easy task,” he added.

The term EV chasm refers to the weaker-than-expected demand for electric cars in recent years due to the gap between early adopters and mass market consumers. LG Energy Solution is one of the world’s foremost EV battery producers.

WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) — Taiwan may be an island of just over 23 million people, but what happens there could ripple across the global economy. The small democratic nation produces the vast majority of the world’s most advanced semiconductors — chips that are used in everything from smartphones and electric cars to defense systems and spacecraft.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. “produces roughly 90% of the most sophisticated computer chips, and the loss of that would be devastating,” said Steven David, a professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “We can’t get around without it.”

For Taiwan, this manufacturing dominance isn’t just economic — it’s strategic. Analysts call it the island’s “silicon shield.” The world relies heavily on Taiwan’s chips, which deters China from launching a military attack and pushes allies like the United States to come to Taiwan’s defense.

The geopolitical stakes around Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance have soared as China escalates military pressure, through increased fighter jet incursions, large-scale naval drills and explicit threats of reunification.

U.S. lawmakers from both parties have increasingly voiced concern that a Chinese invasion could upend global chip supply chains and empower Beijing with outsized economic leverage.

“It [would be] monumentally stupid to try to keep something as fragile as chips production going during the time of war,” said Kitsch Liao, associate director of the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.

The United States has taken steps to address this vulnerability. In 2022, former President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, allocating $280 billion to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research, including subsidies for Taiwan Semiconductor to build a plant in Phoenix.

In March, President Donald Trump announced a new $100 billion deal with the company to dramatically expand its manufacturing presence in the United States.

“America is building plants with Taiwanese investment and cooperation in Arizona and elsewhere, but it would still be devastating,” David said, referring to the potential impact of a Chinese attack on chip production.

Taiwan’s government has had to carefully balance cooperation with the United States against growing fears at home that shifting too much chip production abroad could weaken its security.

Taiwan’s two main political parties, the Kuomintang, or KMT, and the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, have debated the best approach to cross-strait relations.

While the KMT supports closer ties with China, the DPP, which currently holds the presidency under Lai Ching-te, has leaned toward reinforcing Taiwan’s democratic independence and diversifying trade, actions that could increase already mounting pressure from China.

“If China does successfully invade Taiwan and takes over the TSMC plant, it won’t be able to use the plant the way Taiwan does,” David said. “But it would deny its use to others, and that would be devastating to the world economy. Several percentages of world GDP would drop as a result.”

Analysts worry that even the threat of invasion could destabilize markets. Blockades or gray zone tactics by Beijing, short of all-out war, could still limit Taiwan Semiconductors’ ability to export.

“Any erosion in Taiwan’s ability to trade with the rest of the world would have a significant impact on the global economy,” said Jack Burnham, a research analyst at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

“It would disrupt the flow of semiconductors to a variety of different industries that are incredibly valuable to the United States, its allies and partners, and the global community.”

Taiwan has long been one of the most contentious issues in United States-China relations. After the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalist government fled to Taiwan in 1949, and the Chinese Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China on the mainland. Since then, Beijing has claimed Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.

In 1979, the United States. ended formal diplomatic recognition of Taipei in favor of Beijing, but passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits the United States to help Taiwan maintain a “sufficient self-defense capability.”

The United States, though, has remained deliberately vague about whether it would come to Taiwan’s defense in the event of a Chinese invasion — a policy known as strategic ambiguity.

But as threats of an invasion increased, this stance continued to be tested. In a speech in Singapore last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that “devastating consequences” could result should China seek to “conquer” Taiwan, warning that an invasion could be “imminent.”

Beyond semiconductor and chips manufacturing, Taiwan remains a core interest in the Indo-Pacific region. The island sits at the heart of the “first island chain,” a line of U.S.-aligned territories stretching from Japan to the Philippines.

If China were to take over Taiwan, experts warned it could use the island as a launchpad to project power deep into the Pacific, posing a direct challenge to U.S. interests.

“Should China be successful [in a reunification scenario], it would have a significant impact on the lives of everyday Americans — both in their wallets and in the political situation they find themselves in,” Burnham said.

“What’s at stake when it comes to Taiwan is the free flow of trade, a significant part of the American economy, and the health and stability of the United States’ key allies and partners in the region.”

THIS is the moment a huge pile-up takes place on a motorway, involving multiple cars, a caravan and a huge 30-tonne heavy goods vehicle.

But while the destruction and terror brought about by the incident are all very real, not all is as it seems.

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Indeed, the high-speed crash was all part of a carefully planned experiment conducted as part of a Channel 4 documentary titled Pile Up – The World’s Biggest Crash Test.

Carried out at a former RAF base in Scotland, the experiment involved recreating a high-speed motorway pile-up with eight vehicles and a 30-tonne lorry.

The cars involved were a Toyota Prius, Porsche Boxster, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford F-150, Audi A8, Dodge Grand Caravan, Mercedes ML and a Vauxhall Vivaro van.

The team used an almost 2-mile-long stretch of road, which was presumably an aircraft runway, and included white lines, a hard shoulder and motorway-grade varioguard barriers to make everything as realistic as possible.

Professor James Brighton and his team from Cranfield University’s Advanced Vehicle Engineering Centre led the study, which thankfully utilised cars that were remote-controlled from ‘pods’ but driven at motorway speeds.

Four members of the public took part, each selected to represent a cross-section of road users.

To make the pile-up as realistic as possible and to capture genuine reactions, the four selected drivers had no knowledge of the true nature of the experiment.

They were revealed as 19-year-old Caitlyn, who represents inexperienced drivers aged 17 to 24; Luke, 26, a “boy racer,” reflecting young male drivers who account for 65% of serious injuries or deaths; 66-year-old Lynn, representing older drivers aged 60+; and Tito, 57, a surfer and international driver familiar with UK and US road differences.

All four believed they were taking part in an experiment to improve motorway safety and advance their driving skills and were unaware they would be involved in a high-speed multi-car pile-up.

As they drove along at speed, a lorry swerved into their lanes to simulate a pile-up.

Over 90 cameras, drones and black boxes were used to capture the moment of impact, recording crash dynamics, vehicle data and driver reactions.

The experiment provides valuable insights into crash dynamics, safety systems and human behaviour during multi-vehicle accidents, while also highlighting areas for improvement in vehicle design and accident analysis.

The aftermath of the crash replicated several intricate details, such as a car sliding under the lorry and also demonstrated crumple zones, which are effective at absorbing impacts and saving lives.

For example, despite a massive rear shunt from a van, the Prius’ electric battery remained intact.

Afterwards, Marcus Rowe, a crash investigator, was sent to the scene of the accident – having not witnessed the crash – to figure out what happened using crash forensics.

One concerning finding was that airbags might not always deploy and largely depend on where the vehicle is hit, showing that safety systems can struggle with multiple impacts.

One thing that can’t be determined is a driver’s reaction in the heat of the moment, as one panicked motorist accelerated into the lorry, despite having come to a stop safely.

Lastly, it found that the hard shoulder is a dangerous place to be, as any drivers or passengers in the cars on the mock-up hard shoulder would most likely have lost their lives.

Speaking on the experiment, David Twohig, an Automotive Engineering Consultant, said: “The beauty of a lab-based crash test is everything is controlled.

“Everything is repeatable, but unfortunately, the real world is not a laboratory, and there are many, many variables.

“It might be the weather conditions, it might be the friction of the road surface, it might be temperature, humidity, the state of the driver, the mood of the driver – so I think that’s the limitation of the lab, it’s almost too good.”

Pile Up – World’s Biggest Crash Test airs Sunday 15 June at 9pm on Channel 4.

I’M a big fan of small and simple cars because I like value for money more than I do screens and gadgets.

This BYD Dolphin Surf is small and simple.

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Just press and go.

It’s value for money at £18,650.

And yet it’s got a rotating touchscreen and all those gadgets thrown in anyway.

Where’s the catch?

I can’t see one.

It knocks a Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 out of the park because it’s a proper car for not much more and it’s comfortably less than the already brilliant-value Renault 5.

Finance from £269 a month with £269 deposit. Or £199 a month with about £3k deposit.

It’ll cost pennies to run.

I reckon many will be bought as second cars but end up being the one owners use the most.

Dolphin Surf has four seats, three with ISOFIX anchor points for the kiddlywinks, and a surprisingly practical boot that’ll swallow the Friday big shop.

Properly comfy seats by the way. Made of “vegan leather” whatever that means.

Big drink holders. Phone storage tray.

Apple CarPlay. Reversing camera.

Adaptive cruise control for your out-of-town runs.

All things that please and all included in the price.

You can even use your little BYD bud as a mobile power bank – running everything from party lights to a fridge.

Now I should spell out that Dolphin Surf comes in two battery sizes.

The entry-level Active gets you a 137-mile battery by the WLTP test and a big enough e-motor to keep you swimming in quick traffic.

Then there’s the £22k Boost nudging 200 miles from the 43kWh battery.

‘BRIM THE BATTERY’

Both use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry for higher levels of durability and safety.

So you can “brim” the battery every time without depleting it.

Both roll on Hankook tyres. Another positive.

Even the lime green paint job is free.

How safe is it? It’s engineered to attain a four-star safety rating.

The body uses 68 per cent high-strength steel and the car is brimming with anti-crash gear.

The car will be made in Hungary soon – and avoid tariffs.

I told you BYD would quickly chime with UK drivers and the Chinese are already outselling Honda, Citroen, Fiat and more.

There are a load of plug-in hybrids coming next, including a junior SUV and a pick-up truck called Shark.

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Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

June 5 (UPI) — President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to cut Elon Musk‘s government contracts through Tesla amid his departure from his role cutting government spending and opposition to Trump’s sweeping legislative agenda bill.

Trump threatened to end all government contracts with the Musk-founded Tesla in a post on Truth Social and suggested that would be a fast way to reduce government spending.

“The easiest way to save money in our budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts,” Trump wrote.

Tesla share prices declined by more than 14% on Thursday and shed $152 billion in value from the EV maker.

Trump on Thursday accused Musk of going “crazy” after the president canceled the federal electric vehicle mandate imposed by the Biden administration.

“I took away his EV mandate that forced everyone to buy electric cars that nobody else wanted,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Thursday. “He just went crazy!”

Trump said he asked Musk to leave his advisory position with DOGE, although Musk was scheduled to exit the position at the end of May.

Musk earlier said Trump would not have won the Nov. 5 election without his help.

He contributed an estimated $250 million to Trump’s campaign effort.

“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” Musk said Thursday morning in a post on X.

Musk has criticized the proposed “one big, beautiful” federal government budget bill as increasing the nation’s debt and negating his work with DOGE.

The entrepreneur opposes the spending bill that the House has passed and is before the Senate because it removed tax credits and subsidies for buying EVs, Trump claimed.

“I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done that months ago,” Trump said in a subsequent Truth Social post on Thursday afternoon.

“This is one of the greatest bills ever presented to Congress,” he continued. “It’s a record cut in expenses, $1.6 trillion dollars, and the biggest tax cut ever given.”

If the measure is not passed, Trump said it will trigger a 68% tax increase, “and things far worse than that.”

The president said the “easiest way to save money … is to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts” with Tesla.

Later on Thursday, Musk in an X post said it is “time to drop the really big bomb” on the president.

Trump “is in the Epstein files,” Musk said. “That is the real reason they have not been made public.”

Musk did not say in what context Trump allegedly appears in the Epstein files, but ended his post with: “Have a nice day, DJT!”

He made a subsequent post that asks: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?”

Trump and Musk often appeared together at high-profile events in the first four months of the administration.

A MAJOR car manufacturer is axing its record-breaking hot hatch just three years after its latest revamp.

The FL5-generation Honda Civic Type R is being culled in the UK and Europe from 2026 – but is set to go out with a bang.

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Forty final Ultimate Edition models with a classic Championship white paint job, and red accents, including a central pinstripe, are being made as a swansong – but is likely to cost more than the regular Type R (£48,900).

Just 10 of these special edition motors will be available in the UK – and these will be available on a first come first serve basis, according to Honda.

The news will come as a bittersweet blow to petrol heads, with the FL5 having broken countless front-wheel drive lap records during its short reign.

Honda’s European strategy boss Hannah Swift put the axing down to the industry “changing” and an evolution of its model range “in accordance with European legislation”.

Those changes relate to stricter emissions standards in Britain and the EU, with which the Type R doesn’t comply.

The four-wheel-drive hatch market comprises of the Golf R, Toyota GR Yaris and Mercedes-AMG A45 S – but all are risk due to the new regulations.

Several brands are instead moving to e-performance cars.

It comes 28 years after the first Civic Type R arrived as a grey import from Japan.

Arriving in late 1997, before a second generation model in 2001, a third in 2007 and a fourth in 2015.

Its fifth and sixth generations are widely regarded by experts as the finest driver’s cars of the modern age.

According to the Honda website, the current Type R features a two litre- four cylinder VTEC TURBO engine and can accelerate from 0-100km/hr in 5.4 seconds.

It adds: “The Type R is the fastest front wheel drive car to have driven the legendary 5.8km Suzuka circuit.”

Ms Swift said: “As we say farewell to a true icon of the Honda automobile line-up in Europe, we thought it was fitting to give the Civic Type R the ultimate send-off with this special edition model offering our customers a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy.

“The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.

“However, Type R has always been Honda’s ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.”

Ten things YOU should know as a car owner

To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:

June 5 (UPI) — President Donald Trump and former Department of Government Efficiency Director Elon Musk are slinging accusations after an apparent end to their short-lived friendship.

Trump on Thursday accused Musk of going “crazy” after the president canceled the federal electric vehicle mandate imposed by the Biden administration.

“I took away his EV mandate that forced everyone to buy electric cars that nobody else wanted,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Thursday. “He just went crazy!”

Trump also has threatened to end all government contracts with the Musk-founded Tesla and suggested that would be a fast way to reduce government spending.

The president’s threat likely resonated with investors as Tesla share prices declined by more than 14% on Thursday and shed $152 billion in value from the EV maker.

Trump said he asked Musk to leave his advisory position with DOGE, although Musk was scheduled to exit the position at the end of May.

Musk earlier said Trump would not have won the Nov. 5 election without his help.

He contributed an estimated $250 million to Trump’s campaign effort.

“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” Musk said Thursday morning in a post on X.

Musk has criticized the proposed “one big, beautiful” federal government budget bill as increasing the nation’s debt and negating his work with DOGE.

The entrepreneur opposes the spending bill that the House has passed and is before the Senate because it removed tax credits and subsidies for buying EVs, Trump claimed.

“I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done that months ago,” Trump said in a subsequent Truth Social post on Thursday afternoon.

“This is one of the greatest bills ever presented to Congress,” he continued. “It’s a record cut in expenses, $1.6 trillion dollars, and the biggest tax cut ever given.”

If the measure is not passed, Trump said it will trigger a 68% tax increase, “and things far worse than that.”

The president said the “easiest way to save money … is to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts” with Tesla.

Later on Thursday, Musk in an X post said it is “time to drop the really big bomb” on the president.

Trump “is in the Epstein files,” Musk said. “That is the real reason they have not been made public.”

Musk did not say in what context Trump allegedly appears in the Epstein files, but ended his post with: “Have a nice day, DJT!”

He made a subsequent post that asks: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?”

Trump and Musk were very close during the first four months of the Trump administration and often appeared together at high-profile events.