2026 Cupra Leon Hatch due in October with mild-hybrid, long-range PHEV to follow
Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the all-new Terramar mid-size SUV, Cupra Australia head of product Jeff Shafer confirmed the three-tier small-car range and said the decision to import the lower-output PHEV instead of the 200kW version is a case of "trying something different".
"The hatchback is a bit of a smaller car. We want to look at where that lands in terms of price point," Mr Shafer said.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
It means the facelifted Leon range will look a little different to the outgoing lineup, which comprises 140kW V, 180kW VZ, 180kW VZe and 221kW VZx grades.
The new Leon S mHEV will form the lowest rung on the ladder, powered by the Volkswagen Group's 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. Making 110kW and 250Nm, it's the same powertrain that just launched in the larger Terramar and already does service in the Audi A3 35 TFSI – both of which share the Leon's MQB evo underpinnings.
Expect it to be something of an efficiency leader, too. While not a full hybrid like you'll find in a Toyota Corolla, the Leon Hatch 1.5 eTSI claims to consume just 5.3L/100km on the strict WLTP combined cycle based on UK specifications, and emits 122g/km of CO2.
Driving the front wheels via a seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic transmission, the mild-hybrid Leon accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 216km/h – the UK-spec Corolla Hatch 1.8L hybrid manages a 9.1-second sprint and consumes 4.4-4.7L/100km, for reference.
Meanwhile, the new Leon Ve PHEV uses a 150kW version of the VW Group's second-gen PHEV system, which teams the 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor and a 25.8kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack.
It's the same running gear as the 200kW e-Hybrid, just with lower system outputs. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 7.7 seconds (versus 7.1 for the 200kW variant), with top speed listed at a claimed 220km/h (versus 229km/h).
Thanks to its smaller wheel and tyre package globally, the 150kW Leon e-Hybrid offers a slightly longer WLTP-certified EV driving range (124-132km versus 121-122km) than its more powerful sibling, while both can be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW, which replenishes the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 26 minutes.
Mr Shafer didn't rule out the more powerful Leon Hatch PHEV entirely for Australia, but he did confirm the 200kW version as the launch drivetrain for the new Leon Sportstourer wagon, which is due in Australia around the same time.
Sitting atop the hatchback range will be the carryover 221kW/400Nm VZx, which uses the same tune of the EA888 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo engine as the VW Golf GTI Clubsport that forbidden fruit for the Australian market.
The performance flagship dashes from 0-100km/h in a swift 5.7 seconds (claimed), on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
Mr Shafer didn't let on much about potential pricing and specifications, but we're expecting the Spanish brand to go hard on value to reassert itself in the premium small passenger car segment.
The Leon Hatch range originally started from $49,190 drive-away for the 140kW Leon V for model year 2024, but that has since been revised to $39,265 drive-away based on current advertised run-out offers.
A mid-$40,000 drive-away starting price would put the Leon S mHEV in the thick of high-spec mainstream and low-spec premium competition – think Corolla ZR, Mazda 3 G25 Astina, Golf Style and Civic e:HEV L – and we expect the VZx flagship should remain around the current model's $63,000 drive-away mark.
As for the new Leon Ve, it's more unclear. The pre-facelift VZe never got nationwide drive-away pricing like the non-PHEV models and, as such, commands a premium over the VZx once on-road costs are factored in.
However, using the outgoing model's $61,690 RRP sticker as a guide and considering Australia's new emissions legislation as a guide, Cupra may be intending to really sharpen the pencil with its new entry-level plug-in hybrid.
CarExpert expects the Leon Ve to start at around $50,000 before on-road costs, and for drive-away pricing (irrespective of a potential nationwide offer) to come in under $60,000.
The e-Hybrid version would also give Cupra a unique point of difference within the VW Group locally, as well as the wider small passenger car segment, as no other vehicle at the mainstream or premium ends of the market currently offers a PHEV option – though the Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class have previously.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead up to the new Cupra Leon's arrival in October.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The facelifted Cupra Leon Hatch will finally be launched in Australia in October, when it will be released in mild-hybrid entry-level and 221kW VZx flagship forms, before a 150kW 'Ve' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant arrives early next year.
Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the all-new Terramar mid-size SUV, Cupra Australia head of product Jeff Shafer confirmed the three-tier small-car range and said the decision to import the lower-output PHEV instead of the 200kW version is a case of "trying something different".
"The hatchback is a bit of a smaller car. We want to look at where that lands in terms of price point," Mr Shafer said.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
It means the facelifted Leon range will look a little different to the outgoing lineup, which comprises 140kW V, 180kW VZ, 180kW VZe and 221kW VZx grades.
The new Leon S mHEV will form the lowest rung on the ladder, powered by the Volkswagen Group's 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. Making 110kW and 250Nm, it's the same powertrain that just launched in the larger Terramar and already does service in the Audi A3 35 TFSI – both of which share the Leon's MQB evo underpinnings.
Expect it to be something of an efficiency leader, too. While not a full hybrid like you'll find in a Toyota Corolla, the Leon Hatch 1.5 eTSI claims to consume just 5.3L/100km on the strict WLTP combined cycle based on UK specifications, and emits 122g/km of CO2.
Driving the front wheels via a seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic transmission, the mild-hybrid Leon accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 216km/h – the UK-spec Corolla Hatch 1.8L hybrid manages a 9.1-second sprint and consumes 4.4-4.7L/100km, for reference.
Meanwhile, the new Leon Ve PHEV uses a 150kW version of the VW Group's second-gen PHEV system, which teams the 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor and a 25.8kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack.
It's the same running gear as the 200kW e-Hybrid, just with lower system outputs. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 7.7 seconds (versus 7.1 for the 200kW variant), with top speed listed at a claimed 220km/h (versus 229km/h).
Thanks to its smaller wheel and tyre package globally, the 150kW Leon e-Hybrid offers a slightly longer WLTP-certified EV driving range (124-132km versus 121-122km) than its more powerful sibling, while both can be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW, which replenishes the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 26 minutes.
Mr Shafer didn't rule out the more powerful Leon Hatch PHEV entirely for Australia, but he did confirm the 200kW version as the launch drivetrain for the new Leon Sportstourer wagon, which is due in Australia around the same time.
Sitting atop the hatchback range will be the carryover 221kW/400Nm VZx, which uses the same tune of the EA888 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo engine as the VW Golf GTI Clubsport that forbidden fruit for the Australian market.
The performance flagship dashes from 0-100km/h in a swift 5.7 seconds (claimed), on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
Mr Shafer didn't let on much about potential pricing and specifications, but we're expecting the Spanish brand to go hard on value to reassert itself in the premium small passenger car segment.
The Leon Hatch range originally started from $49,190 drive-away for the 140kW Leon V for model year 2024, but that has since been revised to $39,265 drive-away based on current advertised run-out offers.
A mid-$40,000 drive-away starting price would put the Leon S mHEV in the thick of high-spec mainstream and low-spec premium competition – think Corolla ZR, Mazda 3 G25 Astina, Golf Style and Civic e:HEV L – and we expect the VZx flagship should remain around the current model's $63,000 drive-away mark.
As for the new Leon Ve, it's more unclear. The pre-facelift VZe never got nationwide drive-away pricing like the non-PHEV models and, as such, commands a premium over the VZx once on-road costs are factored in.
However, using the outgoing model's $61,690 RRP sticker as a guide and considering Australia's new emissions legislation as a guide, Cupra may be intending to really sharpen the pencil with its new entry-level plug-in hybrid.
CarExpert expects the Leon Ve to start at around $50,000 before on-road costs, and for drive-away pricing (irrespective of a potential nationwide offer) to come in under $60,000.
The e-Hybrid version would also give Cupra a unique point of difference within the VW Group locally, as well as the wider small passenger car segment, as no other vehicle at the mainstream or premium ends of the market currently offers a PHEV option – though the Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class have previously.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead up to the new Cupra Leon's arrival in October.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The facelifted Cupra Leon Hatch will finally be launched in Australia in October, when it will be released in mild-hybrid entry-level and 221kW VZx flagship forms, before a 150kW 'Ve' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant arrives early next year.
Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the all-new Terramar mid-size SUV, Cupra Australia head of product Jeff Shafer confirmed the three-tier small-car range and said the decision to import the lower-output PHEV instead of the 200kW version is a case of "trying something different".
"The hatchback is a bit of a smaller car. We want to look at where that lands in terms of price point," Mr Shafer said.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
It means the facelifted Leon range will look a little different to the outgoing lineup, which comprises 140kW V, 180kW VZ, 180kW VZe and 221kW VZx grades.
The new Leon S mHEV will form the lowest rung on the ladder, powered by the Volkswagen Group's 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. Making 110kW and 250Nm, it's the same powertrain that just launched in the larger Terramar and already does service in the Audi A3 35 TFSI – both of which share the Leon's MQB evo underpinnings.
Expect it to be something of an efficiency leader, too. While not a full hybrid like you'll find in a Toyota Corolla, the Leon Hatch 1.5 eTSI claims to consume just 5.3L/100km on the strict WLTP combined cycle based on UK specifications, and emits 122g/km of CO2.
Driving the front wheels via a seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic transmission, the mild-hybrid Leon accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 216km/h – the UK-spec Corolla Hatch 1.8L hybrid manages a 9.1-second sprint and consumes 4.4-4.7L/100km, for reference.
Meanwhile, the new Leon Ve PHEV uses a 150kW version of the VW Group's second-gen PHEV system, which teams the 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor and a 25.8kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack.
It's the same running gear as the 200kW e-Hybrid, just with lower system outputs. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 7.7 seconds (versus 7.1 for the 200kW variant), with top speed listed at a claimed 220km/h (versus 229km/h).
Thanks to its smaller wheel and tyre package globally, the 150kW Leon e-Hybrid offers a slightly longer WLTP-certified EV driving range (124-132km versus 121-122km) than its more powerful sibling, while both can be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW, which replenishes the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 26 minutes.
Mr Shafer didn't rule out the more powerful Leon Hatch PHEV entirely for Australia, but he did confirm the 200kW version as the launch drivetrain for the new Leon Sportstourer wagon, which is due in Australia around the same time.
Sitting atop the hatchback range will be the carryover 221kW/400Nm VZx, which uses the same tune of the EA888 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo engine as the VW Golf GTI Clubsport that forbidden fruit for the Australian market.
The performance flagship dashes from 0-100km/h in a swift 5.7 seconds (claimed), on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
Mr Shafer didn't let on much about potential pricing and specifications, but we're expecting the Spanish brand to go hard on value to reassert itself in the premium small passenger car segment.
The Leon Hatch range originally started from $49,190 drive-away for the 140kW Leon V for model year 2024, but that has since been revised to $39,265 drive-away based on current advertised run-out offers.
A mid-$40,000 drive-away starting price would put the Leon S mHEV in the thick of high-spec mainstream and low-spec premium competition – think Corolla ZR, Mazda 3 G25 Astina, Golf Style and Civic e:HEV L – and we expect the VZx flagship should remain around the current model's $63,000 drive-away mark.
As for the new Leon Ve, it's more unclear. The pre-facelift VZe never got nationwide drive-away pricing like the non-PHEV models and, as such, commands a premium over the VZx once on-road costs are factored in.
However, using the outgoing model's $61,690 RRP sticker as a guide and considering Australia's new emissions legislation as a guide, Cupra may be intending to really sharpen the pencil with its new entry-level plug-in hybrid.
CarExpert expects the Leon Ve to start at around $50,000 before on-road costs, and for drive-away pricing (irrespective of a potential nationwide offer) to come in under $60,000.
The e-Hybrid version would also give Cupra a unique point of difference within the VW Group locally, as well as the wider small passenger car segment, as no other vehicle at the mainstream or premium ends of the market currently offers a PHEV option – though the Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class have previously.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead up to the new Cupra Leon's arrival in October.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The facelifted Cupra Leon Hatch will finally be launched in Australia in October, when it will be released in mild-hybrid entry-level and 221kW VZx flagship forms, before a 150kW 'Ve' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant arrives early next year.
Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the all-new Terramar mid-size SUV, Cupra Australia head of product Jeff Shafer confirmed the three-tier small-car range and said the decision to import the lower-output PHEV instead of the 200kW version is a case of "trying something different".
"The hatchback is a bit of a smaller car. We want to look at where that lands in terms of price point," Mr Shafer said.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
It means the facelifted Leon range will look a little different to the outgoing lineup, which comprises 140kW V, 180kW VZ, 180kW VZe and 221kW VZx grades.
The new Leon S mHEV will form the lowest rung on the ladder, powered by the Volkswagen Group's 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. Making 110kW and 250Nm, it's the same powertrain that just launched in the larger Terramar and already does service in the Audi A3 35 TFSI – both of which share the Leon's MQB evo underpinnings.
Expect it to be something of an efficiency leader, too. While not a full hybrid like you'll find in a Toyota Corolla, the Leon Hatch 1.5 eTSI claims to consume just 5.3L/100km on the strict WLTP combined cycle based on UK specifications, and emits 122g/km of CO2.
Driving the front wheels via a seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic transmission, the mild-hybrid Leon accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 216km/h – the UK-spec Corolla Hatch 1.8L hybrid manages a 9.1-second sprint and consumes 4.4-4.7L/100km, for reference.
Meanwhile, the new Leon Ve PHEV uses a 150kW version of the VW Group's second-gen PHEV system, which teams the 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor and a 25.8kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack.
It's the same running gear as the 200kW e-Hybrid, just with lower system outputs. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 7.7 seconds (versus 7.1 for the 200kW variant), with top speed listed at a claimed 220km/h (versus 229km/h).
Thanks to its smaller wheel and tyre package globally, the 150kW Leon e-Hybrid offers a slightly longer WLTP-certified EV driving range (124-132km versus 121-122km) than its more powerful sibling, while both can be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW, which replenishes the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 26 minutes.
Mr Shafer didn't rule out the more powerful Leon Hatch PHEV entirely for Australia, but he did confirm the 200kW version as the launch drivetrain for the new Leon Sportstourer wagon, which is due in Australia around the same time.
Sitting atop the hatchback range will be the carryover 221kW/400Nm VZx, which uses the same tune of the EA888 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo engine as the VW Golf GTI Clubsport that forbidden fruit for the Australian market.
The performance flagship dashes from 0-100km/h in a swift 5.7 seconds (claimed), on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
Mr Shafer didn't let on much about potential pricing and specifications, but we're expecting the Spanish brand to go hard on value to reassert itself in the premium small passenger car segment.
The Leon Hatch range originally started from $49,190 drive-away for the 140kW Leon V for model year 2024, but that has since been revised to $39,265 drive-away based on current advertised run-out offers.
A mid-$40,000 drive-away starting price would put the Leon S mHEV in the thick of high-spec mainstream and low-spec premium competition – think Corolla ZR, Mazda 3 G25 Astina, Golf Style and Civic e:HEV L – and we expect the VZx flagship should remain around the current model's $63,000 drive-away mark.
As for the new Leon Ve, it's more unclear. The pre-facelift VZe never got nationwide drive-away pricing like the non-PHEV models and, as such, commands a premium over the VZx once on-road costs are factored in.
However, using the outgoing model's $61,690 RRP sticker as a guide and considering Australia's new emissions legislation as a guide, Cupra may be intending to really sharpen the pencil with its new entry-level plug-in hybrid.
CarExpert expects the Leon Ve to start at around $50,000 before on-road costs, and for drive-away pricing (irrespective of a potential nationwide offer) to come in under $60,000.
The e-Hybrid version would also give Cupra a unique point of difference within the VW Group locally, as well as the wider small passenger car segment, as no other vehicle at the mainstream or premium ends of the market currently offers a PHEV option – though the Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class have previously.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead up to the new Cupra Leon's arrival in October.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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Cupra Born VZ: EV hot hatch coming early 2026, more affordable options could follow
Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 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It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. 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No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from: Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from: Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from: Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Honda Prelude has no direct competition, say Australian bosses
The Honda Prelude name will return to Australian showrooms for the first time in 25 years with its planned arrival in mid-2026, but it won't sit alongside any direct rivals nor set sales charts on fire, according to the brand. The Prelude was previously a mainstay in a highly competitive sports car market which has shrunk to a handful of models, including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z and Toyota Supra. According to Honda, none of these are direct rivals to the 2026 Prelude, which will be the first to offer a hybrid powertrain. "By the nature of it, it's going to be a little bit in the market. There isn't going to be anything you can neatly say, it's a direct competitor of that – it's just seen in a lot of different spaces," said Honda Australia managing director, Rob Thorp. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The sentiment is backed up by Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who told CarExpert: "Prelude is a really fun car, but it's not a high-volume car. "It's a bit of a Swiss Army Knife – it really doesn't fit neatly into a segment and I think that's the opportunity that we get to leverage." In the Prelude's final year in Australia, 2001, total sales across the 'Sports' segment were 8820 across all makes, making up 1.14 per cent of all the 772,681 new vehicles sold that year. In 2024, the same Sports segment saw 10,633 sales, making up an even smaller 0.87 per cent share of all new cars sold (not including brands like Mahindra, Tesla and Polestar brands, which don't report to the official VFACTS figures, and would reduce this number further). While the price of the Prelude in Australia is yet to be announced, it will enter a dramatically different battleground when it returns in mid-2026 – but does the sports car market have room for another competitor in Prelude? "Yes, we think it does," Honda Australia managing director Ron Thorp told CarExpert. "We've actually been planning this for a little while, and … the nature of the model is it doesn't fit a market segment easily. "It will, from a VFACTS perspective and pricing, but the customer who we think will be interested, it's going to be quite a wide, broad base." "If you look at [Civic] Type R, we know who wants to buy Type R," Mr Thorp said. "Looking at the Prelude, it could be a sports cars person, but you could sort of see, to be honest, older males who used to own them back in the 90s buying them again – I think it's going to reattract a lot of consumers back to the Honda brand. "You can see it opening up to a female audience as well because of the way it looks and drives and handles. "We sort of think that this is where the customer segment group might be," Mr Thorp said, with the Prelude potentially able to "attract a lot of different people from a lot of different areas". "It's also going to provide an opportunity to actually conquest and speak to new customers at the same time, and the combination of the two will allow us to generate great [brand] awareness and start to put Honda on a consideration list." More: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: The Honda Prelude name will return to Australian showrooms for the first time in 25 years with its planned arrival in mid-2026, but it won't sit alongside any direct rivals nor set sales charts on fire, according to the brand. The Prelude was previously a mainstay in a highly competitive sports car market which has shrunk to a handful of models, including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z and Toyota Supra. According to Honda, none of these are direct rivals to the 2026 Prelude, which will be the first to offer a hybrid powertrain. "By the nature of it, it's going to be a little bit in the market. There isn't going to be anything you can neatly say, it's a direct competitor of that – it's just seen in a lot of different spaces," said Honda Australia managing director, Rob Thorp. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The sentiment is backed up by Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who told CarExpert: "Prelude is a really fun car, but it's not a high-volume car. "It's a bit of a Swiss Army Knife – it really doesn't fit neatly into a segment and I think that's the opportunity that we get to leverage." In the Prelude's final year in Australia, 2001, total sales across the 'Sports' segment were 8820 across all makes, making up 1.14 per cent of all the 772,681 new vehicles sold that year. In 2024, the same Sports segment saw 10,633 sales, making up an even smaller 0.87 per cent share of all new cars sold (not including brands like Mahindra, Tesla and Polestar brands, which don't report to the official VFACTS figures, and would reduce this number further). While the price of the Prelude in Australia is yet to be announced, it will enter a dramatically different battleground when it returns in mid-2026 – but does the sports car market have room for another competitor in Prelude? "Yes, we think it does," Honda Australia managing director Ron Thorp told CarExpert. "We've actually been planning this for a little while, and … the nature of the model is it doesn't fit a market segment easily. "It will, from a VFACTS perspective and pricing, but the customer who we think will be interested, it's going to be quite a wide, broad base." "If you look at [Civic] Type R, we know who wants to buy Type R," Mr Thorp said. "Looking at the Prelude, it could be a sports cars person, but you could sort of see, to be honest, older males who used to own them back in the 90s buying them again – I think it's going to reattract a lot of consumers back to the Honda brand. "You can see it opening up to a female audience as well because of the way it looks and drives and handles. "We sort of think that this is where the customer segment group might be," Mr Thorp said, with the Prelude potentially able to "attract a lot of different people from a lot of different areas". "It's also going to provide an opportunity to actually conquest and speak to new customers at the same time, and the combination of the two will allow us to generate great [brand] awareness and start to put Honda on a consideration list." More: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: The Honda Prelude name will return to Australian showrooms for the first time in 25 years with its planned arrival in mid-2026, but it won't sit alongside any direct rivals nor set sales charts on fire, according to the brand. The Prelude was previously a mainstay in a highly competitive sports car market which has shrunk to a handful of models, including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z and Toyota Supra. According to Honda, none of these are direct rivals to the 2026 Prelude, which will be the first to offer a hybrid powertrain. "By the nature of it, it's going to be a little bit in the market. There isn't going to be anything you can neatly say, it's a direct competitor of that – it's just seen in a lot of different spaces," said Honda Australia managing director, Rob Thorp. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The sentiment is backed up by Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who told CarExpert: "Prelude is a really fun car, but it's not a high-volume car. "It's a bit of a Swiss Army Knife – it really doesn't fit neatly into a segment and I think that's the opportunity that we get to leverage." In the Prelude's final year in Australia, 2001, total sales across the 'Sports' segment were 8820 across all makes, making up 1.14 per cent of all the 772,681 new vehicles sold that year. In 2024, the same Sports segment saw 10,633 sales, making up an even smaller 0.87 per cent share of all new cars sold (not including brands like Mahindra, Tesla and Polestar brands, which don't report to the official VFACTS figures, and would reduce this number further). While the price of the Prelude in Australia is yet to be announced, it will enter a dramatically different battleground when it returns in mid-2026 – but does the sports car market have room for another competitor in Prelude? "Yes, we think it does," Honda Australia managing director Ron Thorp told CarExpert. "We've actually been planning this for a little while, and … the nature of the model is it doesn't fit a market segment easily. "It will, from a VFACTS perspective and pricing, but the customer who we think will be interested, it's going to be quite a wide, broad base." "If you look at [Civic] Type R, we know who wants to buy Type R," Mr Thorp said. "Looking at the Prelude, it could be a sports cars person, but you could sort of see, to be honest, older males who used to own them back in the 90s buying them again – I think it's going to reattract a lot of consumers back to the Honda brand. "You can see it opening up to a female audience as well because of the way it looks and drives and handles. "We sort of think that this is where the customer segment group might be," Mr Thorp said, with the Prelude potentially able to "attract a lot of different people from a lot of different areas". "It's also going to provide an opportunity to actually conquest and speak to new customers at the same time, and the combination of the two will allow us to generate great [brand] awareness and start to put Honda on a consideration list." More: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: The Honda Prelude name will return to Australian showrooms for the first time in 25 years with its planned arrival in mid-2026, but it won't sit alongside any direct rivals nor set sales charts on fire, according to the brand. The Prelude was previously a mainstay in a highly competitive sports car market which has shrunk to a handful of models, including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z and Toyota Supra. According to Honda, none of these are direct rivals to the 2026 Prelude, which will be the first to offer a hybrid powertrain. "By the nature of it, it's going to be a little bit in the market. There isn't going to be anything you can neatly say, it's a direct competitor of that – it's just seen in a lot of different spaces," said Honda Australia managing director, Rob Thorp. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The sentiment is backed up by Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who told CarExpert: "Prelude is a really fun car, but it's not a high-volume car. "It's a bit of a Swiss Army Knife – it really doesn't fit neatly into a segment and I think that's the opportunity that we get to leverage." In the Prelude's final year in Australia, 2001, total sales across the 'Sports' segment were 8820 across all makes, making up 1.14 per cent of all the 772,681 new vehicles sold that year. In 2024, the same Sports segment saw 10,633 sales, making up an even smaller 0.87 per cent share of all new cars sold (not including brands like Mahindra, Tesla and Polestar brands, which don't report to the official VFACTS figures, and would reduce this number further). While the price of the Prelude in Australia is yet to be announced, it will enter a dramatically different battleground when it returns in mid-2026 – but does the sports car market have room for another competitor in Prelude? "Yes, we think it does," Honda Australia managing director Ron Thorp told CarExpert. "We've actually been planning this for a little while, and … the nature of the model is it doesn't fit a market segment easily. "It will, from a VFACTS perspective and pricing, but the customer who we think will be interested, it's going to be quite a wide, broad base." "If you look at [Civic] Type R, we know who wants to buy Type R," Mr Thorp said. "Looking at the Prelude, it could be a sports cars person, but you could sort of see, to be honest, older males who used to own them back in the 90s buying them again – I think it's going to reattract a lot of consumers back to the Honda brand. "You can see it opening up to a female audience as well because of the way it looks and drives and handles. "We sort of think that this is where the customer segment group might be," Mr Thorp said, with the Prelude potentially able to "attract a lot of different people from a lot of different areas". "It's also going to provide an opportunity to actually conquest and speak to new customers at the same time, and the combination of the two will allow us to generate great [brand] awareness and start to put Honda on a consideration list." More: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Ford posts $77.6 billion record revenue amid tariff losses
Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). 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