Latest news with #AndreaCarlucci
Auto Blog
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Subaru considers more affordable EV below the Uncharted
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Wonderful' $360 Outdoor Griddle for $136, and Shoppers Say It's 'Convenient and Portable' Automaker's EV Lineup May Not Be Done Growing Having just unveiled the Uncharted, a small electric crossover twinned with the next-generation Toyota C-HR, Subaru is considering an even smaller, more affordable electric model, reports Autocar. 'It's something that is up for consideration, because we need to prepare a wider range of BEVs to meet every customer's expectations,' Masahiko Inoue, Subaru's global EV product head, told the magazine in a recent interview. Autocar reported that Subaru has taken note of the sales success of the new Renault 5, the all-electric revival of the compact hatchback once sold in the United States as the Le Car, which has logged impressive sales of 30,000 units in Europe since the beginning of the year. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More The Uncharted is almost seven inches shorter than the Subaru Solterra, the automaker's only current EV, which itself is about the same length as the gasoline Impreza hatchback. So a smaller EV would be properly compact, more in the vein of the Subaru Justy hatch sold in the U.S. from 1987 to 1994, and one of the smallest cars Subaru has ever sold outside Japan. Smaller EV May Take Awhile To Arrive Source: Subaru All of Subaru's EVs have been jointly developed with Toyota, and that's likely to be the case with additional models as well. Autocar notes that Andrea Carlucci, Toyota's product boss in Europe, previously said an electric Yaris 'is the idea,' which would provide the perfect basis for a smaller Subaru EV. But Carlucci also said 'this is not quite now.' Subaru itself doesn't seem to be in a rush to roll out this model. Subaru Europe boss David Dello Stritto said the automaker has been watching the European electric small-car segment, which is set to expand with the Volkswagen ID 2 and smaller models from Cupra and MG, but wants to 'wait and see how the Uncharted does' before deciding on a new entry-level model. 'I reckon we need about two years to find out how it's performing,' he said. 'We might have come up with new ideas during that period, so in two years' time we can talk again.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Will It Reach The U.S.? Europe may soon have a vibrant small EV segment, but the business case for a smaller Subaru EV in the U.S. is likely less compelling. While price has long been a major obstacle to EV adoption, the Uncharted is already a fairly small car by the standards of this market, so it's unclear if consumers will bite even with a low price. But such a car would provide an alternative to the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV, due to arrive later this year. For now, Subaru has one of the freshest EV lineups in the industry. In addition to the Uncharted, which made its public debut last week, the automaker unveiled a refreshed Solterra and the new, Outback-like, Trailseeker at the 2025 New York Auto Show earlier this year. Both are also slated to reach showrooms as 2026 models. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota's Next Corolla Cross Could Get Prius-Like Makeover
From the GR Corolla to TRD-badged large SUVs, Toyota has several new models for all kinds of enthusiasts, be it those who enjoy track days or adventure junkies who prefer off-roading. However, there are a few cheaper Toyotas that still give off the dependable-but-entirely-unremarkable vibe many still associate with the brand. One such Toyota is the Corolla Cross, the smallest Toyota crossover in America. Based on comments by a Toyota exec, this model's bland design is hurting sales in certain markets. He strongly hinted at the need for a more exciting future design, as well as a look unique to major markets, to drive more interest in the Honda HR-V rival. In Europe, sales of the Corolla Cross were down by 14% across the first four months of 2025, whereas the more evocative C-HR (not currently sold in the USA) saw sales rise by 9.6% over the same period, relative to 2024. "We don't have the perfect Corolla Cross for Europe, in the sense it's a global model," said Andrea Carlucci, head of product strategy and marketing at Toyota Europe, when speaking with Auto News. "If we bring more European zest, sales will be up." He specifically suggested that designing a single model to cater to both Japanese and American tastes has come at the expense of what Europeans want. The next Corolla Cross, then, could get unique designs for Europe and the USA. It wouldn't be the first time a major model gets a unique design for these two regions - Honda already sells a Euro HR-V that looks completely different to the American one. To address the crossover's lack of personality, a new GR Sport trim was recently introduced for Europe. Around the same time, the US-spec Corolla Cross got a more aggressive design, but it's still not as interesting as a Hyundai Kona or Chevrolet Trailblazer. Carlucci's comments suggest that the next Corolla Cross will receive a much sportier design, and as we've seen recently with the Prius, Toyota has the ability to quickly transform a nameplate from bland to glam. In America, the current Corolla Cross has a 169-horsepower engine. Paired with a CVT, acceleration is both languid and boomy. Take the Mazda CX-30, for example; its base model makes 191 hp, and the conventional six-speed automatic also makes for a sportier driving experience. Then again, Americans don't seem to be as sensitive to the Corolla Cross's ordinary look. In the first quarter of 2025, sales of Toyota's smallest SUV in this market were up by 45.2% relative to 2024. The popularity of the 196-hp hybrid helps, too - it's one of the most efficient crossovers around, and isn't as slow as the base model. But Toyota has clearly not yet unlocked the potential of the Corolla Cross. If the next gen could mix a Prius-like makeover with hybrid-only powertrains (as the 2026 RAV4 has done), it could become yet another best-seller for the company. We don't expect to see the second-gen Corolla Cross before 2027. Related: This Is The Cheapest New Toyota Car In America Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota's Next Corolla Cross Could Get Prius-Like Makeover
Unique designs for Europe and America possible From the GR Corolla to TRD-badged large SUVs, Toyota has several new models for all kinds of enthusiasts, be it those who enjoy track days or adventure junkies who prefer off-roading. However, there are a few cheaper Toyotas that still give off the dependable-but-entirely-unremarkable vibe many still associate with the brand. One such Toyota is the Corolla Cross, the smallest Toyota crossover in America. Based on comments by a Toyota exec, this model's bland design is hurting sales in certain markets. He strongly hinted at the need for a more exciting future design, as well as a look unique to major markets, to drive more interest in the Honda HR-V rival. Bland Design Blamed For Flagging Corolla Cross Sales 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross — Source: Toyota In Europe, sales of the Corolla Cross were down by 14% across the first four months of 2025, whereas the more evocative C-HR (not currently sold in the USA) saw sales rise by 9.6% over the same period, relative to 2024. 'We don't have the perfect Corolla Cross for Europe, in the sense it's a global model,' said Andrea Carlucci, head of product strategy and marketing at Toyota Europe, when speaking with Auto News. 'If we bring more European zest, sales will be up.' He specifically suggested that designing a single model to cater to both Japanese and American tastes has come at the expense of what Europeans want. The next Corolla Cross, then, could get unique designs for Europe and the USA. It wouldn't be the first time a major model gets a unique design for these two regions – Honda already sells a Euro HR-V that looks completely different to the American one. Source: Toyota To address the crossover's lack of personality, a new GR Sport trim was recently introduced for Europe. Around the same time, the US-spec Corolla Cross got a more aggressive design, but it's still not as interesting as a Hyundai Kona or Chevrolet Trailblazer. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Carlucci's comments suggest that the next Corolla Cross will receive a much sportier design, and as we've seen recently with the Prius, Toyota has the ability to quickly transform a nameplate from bland to glam. More Power Would Be Welcome, Too Source: Toyota In America, the current Corolla Cross has a 169-horsepower engine. Paired with a CVT, acceleration is both languid and boomy. Take the Mazda CX-30, for example; its base model makes 191 hp, and the conventional six-speed automatic also makes for a sportier driving experience. Then again, Americans don't seem to be as sensitive to the Corolla Cross's ordinary look. In the first quarter of 2025, sales of Toyota's smallest SUV in this market were up by 45.2% relative to 2024. The popularity of the 196-hp hybrid helps, too – it's one of the most efficient crossovers around, and isn't as slow as the base model. But Toyota has clearly not yet unlocked the potential of the Corolla Cross. If the next gen could mix a Prius-like makeover with hybrid-only powertrains (as the 2026 RAV4 has done), it could become yet another best-seller for the company. We don't expect to see the second-gen Corolla Cross before 2027. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Toyota & Lexus new cars for 2025 revealed including rugged RAV4 update, hybrid Aygo and sharp-looking ES saloon
'IF you want to catch a lot of fish, set out many fishing rods,' a wise man in the motor industry once said. Toyota is definitely following that advice. 5 Toyota will relaunch its baby Aygo X as a hybrid instead of pure-petrol at the end of the year Credit: Supplied 5 The C-HR+, looks, and is, different from the C-HR hybrid Credit: Toyota 5 The small pure battery Urban Cruiser, on sale shortly Credit: Supplied So any potential customer swimming into a Toyota dealership will find a huge range of cars ready to hook them. It's working. Sales of Toyota and its posher Lexus arm keep growing. A cascade of new cars and updates will likely keep the momentum going into next year. READ MORE IN MOTORS The RAV4 family SUV is a massive seller and returns next year as a plug-in hybrid only. It should be economical when running on petrol alone. But if you can find somewhere to plug in, the electric range is now a very handy 62 milles. The angular new body has a proper rugged look to it, standing out from the crop of softy crossovers it competes against. Toyota keeps driving down the cost of hybrids. Most read in Motors At the end of the year it will relaunch its baby That will have the lowest consumption and CO2 rating of any car without a plug. Toyota offers $25k discount off brand new model until June 2 – but the rebate depends on where shoppers live So the hybrid system is still a massive part of Toyota's success. When hybrid arrived here in the Prius at the turn of the millennium, it was a minority sport. Gradually it went mainstream, spreading across nearly all Toyota and Lexus models. So much so that the company took flak for not jumping from there on to the full-electric car bandwagon. Now that caution looks wise. The speed of changeover to EVs is softening, and the legal push to ban hybrids is paused five years to 2035. Shifting predictions for EVs are affecting Toyota-Lexus too. 5 For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover Credit: Supplied For some years, the plan was to build standalone electric cars, wholly different from the hybrids. But that's going to change. Andrea Carlucci, European marketing boss, told me the plan now is to build cars that you can buy as either full-electric or hybrid. Selling completely separate hybrid and EV models, he says, 'causes a complexity challenge', confusing buyers and choking dealerships. 'We should simplify the number of silhouettes.' So Lexus is launching its sharp-looking new luxury saloon, the ES, in both a hybrid and a 330-mile electric. In the UK the plan is we'll get the electric only, but no doubt that could alter if the politics of EVs change again. For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover Inside, it's luxurious but with a clean Japanese-garden feel. The door trim looks like back-illuminated bamboo. But despite the new plan for dual-powertrain cars, there are still a bunch of pure battery cars in the launch phase. The small one is the Urban Cruiser, on sale shortly. It'll be followed by the C-HR+, which looks, and is, different from the C-HR hybrid. All those two share is a general theme: both are compact coupe-crossovers. For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover. That's spring next year. The all-electric Lexus RZ gets an update next year, including steer-by-wire using an aircraft-style yoke instead of a steering wheel, plus fake 'gearbox' effects to make driving a single-speed EV feel more interesting. More like a petrol car, in other words. 5 The RAV4 family SUV is a massive seller and returns next year as a plug-in hybrid only Credit: Supplied 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: When is your MOT due? When is your car tax due? Find out here Is it illegal to drive barefoot? What do Is it illegal to drive without road tax? Can you be fined for breaking the highway code? How to What does Is it illegal to
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Toyota & Lexus new cars for 2025 revealed including rugged RAV4 update, hybrid Aygo and sharp-looking ES saloon
Sales of Toyota and its posher Lexus arm keep growing TOYS R US Toyota & Lexus new cars for 2025 revealed including rugged RAV4 update, hybrid Aygo and sharp-looking ES saloon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 'IF you want to catch a lot of fish, set out many fishing rods,' a wise man in the motor industry once said. Toyota is definitely following that advice. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Toyota will relaunch its baby Aygo X as a hybrid instead of pure-petrol at the end of the year Credit: Supplied 5 The C-HR+, looks, and is, different from the C-HR hybrid Credit: Toyota 5 The small pure battery Urban Cruiser, on sale shortly Credit: Supplied So any potential customer swimming into a Toyota dealership will find a huge range of cars ready to hook them. It's working. Sales of Toyota and its posher Lexus arm keep growing. A cascade of new cars and updates will likely keep the momentum going into next year. The RAV4 family SUV is a massive seller and returns next year as a plug-in hybrid only. It should be economical when running on petrol alone. But if you can find somewhere to plug in, the electric range is now a very handy 62 milles. The angular new body has a proper rugged look to it, standing out from the crop of softy crossovers it competes against. Toyota keeps driving down the cost of hybrids. At the end of the year it will relaunch its baby Aygo X as a hybrid instead of pure-petrol. That will have the lowest consumption and CO2 rating of any car without a plug. Toyota offers $25k discount off brand new model until June 2 – but the rebate depends on where shoppers live So the hybrid system is still a massive part of Toyota's success. When hybrid arrived here in the Prius at the turn of the millennium, it was a minority sport. Gradually it went mainstream, spreading across nearly all Toyota and Lexus models. So much so that the company took flak for not jumping from there on to the full-electric car bandwagon. Now that caution looks wise. The speed of changeover to EVs is softening, and the legal push to ban hybrids is paused five years to 2035. Shifting predictions for EVs are affecting Toyota-Lexus too. 5 For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover Credit: Supplied For some years, the plan was to build standalone electric cars, wholly different from the hybrids. But that's going to change. Andrea Carlucci, European marketing boss, told me the plan now is to build cars that you can buy as either full-electric or hybrid. Selling completely separate hybrid and EV models, he says, 'causes a complexity challenge', confusing buyers and choking dealerships. 'We should simplify the number of silhouettes.' So Lexus is launching its sharp-looking new luxury saloon, the ES, in both a hybrid and a 330-mile electric. In the UK the plan is we'll get the electric only, but no doubt that could alter if the politics of EVs change again. For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover Inside, it's luxurious but with a clean Japanese-garden feel. The door trim looks like back-illuminated bamboo. But despite the new plan for dual-powertrain cars, there are still a bunch of pure battery cars in the launch phase. The small one is the Urban Cruiser, on sale shortly. It'll be followed by the C-HR+, which looks, and is, different from the C-HR hybrid. All those two share is a general theme: both are compact coupe-crossovers. For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover. That's spring next year. The all-electric Lexus RZ gets an update next year, including steer-by-wire using an aircraft-style yoke instead of a steering wheel, plus fake 'gearbox' effects to make driving a single-speed EV feel more interesting. More like a petrol car, in other words.
