Latest news with #European-built
UPI
3 hours ago
- Science
- UPI
NASA readying for crewed Artemis II moon flight
1 of 5 | Artemis II crew cheers the Crew 11 mission during a press conference at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo July 30 (UPI) -- NASA is preparing for its April 2026 Artemis II 10-day mission that will send a crew of four around the moon to prepare for future crewed moon landings. The Artemis II mission will demonstrate a variety of capabilities that are needed to complete deep-space missions, including those to the moon and Mars, the space agency said. The Artemis II crew is comprised of mission commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. Hansen is from the Canadian Space Agency and will join the three NASA astronauts to make the mission an international endeavor. The Artemis II mission will confirm all of the spacecraft's systems and equipment will work as intended while supporting a crew of four in deep space. The mission also enables long-term exploration and science missions on the moon's surface. A Space Launch System super-heavy-lift rocket will launch an Orion spacecraft and its crew into space for the 10-day mission. Orion's European-built service module enables the spacecraft to break away from Earth's orbit and reach the moon by using an injection burn. The mission will carry the spacecraft and crew on a figure-eight course extending more than 230,000 miles from Earth and 4,600 miles beyond the moon. It will take four days to go beyond the moon and another four days to return to Earth. A prior uncrewed Artemis I mission was launched in November 2022 and orbited the moon. It was NASA's first moon mission since the space agency cancelled its Apollo program in December 1972. NASA's Artemis II crew discuss moon mission The Artemis II astronauts give a shout out to the Crew 11 mission during a press conference at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 30, 2025. Left to right, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist Christina Hammock Koch, Pilot Victor Glover and Commander Reid Wiseman. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Nikkei Asia
a day ago
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
Toyota to make EVs in Czech Republic, its first in Europe
Toyota to begin EV production in Europe in preparation for tighter environmental restrictions there. (Photo by Eiki Hayashi) SHOTA UEHARA NAGOYA, Japan -- Toyota Motor will start producing electric vehicles at a Czech subsidiary as early as 2028, its first European-built EVs, Nikkei learned Tuesday. The Japanese automaker is expected to make an electric sport utility vehicle at the site, with annual production aimed at around 100,000 units.
South Wales Argus
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
GWM introduces affordable mid-sized SUV
Priced between £23,995 and £29,995, the GWM Haval Jolion Pro comes with lots of standard kit, significantly undercutting several rivals on price. In terms of looks, interior and performance, it's a vehicle that doesn't stand out from the crowd but – equally – isn't particularly offensive on any of those fronts. A hybrid powertrain is the only engine on offer. It features a 147bhp electric motor mated to a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, which produces a less impressive 94bhp. The GWM Haval Jolion In most circumstances, the two power sources work well together to provide a reasonable amount of punch, although the engine tone can be harsh under heavy acceleration and sometimes feels a little short of breath on long, steep hills. It takes about nine seconds to get from 0-60mph, which sufficiently brisk for a vehicle of this size. The steering is trustworthy but doesn't offer a lot of 'feel', while the ride can feel a bit unsettled over uneven surfaces. In many ways, the Jolion looks more conventional than other Chinese cars on sale in the UK, with styling more akin to some of the European-built SUVs. The front end is dominated by a large grille in which eye-catching silver strips run vertically, while slim LED headlights provide a contemporary look. From the side, the vehicle is a bit anonymous, but the rear has more of a distinctive look thanks to a wrapover 'single eyebrow' LED light bar and a spoiler. The rear end of the GWM The Jolion comes with 17-inch or 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, depending on trim level. Inside, the cabin is well laid out and fairly pleasant, with some soft touch surfaces interspersed with harder materials. There's a mix of switchgear and screens. A 7-inch full-colour digital cluster sits alongside an LED multimedia touchscreen, measuring up to 12.3-inches depending on specification. The touchscreen looks very busy and can be tricky to navigate at first, but is largely acceptable once you get accustomed to its quirks. The Jolion has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, plus a Bluetooth hands-free system, smart keyless entry, and push-button start. Ultra trim adds a head-up display and wireless phone charger. A lack of DAB radio was one drawback, and there's also no option to have built-in sat-nav. I liked the space in the central console that your phone can slot into in much the same way that bread slots into a toaster, meaning it doesn't move around when you go round corners. The leatherette seats are supple and comfortable, offering plenty of space for front seats occupants, while rear seat passengers also benefit from generous legroom. The spacious cabin isn't replicated in terms of the boot, which has a mere 255 litres of capacity – about 150 litres less than many other hybrid SUVs. The interior of the vehicle Lux trim level also adds heated front seats, while Ultra versions get ventilated front seating. Safety-wise, the vehicle benefits from a comprehensive package of over 100 built-in active and passive cutting-edge safety features, including driver drowsiness protection, brake override system, secondary collision mitigation and automatic rear cross traffic braking. The 360-degree camera on Ultra trim level works well in providing a crisp and clear panoramic view around the car. All-in-all, the Jolion has plus points and minus points, but the price is bound to attract interest. GWM Haval Jolion Pro PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 9 seconds ECONOMY: 47mpg and emissions of 133 g/km ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with 147bhp electric motor TRANSMISSION: Automatic PRICE: £23,995 TO £29,995
Miami Herald
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Mini Countryman Holds Price Despite Tariffs And Rivals' Hikes
Mini's largest SUV is keeping its cool - at least when it comes to pricing. Despite intensifying tariff pressure on European imports, the 2026 Mini Countryman will carry over its pricing from 2025, according to newly released order guide Countryman S ALL4 starts at $38,900, while the performance-oriented John Cooper Works version holds steady at $46,900. Those figures don't include destination, but they do send a clear message: Mini isn't passing on tariff pain. At least, not yet. No Hike, No Problem - For Now Mini assembles the Countryman in Leipzig, Germany, making it one of the European-built models potentially affected by the Trump administration's 25% tariff hike on imported EVs and components. Analysts have warned that foreign-built cars, particularly from the EU, may see thousands tacked onto their MSRPs - depending on how automakers choose to for instance, is raising prices by up to $2,500 across several 2026 models starting this month. That makes Mini's decision to hold the line on the Countryman's pricing even more notable - and more competitive. How Mini Pulled It Off The answer likely lies in strategic price protections. According to early dealer reports, Mini USA secured a window of builds unaffected by the new tariffs - meaning customers who order their Countryman before summer's end may avoid price increases altogether. It's not clear how long this will last, though. Once the protected inventory runs dry, later-production models could be subject to the full cost in Mini's 2026 lineup, only one model now starts under $30,000, with most Coopers and convertibles climbing into the mid-$30Ks. The Countryman, already positioned as the brand's largest and most versatile model, appears to be staying put - for now. More Than Just A Sticker The 2026 Countryman isn't phoning it in, either. All trims come standard with a 9.4-inch circular OLED display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, wireless phone charging, and satellite radio. The S trim delivers 241 hp from a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the JCW jumps to 312 hp with all-wheel drive as recent review of the Countryman SE ALL4 praised Mini's ability to blend fun, function, and refinement in a segment that's becoming increasingly cookie-cutter. It's not just about quirky design anymore - these are capable, well-rounded small SUVs. The Tariff Storm Is Still Coming It's important to remember that Mini's price stability isn't permanent. With trade tensions still rising, particularly around European components and raw materials, future builds may not be immune. Trump's most recent tariff proposals threaten to raise prices even further - with potential hikes on foreign copper and aluminum that would affect everything from wiring harnesses to buyers looking at a Mini, the current pricing may represent a rare window of value before things shift again. Order now, and you might skate by under the tariff radar. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Glasgow Times
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Petrol pump warning on forecourts at Tesco, Asda and more
It may seem like a simple task, but there is so much to think about when filling up on fuel - whether it's using the right pump, parking correctly, or simply being a courteous customer. Petrol station etiquette isn't taught at any stage of the driver's learning journey so what are the unwritten rules for being a polite petrol station customer? As many drivers take to Reddit to voice their biggest fuel filling icks, Fuel card expert and Sales Director at Right Fuel Card, David James, shares five top petrol station etiquette tips. Should you move your car after putting fuel in it? One Reddit user recently shared their fuelling experience after being insulted by another driver for leaving their car next to the pump whilst going inside to pay. Many commenters expressed their outrage and opinions, provoking the question, should we be moving our cars immediately after fuelling if we intend to go inside the shop? David said: 'If you are simply paying for your fuel inside, then the next customer is unable to fuel their car until you have paid so there is no point in moving your car for them as they won't be able to proceed. 'You could also risk the petrol station workers thinking you're driving away without paying, which could cause unnecessary stress.' Where should we park at the petrol station? Some petrol stations have tight spacing between pumps so it can be hard to determine the best position to park. David suggests: 'Always be mindful of spacing when parking near the pumps and just use your initiative, if you think that your own vehicle wouldn't be able to fit beside you, then neither can anybody else's. 'Nevertheless, there is no need to overthink this, if you see another driver struggling to fit beside you, then you can just simply adjust your vehicle accordingly.' Recommended Reading: Should we only be filling up on the tank side? As all European-built cars are designed predominantly for left-hand drive markets to allow safer fuelling at the roadside, should we be only using the tank sided pumps? David explains: 'Modern day pumps should be long enough to reach the other side of your car, so you can utilise any of the free pumps and avoid waiting for longer than necessary. 'Always be mindful of oncoming traffic and how you park at the pumps to allow enough space for you to fuel on the other side safely. 'If you forget which side your fuel filler is on, you can look at the fuel gauge on the dashboard as there is a mini image of a fuel tank which shows the side your fuel filler is on.' If the pump ahead is free, should we move our vehicle forward? Another Reddit user posted their fuelling experience involving a 'staring match' for refusing to move their vehicle forward when the next pump became free. David comments: 'It can be annoying seeing another driver fuelling their car whilst the pump in front of them is free and you are able to go around them. 'If you have already begun fuelling or inserting your card at the pump, do not feel pressured to move your vehicle. This isn't safe or practical. 'If you haven't exited your motor yet and see that the pump in front has become free, then you may wish to move forward to allow space for other drivers.' Never use your mobile phone at the petrol station We've all heard the rumours that our mobile phones could cause an explosion at the petrol station - but how true are they? David said: 'Filling up on fuel is a task that holds a lot of responsibility, fuel is highly flammable and anyone handling it needs to do so with caution, and as safely as possible. 'Whilst there's no real data around the impact that mobile phones have on fuel, it has been said by the UKPIA that there could be a potential risk of sparking, as the technology has not been designed or certified for use in 'explosive' atmospheres. 'Whilst the risk involved may be low, it's always best to minimise that risk and avoid using your mobile phone when filling up your vehicle's fuel.'
