Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

China’s Electric Commercial Vehicle Boom May Have Global Implications For Oil Demand

Demand for oil has not yet peaked, but the influence of China and the growing number of EV haulage options means that the country’s commercial industry may tip the scales. A combination of policy support, a wide range of available models, and a large-scale ramping up of charging infrastructure investment has caused the market to take off, with the EV share of light commercial vehicles increasing from less than 1 percent to 10 percent in two years.

Coastrunner EV Is A Cool-Looking Buggy With A Fridge In The Frunk

Beachbuggies are making a comeback as electric powertrains advance, with the likes of the Meyers Manx and Mini Moke both making a return to the market. Now a newcomer in the form of the Coastrunner EV is here from Savage Rivale, a Dutch brand. It features a 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS) electric motor on the rear axle and has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). The range is around the 200 km (124 miles) mark, while the frunk can house a 60-liter fridge for your snacks and beverages.

2024 Suzuki Swift: What It’ll Look Like, Powertrains And Everything Else We Know

We’ve imagined the next-generation Suzuki Swift, using our own intel, as well as recent spy shots. The new entry in Suzuki’s much-loved hatchback line will evolve the model’s looks, with an easily recognizable silhouette. The next Swift will also feature a large trapezoidal grille with bold LED headlamps and a C-clamp intake graphic dominating the front end. Unconfirmed reports indicate the 2023 Swift will be offered with a 1.2-liter, normally aspirated petrol engine and mild hybrid tech, with a 1.4-liter turbo lump for the Sport model.

Design Trends: Straked Wheels, Are You A Fan?

As we are pushed towards a new era of electric vehicles, one design aspect appears to have seen a significant change: wheels. Car makers are offering us fuller spokes, or even complete discs, many with strakes designed to improve aero-efficiency. That means, bar a handful of options, that larger and lighter wheels with caliper-revealing spokes are heading toward the history books. Are you a fan of this kind of wheel design, or would you rather stick with slinky, skinny-spoke forged wheels?

BMW E30 At 40: Here’s What It Can Still Teach Modern Cars

The BMW E30 is now four decades old and continues to be one of the most-loved generations of the 3-Series. But 40 years on, the car can still show new cars a thing or two about design. They include an exterior that bucked the trends of the day, and a brilliant dashboard layout too. Is the boxy BMW your cup of tea, or do you prefer something a bit modern?

A 2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre Convertible Should Just Be A Matter Of Time

With the all-new Rolls-Royce Spectre revealed as the company’s first mainstream production EV, how long will it be before we see a drop-top version? Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös made it clear that the Spectre is not the replacement for the ICE-powered Wraith, but a spiritual successor of the discontinued Phantom Coupe (2008-2016) — which presumably leaves the door open to a Drophead Coupe version.

What Else Is Making The News

Dietrich Mateschitz Dies At Age 78

Founder and co-owner of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz, has passed away at the age of 78. The Austrian billionaire was the face behind the energy drinks conglomerate that not only sold nearly 10 billion cans last year but has gone on to become a household name in motorsports. His life was celebrated at the Austin GP on Sunday, with teams and fans observing one minute of clapping.

Red Bull Racing Secures 2022 F1 Constructor’s Championship

 

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Red Bull secured its fifth constructor’s championship in Formula 1 and the first since 2013. It came with victory from 2022 Driver’s champion Max Verstappen, who, despite a messy pitstop, managed to overhaul second-placed Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium in third place.