Latest news and stories about automotive in Portugal for expats and residents.
Stellantis is recalling 357 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles in Portugal due to an electrical fault in the power steering pump that poses a fire risk. This local action is part of a global recall affecting approximately 1.3 million vehicles.
The European Union plans to cap imports of Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars at 350,000 units annually starting December 1st, following agreements reached in Beijing.
Miguel Araújo, director-general of Mobinov and a promoter of SCARIA, argues for accelerating industrial convergence between the automotive and aerospace sectors. He says both industries face common structural challenges and share many critical solutions, and highlights the role of initiatives like the third and final SCARIA call to foster startup creation and industrial development in rural areas. The piece calls for intensified collaboration across clusters, supply chains and innovation ecosystems to leverage shared technologies and strengthen regional industrial capacity.
Following the petrol and electric versions, the Torres is now introduced with a 204hp hybrid powertrain, capable of being both a long-distance travel companion and handling off-road terrain.
The Omoda 4 is heading to the Portuguese market, and we provide our initial impressions after test-driving the new Chinese SUV.
Stellantis reported a Q3 loss of €453 million, a 90% reduction compared to the same period in 2025, and accumulated a profit of €217 million by September. In a statement released this Wednesday (October 28), the automotive group noted that its operational results have significantly improved, with adjusted operating profit rising by 184% year-on-year between July and September. While total revenue saw limited growth of 1% to €37.6 billion, the company confirmed its full-year financial targets and reported that its 'FaSTLAne 2030' strategic plan is yielding results, particularly in production efficiency and electric vehicle demand in Europe.
Audi has announced the construction of its first factory in the USA, the result of a 4 billion dollar investment. However, this comes at a time when the VW Group is closing factories in Germany.
It is now possible to place a pre-order for the Tesla Roadster in Portugal, and the pricing information has been disclosed.
New car registrations in the European Union rose 5.7% to 8,517,059 units by September, driven by a 48.5% increase in electric vehicle sales, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). The market showed notable resilience despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. Battery-electric vehicles now account for 22.7% of total sales, while hybrid vehicles remain the most popular, representing 36.3% of the market. Sales of petrol and diesel cars declined, while major groups like Volkswagen and Stellantis saw growth, contrast to a decline for the Renault Group. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Chery, and Leapmotor, along with Tesla, reported significant surges in their sales figures.
The Japanese saloon arrives in Portugal with two electric versions and one hybrid. In Copenhagen, the first encounter revealed a comfortable car, but far from the technological vanguard.
In an uncommon move for the automotive industry, new Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has issued a formal apology to customers affected by 1.2 PureTech engine issues and Takata airbag failures. This marks a clear departure from the cost-cutting strategy pursued by his predecessor, Carlos Tavares. Filosa announced the creation of 'quality war rooms' to improve reliability, aiming to restore trust in brands like Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel. Despite the change in tone, many customers remain sceptical, citing ongoing difficulties with after-sales support and lingering concerns regarding the long-term reliability of the engine block, even as the company redirects focus toward its 'Fast Lane 2030' plan.
With 50 launches planned by 2030, the group guarantees the new Citroën 2CV in Europe, promises affordable electric vehicles, and blames previous management for lost time.
An overview of the 39 vehicles competing for the 2027 Car of the Year title in the Portuguese market.
There are family SUVs that vanish in a supermarket car park. The Cupra Terramar is not one of them. I parked it on a street in Lisbon in the morning with its matte manganese green paint, and in less than ten minutes, a neighbour was already asking what kind of car it was. The three-triangle headlights and the matte finish justify it...
Porsche wants to increase the price of its most exclusive vehicles and reduce its cost structure to recover profitability, as reported by the Wall Street Journal (subscription required). The strategy of Michael Leiters, who took over as CEO in January, combines new top-of-the-range models with staff cuts and changes.
Volkswagen opens orders for the new ID. Polo GTI in the Portuguese market with prices starting at €39,795.
Elon Musk showcased a prototype featuring SpaceX thrusters and a revamped design. Deliveries have been postponed to 2028 and road homologation appears almost impossible.
Der Vertragsentwurf sieht strengere Zulassungsbedingungen für Nicht-EU-Länder hinsichtlich der Teilnahme an öffentlichen Ausschreibungen und der Inanspruchnahme öffentlicher Fördermittel vor und mildert das Verbot von Verbrennungsmotoren ab dem Jahr 2035 ab.
The Leapmotor B03X model is scheduled for release in the Portuguese market this November.
Automotive production for the Stellantis group was impacted by planned stoppages at North American facilities. In that region, estimated consolidated deliveries fell by 12%, while in Europe they rose by 10% in the third quarter, mainly due to demand for battery electric vehicles (BEV). Globally, the third quarter showed a slight year-on-year decline of 1% in vehicle deliveries. Even so, production delivered to dealers, distributors, and end customers in the third quarter stood at 1.3 million units. Alongside North America, the Turkish market also recorded fewer deliveries. The drop in North America was around 42,000 units year-on-year, particularly for the Grand Cherokee and Compass brands. In the enlarged European region, deliveries increased by 54,000 units, up 10% year-on-year, with the Leapmotor brand being a standout within Stellantis. Models contributing to the growth in demand included the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross, the Opel Frontera, and the Fiat Grande Panda, alongside the Fiat 500 Hybrid and Jeep Compass. In contrast, deliveries of the Opel Corsa and Mokka, Citroen C4, Alfa Romeo Junior, and Peugeot 2008 fell. In the Middle East and Africa region, there was strong demand in Algeria and Morocco, and a decline in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which are being affected by the ongoing military conflict. In South America, deliveries increased in Brazil but fell in Argentina; and in Asia-Pacific, there was an increase in volumes in India.
The Geely Auto Group, represented in Portugal by Salvador Caetano Auto, launched the new hybrid SUV, the Geely Monjaro EM-i, in Paris, named after Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a luxury offering for the D-segment, featuring the new GEA-Evo architecture specifically developed for electrified vehicles. The model incorporates the GEEA 3.0 system, aiming to enhance connectivity and performance, while the EM-i Super Hybrid powertrain offers high efficiency. Geely also recently unveiled the E2 compact electric car, the E5 fully electric SUV, and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid. CEO of Geely Europe, Aiden He, reaffirmed the brand's commitment to international expansion. The compact Geely E2 completes the current range in Portugal.
The Chinese brand Leapmotor, represented by Stellantis, used the Paris Motor Show to launch the B03, a compact urban electric vehicle aiming to democratise access to pure electric mobility. Built on the Compact Electric Platform, the B03 offers a WLTP range of 390 km, 145 kW of power, and fast charging from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes. The interior features a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen, the Leap OS 4.0 Plus system, and over 30 storage compartments. Additionally, Leapmotor unveiled the luxury D19 SUV and announced that production of the all-electric B10 has begun at the Stellantis factory in Zaragoza, Spain.
In September, Chinese brand Omoda registered 497 vehicles, securing a 2.5% market share in the national passenger car segment, according to official data from the sector association ACAP. The brand entered the Top 15 in the national C-SUV HEV category, with the Omoda 5 SHS-H model leading. In September, Omoda registered 250 hybrids, 133 electric vehicles, and 114 plug-in hybrids. The brand plans to expand its range, with the JAECOO 5 SHS-H reaching dealerships and the JAECOO 8 expected by year-end. Nuno Serra, Import Director for Omoda-JAECOO, stated they currently work with 20 dealerships and intend to increase this number. In the United Kingdom, the brand revealed that the JAECOO 7 was the best-selling vehicle in September with 10,813 registrations, according to the SMMT. The brand previously led sales in the UK in March and currently ranks second for the year-to-date period through September. The Omoda 7 SHS-P offers luxury on the move at an aggressive price point.
An analysis of a hidden detail related to Portugal found within the Citroën 2CV model.
Due to pressure from several European countries in the process of approving Tesla’s autonomous driving system, the brand has changed the name from Full Self-Driving to Assisted Driving on European vehicles.
The ExpressGlass network, a company specialising in the repair, replacement, and calibration of automotive glass, announced a growth of about 20% in the number of stores, currently counting 113 service points throughout the country. According to the company, between January and August 2026, services performed by partner stores recorded a 30% increase.
An iconic image has reappeared at the Paris Motor Show with the new Citroen 2 CV Fourgonnette concept. While the Fourgonnette is a design study not currently slated for production, Citroen is also showcasing another 2 CV-inspired concept. This second model, set to enter production within two years, aims for a 15,000 euro price point. Positioned between the Ami and the C3, it is an all-electric, minimalist, and compact vehicle designed to be agile and adaptable. The design pays homage to the original 2 CV with its round headlights, vertical windscreen, and curved roof, while the interior features a stripped-back, functional aesthetic. Features like the removable storage basket and egg-storage compartments in the doors offer a nostalgic nod to the historic model.
The Citroën 2CV was the most anticipated surprise at the Paris Motor Show, which kicked off today. It is a four-seater electric vehicle with a 'delightful' look that will be released in 2028 for just €15,000.
The agreement was reached last Friday, after two days of intense negotiations in Beijing.
With 1.8 million cars over 20 years old currently on the road, the association warns of the impact on emissions and accident rates, demanding structural changes to taxation.
