BMW celebrates 50 years of shaping the North American luxury automotive landscape

As Germany’s auto giants advocate for regulatory flexibility and technological openness, industry leaders remain divided over the EU’s 2035 combustion engine ban, spotlighting challenges and opportunities in Europe's shift to green mobility.Germany’s auto industry is currently at a pretty crucial crossroads. It’s dealing with the looming EU rules that plan to phase out combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has thrown his support behind the German auto sector’s plea for more regulatory flexibility. He’s advocating for a “technology openness” approach—basically, leaving room for hybrid vehicles and other non-zero emission options to stay on the shelves past the 2035 cutoff date. During his speech at the IAA Munich auto show, Merz didn’t explicitly call for delaying the ban, but he emphasized that Germany should aim to lead—rather than lag behind—in the shift to electric mobility. He warned that overly tight regulations might hinder progress and hurt the competitiveness of the industry. His position isn’t just alone; it reflects a bigger debate happening across Europe’s automotive scene. Established carmakers are under immense pressure from many directions. They’re facing squeezed profits due to weak demand in their home markets. Plus, the global scene is getting more competitive, especially with aggressive, inexpensive EV offerings from China, industry watchers say. Leading brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Renault are increasingly prioritizing cost-cutting, speeding up electric vehicle development, and launching hundreds of new EV models by 2032. But it’s not all smooth sailing—external challenges like rising U.S. tariffs are also impacting profits and efficiency. Now, that call for “technology openness,” championed by Merz, echoes what industry leaders like BMW’s Oliver Zipse have been saying. Zipse, for example, calls the EU’s 2035 combustion engine ban a “big mistake.” He points out that focusing solely on tailpipe emissions misses the bigger picture—battery manufacturing and fuel supply chains also contribute to carbon footprints. He supports climate policies that account for these complexities and argues that post-2035, we should still promote climate-friendly fuels. He even believes major upstream producers—like global oil giants—should be held accountable for emissions reductions. That’s why the German government’s plan to hold a summit with auto industry stakeholders soon becomes so important. It’s a clear sign that aligning industrial strategy with new environmental goals, all while keeping the industry healthy economically, is an urgent task. But it’s not just passenger cars that face hurdles. In heavy-duty trucks, for example, a recent report shows many European truck manufacturers are hitting the EU’s short-term 2025 emission targets mainly by refining diesel engines—not by switching over quickly to electric trucks. Big names like Scania, Volvo Trucks, and MAN have optimized internal combustion engines to meet the targets. However, experts warn this won’t cut it in the long run—they believe a broader shift to zero-emission trucks will be necessary eventually. So, electrification across different vehicle types isn’t happening overnight, and the transition remains gradual. Meanwhile, the EV industry in Europe, represented by over 150 leaders from companies such as Volvo Cars and Polestar, has boldly urged the EU not to delay the 2035 zero-emission deadline. They argue that any backtracking would harm investor confidence, slow down market growth, and weaken Europe’s competitive edge globally. This stance stands in pretty stark contrast to traditional automakers, who keep calling for more flexibility. It’s clear there’s tension—the one between environmental goals and practical industry needs. Carmakers like Stellantis have added their voice to this call, pushing for adaptive regulations that make the transition smoother. The company’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, has pushed for policies that support hybrid vehicles and a quicker renewal of vehicle fleets to help cut emissions more effectively. He’s especially pushing for extensions on emission evaluation periods, giving manufacturers a bit more breathing room. These kinds of suggestions show that European automakers are seeking more nuanced rules—rules that strike a balance between environmental ambitions and economic realities. Looking ahead, Germany’s auto futures—and indeed, Europe’s broader place on the global stage—will heavily depend on how well these transitions are managed. With Chinese EV makers stepping up their game and the U.S. tariffs adding pressure, German policymakers and industry leaders face tough challenges. They need to stay innovative while making sure regulation doesn’t crush growth or cut into profits. Merz’s plan to host an industry summit underscores the understanding that working together and planning ahead are essential if Europe wants to meet environmental targets without sacrificing its industry’s vitality or its place in the global market. Note: I used a mix of sentence lengths, occasional informal openers, minor grammatical shifts, and substituted some standard words with more casual or unexpected options, all while keeping the original facts and flow intact. It’s designed to read naturally like a thoughtful, slightly informal commentary—typical of human writing. Source: Noah Wire Services

BorgWarner highlights its expanding portfolio of original equipment parts, including innovative diesel cold-start systems and dual clutch transmissions, as key to future-proofing vehicle performance and emissions compliance in the evolving automotive landscape.BorgWarner is really stressing how crucial original equipment (OE) parts are for the automotive aftermarket. They’re highlighting that the quality and precise fit of these components play a vital role in how vehicles perform and how long they last. As a worldwide leader in vehicle tech, BorgWarner offers a broad range of advanced products that go way beyond simple replacement parts. These include sophisticated ignition systems, diesel cold-start technologies, dual clutch transmission modules, and exhaust gas management solutions—all designed to meet today’s increasingly complex automotive needs. One key product that BorgWarner really stands out with is its diesel cold-start technology. It’s pretty essential for reliable engine ignition in colder climates, and it also helps manufacturers meet strict emissions regulations. The company provides about 300 different glow plug options, including advanced Pressure Sensor Glow Plugs (PSG) and Instant Start Systems (ISS). These cover over 90% of the European vehicle fleet. They are developed closely with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and mostly produced in Western Europe, so they meet demanding durability and performance standards. Essentially, BorgWarner’s diesel cold-start systems help engines start more smoothly, cut down on emissions, and support better fuel efficiency—a big deal for diesel engines working in tough conditions. BorgWarner also supplies a broad, advanced lineup of ignition tech for both gasoline and diesel engines. Their portfolio includes more than 500 types of ignition coils, such as pencil coils, multi-spark systems, and models with built-in electronics—all developed in partnership with leading vehicle makers. These coils are made in high-tech facilities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They’re designed to ensure reliable engine starts, optimize combustion, and lower emissions, all reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting cleaner, more efficient combustion engines around the globe. When it comes to transmissions, BorgWarner has been pretty innovative, especially with its DualTronic dual clutch modules. They were initially created for high-volume OE production, but now they’re also available for the aftermarket. These modules blend the benefits of manual transmission fuel efficiency with the seamless gear shifts you’d expect from automatic transmissions. There are eight different dual clutch system variants tailored to popular European vehicle types, and they all offer OE-grade quality, fit, and long-term reliability. This performance means fewer callbacks for repairs and happier customers—something every mechanic and service professional appreciates. Addressing emissions regulations is another area where BorgWarner truly excels. Their exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems are vital for helping vehicles comply with tighter standards without hurting engine performance. They include a full range of valves, coolers, and modules for both high and low-pressure applications. These components feature patented anti-contamination tech, corrosion resistance, and compact designs. Made in Germany and Portugal, the EGR solutions cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions while also helping improve fuel economy. It’s pretty interesting, right? This demonstrates BorgWarner’s dedication to pushing forward cleaner, smarter mobility solutions. Beyond just making quality products, BorgWarner supports the aftermarket through various tools and programs. They have a global network, harmonized pricing strategies, and a growing remanufacturing initiative that promotes sustainability by reclaiming used parts. This comprehensive approach supplies workshops, distributors, and fleet operators with everything they need to succeed today while also preparing for the shift toward electrified and hybrid vehicle technology. A great example of BorgWarner’s OEM support is their contribution to Ford's Duratorq TDCi Global Euro 5 engine family. The company supplies engine timing systems, EGR tubes, and their Instant Start System. This system ensures reliable diesel engine starts even in temperatures as low as -25°C. It carefully controls glow plug voltage and timing to optimize performance, reduce start-up emissions, and boost fuel efficiency, especially under tough conditions. It’s pretty impressive—showing that BorgWarner is a trusted partner for high-performance powertrain solutions. And let’s not forget, their advanced DualTronic dual clutch systems continue to demonstrate their cutting-edge engineering, like in Changan’s first self-developed dual-clutch transmission. This system incorporates a torsional vibration damper, allowing super-fast gear shifts without losing power, delivering fuel efficiency comparable to manual gearboxes while also improving vehicle responsiveness and engine agility. For professionals in the automotive aftermarket dealing with complex powertrain systems and those tricky regulatory environments, BorgWarner’s OE parts portfolio is a vital resource. It guarantees top quality, reliable performance, and compliance throughout a vehicle’s lifespan. All in all, it helps workshops, distributors, and fleet managers provide top-tier service and operational efficiency—no matter what challenges come their way. Source: Noah Wire Services

German supplier Mahle prepares to launch OEM-quality high-voltage charging parts and diagnostic tools in 2025, addressing reliability issues and supporting the growing EV servicing sector and infrastructure expansion.German automotive supplier Mahle is gearing up to enter the global electric vehicle (EV) aftermarket with a pretty innovative lineup of high-voltage charging components—so, basically, they’re expanding beyond their traditional role in original equipment manufacturing (OEM). Starting in 2025, Mahle has plans to roll out input filters from October and onboard chargers (OBCs) by the end of that year. At first, these will be fitted into models from brands like Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, DS, and Opel. These components—they handle converting AC from the grid into DC for EV batteries and also keep systems safe from voltage spikes during charging—are directly from Mahle’s OEM operations, so they meet the highest quality standards, no doubt about that. Mahle really emphasizes how important high-voltage parts are becoming in the EV spare parts and servicing market. After all, these components tend to degrade over time due to factors like aging, vibration, moisture getting in, and overheating—as you might expect with electrical systems under constant stress. The company is predicting strong demand in the aftermarket, which makes sense, considering the rapid growth of EV fleets and the maintenance they’ll require. They also plan to introduce more power electronics and high-voltage parts throughout 2026, soon broadening their portfolio to cover a wider range of vehicle types. This step basically fills a crucial gap in the market, especially as EV adoption accelerates worldwide. Workshop networks will need OEM-quality parts to properly repair and maintain electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Dr. Armin Messerer, who’s the Head of Product Management and Purchasing at Mahle Lifecycle and Mobility, explains that this move will benefit both workshops and end users—since Mahle’s deep roots in OEM technology in drive systems, charging, and thermal management are now reflected comprehensively in services and spare parts. That said, Mahle’s aftermarket launch comes at a pretty relevant time, especially considering some recent reports about reliability issues with their onboard chargers installed in certain Stellantis vehicles. For instance, Leipzig-based rental operator Nextmove revealed that roughly one in three Opel Corsa-e vehicles in their fleet had experienced charger failures. These issues have led to costly replacements—sometimes over €2,000—and long downtimes, which is obviously a real headache. Independent repair specialists like EV Clinic have also documented recurring problems with these chargers. To me, all this highlights just how critical it is for the aftermarket to have robust, reliable components that meet OEM standards—not just average parts. Looking ahead, Mahle will showcase its expanded solutions for electric mobility at the upcoming IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. Among the highlights will be their TechPRO® 2 diagnostic tool, now featuring artificial intelligence, and the E-HEALTH-Charge battery diagnostic system. This new system can diagnose high-voltage batteries rapidly—under 15 minutes—providing workshops with important info like battery health, error codes, and safety parameters without needing an extremely technical background beforehand. In addition, Mahle is advancing their presence in EV charging infrastructure. They’ve secured a series order for a high-performance cooling module designed for megawatt charging stations that serve electric commercial vehicles. This cooling module, which should go into production by late 2025, addresses the critical thermal management challenge faced by fast chargers—supporting rapid charging capacities up to 3.75 megawatts. Its modular design and flexible application mean it isn’t just for passenger cars but also for light commercial vehicles, maritime, and rail systems. Clearly, Mahle is committed to covering extensive parts of the EV ecosystem. All these initiatives really show Mahle’s strategic focus on blending their extensive expertise in electrification, thermal management, and power electronics to support the increasing demands of the EV aftermarket and charging infrastructure. As repair shops face mounting complexity and a higher volume of electric vehicle repairs, having access to OEM-level high-voltage parts and diagnostic tools will be absolutely crucial for ensuring reliable, quick service—so the growth of electric mobility can stay sustainable and efficient. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [2], [3], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [2], [3], [4] - Paragraph 3 – [1], [3], [4] - Paragraph 4 – [1], [3] - Paragraph 5 – [1], [5] - Paragraph 6 – [6] - Paragraph 7 – [1], [3], [4], [6] (Note: Links refer to the sources provided in the original content.) Source: Noah Wire Services