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A Volkswagen car on an assembly line inside a factory is shown on the left; on the right, a Volkswagen logo is displayed atop a brick building, capturing the optimism as Euro auto stocks rally with the Japan-U.S. trade deal fueling growth.

By Khris Bharath –  July 23, 2025

European Auto Stocks Rally As Japan-U.S. Trade Deal Fuels...

It took one headline from Washington to bring European car stocks out of their slump. On Wednesday morning, after Japan secured a surprise trade agreement with the United States that slashes import tariffs on Japanese vehicles from 25% to 15%, shares of major European automakers rose. According to CNBC, major European auto stocks were up nearly 5% or more. Volvo Cars shot up 7%, touching its highest point since mid-May. German heavyweights followed close behind, with Volkswagen gaining nearly 7%, BMW rising by 4%, and Mercedes-Benz climbing 4.9%. Even Stellantis and Renault, which have faced tough investor sentiment this year, rallied by about 3% each. In total, the Stoxx Europe 600 Autos Index jumped 3.4%, far outperforming the broader Stoxx 600, which edged up just 0.9%. The reason? Optimism. If Japan could broker a more favorable trade deal with the U.S., maybe Europe can do the same. The U.S. is the EU’s second biggest auto market after the United Kingdom, and in 2024 alone, the Bloc exported nearly 758,000 cars to the U.S., worth over €38.9 billion. For many European brands, the U.S. market remains both lucrative and strategic. The European Commission is now in high-stakes negotiations with U.S. trade representatives to avoid sweeping 25% tariffs that President Trump has threatened to impose. The downward trend for EU manufacturers began earlier this year, following President Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariff plans back in April, including on European car imports unless a new deal was reached by August 1. This was in light of a “gross imbalance” in vehicle trade and a need to protect American manufacturing. The administration gave the EU a four-month window to reach a deal. The announcement sent shockwaves through the market. European automakers were already dealing with razor-thin margins, and the threat of additional tariffs on their U.S. exports hammered investor confidence. But the tariff threat isn’t the only problem for European automakers as the sector is being squeezed on multiple fronts owing to a strong Euro, which has made European exports more expensive. Additionally, Chinese brands like BYD and Xiaomi are now flooding the European market with competitively priced EVs, putting downward pressure on prices and domestic automakers in the Bloc. This has prompted EU investigations into state subsidies and calls for new countermeasures. Meanwhile, consumer demand remains soft and sales of new cars in Europe rose just 0.1% in the first five months of 2025, according to Focus2Move. That stagnation, combined with the massive capital outlays needed for EV development, has weighed heavily on profits. Even with Wednesday’s rally, European auto stocks are still down more than 5% for the year, while the broader Stoxx 600 is up 7%. Ferrari remains the exception, with its luxury status and increasingly diverse portfolio. For now, the market is hoping that Brussels can replicate Tokyo’s diplomatic success by the end of the month.  Image Source: Volkswagen

A person selects a "Join" button for a Microsoft Teams meeting on a car touchscreen displaying a digital calendar; a blue Mercedes-Benz is parked outside an apartment building in the background.

By Khris Bharath –  July 21, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Becomes First Automaker To Natively Integra...

It was only a matter of time before the luxury car evolved into a full-blown mobile office, and, with the upcoming CLA, Mercedes-Benz is bringing that vision to life. Going beyond wireless charging pads and on-board displays, this new system will offer enterprise-grade connectivity, generative AI, and live video calls, all while the car is in motion. Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker to integrate Microsoft’s enhanced Meetings for Teams app into its vehicles, allowing drivers to join video calls using the in-car camera, even while driving. The system complies with national safety laws and was built to minimize distraction. When the camera activates, the display hides shared content, slides, or other video streams, ensuring the driver continues to stay focused on the road.  The feature will debut in the all-new CLA, the first model to run on MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System), which also powers the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system. In this Teams update, users will gain access to a redesigned interface with “Next Meetings,” quick contact shortcuts, an expanded chat function, and voice-to-text message input. The system requires the Entertainment Package Plus, which includes a data plan, and will roll out initially in Europe and the United States. Until now, in-car productivity was largely limited to reliance on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While these systems are excellent for music, navigation, and light messaging, they aren’t designed for enterprise tasks. For business users and drivers who operate in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, features like secure app access, Teams video integration, and AI-generated meeting prep have remained out of reach. Mercedes is now bridging that gap. To support this shift, Mercedes has become the first automaker to natively integrate Microsoft Intune into its vehicles. This enterprise-grade device and app management tool allows IT administrators to enforce data separation, manage security policies, and grant or revoke access, just as they would on a corporate laptop or phone. Business users can now switch between personal and work profiles in the car, securely and seamlessly. “This isn’t about screen time. It’s about making time count. CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Our collaboration with Microsoft ensures that productivity on the move is safe, seamless, and intuitive.” Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG Perhaps the most forward-looking announcement is the integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot, the generative AI assistant designed to streamline productivity. With voice prompts, drivers can even summarize email threads, retrieve client information, prepare for meetings, or manage to-do lists.  It is a powerful tool that transforms the vehicle into what Mercedes is calling the “third workspace,” a functional bridge between office and home.  But perhaps, nowhere would such a system be more relevant than extending such functionality to the back seat of models like the S-Class or flagship Maybach, where executives can get so much more done, while on the move. But for now, there is a key limitation: these new tools are tied directly to Mercedes’ MB.OS, which is only launching in new models starting with the CLA. It is still unclear if existing Mercedes vehicles, including the current S-Class, EQS, or Maybach lineup, which are currently running older MBUX systems, will receive these features via OTA updates, and if they pack the necessary hardware to support this new software architecture. Still, with this rollout, the message is clear. As hybrid work takes hold and AI-powered productivity tools become essential, Mercedes is already working on future-proofing the role of the automobile and the future of business mobility. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

A black EV convertible chassis and a red Ferrari coupe chassis are positioned in a brightly lit automotive factory assembly area.

By Khris Bharath –  June 18, 2025

Ferrari Slams The Brakes On Second EV Amid Poor Demand

It appears that Ferrari’s electric future has taken a back seat. Despite the industry’s general push towards electrification, the Italian marque is quietly putting plans on the back burner for its second battery-powered model. According to a recent report by Reuters, the car that was originally slated for a 2026 debut will now arrive no earlier than 2028. The simple reason for the delay? Zero demand. Sources close to the matter say that even with a Ferrari badge, a high-performance EV just isn’t cutting it with buyers. Reuters notes that while Ferrari declined to comment, insiders have cited soft market appetite as the driving force behind this delay and not any engineering challenges. However, this delay doesn’t affect Ferrari’s first electric car, which is on track for an October 2026 release. This inaugural EV will be more of a symbolic milestone, rather than a volume seller. Co-designed by former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive, the upcoming all-electric model is expected to cost north of $500,000 and debut over a slow three-phase reveal beginning this fall.  That lines up with our earlier reporting back in early May, where CEO Benedetto Vigna reaffirmed the brand’s insistence on developing strategic components in-house, including the patent-pending virtual engine and transmission system, meant to simulate the visceral experience of driving a combustion-powered car. Besides the Pininfarina Battista, models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N with the simulated gear-shifts that sync with engine-like noises are amongst just a handful of EVs to have captured something that’s truly missing in electric cars: driver engagement. After all, it's not just about breakneck speed, but the overall theater that a Ferrari offers, with one of the most defining features being the high-revving engine note. But it seems that imitation alone won’t move the market, as this new development at Ferrari places it with its peers. Lamborghini recently pushed its EV debut to 2029, and Maserati has outright cancelled the electric MC20, and Porsche has slashed Taycan production. Having said that, brands like Mercedes-AMG, Jaguar, Lotus, and Polestar, have truly committed to electrification. The reality is that most wealthy buyers aren’t clamoring for a battery-powered vehicle at the upper end of the segment, and the slow sales of the Rolls-Royce Spectre and Rimac Nevera support this.  Ironically, for Ferrari, their new $200 million state-of-the-art e-building facility north of Maranello, meant to support its electrified future, is nearly complete, as the company expected 60% of its lineup via hybrids and EVs to be electrified by 2026. But with global EV momentum slowing, particularly in the luxury and performance segments, Ferrari’s move to wait it out could be ideal. View All Ferraris For Sale " width="680"> Source: Reuters

A red sports car with its driver's side scissor door open is parked on sandy ground in front of a rocky backdrop, hinting at Audi Eyes Sale Of Italdesign In Wake Of Cost-Cutting Drive.

By Khris Bharath –  May 12, 2025

Audi Eyes Sale Of Italdesign In Wake Of Cost-Cutting Drive

Italdesign, one of Italy’s most iconic automotive design firms, may soon change hands as Parent company, Audi, intensifies its cost-cutting measures.  According to a recent report by Italian publication Corriere della Sera, employees were informed during a company-wide meeting on May 5, at its Moncalieri headquarters, that the firm was officially on the market. This move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort after Audi had a challenging 2024 with a variety of contributing factors, including sluggish EV sales and intensifying competition both in Europe and China.  Lamborghini, under Audi ownership, acquired a 90.1% stake in Italdesign back in 2010. A complete takeover of the company took place in 2015, after the famed Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son sold their remaining 10%. Founded in 1968 by Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani, Italdesign has earned a reputation for penning some of history's most celebrated and beautiful cars. Their automotive portfolio to date spans more than 180 designs, ranging from exotics like the Maserati MC12, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW M1, DeLorean DMC-12 to everyday models like the Mk-1 VW Golf and Fiat Panda. One of the more recent projects that garnered international headlines was the GT-R50 NISMO collaboration with Nissan in 2018, where the company was tasked with designing a 50th anniversary special for both firms. Over the decades, Italdesign has expanded its services beyond automotive to other avenues of product and transportation design. While the company remains profitable under current CEO Antonio Casu, reporting €286 million in assets, €145 million in revenue, and €20 million in profits in 2023, the vast majority of its contracts depend on the Volkswagen Group, with only 15% of its turnover coming from external sources. This casts a shadow on the company's future.  The situation in Italy’s design valley, once a hotbed for coach builders, shows a broader trend of declining demand for exterior design services. Pininfarina, Italdesign’s long-term rival, was acquired by Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra in 2015. Bertone, another big name in from the Valley also filed for bankruptcy in 2014. Now owned by Ideactive, it sets to relaunch as a brand focused on luxury and high-performance vehicles. It is worth noting that VW hasn’t officially announced the sale of Italdesign, and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for May 19 with a delegation from the Industrial Union of Turin, which should give us more details.  No potential buyers have surfaced so far, but Corriere della Sera added that engineering multinationals could be on the cards.  View Luxury Cars For Sale Source: Corriere della Sera

Orange and white sports cars are parked inside a bright, modern automotive manufacturing facility, reflecting the innovation behind Automobili Lamborghini Continues To See Growth In Q1 2025. Machinery and equipment fill the background.

By Khris Bharath –  May 06, 2025

The Two Models That Helped Lamborghini Post 29.6% Revenue...

With 2,967 deliveries, Automobili Lamborghini just posted strong first-quarter sales numbers for 2025. With  €895.2 million in revenue, this is a 29.6% jump over Q1, 2024 results. Operating income (€248.1 million) rose even faster by 32.8%. CEO Stephan Winkelman praised the brand’s continued resilient performance to strong global demand and the roll-out of two key models: The Revuelto, Lamborghini’s first V12 plug-in hybrid, and the Urus SE, a hybrid version of its super SUV. Production of both models is currently at full capacity, with the Revuelto carrying a two-year waiting list. “The results confirm the strength of our brand, even in an uncertain economic context. It’s up to us to build our own resilience.” - Stephan Winkelmann, CEO, Automobili Lamborghini Building on last year's record numbers, Lamborghini’s sales figures stand out as other luxury and performance automakers scramble to rework strategies in the face of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts, which came into effect on April 3, 2025. Brands like Aston Martin will reduce U.S.-bound shipments, JLR has paused all exports, while Porsche and Audi are holding shipments as they evaluate long-term solutions. Ferrari announced a 10% hike on some of its models.  Despite the mounting pressure, Lamborghini, for now, appears unfazed in these uncertain times. The United States led Lamborghini sales across all regions in Q1, with 933 units, followed by Germany with 366 units and the U.K. with 272 units. With 1,034 units, the Americas saw a 21% increase compared to +7% and +14 % increases from the EMEA and APAC regions. Having said that, Lamborghini is well aware that all this could very well change if trade conditions tighten further, stating that protectionist measures could have negative effects for growth, competitiveness, and development. The Italian brand currently exports all of its vehicles from Italy, and for the foreseeable future, can rely on its full order book to continue to work with buyers willing to wait.  View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

Ferrari E-Building

By Khris Bharath –  May 02, 2025

First Ferrari EV On Track For October Launch With Core Te...

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna reaffirmed the Italian brand’s commitment to maintaining control of its core technologies, as it prepares for the unveil its first all-electric vehicle in October. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Vignia said that key components will continue to be developed in-house. While he acknowledged ongoing business relationships with suppliers in Asia for non-strategic parts, he dismissed speculation about a potential collaboration with Chinese EV startup Leap Motor, clarifying that Ferrari does not purchase platforms or strategic components from external sources. I would like to remind three important things for our brand. 1. In Ferrari, we don't use platform, 2. We don't buy platform from outside, 3. We'll always keep in-house strategic components Benedetto Vigna, CEO, Ferrari If we look at Ferrari’s journey with electrification, it has its roots in the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used in F1 race cars in the late 2000s. The company first introduced hybrid-electric technology in a road-going model with the La Ferrari hypercar in 2013 . Since 2020, cars like the SF90 Stradale and the 296 GTB have expanded electrification across the lineup. The upcoming EV will be its first battery-electric vehicle, and Ferrari has invested heavily in a new assembly facility for the production of both hybrid and BEVs. The ‘E-Building’ plant, north of its Maranello campus, will be central to Ferrari’s next generation of vehicles is now nearly complete. Spanning 42,500 square meters, it will help boost the annual capacity by 6,000 units. With a Vigna added that buyers will soon have the choice between traditional gas/ICE, hybrids, and EVs, with 60% of models being offered by 2026, coming from electrified models. Also, in the face of U.S.-China trade tensions and looming tariffs, Ferrari has already adjusted its pricing structure. Vigna has said that any cars invoiced before April 2nd would see no price hikes, and models like the Roma, 296 and SF90 will remain unaffected regardless of the order date. Models like the 12Cilindri, Purosangue SUV and F80, will see an increase of up to 10%. Even in these uncertain times and volatility in the auto market, Ferrari’s stock has been relatively stable, and this is reflected by a full order-book through 2026. Vigna said that global demand remains strong and is growing, particularly in new regions like Korea and Eastern Europe, expanding its reach beyond traditional markets. Demand in China alone has doubled since before the pandemic, but volume is still modest compared to Europe and the United States.  The upcoming EV marks a pivotal moment in the Italian automaker’s history and while combustion engines are at the very heart of any Ferrari, the company says that it will be rooted in the brand’s racing heritage. It will be one of six new models that Ferrari plans to launch this year and more details will be revealed by the CEO on May 6, 2025, during Ferrari’s earnings call. View All Ferraris For Sale " width="680"> Source: Bloomberg, Ferrari

duPont REGISTRY Group Launch and Christian Clerc as Chairman (1920x1080) (1)

By Motorsport Network –  September 15, 2023

Motorsport Network’s Driven Lifestyle Introduces New Luxu...

MIAMI (Sept. 15, 2023) – Driven Lifestyle, whose mission is to connect millions of ardent fans, car enthusiasts, and stakeholders through an integrated ecosystem of trusted brands and immersive experiences, announced today the launch of the duPont REGISTRY Group. The duPont REGISTRY Group was established to invest in and create culture, community and commerce at the intersection of technology, media and automotive. Luxury Lifestyle Veteran Tapped as Chairman Leading the duPont REGISTRY Group as Chairman is former Worldwide President of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Christian Clerc, who joins the company following a more than 20-year career with the iconic luxury hotel brand. Clerc brings decades of experience working with high-net-worth clientele, developing, cultivating and delivering extraordinary experiences around the world. The duPont REGISTRY Group, an omnichannel approach to the high-end car lifestyle, offers a platform for seamless transactions, immersive experiences, and a vibrant community of luxury automotive enthusiasts. Today, its portfolio includes the duPont REGISTRY, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Canossa Events, Cavallino and FerrariChat.               “With the creation of the duPont REGISTRY Group, there is no better combination of brands to serve the global luxury automotive marketplace,” shared Clerc. “Integrating iconic and trusted properties allows us to deliver a sophisticated yet accessible experience form high-end car enthusiasts. I’m honored to be a part of creating the duPont REGISTRY Group and look forward to leveraging my luxury lifestyle experience to serve the highly engaged and passionate high-end automotive enthusiasts around the globe.” The duPont REGISTRY Group Portfolio of Luxury Automotive Brands The duPont REGISTRY Group houses some of the biggest names in the luxury automotive space and represents a vibrant community of hundreds of thousands of members nurtured over nearly two decades. Brands include: duPont REGISTRY – an iconic high-end vehicle marketplace with a legacy spanning nearly 40 years. Renowned as the premier marketplace for high-end vehicles, it has expanded its focus within the duPont REGISTRY Group to embrace every facet of buying, selling, and enjoying these premium vehicles. Sotheby's Motorsport–an online automotive auction destination focused on 21st-century sports, exotic and luxury vehicles. In partnership with RM Sotheby’s, Sotheby’s Motorsport provides buyers and sellers with a trusted, high-touch experience to ensure a successful transaction. Canossa Events– the world’s premier high-end racing and driving event provider renowned for organizing more than 250 worldwide marquee experiences annually for car enthusiasts. Events include captivating driving tours, world-renowned Concours events like the Cavallino Classic Concorso d’Eleganza, the world’s top event dedicated to Ferrari classics, and excursions in amazing destinations. FerrariChat – the biggest online Ferrari community in the world, with more than 200,000 registered users and over 12 million posts. Driven Lifestyle is a strategic portfolio focused on the high-end automotive lifestyle. It reaches more than 62 million active users each month across 15 different languages. It has become a global market leader in media and technology, making connections among the millions of passionate racing and automotive fans with its network of industry players and stakeholders. Key pillars include the duPont REGISTRY Group, media and eCommerce and interactive entertainment. Through this division, Motorsport Network redefines how high-end automotive enthusiasts interact with their passion. ### About Driven Lifestyle Driven Lifestyle, a division of Motorsport Network, is a strategic portfolio focused on the high-end automotive lifestyle. It reaches more than 62 million active users each month across 15 different languages. It has become a global market leader in media and technology, connecting millions of passionate racing and automotive fans with its network of industry players and stakeholders. Key pillars include the duPont REGISTRY Group, media and eCommerce and interactive entertainment. About the duPont REGISTRY Group The duPont REGISTRY Group is the world’s leading luxury ecosystem that encapsulates the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. Built by some of the biggest names in the luxury automotive space, the duPont REGISTRY Group represents a vibrant community of hundreds of thousands of members nurtured over nearly two decades. Its portfolio includes duPont REGISTRY, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Canossa Events, Cavallino and FerrariChat.

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