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Imported tyres accounted for 40 per cent of all newly fitted tyres in the EU in 2024, according to a new Oxford Economics study commissioned by Tyres Europe. That growing reliance comes despite a substantial European industry, with Tyres Europe members operating more than 70 production plants and 20 R&D centres in Europe. The study says tyre makers are also massively dependent on imported materials: imports represent 11.9 per cent of EU tyre production value, versus a seven per cent economy-wide average, while the EU relies entirely on imports for natural rubber.

Autocar in the UK is reporting that an electric 'microcar' inspired by the cool Dacia Hipster concept will go into production in China in 2027, in the same factory the first-generation Dacia Spring was manufactured. It will be built to the class's strict regulations in terms of weight, power output and speed, though should be considerably cheaper to buy than a regular EV.

Toyota Racing will supply the hydrogen-combustion engine for the MissionH24 H24EVO endurance-racing prototype. The 3.5-litre V6, developed specifically for motorsport, will run on liquid hydrogen and work with the car’s hybrid system to produce over 880hp. MissionH24 says that should bring performance close to European Le Mans Series prototype levels. Engineering work is already under way to integrate the engine, chassis, gearbox, electronics and software ahead of the H24EVO’s first tests.

The Nissan Z Kaze concept has made its debut at ZCON in Arizona, giving the Z sports car a removable T-top roof inspired by Nissan’s open-air models of the past. Finished in Pacific Teal, it also gets a carbon-fibre bonnet and body kit, widened arches, restored 18-inch Nismo LMGT2 wheels and a white leather cabin. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 gains a GReddy intake, intercooler and exhaust upgrades, while Nismo suspension components complete the ’90s tuner-inspired makeover. Sadly, the Nissan Z still is not available to buy in Ireland.

The electric Nissan Micra has been awarded Green NCAP’s maximum five-star Sustainability Rating, scoring 94 per cent overall. It achieved 9.1/10 for Clean Air, 9.3/10 for Energy Efficiency and 10/10 for Greenhouse Gases, while its cold-weather performance was rated “Good”. The Micra is offered with 40kWh and 52kWh batteries, giving up to 317km and 416km of WLTP range respectively, and Nissan quotes energy consumption as low as 12.6kWh/100km.