Today, Volkswagen celebrates its 86th anniversary – eight and a half decades of evolution from a "people's car" to a global giant and a synonym for the German auto industry.

Volkswagen, as many already know, translates from German as "people's car", which was the original idea behind the brand.

Adolf Hitler himself wanted an inexpensive and accessible vehicle for Germans that could accommodate two adults, three children and their luggage (or four adults) and maintain a speed of at least 100 km/h on German autobahns – reports B92.

The Sudeten German Ferdinand Porsche thus designed the predecessor of the now legendary Beetle, drawing inspiration from then-Czechoslovakia. The body shape, construction and air-cooled engine were based on Tatra brand vehicles (Volkswagen later paid compensation to Czechoslovakia).

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On May 27, 1939, the company "Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens GmbH" was founded in Berlin.

A year earlier, on May 26, 1938, Adolf Hitler laid the foundation stone of the factory in Wolfsburg, where the company is still headquartered today.

In December 1945, the first post-war Beetle rolled off the production line, and a decade later it had sold one million units. Nearly 22 million Beetles were produced and sold worldwide in total, with the last one made in Mexico on July 30, 2003.

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You can read a more detailed history of Volkswagen in a separate article, but here we would like to highlight the indispensable Golf, so beloved in this region. This model hit German streets in 1974, and the eighth generation is currently on the market.

Today, the Volkswagen Group includes many brands, among them Audi, Porsche, Škoda, Seat, Lamborghini, and Bugatti.

The Toyota Crown Sedan has just received two special editions in Japan, featuring unique design treatments.

The first edition celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Crown with a two-tone finish and commemorative badges, while the second features a "Matte Metal" shade previously used on the Crown Crossover and Crown Sport.

The four-door sedan retains its role as Toyota's flagship model 70 years after the original debuted in 1955. To mark this milestone, the company has launched the Crown Special Edition Z "The 70th", which will be available exclusively in Japan.

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The anniversary special edition features a "Precious Metal" color on the upper body, combined with either "Precious White Pearl" or "Precious Black Pearl" for the lower half. The two-tone exterior makes the Crown look like a competitor to Maybach or Rolls-Royce, though it is much more affordable.

The anniversary logo with the Crown emblem is laser-engraved on the dashboard and engraved on the jewel-like gear shifter. It also appears in a few other places, while the "Black Lustre" interior with matching wood inserts keeps things elegant and understated.

Toyota has also announced the Crown Special Edition Z Limited Matte Metal. It features a dark gray matte exterior with a special surface treatment that makes it easy to maintain. Like the rest of the Crown sedan lineup, the special editions are available with two powertrains: a 2.5-liter self-charging hybrid or a hydrogen FCEV system (from the Mirai model).

The Crown Special Edition Z "The 70th" starts at $52,700 for the hybrid version and $59,700 for the FCEV. The Matte Metal edition is even more expensive – $56,500 and $63,500.

The Bugatti Chiron that once belonged to boxer and two-time undefeated super middleweight champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, is heading to auction — with a staggering starting price of £1.5 million.

This eye-catching 2018 car is one of only 500 Bugatti Chiron units produced between 2016 and 2023. Under the hood, it boasts a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. According to Luxury Auto News, the car reaches an astonishing top speed of 420 km/h. With four valves per cylinder, this Bugatti delivers a jaw-dropping 1,479 horsepower to all four wheels. Despite being seven years old, the supercar has only covered 2,200 miles (approximately 3,540 kilometers).

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The vehicle’s exterior is finished in a striking Atlantic and French Blue color combination. Inside, the cabin features carbon-fiber seats upholstered in “lake blue” fabric and leather in the shade of French Racing Blue.

This Bugatti Chiron was purchased brand new in 2018 for £2.38 million. It is currently located in Newbury Park, California, and the auction is being hosted on the Bring a Trailer platform, ending on May 28.

The latest data from relevant European reports indicate that the used car market in the EU, in terms of sales results, is at almost the same level as in 2024. Specifically, according to data from the well-known site Autovista24, in the first quarter of 2025, the number of sold used cars increased by 0.6% compared to the first quarter of last year, which is about 1.64 million units. Buyers still mostly opt for gasoline or diesel engine models, while used electric cars are experiencing a significant drop in value and are selling much more slowly.

Used Cars in High Demand – Price Growth Across Europe

At the same time, according to data from AUTO1 Group and their price index, in April of this year, the average value of used vehicles increased by 2.8% compared to the same month last year, representing the highest monthly increase since June 2023. Since the beginning of the year, their data show that used car prices in Europe have increased by an average of about 5%.

As stated in the AUTO1 Group analysis, the price increase is due to several factors. First and foremost, one of the main reasons cited is the rising prices of new vehicles, as well as continuous demand for used cars. The largest price increases were recorded among economical compact class models, while the situation with SUVs is somewhat more stable. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, although increasingly offered, still record only mild price increases due to lower demand and buyers' skepticism regarding their long-term value.

Vehicle Value Decline in April

It is important to note that according to Autovista24’s April 2025 report, residual values of used vehicles – that is, the value of a car after three years of use – continue to decline across Europe. In Austria, for example, it fell to 47.7%, in Germany to 47.6%, while in Switzerland it was only 43.7%. Particularly noteworthy are the figures for electric used cars: in Switzerland, used electric cars up to three years old retained only 38.2% of their initial value, and in Germany 37.3%. In contrast, hybrid vehicles show greater resilience, with values around 49% in both countries.

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Old Cars Still Dominate

A detailed study on the EU used car market was recently conducted by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). The data show that most used cars changing hands in the EU are between 8 and 15 years old. This study also confirmed that older diesel vehicles are still the most prevalent in traffic, especially in Central and Eastern European countries.

West Exports – East Buys

Also, one of the key trends in 2025, according to the European Commission, is the strong presence of cross-border trade in used vehicles. A large number of cars are still being exported from Western Europe, primarily Germany, France, and Belgium, to countries like Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary, but also to the Balkans, including our own country. In this chain, cars that no longer meet environmental or technical standards in exporting countries find a "second life" in markets where the population's purchasing power is lower. 

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Outlook for the Future

The used car market in the EU remains crucial for millions of citizens. And while new technologies, stricter regulations, and efforts to reduce traffic-related emissions are shaping the future of automobiles, the good old used cars will not disappear from European roads anytime soon.

For the domestic market, these trends also bring new challenges – because if the trend of rising prices continues in Europe, it is realistic to expect that our buyers will also feel the negative effects, especially when other import-related costs are taken into account, such as transport costs, customs brokerage services, and “internal” fees (eco tax, vehicle inspection…). Nevertheless, one thing remains certain: demand for reliable used vehicles is not diminishing.

The sports version of the EZ-6 model, the Chinese twin of the Mazda 6e, has received black accents and red brake calipers.

Mazda's latest model has arrived and it has a very sporty appearance.

The 6e sedan already featured an elegant design and refined interior, but it lacked a sporty edge – something resembling the BMW M Sport package. Mazda listened to the fans' wishes and finally delivered what they asked for.

The Japanese automaker and its Chinese partner Changan have introduced the EZ-6 Sports Edition for the Chinese market.

EZ-6 is the name this model carries in Asia, while in Western markets it is known as the 6e.

Black exterior details, glossy black 19-inch alloy wheels, and red brake calipers visually distinguish the Sports Edition from the standard EZ-6 variants.

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The sporty spirit continues inside with the use of Alcantara and red stitching on the seats and upholstery.

Photo: Mazda

Mazda has also added red ambient lighting in the interior, along with a console design inspired by the sporty CX-60 version.

Standard features include a 14.6-inch multimedia screen, a 50-inch augmented reality HUD powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, and a Sony sound system with 14 speakers, according to Car News China.

This sports version debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show last month, but somehow flew under the radar.

Mazda and Changan have not revealed whether the model is more powerful than the standard version, but it is assumed to be a styling package only.

Photo: Mazda

It is also expected that Mazda will soon offer a similar sporty trim for the European version of the 6e – as reported by Car News China, the Sports Edition was jointly developed by Mazda and Changan in collaboration with Mazda Europe.

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One thing will certainly differentiate the Chinese and Western versions – the range of powertrains.

Photo: Mazda

Although both models are produced at the same Changan factory, the Chinese EZ-6 is offered with a range extender system featuring a 1.5-liter 70 kW gasoline engine (used only as a generator) and a 218 hp (160 kW) electric drive motor, or as a fully electric version with 258 hp (190 kW), while European 6e models are purely electric.

Photo: Mazda

The price of the "6" Sports Edition has not yet been announced, but the standard EZ-6 version in China costs between 18,500 and 24,000 euros.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around for a long time – it debuted back in 1993 as a more luxurious and off-road-capable alternative to popular options like the Ford Explorer and Chevy Blazer.

Today, the Grand Cherokee is not typically compared to luxury brands like Mercedes and Audi, but occupies a much more significant segment, competing with high-volume sellers like the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco. Introduced in 2021, the fifth generation is ready for some updates and improvements, and we've just received the first, albeit not very detailed, glimpse of what Jeep is preparing.

It seems Jeep has paid particular attention to the vehicle’s interior. There is more space, thanks to the removal of bulky climate control buttons. However, instead of following industry trends and shifting controls to the screen, the manufacturer has opted to elegantly place a row of buttons below the display – reports B92.

The new buttons surround a larger central screen, and the Grand Cherokee for 2026 retains its passenger-side screen, which also appears slightly larger, though only marginally. In any case, the dashboard design is somewhat different – the upper center section of the dashboard is also wider and shorter, giving it a more squared-off look.

Jeep shows only a small part of the new exterior design, but this is mostly standard practice for manufacturers when presenting a mid-cycle refresh. Narrower lighting elements, a slightly redesigned grille, and revised air intakes at the bottom of the bumper will breathe life into a design that nicely blends old and new. The wheels shown appear to be the same as on the previous model in the Summit trim package.

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Although there are plenty of changes for the new model year, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t look dramatically different. Like the current SUV, Stellantis plans to offer the 2026 model in both two-row and three-row configurations, with the latter being limited to the Grand Cherokee L models with extended wheelbase.

A plug-in hybrid model, the 4xe, will also be available. Interestingly, Jeep has actually lowered the suggested retail price for the Grand Cherokee for the 2025 model year, so a very modest price increase for the redesigned model should be expected. Powertrain details have not yet been announced, but no major surprises are expected – likely continued availability of all-wheel drive and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine.

The premiere is scheduled for May 21, but the first details of the exterior and interior have already emerged.

Toyota has released the first official photos of the new generation RAV4 model, although its name has not yet been confirmed. The premiere is scheduled for May 21, but the first details of the exterior and interior have already surfaced.

The new RAV4 retains its recognizable shape but gets a more modern front inspired by the Prius and Camry models, according to CarScoops.

Reportedly, new LED daytime running lights and a wider grille give it a more dynamic appearance.

Changes on the sides and rear are less pronounced compared to the current model, including a full-width LED light strip at the back and contrasting protective elements.

The interior appears significantly more modern – featuring a digital instrument cluster, a large central screen, and a redesigned center console with a new gear lever.

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The interior design is more reminiscent of the new Prius than previous Toyota SUV models.

Although many expect a new mechanical platform, Toyota will retain the existing TNGA-K architecture with minor improvements.

The new RAV4 will most likely feature hybrid powertrains, similar to those in the Camry – a 2.5-liter gasoline engine combined with one or more electric motors, with an all-wheel-drive option.

A plug-in hybrid version is also planned, and there are discussions about a fully electric variant, although no official confirmation has been given.

In any case, Toyota aims to maintain its leadership in the increasingly competitive SUV segment, facing rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage, among others.

Sales of the new Toyota RAV4 are expected to begin in the fall.

About 9% of all vehicles on the planet bear the Toyota badge.

Last year, Toyota sold 10,159,336 vehicles, including those under the Lexus brand. When adding the deliveries from its subsidiaries Daihatsu and Hino, the total rises to 10,821,480.

Although deliveries dropped by 3.7 percent compared to the previous year, Toyota remained the global leader – surpassing the Volkswagen Group for the fifth consecutive year, further cementing its dominance in the auto industry.

But have you ever wondered how many Toyota vehicles are currently being driven around the world? We now have an official estimate directly from the Japanese manufacturer: Around 150 million vehicles are in use!

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This announcement has a financial motivation. Namely, Toyota wants to generate more revenue from its existing fleet through enhanced support for spare parts and accessories.

The company also plans to boost profits through used car sales and to encourage owners to subscribe to so-called “connected services,” which is a fancy name for monthly subscriptions.

For example, in the U.S., "Drive Connect" costs $15 per month and gives users access to up-to-date maps, operator-assisted navigation, and a virtual assistant.

"Integrated Streaming", also $15 per month, enables music playback via Apple Music and Amazon Music.

"Wi-Fi Connect" through AT&T costs $25 per month.

Toyota is increasingly investing in insurance and financial services to strengthen its balance sheet. CFO Yoichi Miyazaki claims the company can achieve more operating income from those sources than from new car sales – although vehicle sales remain strong despite industry instability.

This estimate refers to Japan’s fiscal year 2026, which runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

And how does that figure of 150 million Toyota vehicles fit into the global picture? Research firm Hedges & Company estimates that there are currently about 1.64 billion vehicles in use worldwide.

If that number is accurate, it means about 9.15% of all vehicles in the world carry the Toyota badge.

According to the latest data from September 2023, Toyota has produced a total of 300 million vehicles in its 88-year history.

The first vehicle was the Model G1 truck, built in August 1935 by the Automotive Development Division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. Only 20 vehicles were made that year.

The first year Toyota produced more than one million vehicles was 1968, and in 2012 it surpassed the 10 million units mark for the first time in a single year.

As of September 2023, 180.52 million vehicles were produced in Japan, while 119.6 million were assembled abroad.

The most successful model remains the Corolla, with a total of 53.4 million units produced by the end of September 2023.