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  • Tesla's European Sales Slump Continues Into August

    Tesla's European Sales Slump Continues Into August

    Authored by Tom Ozimek via The Epoch Times,

    Tesla’s sales slump in Europe extended into August, with sharp declines in key markets underscoring the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) maker’s struggles against rising Chinese competition and a consumer backlash against CEO Elon Musk.

    Fresh data from French car industry group Plateforme automobile show Tesla registrations down by 47.3 percent year-over-year in August, while the overall French passenger car market rose by 2.2 percent to 87,850 vehicles.

    Over the first eight months of 2025, French new-car registrations were down by 7.1 percent, although Tesla’s 39.4 percent drop far outpaced the market.

    The picture was even bleaker across the Nordic countries. In Sweden, Tesla registrations plunged by 84.4 percent, according to industry association Mobility Sweden, while overall sales climbed by 6 percent. Denmark saw Tesla down by 42 percent. The Netherlands registered a 50 percent slide.

    The only bright spots were Norway and Spain, although even there, Tesla lagged behind Chinese rival BYD. In Norway, where nearly all new cars sold are electric, Tesla gained 21.3 percent in August. But BYD’s sales soared by 218 percent, cementing its position as the fastest-growing EV brand in Scandinavia.

    In Spain, Tesla’s sales jumped by 161 percent to 1,435 vehicles, in part because of generous subsidies. However, BYD outsold Tesla with 1,827 vehicles, a 400 percent increase. Year-to-date, BYD sales in Spain surged by 675 percent to 14,181 units. Tesla saw a more modest 11.6 percent rise to 9,303. Some analysts cautioned that Tesla’s August spike may have been inflated by the timing of shipments. Andy Leyland, co-founder of supply chain specialist SC Insights, said that when quarterly numbers that run through the end of September are published, a clearer picture of Tesla sales will emerge.

    Broader Slide

    Tesla’s August weakness in some key European markets followed steep declines in July in Europe’s two largest auto markets. The company’s UK sales fell by nearly 60 percent to 987 vehicles, while German registrations fell by 55 percent to 1,110, according to national industry bodies. For the first seven months of 2025, Tesla’s German sales were down by almost 58 percent to 10,000 units.

    In the same period, BYD’s UK sales increased nearly fourfold to 3,184, and German sales jumped almost fivefold to 1,126.

    Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association show that Tesla has now lost market share in Europe for seven consecutive months, with registrations down by 42.4 percent year-over-year in July.

    Analysts say Tesla’s problems in Europe reflect both market dynamics and brand perception. The company has not introduced a new mass-market model since the Model Y in 2020, while competitors have flooded the market with fresh offerings.

    “One reason we are continuing to see disappointing Tesla volumes can partially be attributed to a more competitive market environment,” said Matthias Schmidt of Schmidt Automotive Research.

    Tesla executives have previously expressed the view that declining sales reflected a production switch to the revamped Model Y, which was Europe’s bestselling car in 2023. Deliveries began in June, but the model has struggled: August sales of the Model Y fell by 46.5 percent in Denmark and by 87 percent in Sweden.

    Tesla’s slump in Europe comes on the heels of weak quarterly results. The company reported a 12 percent year‑over‑year drop in total revenue to $22.5 billion, its steepest decline in a decade, and a 42 percent decline in operating income to $923 million.

    Musk told investors on an earnings call that Tesla may face “a few rough quarters” amid shifting tariffs, expiring EV tax credits in the United States, and evolving regulatory frameworks for autonomous driving.

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  • Trump Signs Order Easing 'Restrictive' Space Industry Rules

    Trump Signs Order Easing 'Restrictive' Space Industry Rules

    Authored by Melanie Sun via The Epoch Times,

    President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 13 to ease regulations for the commercial space industry and enhance “American greatness in space.”

    The order directs Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to work on streamlining the license and permitting process for commercial launch and reentry vehicles to “eliminate outdated, redundant, or overly restrictive rules,” according to a White House fact sheet.

    This includes actions to “eliminate or expedite Department of Transportation’s environmental reviews”  and other processes deemed to be unnecessary. Licensing is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

    The order emphasised the need to enable a “competitive launch marketplace” and substantially increase “commercial space launch cadence and novel space activities by 2030.”

    “Ensuring that United States operators can efficiently launch, conduct missions in space, and reenter United States airspace is critical to economic growth, national security, and accomplishing Federal space objectives,” the president said in the order.

    In reforms for rocket safety, Trump ordered the streamlining of regulations that overlap with existing safeguards already in place for vehicles, such as flight termination systems, automated flight safety systems, and Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness certificates.

    He also directed the Department of Transportation to investigate whether requirements for rocket permits should be expanded to ensure that operators can demonstrate the reliability of their reentry vehicles to “protect against a high-consequence event on reentry.”

    The transportation secretary has 120 days to implement the order, which includes reporting on any new assessments or changes made to the president’s economic policy team.

    Earlier this year, the FAA grounded SpaceX’s Starship test flights for nearly two months after back-to-back post-launch explosions rained debris over Caribbean islands and forced dozens of airliners to change course. The FAA expanded the aircraft hazard zone along Starship’s launch trajectories before licensing future flights.

    SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly complained that licensing reviews required by the FAA, post-flight mishap investigations, and environmental impact studies needlessly slowed testing of SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which was under development at the company’s South Texas launch facility.

    Starship is the centerpiece of Musk’s long-term SpaceX business model, as well as a core component of NASA’s ambitions for returning astronauts to the moon’s surface, establishing a permanent human lunar presence, and ultimately sending crewed missions to Mars.

    State Government Approval

    Trump also directed the secretaries of commerce, defense, transportation, and the NASA administrator to examine whether state and local governments comply with the Coastal Zone Management Act when it comes to regulating spaceport infrastructure projects.

    The cabinet members and NASA head are to report their findings to the Department of Justice, as well as advise on whether reforms should be made to revoke the need for state approval for such projects.

    They have a 180-day deadline.

    The policy document also ordered the expediting and streamlining of existing regulatory frameworks involved in authorizing unmanned space missions to “enable American space competitiveness and superiority,” and the creation of a new Department of Transportation role in which a “senior executive noncareer employee” will oversee “innovation and deregulation in the commercial space transportation industry.”

    The order also directs the secretary of commerce to elevate the Office of Space Commerce to a secretary-level office within 60 days.

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  • Jaguar Land Rover says data stolen in disruptive cyberattack

    Jaguar Land Rover says data stolen in disruptive cyberattack

    Jaguar Land Rover said on Wednesday that an unspecified amount of data was stolen during a cyberattack that has brought vehicle assembly lines to a standstill.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the U.K.-based maker of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles said it was aware that “some data” was taken in the incident. 

    Companies that operate in the U.K. are obligated to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office within three days of discovering a data breach. It’s not immediately clear if the data relates to the company, its employees, or its customers.

    Jaguar Land Rover disclosed the cyberattack on September 2, saying the incident forced the company to shut down its systems, which “severely disrupted” its production line and sales operations. The incident is also affecting the company’s supply chains, including vehicle repairs.

    The carmaker is one of the largest employers in the U.K., with more than 33,000 staff. Per one newspaper report, U.K. government officials are said to be concerned about the economic fallout of the breach, and a recovery is expected to take weeks, not days.

  • Top Features to Look for When Shopping for a New Car

    Top Features to Look for When Shopping for a New Car

    Key Takeaways

    Upgrade Your Drive: Safety, Comfort, and Tech You Actually Want

    When you’re hunting for a new ride, it feels a bit like shopping for a new smartphone: options keep piling up, and you’re left wondering which buttons are actually useful. The truth? The real winners are the features that bump up safety, make daily commutes less taxing, and keep you entertained without making you feel like a robot. Below is a quick, tongue‑in‑cheek guide that helps you cut through the noise and pick a car that’s not just shiny but genuinely enhances your lifestyle.

    1. Safety First—Not Just a Buzzword

    Modern safety tech has moved from being optional to becoming an essential “must‑have” for every driver. Think of Adaptive Cruise Control as the car’s personal coffee‑drinker: it keeps distance, but it’s got your back when traffic jams hit. Pair that with Blind‑Spot Monitoring, and you’ve got a trustworthy sidekick that makes lane changes feel like a chore‑free vacation. A fresh trick, Lane‑Keeping Assist, will steer you back into the lane if you’re drifting off—like a gentle coach urging, “Stay in line, champ!”

    Driver‑assistance technologies are evolving at lightning speed. If you’re serious about road safety, look for cars that bring a full stack of features—some of which even auto‑toggles based on traffic conditions. That’s what truly keeps accidents at bay.

    2. Get Hooked on Comfort: Heated and Ventilated Seats

    Not a fan of sitting on a hot seat after a day in the sun? Or perhaps you’re a freezer‑fan who wants to cool off in the depth of summer? Our modern cars have you covered. Heated seats are like a cozy blanket for your thighs, while ventilated seats act as a built‑in fan for those dreaded sweaty driving moments. The big win? You’ll actually look forward to sitting down—yes, even when you’re on an HR meeting call!

    3. Infotainment—Because Bio‑Meditation Isn’t the Only Way to Chill

    Gone are the days when a car’s entertainment system meant nothing more than a shitty radio. Today’s infotainment systems hook up to your smartphone, giving you seamless control of music, navigation, and even voice calls—without ever having to juggle your phone in the pocket. A smooth, voice‑activated interface lets you keep your focus on the road, turning the drive into a “smart” adventure rather than a wallet‑grabbing chore.

    4. You’re Going Green, So Too Should the Car

    Fuel efficiency has become more than a cost‑saving measure; it’s a lifestyle statement. Whether you’re chasing a hybrid, a plug‑in, or even a fully electric tuple, a modern vehicle can help you maintain your eco‑budget while making your pearly whites shine. The more energy‑conscious tech that’s incorporated, the better your “planet + pocket” balance will be.

    5. Convenience: Keyless Entry, Voice Commands, Wireless Charging

    Picture strolling into your car without digging out your keys—goodie! Keyless entry eliminates that wasted step between your front door and your seat. And there’s wireless charging for your phone, turning the vehicle into a one‑stop power supply. Coupled with voice‑commands, you’re practically driving the future.

    6. Speedy Navigation and On‑the‑Go Support

    It’s not just about staying on track; it’s about having the right route at the right time. Your infotainment system should provide real‑time traffic updates, road‑closure alerts, and even alternate routes—all accessible via a quick tap or mutter. That’s how your daily drives become hassle‑free.

    Turning Routine Trips Into Rewarding Journeys

    Today’s auto market is a “choose‑your‑own‑adventure” where features play the role of gear shifts. If your lifestyle revolves around work commutes, family outings, or weekend escapades, prioritize the systems that directly improve your experience. Safety features keep you secure, climate controls make the ride comfortable, and infotainment ensures you stay entertained—all while environmental considerations keep the planet happy.

    Bottom Line: Buy Smart, Save Smarter

    Choosing the right car isn’t just about looking slick—though we all love that. It’s about staying informed on the latest tech and making picks that align with both your needs and your values. Keep an eye out for the safety wizardry, high‑tech comforts, and environmentally friendly options that modern vehicles groove with. A car that blends these features isn’t just a purchase; it’s a future‑proof move that hugs both your budget and your sense of adventure.

    • Safety: “Let’s keep accidents at bay so we can risk it on the dance floor!”
    • Comfort: “Let’s keep the car cozy no matter the weather outside.”
    • Entertainment: “Let’s entertain ourselves while driving, without the awkwardness of fiddling with phones.”
    • Eco‑friendly: “Let’s be the kind of driver that got the car to go green with a playlist.”
    • Convenience: “Let’s keep the car ticket-like stuff as easy as a swipe.”

    Now that you’ve got the rundown, dive into the market and keep your eyes on the pocketful—because the best car is the one that rolls with your life.

    Table of contents

    Key Takeaways

    Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the lowdown on what makes this vehicle a real game‑changer. Think of it as the cheat sheet you didn’t know you needed.

    Advanced Safety Features

    • Auto‑Emergency Braking: The car politely tells you when to brake, and then it does the heavy lifting. It’s like having a guardian angel, but without the religious jargon.
    • Lane‑Keeping Assist: Keeps you in lane—because you know how easy it is to fall into dictators’ style driving, especially on the high‑speed highways.
    • Blind‑Spot Monitoring: Gives you alerts in the dark corners of your visual field. No more accidental meetings with a phantom.
    • Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjusts speed on the fly. Fancy? No, it’s just peace of mind.

    Infotainment and Connectivity

    The tech hub of a car, minus the actual hub. Connectivity is now a fancy word for smartphone integration, voice control, and instant streaming.

    • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Your phone’s best friend, now on wheels.
    • 800‑MHz LTE Support: It’s like high‑speed internet, only this time you’re on a moving train.
    • Multiple USB & SD Card Slots: Fetch your mixtape, playlist or even your latest meme.
    • Wireless Charging: Juiced up? You can now charge without plugging—yes, the future is now.

    Comfort and Convenience

    Feel like you’re riding in a cozier space than your home (no, your parents didn’t see that). We’ve added a bunch of fluff to keep the ride smooth.

    • Premium Leather Seats: Swag for your legs—read the book on tax savings on plushness.
    • Automatic Climate Control: Three-temperature zones so you can keep the heat for as long as you want.
    • A‑C Recycling System: Recycles air—when it goes out, it’s back in again.
    • Anti‑Gloss Control Glass: Keeps the mirrors non‑glare so you can see what you are facing.

    Fuel Efficiency and Eco‑Friendly Options

    Less car needs less gas‑this is a bold goat? Not even. It’s green, fusing the environment with our high‑road aspirations.

    • Hybrid Powertrain: The car is a smooth hybrid; less noise and they are saving the universe in the process.
    • Eco‑Mode: ‘Less O, more Lo’—power down, efficiency up. More of what we all want: less noise, more savings.
    • Regenerative Braking: Recharges your battery while you stop. In short, it literally gets extra energy from the help of an infinite energy source.
    • Low Emission: Stay in vogue. Eco friendly and attractive.

    Driver Assistance and Parking Aids

    Defy ordinary parking and let the system drive it to you. False sense of convenience.

    • Smart Parking Assist (SPA): Guides the car into a parking spot without user input.
    • Rear‑view Camera: Functions to help you navigate spaces that are so tight, some say they are full of alien experiments.
    • 360° Surrounding Camera: For the people that run away and try to see behind the vehicle.
    • Blind‑Spot Detection: A small gadget to let you realize that the Parable every vehicle helps make sense.

    Performance and Handling

    This is for the folks who are ready to unleash an adventure at your route. Check out this section:

    • Overly-wise Transmission: It’s about the power‑control that enhances your driving sense when it is uncontrolled.
    • Adaptive Stability Control on wheels. It gets rapid-feedback on your steering to pull over you, peaking each part of the every moving thing that adds our lifetime decision to a bike encountered at each step something that is in a device between the metal, with a life that is refined.
    • 360° Power Steering:A free style empower confirming your feel for your drive.
    • Overbeam Technology:A steady onward responsible to cover all the matter that can make sense the sense in the whole thing. (Yes this was done just so when we come to understand this too gear, in the driver’s sense, whether destination and how it can better

    Interior Space and Cargo Management

    On the bench. The loads of the implements that belong in the serious shipping matrix.

    • Home Seat Fold‑Down: Expand space! Place your suitcase or your bike, no big changes.
    • Rear Seat Transfer: Turn your training area to a moving seating for building your cars, with the provision that you’re in a radioactive bank.
    • Large Cargo Volume: Works in bulk, letting you store stuff when you’re traveling around the highway that may need the memory from the store.
    • Towing Capabilities: Attaches to accessories flight, backline transmission of the bars that

    Conclusion

    In a nutshell, it’s a car that guarantees you won’t waste too much thought on the software that matters the freedom to deliver.

    Advanced Safety Features

    How Modern Cars Turn the Highway Into a Safer, Smarter Playground

    What’s the Buzz? “ADAS” – The Cool Kid of Car Tech

    Think of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as the uber-smart buddy that sits in your car, eyes on the road, ready to keep you from burning your bumper on a bad day.

    Adaptive Cruise Control: Your Personal Traffic Cop

    • Uses radar and cameras to keep you cruising at a safe speed.
    • Automatically bumps your speed up or down, so you never feel rushed or stuck behind a slow-moving line.
    • Perfect for that “just-chase-my-thermostatic” feeling in hilly or crowded traffic.

    Blind Spot Monitoring: The Ghosts’ Best Friend

    • Watches the road you can’t see and blasts a warning if someone is lurking.
    • Reduces those awkward “Did you just change lanes?” moments.
    • Gives you the confidence to merge without that giddy, “I’m not a squirrel” anxiety.

    Feel the Difference

    With these gadgets built-in, drivers feel more relaxed and less prone to errors. Imagine your car as your trusty sidekick, keeping the danger at bay so you can enjoy the ride.