Auto Recap: Weekly Summary
- DS Automobiles is set to release a redesigned version of its premium compact car, dubbed the "No.
- The driver's screen has been enlarged from 7 to 10.25 inches, incorporating a 3D effect.
- 4 introduces a fully electric powertrain option, delivering 213 hp and a range of 450 km.
Automotive News: DS Redesign, Distracted Driving, and Maserati‘s Revival Plan
Table of Contents
- Automotive News: DS Redesign, Distracted Driving, and Maserati’s Revival Plan
- Automotive News: Your Top Questions Answered
- What are the Major Automotive News Stories Right now?
- DS No. 4: What’s New in the Upcoming Premium Compact?
- What are the risks of Distracted Driving?
- How Common is Smartphone Use while Driving?
- What are the consequences for using a phone while driving?
- do Vehicle Safety Inspections Really Matter?
- What Factors are Contributing to the Decline in Vehicle Safety Inspection Compliance?
- Maserati’s Revival: What are the Plans?
- What is the future of touchscreen-centric car designs?
- Key Takeaways
DS Automobiles is set to release a redesigned version of its premium compact car, dubbed the “No. 4,” aiming to challenge established German rivals such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. The updated model, slated for showrooms in october 2025, features a distinctive front-end refresh, highlighted by a larger grille and an illuminated DS logo. The rear of the vehicle now sports “DS Automobiles” lettering, enhancing its upscale appeal.
interior modifications are more subtle. The driver’s screen has been enlarged from 7 to 10.25 inches, incorporating a 3D effect. A small touchscreen near the gear lever has been replaced with a storage compartment. High-quality materials remain a focal point, with nappa leather, Alcantara, and real wood trim featured throughout the cabin.
The No. 4 introduces a fully electric powertrain option, delivering 213 hp and a range of 450 km. Other engine choices include a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of 81 km, as well as traditional 145 hp hybrid and 130 hp diesel variants.The color palette is limited to neutral tones such as white, black, and gray. With an estimated starting price of around €39,000, the No. 4 aims to revitalize the DS brand, which also has plans for an electric No. 8 and a future No. 7 in 2026.
Smartphone Use While Driving: A Growing Concern
Beyond new vehicle releases, automotive news also encompasses critical safety issues. A recent British study by IMS, analyzing data from 500,000 drivers, revealed that 90% of motorists use their smartphones while driving. Alarmingly, 8% spend more than 75% of their driving time on their phones. This reflects a widespread problem, fueled by a culture of instant communication.
Activities such as reading messages, adjusting GPS navigation, or engaging in video calls can divert a driver’s attention for an average of 200 seconds per instance. The consequences are significant. Using a phone while driving quadruples the risk of an accident, and distracted driving is now the third leading cause of road fatalities, accounting for 34.9% of fatal accidents in 2023.
Even hands-free devices can contribute to “attention blindness,” according to psychologist Gemma Briggs. In France, using a phone while driving carries a €135 fine and a deduction of 3 points from the driver’s license; however, the practice remains common. The increasing use of touchscreen controls in modern vehicles exacerbates the issue, as tasks like adjusting the air conditioning or radio can take up to 22 seconds on some models.
In response, Euro NCAP plans to tighten its criteria starting in 2026, penalizing manufacturers that prioritize touchscreen controls over physical buttons for essential functions like turn signals. This move aims to refocus drivers’ attention on the road.
Vehicle Safety Inspections Face declining Compliance
Another pressing issue is the declining rate of compliance with mandatory vehicle safety inspections.According to a study by the insurer Leocare, 25% of drivers are operating vehicles without a valid inspection, with 23% doing so knowingly. This trend is attributed to several factors.
Cost is a primary concern, with 66% of respondents considering the average inspection fee of €80 to be excessive. Furthermore, 29% question the effectiveness of the inspections, viewing them as a “disguised tax” with limited impact on road safety.
This sentiment is particularly prevalent among younger drivers and in rural areas, with 30% of motorists in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitania regions admitting to driving without a current inspection. While the original intent of these inspections – to ensure safety through 133 checkpoints every two years – remains vital, increasingly reliable vehicles and rising costs are undermining their perceived legitimacy.
Christophe Dandois of Leocare suggests that this distrust underscores the need to reform the inspection system, perhaps by making it more flexible or by better communicating its benefits.Without such changes, safety inspections may continue to be viewed as an unwelcome burden, rather than a crucial safety measure.
Maserati Seeks Revival with Stellantis Support
Maserati, facing significant challenges within the Stellantis group, is undergoing a strategic overhaul. The Italian brand, founded in 1914, is experiencing a downturn, with only 1,700 vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2025 – a 48% decrease compared to 2024. In contrast, Ferrari and Lamborghini reported 13,752 and 10,687 deliveries in 2024, respectively. Maserati’s struggles stem from a perceived lack of clear brand identity and a price-to-performance ratio that is seen as uncompetitive.
To reverse this trend, Stellantis is implementing significant changes. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, production of the Granturismo and Grancabrio models, priced above €150,000, will be moved back to Modena, the brand’s past home, from the Mirafiori factory. This move aims to reinforce Maserati’s brand image while optimizing production.
Santo Ficili, head of Maserati, emphasizes the need to “sell differently” and strengthen relationships with dealerships.While other models will continue to be produced in Mirafiori, this symbolic decision marks a turning point for the brand, which must revitalize its image to thrive in the luxury automotive market.
Automotive News: Your Top Questions Answered
What are the Major Automotive News Stories Right now?
The automotive world is buzzing with several key stories. We’re seeing new models from established manufacturers,safety concerns around distracted driving,and a luxury brand’s aspiring plan for a comeback. Some highlights include the upcoming launch of the DS No. 4, growing concerns about smartphone use while driving, challenges with vehicle safety inspections, and the efforts of Maserati to regain its position in the luxury market.
DS Automobiles is gearing up to release a redesigned version of its premium compact car, the DS No. 4, and it’s aiming squarely at the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. This is a significant move for a brand trying to gain ground in a highly competitive segment.
Key Highlights of the new DS No. 4:
- Exterior Design: A refreshed front-end featuring a larger grille and an illuminated DS logo; “DS Automobiles” lettering at the rear.
- Interior Enhancements: A larger driver’s screen (10.25 inches with a 3D effect), and a replaced touchscreen near the gear lever. High-quality materials like nappa leather, Alcantara, and real wood trim.
- Powertrain Options: A fully electric powertrain option (213 hp, 450 km range), plug-in hybrid (81 km electric-only range), and traditional hybrid and diesel options.
- Price and Availability: Estimated starting price of around €39,000, with showrooms opening in October 2025.
What are the risks of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is a major concern, and unfortunately, it is on the rise. The issue extends beyond just talking on the phone; it encompasses any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road.
Key risks of distracted driving include:
- Increased Accident Risk: Using a phone while driving quadruples the risk of an accident.
- Attention Blindness: Even hands-free devices can be a distraction.
- Fatalities: Distracted driving is the third leading cause of road fatalities.
- Time Spent Distracted: Drivers can spend an average of 200 seconds per instance distracted from the road.
The increasing use of touchscreen controls in modern vehicles also exacerbates the problem, as tasks like adjusting climate control can take significant time away from drivers’ attention. It’s essential to understand the dangers and always prioritize your focus on driving.
How Common is Smartphone Use while Driving?
A recent study indicates that smartphone use while driving is alarmingly common. According to a British study (IMS), a staggering 90% of motorists use their smartphones while driving. Furthermore, an alarming 8% spend more than 75% of their driving time actively on their phones.
What are the consequences for using a phone while driving?
In manny regions,the consequences for using a phone while driving are significant:
However,the practice is still common.
- Fines: Drivers can face fines for using their phone while driving.
- Loss of Points: A deduction of points from the driver’s license.
- Traffic Accidents: The risk of having a traffic accident increases significantly (by a factor of 4).
do Vehicle Safety Inspections Really Matter?
Yes,they do.Vehicle safety inspections are a critical aspect of road safety, but compliance is declining. A study by the insurer Leocare reveals that 25% of drivers are operating vehicles without a valid inspection, with 23% doing so knowingly.This trend raises serious concerns about the overall safety of vehicles on the road.
What Factors are Contributing to the Decline in Vehicle Safety Inspection Compliance?
Several factors are contributing to the decline, including:
- Cost: The average inspection fee of €80 is considered excessive by 66% of respondents.
- Perceived Effectiveness: 29% question the effectiveness of the inspections, viewing them as a “disguised tax.”
- Reliability of Modern Vehicles: Increasingly reliable vehicles are leading some to question the necessity of regular inspections.
Maserati’s Revival: What are the Plans?
maserati, a storied Italian sports car brand, is currently navigating a challenging period within the Stellantis group. Sales have declined, and the brand is facing a loss of its brand identity.
Key Strategies for Maserati’s revival include:
- Return to Modena: Production of the Granturismo and Grancabrio models will move back to Modena to emphasize maserati’s heritage.
- Focus on Dealership Relations: Strengthening relationships with dealerships.
- Restructuring: Changes in the production process.
These combined efforts by Stellantis aim to revitalize Maserati’s image and regain its place in the luxury automotive market.
What is the future of touchscreen-centric car designs?
Euro NCAP plans to tighten its criteria starting in 2026. They will penalize manufacturers that prioritize touchscreen controls over physical buttons for essential functions like turn signals. This move is intended to refocus drivers’ attentions on the road.
Key Takeaways
The automotive industry is in constant flux. From new car launches to safety concerns regarding distracted driving, and the ongoing strategy within the luxury world, staying informed is crucial.Understanding these trends will allow you to make informed decisions and stay safe on the road.