This week on the Drivers Republic podcast, we’re diving into some major shifts in the automotive world. Renault’s CEO has made a surprising exit, BYD is scaling back EV production in China, and we’re comparing the new Dacia Bigster to a used Skoda Kodiaq. Plus, we get an inside look at Mazda Ireland’s exciting roadmap for 2026, featuring three new models. We also tackle the age-old question: is buying a used car from a dealer really worth the extra warranty protection? And of course, we can’t ignore the latest drama surrounding Elon Musk and Tesla’s RoboTaxi plans.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla’s sales in Europe are down significantly, while the overall EV market is growing, suggesting a shift away from Tesla.
- BYD, despite its rapid growth, is cutting production and canceling night shifts at several factories due to slowing growth and high inventory.
- Mazda Ireland is gearing up for a busy 2026 with three new models planned, signaling a renewed focus on the Irish market.
- The debate continues on whether buying used from a dealer offers better value and warranty protection compared to private sales.
- Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, has left the company to head Kering, a luxury goods group, leaving a significant impact on Renault’s recent turnaround.
Tesla’s Rocky Road
It’s been a tough week for Tesla. Sales in Europe have reportedly dropped by nearly 28%, while the broader EV market there is up by over 27%. This suggests that while people are buying more EVs, they’re not necessarily buying Teslas. This slump is being linked to an aging product line and, frankly, Elon Musk’s own public activities, which have led him to step back and focus more on the car company.
Adding to the woes, Tesla is facing scrutiny in France over claims about its cars’ self-driving capabilities, with authorities demanding they stop deceptive advertising or face fines. Even more dramatically, some Tesla owners in France are reportedly suing the company to end their leases, claiming Musk’s political actions have made their cars into political statements.
On the autonomous front, Tesla’s RoboTaxi trials in Austin, Texas, have also hit some bumps. Reports indicate some vehicles veered into oncoming lanes or behaved erratically, raising questions about the safety and reliability of the technology. While Tesla shares saw a brief uptick on the RoboTaxi news, they’ve since dipped again, reflecting the ongoing volatility of the company’s stock.
BYD: Slowing Down to Speed Up?
Chinese EV giant BYD is also making headlines, but for different reasons. While they’ve been expanding rapidly, including bringing massive car carriers to Ireland, they’ve announced a significant cutback in production. They’re slashing output by over a third and canceling night shifts at more than half of their factories in China. This move is aimed at tackling slowing growth and reducing bloated inventories.
Despite this slowdown, BYD is still pushing forward with new models. Reports suggest a hybrid pickup truck called the ‘Shark’ might be heading to the UK, and a premium model, the Z9 GT, is also on the horizon, looking to compete with high-end performance cars. It’s a reminder that even with production adjustments, these large companies need to be agile, able to ramp up and slow down as market conditions change.
Mazda’s Irish Ambitions
Mazda Ireland is looking ahead with some exciting plans. While the next year might be relatively quiet, 2026 is shaping up to be a big one, with three brand-new models set to arrive. We’re expecting the new Mazda 6E, which will offer two battery options and rear-wheel drive, with right-hand drive versions likely in the first quarter of next year. A new CX-5 is also on the way.
Mazda is also refreshing its brand image, with a slightly updated logo and new dealership designs planned. Importantly, they’re sticking with the traditional dealer model, believing customers still want that personal connection. With 15 dealers across Ireland, they’re aiming to sell around 2,000 cars a year by 2030, positioning themselves as a premium option. Their EV strategy includes 40% battery electric vehicles and 60% petrol and hybrid by 2030, a move that makes sense given their past EV offerings weren’t exactly setting the world on fire.
New vs. Used: The Dacia Bigster vs. Skoda Kodiaq
A big question for many buyers is whether to go for a brand-new car or a well-maintained used one. We put the new Dacia Bigster, a spacious and value-focused SUV, head-to-head with a four-year-old Skoda Kodiaq at a similar price point. The Kodiaq, a used model from an approved Skoda dealer, was in surprisingly good condition, highlighting how PCP deals can lead to owners taking better care of their vehicles to protect their residual value.
While the Bigster offers a fresh design and a full warranty, the used Kodiaq presented a compelling alternative. The comparison highlighted that while new cars offer peace of mind, a carefully chosen used car from a reputable dealer can offer significant value. The debate also touched on the importance of dealer accountability and the potential pitfalls of buying performance or premium used cars from less reputable sources. For instance, a friend’s experience with a used Porsche Taycan, which suffered major battery issues, underscored the value of buying from official dealerships with robust warranties and after-sales support.
Other News and Notes
- Renault Shake-up: Luca de Meo’s departure from Renault to Kering is a significant move. He’s credited with a major turnaround at Renault, transforming its product strategy and profitability. His exit saw Renault’s share price dip.
- Mazda’s Market Strategy: Mazda is focusing on specific markets like Ireland and Cyprus, giving them more leverage in product ordering and development, especially post-Brexit.
- Honda Jazz: Despite its somewhat dated looks, the Honda Jazz impressed with its interior quality, outstanding fuel economy, and surprising practicality, though its high price point might limit its appeal.
- Used Car Market: Auction sites are seeing a surge in repossessed EVs, including Teslas and VW ID.4s, potentially offering bargains for brave buyers, though buyers need to be aware of warranty limitations.
- Hot Hatches Reimagined: The future of hot hatches is looking electric, with the Peugeot E-208 GTI and potential VW ID.2 GTI on the horizon, aiming to bring back the fun and passion to electric performance cars.
- Leap Motors: A new entrant, Leap Motors, is set to launch in Ireland in September/October, bringing a range of new vehicles to the market.
- Volkswagen Multivan: The refreshed plug-in hybrid Multivan is praised for its versatility and comfort, though its hefty price tag is a significant consideration.
- Skoda Enyaq: The revised Enyaq Sportline 80X is noted for its improvements, with a distinct front end compared to earlier models.
- Great Wall Ora Funky Cat: This EV’s struggles in the market are highlighted, partly due to trademark issues with its name, leading to a rebranding as the Ora 03.
That’s all for this week’s roundup. We’ll be back next week with more news and insights from the automotive world.