Honda Motor has announced significant changes to its manufacturing operations in China. This strategic move aims to increase electric vehicle (EV) production, responding to growing competition from Chinese brands in the world’s largest automotive market.
Major Changes in Production Facilities
Closure of Joint Venture Plant with GAC:
Honda will shut down a factory operated in partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), a state-owned Chinese automaker.
This plant, primarily manufacturing the Accord sedan, has an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles and has been operational for nearly 20 years.
The closure is scheduled for October.
Production Halt at Joint Venture Plant with Dongfeng:
Vehicle production will be suspended at another factory operated through Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng, another major Chinese automaker.
This facility has an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles and will cease operations in November.
Chevrolet has officially introduced the latest iteration of its high-performance legend, the 2025 Corvette ZR1. With the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by an American automaker and a suite of cutting-edge technologies, the ZR1 aims to redefine supercar standards in both coupe and convertible forms.
Powertrain and Performance
The heart of the Corvette ZR1 is the 5.5L LT7 twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine, which generates an astonishing 1,064hp at 7,000 rpm and 1,122Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, according to SAE guidelines. This makes it the most powerful factory-produced Corvette engine ever.
The ZR1 boasts a GM-estimated top speed of over 346km/h on the racetrack and can complete the quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds. A carbon fibre aero package provides over 544kg of downforce at top speed, enhancing stability and performance.
The ZR1 revives the iconic split rear window, a design element that pays homage to Corvette history while providing functional benefits like increased heat extraction. The ZR1’s exterior design includes a carbon fibre roof and unique aluminium wheels. An optional carbon-fibre wheel design reduces unsprung mass by 19.4kg.
The cockpit features unique ZR1 badging, a specific stitch pattern, and a boost gauge, marking the first factory turbocharged Corvette. Customisation options include new exterior and interior colours, racing stripes, and seat belt colours.
The LT7 engine is a continuation of the LT6’s Gemini V8 architecture, significantly enhanced with twin turbochargers. Engineers optimised every system for boosted performance rather than simply adding turbochargers to the existing LT6 engine.
Unique Features:
Head castings with unique ports and larger combustion chambers.
Optimised valve train timing and lift profile for forced induction.
Completely new intake system tailored for twin turbochargers.
Advanced anti-lag engine calibration for responsive performance.
Transmission: The ZR1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been upgraded with:
Enhanced input shafts and gear capacity.
Improved oil management for higher vehicle capability.
Increased control valves to handle the higher clutch clamp load required by the LT7.
Aerodynamic Innovations
The ZR1 features a range of aerodynamic improvements, including a flow-through hood for increased front downforce and carbon fibre side ducts for cooling the rear brakes. The optional ZTK performance package adds high-downforce elements like a rear wing and front dive planes, further enhancing track performance.
Production and Availability
Production Timeline: The Corvette ZR1 will enter production in 2025 at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, US. Pricing and availability details will be announced closer to the production date.
Performance Highlights
First Lap Success: On its first lap at the Milford Proving Ground’s MRC test track, the ZR1 recorded a faster peak speed than the production C7 ZR1.
Quarter-Mile Performance: The ZR1 achieved a sub-10-second quarter-mile time on its first launch.
Nürburgring Performance: All four test drivers exceeded 322km/h on their first laps at the Nürburgring.
The new Corvette ZR1 is set to challenge the world’s best supercars, combining unprecedented power, advanced engineering, and iconic design. As Chevrolet pushes the boundaries of performance, the ZR1 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Mini has introduced the Cooper S in the John Cooper Works trim and it stands out in urban environments with its compact proportions, offering an exhilarating driving experience, safety, and comfort. Key features include precise Mini steering, automatic sports transmission, powerful brakes, and a low centre of gravity. The increased track width of the three-door Mini optimises driving dynamics, especially in demanding situations.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Mini Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine, delivering 204hp and 300Nm of maximum torque. This setup propels the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.4 — 6.1 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 144 — 138 g/km according to WLTP standards.
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has widened its sales lead over Tesla in Singapore during the first half of this year, according to government data. This development highlights the competitive challenge Tesla faces from Chinese rivals in the global EV market.
Strong Growth in Singapore
BYD’s robust performance in Singapore, a relatively small but affluent auto market, underscores its ambition to dominate the Southeast Asian market. This region, where petrol car brands from Japan and South Korea are prevalent, has seen limited penetration by Tesla so far.
Regional Expansion and Strategy
BYD has already found significant success in Southeast Asia, with Thailand emerging as its largest overseas market. The company has expanded its distribution partnerships with local conglomerates, further solidifying its presence. Recently, BYD opened its first stores in Vietnam, a market where Tesla has not yet commenced vehicle sales.
The upcoming all-new Toyota Corolla, anticipated for release in 2026, is set to incorporate hybrid technology from BYD, potentially delivering a driving range around three times that of conventional petrol-powered cars.
Next-Generation Toyota Corolla:
Launch Year: Expected in 2026.
Powertrain Options: The new Corolla will include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, enabling it to operate on both petrol and electric power.
Advanced Hybrid Technology:
Driving Range: The PHEV version of the Corolla aims for an impressive range of 2100km, leveraging BYD’s hybrid technology.
Engine Specifications: The model will feature a new highly-efficient 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine is part of Toyota’s new family of petrol engines, which also includes non-turbo and 2.0-litre turbocharged variants for sports models like the rumoured future Celica and MR2.
The Industry Ministry of Thailand has announced a new initiative aimed at bolstering the local automotive supply chain by requiring Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to source at least 40% of their parts locally. This move is part of a broader effort to support Thai auto parts makers as the automotive industry shifts from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric mobility.
Key Points of the Initiative:
Local Content Requirement:
Chinese EV manufacturers are encouraged to source at least 40% of their vehicle parts from Thai suppliers.
This requirement emerged from discussions between the Industry Ministry and Chinese EV makers like GAC Aion New Energy Automobile.
Porsche has announced a reassessment of its ambitious target for electric vehicle (EV) sales, acknowledging that the transition to EVs is progressing more slowly than anticipated. The German automaker had previously set a goal for 80% of its sales to be all-electric by 2030, but it has now adjusted this target to be more contingent on customer demand and advancements in the electromobility sector.
Key Points from Porsche’s Announcement:
Revised EV Target:
Originally, Porsche aimed for 80% of its sales to be fully electric by 2030.
The updated strategy now states that achieving this goal is dependent on customer demand and the overall development of the electromobility market.
Xpeng Inc will deepen its cooperation with Volkswagen AG, with both companies pledging to develop a new electrical and electronic solution for all battery-powered cars made in China under the VW brand.
New Technical Collaboration Agreement
The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker announced on Monday that it has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with Volkswagen to develop solutions for locally made vehicles. These solutions will be based on VW’s China Main platform and Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.
Joint Project Houses
To facilitate this collaboration, Xpeng and Volkswagen have established project houses in Guangzhou and Hefei. These locations are where Xpeng and VW’s technology hub in China are respectively based, enabling engineers from both automakers to work closely together. The first car equipped with the jointly developed architecture is expected to start production within approximately 24 months.
Xiaomi Corporation, widely known for its smartphones and home appliances, made a surprising move into the electric vehicle (EV) market this year. This strategic pivot was largely triggered by sanctions imposed on the company by the Trump administration in early 2021. During an annual event in Beijing, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun revealed that these sanctions were the catalyst for the company’s decision to diversify into the automotive industry.
The Sanctions and the Immediate Response
In the final days of the Trump administration, Xiaomi was placed on a U.S. sanction list, a decision that shocked the company. Lei recounted receiving a phone call from a friend about the sanctions, describing the news as “a bolt from the blue.” This unexpected development led to an emergency board meeting where the company quickly decided to embark on the complex journey of developing an electric car.
BMW’s X3 M, a high-performance variant of the third-generation X3 introduced in 2019, may soon become a part of automotive history. According to a new report from BMWBlog, the German automaker has allegedly decided against developing an M version for the upcoming fourth-generation X3, known as the G45-generation 2025 X3. This decision surfaces amidst earlier reports suggesting that BMW also plans to discontinue the X4, the coupe-style sibling of the X3.
High-Performance Alternatives
While the absence of a new X3 M might disappoint some enthusiasts, BMW continues to cater to those seeking a high-performance compact crossover with the X3 M50. This model is equipped with the B58 straight-six engine, generating 393hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and features sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential, ensuring a dynamic driving experience.
