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Mazda Unveils EZ-60 Electric SUV, Expands Global EV Strategy with Changan Partnership

Mazda is accelerating its electrification ambitions through its deepening collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan. The latest result of this strategic partnership is the unveiling of the EZ-60, a fully electric SUV that was recently revealed on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The new model follows the launch of the EZ-6 sedan and is widely expected to be marketed outside of China under the name CX-6e.

The EZ-60 is effectively a production version of the Arata concept, and signals Mazda’s renewed effort to compete in the burgeoning electric SUV space—a segment where the brand’s previous entry, the MX-30, failed to gain significant traction. The SUV boasts a sharp and modern exterior design, notably featuring flying buttresses—an unusual touch for this type of vehicle. Also present are side cameras replacing traditional mirrors, a technology that has been permitted on Chinese production cars for around two years.

Built under the Changan-Mazda joint venture—a 50:50 partnership established more than a decade ago—the EZ-60 shares its underpinnings with the Deepal S07, an electric SUV from Changan’s dedicated EV subsidiary, Deepal. This suggests that the EZ-60 will be offered in two versions: a fully electric variant and a range-extending model that integrates a 1.5-litre petrol engine. However, it remains uncertain whether the latter configuration will be offered in European markets. Mazda currently offers the EZ-6 sedan solely as a battery-electric vehicle in regions outside China.

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Stellantis Faces Crisis as Tariffs Hit Alfa Romeo and Maserati Hard

Stellantis is in troubled waters. After a year marked by declining sales and falling revenue, the company is now grappling with the abrupt resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares. 2024 was meant to be a rebuilding year, but with steep U.S. tariffs now firmly in place under former President Trump’s renewed policies, things could soon spiral further out of control.

Among the most vulnerable brands under Stellantis are Alfa Romeo and Maserati, both of which are struggling to survive in a hostile market. In response to the escalating crisis, Stellantis has reportedly brought in management consulting giant McKinsey & Company to assess the situation, with a specific focus on the impact of tariffs.

A Stellantis spokesperson told Automotive News Europe that McKinsey was “asked to provide its considerations” for the two marques, though no further details were provided. Still, the move suggests that drastic changes may be on the horizon.

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Ferrari Set to Revive Gated Manual Transmission After Over a Decade

Ferrari is preparing to bring back the legendary gated manual gearbox, marking a major shift in its performance philosophy after more than ten years of focusing purely on speed and technology.

For years, Ferrari resisted reintroducing manual transmissions, favouring dual-clutch gearboxes that deliver lightning-fast shifts and maximum performance. But now, the company says it has reached the limits of what today’s technology — and human bodies — can handle.

Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s Head of Product Development, explained that performance levels have peaked. With cars like the SF90 XX hitting 0–100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds, further gains in acceleration are becoming less meaningful — especially for rear-wheel-drive models like the 296 GTB, which already produce over 800hp.

Ferrari has found that increasing power beyond 900hp presents serious challenges. Not only do tyres and chassis struggle to keep up, but the forces placed on drivers are so intense that it would require Formula 1-level physical training just to enjoy the car. Fulgenzi said this isn’t realistic or desirable for most Ferrari owners.

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Chinese Tyre Manufacturer Under Investigation for Alleged Smuggling and Mislabelling in Thailand

A Chinese tyre manufacturer operating in Thailand is under official investigation following allegations of smuggling substandard tyres into the country, altering them, and fraudulently labelling them as newly produced products for both local sale and export.

According to an Industry Ministry official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, the company in question had been granted investment privileges to manufacture vehicle tyres in Thailand using imported raw materials from China. Despite this, the company is reported to employ only Chinese workers at its Thai facility.

Authorities were alerted through tip-offs alleging that defective tyres, which had failed to meet safety and quality standards in China, were being smuggled into Thailand. These tyres were reportedly stripped of their original brand logos and rebranded before being released into the Thai market or prepared for export.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift to Reshape AMG Lineup with New C53 Model Likely to Replace C43 and C63

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing to overhaul its AMG offerings for the C-Class as part of an upcoming mid-cycle facelift, with plans to retire both the C43 and C63 variants. Industry insiders suggest that a new model, expected to be named the AMG C53, will take their place as the brand repositions its performance sedans for a new era.

According to sources familiar with the automaker’s product strategy, the C53 will likely adopt a six-cylinder powertrain, representing a significant departure from the current C63, which uses a highly electrified four-cylinder engine. The rumored new model is said to employ a version of the M256M inline-six engine, enhanced with mild-hybrid technology but without a plug-in hybrid system. This change suggests that Mercedes-AMG could be shifting away from complex electrified setups in favor of a more traditional performance configuration.

Speculation about the C53’s power output places it between the current AMG C43 and C63 models. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, expectations point to an engine delivering more than the 416 horsepower of the C43, but less than the 671hp offered by the plug-in hybrid C63. Comparisons are being drawn to the CLE53, which utilizes the same engine and delivers around 443hp. Analysts anticipate a similar figure for the upcoming C53, which would position it competitively in the performance sedan segment.

Mercedes-Benz officials have previously indicated to Motor1 that the V8 engine will not return to the C-Class platform, confirming the end of an era for traditional AMG powertrains in this segment. While some company executives had earlier expressed confidence in the electrified four-cylinder’s potential, its reception among enthusiasts has been lukewarm. This has led to heavy discounting in key markets such as Germany and the United States, signaling a disconnect between product positioning and consumer demand.

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Hyundai Pushes Back Against Touchscreen Overload, Returns to Physical Controls

In a time when the automotive industry increasingly leans into digital interfaces, Hyundai is taking a measured stance against the overuse of touchscreen technology in modern car interiors. While many automakers continue to integrate oversized screens in place of traditional tactile controls, Hyundai has signaled a renewed focus on driver ergonomics and safety.

The company has acknowledged growing consumer frustration over the excessive reliance on digital displays, noting that an over-dependence on touchscreens can lead to driver distraction and discomfort. According to Hyundai’s Senior Vice President of Design, Simon Loasby, the automaker intends to retain physical buttons for frequently used features to ensure safer and more intuitive control for drivers.

Loasby explained that future Hyundai interiors are being developed with an emphasis on minimising visual distraction. The priority, he said, is to keep drivers’ attention at eye level rather than on central displays. By preserving certain physical controls, Hyundai aims to leverage drivers’ muscle memory, enabling adjustments without diverting their gaze from the road.

The move comes amid increasing criticism of touchscreen-heavy designs, which many argue prioritise aesthetic minimalism and manufacturing efficiency over user experience and safety. Hyundai’s leadership appears to share these concerns. Luc Donckerwolke, the company’s Chief Creative Officer, stated that large displays often serve as a cost-saving measure, reducing the need for tooling and physical components. However, he acknowledged that consumers still appreciate and desire analog interactions.

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Neta Shuts Only Showroom in Singapore Amid Financial Turmoil

Less than three months after its Singapore debut, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Neta has quietly shuttered its first and only showroom at One Commonwealth, as reported by The Business Times, raising doubts about its future in the market.

Operated by local distributor Evology Automobile, the showroom opened in January but was found closed during business hours over the weekend of April 5. Queries to Neta and Evology have gone unanswered.

Owned by Shanghai-based Hozon New Energy Automobile, Neta launched its Neta X and Neta Aya models at Suntec City on January 9, reportedly securing 52 orders. However, Land Transport Authority data shows only four vehicles registered to date.

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Zenvo Unveils 1,850hp Mjølner V12 for 2026 Aurora Hypercar

Danish automaker Zenvo Automotive has revealed the Mjølner—an all-new 6.6-litre quad-turbocharged hybrid V12 engine that produces a staggering 1,850hp. Designed for Zenvo’s upcoming Aurora hypercar, Mjølner is claimed to be the most powerful V12 ever fitted to a road car, outpacing even Bugatti’s 1,775hp Tourbillon.

The mid-mounted V12 alone generates 1,250hp at up to 9,800 RPM. Combined with a hybrid system, total output hits 1,850 hp. The engine, co-developed with British firm MAHLE, will enter production testing soon, with manufacturing to take place at MAHLE’s UK facility.

Built for real-world use, Mjølner is the first in a new modular engine series that could yield V-10, V-8, or V-6 variants. It features MAHLE’s jet ignition system—over 10 years in the making—enabling global emissions compliance. Only 100 units will be produced.

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Rimac Reportedly Seeks Full Control of Bugatti Rimac, Aims to Buy Porsche’s Stake

Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac is reportedly looking to take full control of its joint venture with Bugatti by acquiring Porsche’s 45% stake in Bugatti Rimac. If successful, the move would mark a significant shift in the ownership structure of the ultra-luxury performance brand.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Rimac has made a preliminary offer to buy out Porsche’s stake in the company, which was valued at over €1 billion (approximately RM5.1 billion) at the time of its formation in 2021. While the exact figure of the offer remains undisclosed, Rimac may be seeking support from external investors to complete the transaction.

The Rimac Group currently holds a 55% share in Bugatti Rimac, while Porsche owns the remaining 45%. Talks are still in the early stages, and Rimac has not commented publicly on the potential deal. However, the idea of Porsche exiting the partnership is especially notable, considering that it had reportedly attempted to buy out Rimac from the joint venture shortly after its establishment.

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Rolls-Royce Unveils One-of-One Phantom Cherry Blossom Inspired by Japan’s Sakura Season

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the Phantom Cherry Blossom, a one-of-a-kind Phantom Extended commission created for a Japanese client inspired by the fleeting beauty of Sakura. The commission captures the emotional depth of Hanami, the centuries-old tradition of cherry blossom viewing, and reflects the client’s cherished memories from childhood to parenthood.

The cherry blossom, or Sakura, holds deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolising the rhythms of nature, renewal, and the transient beauty of life. This philosophy forms the core of the Phantom Cherry Blossom, envisioned as a legacy piece to be passed down through generations.

The project began three years ago with Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke artisans working closely with the client in Japan to understand their vision. The result is an extraordinary expression of artistry and cultural reverence, now delivered to its custodian in Japan.

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