Global News Archives

Mazda6 Bows Out After Over Two Decades in Australia

Mazda Australia has announced the end of the road for the Mazda6, marking the conclusion of a remarkable journey that spanned over two decades. Production of the mid-sized sedan and wagon has officially ceased as Mazda shifts its focus toward hybrid SUVs, including the CX-60 and CX-80, as part of its evolving multi-solution strategy.

A Legacy of Success

Since its launch in 2002, Mazda has sold nearly 150,000 units of the Mazda6 in Australia, with its most successful year in 2005, registering close to 15,000 sales. The model earned multiple awards and competed with notable rivals like the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Camry.

A Competitive Segment

In 2024, the Mazda6 secured third place in the Medium Passenger Cars under $60K segment, with 1354 units sold nationwide. The Toyota Camry dominated with 15,401 sales, followed by the BYD Seal (6393 units). Other competitors included the Skoda Octavia (846), Hyundai Sonata (506), Honda Accord (137), and Volkswagen Passat (103).

(more…)

BYD to Complete $1 Billion EV Plant in Indonesia by 2025

BYD is on track to complete its $1 billion EV production plant in Indonesia by the end of 2025, according to Eagle Zhao, BYD’s president director in Indonesia. This move highlights the company’s ambition to solidify its presence in a market traditionally dominated by Japanese automakers.

Key Details of the Plant

Location: Subang, West Java, within an industrial complex.
Production Capacity: 150,000 EV units annually.
Timeline: Construction is set for completion by the end of 2025, with production starting shortly thereafter.
Export Focus: The plant is intended to serve both domestic and export markets.

BYD’s investment aligns with Indonesia’s EV strategy, which includes tax incentives and an import duty waiver for automakers to stimulate EV demand and attract foreign investment. The Indonesian government has set an ambitious target of producing 600,000 EVs domestically by 2030.

(more…)

Mercedes-Benz Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionise In-Car Navigation and Voice Assistance

Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud have announced an expanded strategic partnership aimed at elevating the MBUX Virtual Assistant through advanced conversational capabilities powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. Built on Gemini, Google’s state-of-the-art generative AI model on Vertex AI, the Automotive AI Agent is specifically designed for the automotive sector. By integrating Google Maps Platform, it offers personalised, real-time navigation and point-of-interest (POI) insights to Mercedes-Benz drivers.

Enhanced Navigation and Conversational AI

The upgraded MBUX Virtual Assistant will enable natural, intuitive conversations, allowing users to ask detailed questions about navigation or POIs. For example, drivers can say:

“Could you guide me to the nearest fine-dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?”
Follow up with: “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” or “What is the chef’s signature dish?”

Responses will include accurate, up-to-date information, displayed seamlessly through the vehicle’s native interface. Google Maps Platform powers this feature, delivering real-time data updates across 250 million global locations, refreshed over 100 million times daily.

(more…)

Porsche Rumoured to Bring Back Petrol-Powered Macan Amidst EV Strategy

Porsche’s commitment to internal combustion engines (ICE) appears far from over, despite its aggressive push towards electrification. Insiders have hinted at the possible revival of a petrol-powered Macan, a move that aligns with recent statements from Porsche’s Chief Financial Officer, Lutz Meschke, regarding hybrid and ICE developments.

Meschke stated “We are exploring the possibility of equipping some of the models originally planned only as electrics with hybrid or internal combustion engines. Decisions are being made that are only conceptual for now, but it is clear the combustion engine will remain longer than planned.”

(more…)

ALPINA B8 GT: The Final Curtain for BMW’s 8 Series

As the BMW 8 Series approaches its swan song, ALPINA is sending it off in style with the ultimate iteration of the Gran Coupe: the ALPINA B8 GT Hommage. This exclusive model showcases the pinnacle of ALPINA engineering, blending luxury and performance into a truly limited offering of only 99 units. Among these, 20 will feature a rare two-tone Black Sapphire paint combined with Blue or Green II accents, making them even more coveted.

Under the hood, the B8 GT borrows the formidable 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the B5 GT, delivering an identical 625hp and 850Nm of torque. Enhanced by ALPINA’s meticulous tuning, the car rockets from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reaches 200km/h in 10.5 seconds. For those lucky enough to test its limits, the B8 GT achieves a blistering top speed of 330km/h on the Autobahn.

(more…)

Lexus Announces the Farewell of RC and RC F Models with the 2025 Final Editions

After a decade on the market, Lexus has officially announced that the RC and RC F models will be discontinued at the end of the 2025 model year. Having sold over 90,000 units across 62 countries and regions, these iconic luxury coupes will bow out in style, offering enthusiasts one final chance to experience their exhilarating performance and unparalleled elegance.

The 2025 Lexus RC lineup, featuring minor updates, and the RC F, offered exclusively as a mono-spec Final Edition, are expected to arrive in dealerships early this year. These models reflect Lexus’s commitment to crafting precision-engineered luxury with performance and sophistication.

(more…)

Subaru Unveils 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid: Enhanced Efficiency Meets Legendary Capability

Subaru of America has announced the arrival of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the third-generation model of the compact SUV. Set to debut in fall 2025, the new Crosstrek Hybrid boasts a next-generation series-parallel hybrid system seamlessly integrated with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Combining efficiency with the brand’s renowned capability, the hybrid model is a significant evolution in the Crosstrek lineup.

At the heart of the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle SUBARU BOXER engine paired with electric motors and a high-capacity, sealed lithium-ion battery rated at 1.1 kWh. The hybrid powertrain generates a total system output of 194 horsepower, delivering enhanced fuel efficiency without sacrificing the SUV’s off-road prowess. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek Hybrid maintains its rugged versatility, outperforming many full-size SUVs in terms of terrain adaptability.

Safety remains a cornerstone of Subaru’s design philosophy, and the Crosstrek Hybrid comes equipped with the latest iteration of the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The updated system features a wider field of view, improved control software, and an electric brake booster, enabling more accurate detection of cyclists and pedestrians. Additional safety measures include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Emergency Stop Assist. The latter is a groundbreaking feature that brings the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive, activating hazard lights, unlocking the doors, and contacting emergency services via SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services.

Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers a tech-forward cabin designed for modern drivers. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is complemented by an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus touchscreen system. The multimedia interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. Additional entertainment and convenience features include Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM All-Access Radio with a complimentary trial, HD Radio, and over-the-air software updates.

The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid debuts two exclusive exterior colours, Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl, paired with 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels that emphasise the hybrid model’s unique character. Designed to harmonise Subaru’s advanced hybrid powertrain with its all-wheel-drive architecture, the Crosstrek Hybrid ensures that no capability is lost in the transition to greater efficiency.

As Subaru continues to innovate with environmentally conscious designs, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid reflects the brand’s commitment to blending sustainability with performance. The model’s nationwide release in September 2025 is set to reaffirm its status as a versatile and reliable choice for adventurers and eco-conscious drivers alike.

TCS Study Reveals Growing Consumer Interest in Electric Vehicles and Key Industry Challenges

A recent study conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services and business solutions, reveals that 64% of consumers are likely or very likely to consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next purchase. The TCS Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025 offers an in-depth analysis of how EVs are influencing the future of sustainable mobility, shedding light on both opportunities and challenges within the EV industry.

Consumer Sentiment and Spending

Despite the growing interest in EVs, challenges surrounding infrastructure and costs remain significant barriers:

Charging Infrastructure: 60% of respondents identified inadequate charging networks as a major hurdle.
Affordability: 56% of consumers expressed a willingness to pay up to approximately RM186,400 for an EV.
Range Expectations: Preferences for EV range varied, with 41% favouring a range of 322–483km per charge and 31% preferring 483–644 km.

The survey encompassed over 1,300 participants from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, including transport manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, fleet adopters, consumers, and EV adoption influencers.

(more…)

Goodyear Sells Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries After Nearly 40 Years of Legal and Corporate Maneuvering

In a historic move, Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company has agreed to sell the iconic Dunlop brand to Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), marking the end of nearly four decades of complex agreements, legal disputes, and corporate negotiations. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of the year and grants Sumitomo full ownership of the Dunlop brand, including its manufacturing rights.

This acquisition further strengthens SRI’s portfolio, which includes notable brands such as Falken and Ohtsu Tires. With Dunlop’s storied legacy and global recognition, the brand is set to become a centrepiece of SRI’s tyre empire.

The Deal Details
According to Powersports Business, Goodyear will receive approximately $701 million in cash from SRI for the transaction, which includes:

The transfer of the Dunlop brand across relevant geographies.
A “Transition Fee” for supporting the handover process.
The purchase of Dunlop tire inventory.
The deal also establishes ongoing arrangements for licensing, offtake agreements, and other specialized provisions to ensure a seamless transition.

(more…)

Isuzu Motors India to Showcase D-MAX BEV Prototype at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025

Isuzu Motors India is set to unveil its groundbreaking Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype, the D-MAX BEV, at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. First showcased in Thailand earlier this year, the D-MAX BEV exemplifies Isuzu’s commitment to sustainable innovation and its vision for the future of mobility. Designed to cater to a wide range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs, the prototype blends cutting-edge electric technology with the durability and performance synonymous with Isuzu’s pickup trucks.

D-MAX BEV: A New Frontier in Electric Mobility

The D-MAX BEV is engineered with a full-time 4WD system, powered by newly developed e-Axles in the front and rear. This design delivers impressive off-road capabilities and smooth, linear acceleration. With a robust frame and body design, the prototype retains the high towing capacity and rugged performance expected from Isuzu’s diesel models, ensuring it meets the demands of both commercial and personal users.

Highlighting Versatility with the D-MAX S-CAB Z

In addition to the D-MAX BEV, Isuzu will also showcase the accessorized version of its popular D-MAX S-CAB Z. Known for its durability and efficiency, the D-MAX S-CAB Z has become a preferred choice for commercial operations. With enhanced features and functionality, the vehicle continues to embody Isuzu’s legacy of delivering reliable and versatile solutions. Both vehicles reflect the company’s Bharat Mobility theme, “Now… and Forever,” emphasizing long-term sustainability and innovation.

(more…)

Piston.my

Global News

Mazda6 Bows Out After Over Two Decades in Australia

BYD to Complete $1 Billion EV Plant in Indonesia by 2025

Mercedes-Benz Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionise In-Car Navigation and Voice Assistance

Porsche Rumoured to Bring Back Petrol-Powered Macan Amidst EV Strategy

ALPINA B8 GT: The Final Curtain for BMW’s 8 Series

Lexus Announces the Farewell of RC and RC F Models with the 2025 Final Editions

Subaru Unveils 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid: Enhanced Efficiency Meets Legendary Capability

TCS Study Reveals Growing Consumer Interest in Electric Vehicles and Key Industry Challenges

Goodyear Sells Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries After Nearly 40 Years of Legal and Corporate Maneuvering

Isuzu Motors India to Showcase D-MAX BEV Prototype at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025

Mazda6 Bows Out After Over Two Decades in Australia

BYD to Complete $1 Billion EV Plant in Indonesia by 2025

Mercedes-Benz Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionise In-Car Navigation and Voice Assistance

Porsche Rumoured to Bring Back Petrol-Powered Macan Amidst EV Strategy

ALPINA B8 GT: The Final Curtain for BMW’s 8 Series

Lexus Announces the Farewell of RC and RC F Models with the 2025 Final Editions

Subaru Unveils 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid: Enhanced Efficiency Meets Legendary Capability

TCS Study Reveals Growing Consumer Interest in Electric Vehicles and Key Industry Challenges

Goodyear Sells Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries After Nearly 40 Years of Legal and Corporate Maneuvering

Isuzu Motors India to Showcase D-MAX BEV Prototype at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025

Archive

Neta Shuts Only Showroom in Singapore Amid Financial Turmoil

Malaysia Autoshow 2025 Achieves Record-Breaking Success, Reinforces Nation’s Role in Regional Green Mobility Push

Malaysia Autoshow 2025: Mini Unveils Three High-Performance John Cooper Works Models and New Convertible

Tesla Investor Calls for Elon Musk to Step Down Amid Leadership Crisis

Toyota and Waymo Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Autonomous Vehicle Development

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show