Global News Archives

GWM’s Haval Brand Unveils Image of the Haval H7 SUV for 2025

Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) Haval brand is gearing up for a significant update to its lineup with the introduction of the new Haval H7 SUV. Zhao Yongpo, general manager of Haval, recently revealed the official image of the updated H7, which is poised to replace or complement the current Haval Xiaolong Max in the Chinese market. Notably, this H7 is distinct from the overseas-market H7, known as the second-generation Haval Big Dog in China.

Dimensions and Design

The new Haval H7 is positioned as a mid-sized SUV, boasting dimensions of 4780 mm in length, 1895 mm in width, and 1725 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2810 mm. These measurements are slightly larger than the Haval Xiaolong Max, which measures 4758 mm in length with a 2800 mm wheelbase. The H7 will feature a five-seat configuration, catering to families and urban drivers who value space and comfort.

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Porsche Adjusts EV Strategy Amid Declining Taycan Sales and Rising ICE Demand

When Porsche debuted the Taycan, it redefined electric vehicles (EVs), setting records and reshaping perceptions of what EVs could achieve. However, public sentiment surrounding EVs has cooled, and changing market dynamics have led Porsche to reconsider its ambitious plans for a predominantly electric fleet.

EV Plans on Hold Amid Falling Taycan Sales

In July 2024, Porsche openly acknowledged challenges in its EV strategy. Initially targeting an 80% EV lineup by 2030, the automaker scaled back those goals following disappointing Taycan sales. In the first nine months of 2024, Taycan sales plummeted by 50% year-over-year, with only 14,000 units sold by September.

Meanwhile, Porsche’s internal combustion engine (ICE) models like the 718 Cayman and Boxster are enjoying a resurgence. These mid-engine sports cars, set to transition to all-electric models after 2025, have seen a 10% increase in global sales in 2024, even as they were discontinued in several European markets due to cybersecurity regulations.

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Volvo’s Innovative Patent: Using Window Heaters to Improve EV Efficiency

Volvo may have uncovered a unique approach to enhancing electric vehicle (EV) efficiency—by using heaters to reduce aerodynamic drag. While traditional EVs are designed to conserve energy, heating systems typically come with a significant energy cost. Volvo’s new patent, however, suggests a novel application: heating the car’s outer surfaces, particularly the windows, to improve on-road efficiency.

The idea, discovered in a patent filing by Carmoses, involves warming the air around the vehicle by heating its outer skin. Warmer air is less dense, reducing the resistance—or drag—on the car as it moves. This seemingly small change can have a noticeable impact on energy consumption and, consequently, range.

The patent explains, “Heating a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle has the effect that a boundary layer of air adjacent to the heated surface is also warmed. Consequently, the density of the air in the boundary layer is reduced. Since drag is a function of the density of the air in this layer, heating the outer surface reduces drag and increases vehicle efficiency.”

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Chery Holding Achieves Record Sales and Revenue in 2024

Chery Holding has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, setting a new historical record with an annual sales volume of 2,603,916 vehicles. For the first time, the company’s annual revenue reached an impressive 480 billion RMB (around RM302.4 billion), reflecting its robust performance and continued growth in the global automotive market.

The company’s exports played a significant role in its success, with 1,144,588 vehicles exported in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 21.4%. This solidifies Chery’s position as a major player in the international automotive industry. Additionally, Chery’s new energy vehicle (NEV) segment saw exceptional growth, with annual sales reaching 583,569 units—a staggering year-on-year increase of 232.7%.

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Mazda Breaks U.S. Sales Record While Taking a Cautious Approach to Electrification

Mazda is defying industry trends by thriving in a market increasingly focused on electrification. The Japanese automaker is poised to break its long-standing U.S. sales record from 1986, projecting over 420,000 vehicles sold in 2024, marking a 16% year-over-year increase. The surge is largely attributed to the popularity of Mazda’s compact crossovers and mid-size SUVs, with an ambitious target of 450,000 vehicles set for 2025.

“We’re growing our business in what has largely been a stable industry,” said Tom Donnelly, Mazda’s president of North American operations. This growth is underpinned by consistent demand for models like the CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50, which dominate the company’s lineup and resonate strongly with U.S. consumers.

Cautious Steps Toward Electrification

Despite its sales success, Mazda has been measured in its approach to electrification. Currently, the company offers three hybrid models: the Toyota-assisted CX-50 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs. While these hybrids have garnered mixed reviews, Mazda’s fully electric ambitions remain modest.

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BYD Reports Record Sales in 2024 Amid Global Trade Tensions

BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced an impressive surge in vehicle sales for 2024, reflecting its growing dominance in both domestic and international markets. The company reported a remarkable 41.3% year-on-year increase, selling 4,272,145 vehicles compared to 3,024,417 units in 2023.

December proved particularly strong for BYD’s overseas sales, with 57,154 vehicles sold outside of China, a 58.3% increase from the same month in 2023. These figures underline BYD’s expanding global footprint despite intensifying trade disputes between China and Western nations.

Global Expansion and Challenges

As the largest EV manufacturer in China—also the world’s biggest automotive market—BYD has made significant strides in penetrating international markets. Its achievements come on the back of robust domestic growth initially supported by generous subsidies from the Chinese government.

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Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Enhanced Drive Pilot System for SAE Level 3 Autonomous Driving

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone in autonomous driving with the latest update to its Drive Pilot system, now certified by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority. This upgrade positions Drive Pilot as the fastest conditionally automated driving system (SAE Level 3) available in standard production vehicles. The feature is set to hit the market in early 2025, offered on the S-Class and EQS luxury saloons at a starting price of €5,950 (around RM27,620).

Existing vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot can receive the software update for free, either over-the-air or at authorized service centres, with no need for hardware modifications.

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Volkswagen Avoids Immediate Layoffs Amid Historic Union Deal

In the culmination of Volkswagen’s longest-ever union negotiations, the German automaker reached a critical agreement to delay plant closures and sweeping layoffs, while workers stepped back from further strikes. The resolution, finalized after a gruelling 70 hours of discussions, ensures all 10 of Volkswagen’s German plants will remain operational, with involuntary layoffs postponed until 2030.

The agreement marks a temporary win for the automaker’s 120,000 German workers. However, it does not fully resolve Volkswagen’s broader struggles in the European market. The company has committed to a restructuring plan that includes shedding over 35,000 positions, primarily through early retirement packages and buyouts, as production scales down by approximately 734,000 vehicles.

Key Concessions on Both Sides

Volkswagen withdrew its initial proposal of a 10% wage cut, while the union compromised on its demand for a 7% pay increase. These negotiations followed months of unrest, including a major strike earlier this month involving 100,000 metalworkers, with another strike planned for January.

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Tesla Announces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Cybertruck Foundation Series Orders

Tesla has unveiled a tempting perk for latecomers to its Cybertruck Foundation Series: free lifetime Supercharging for all orders placed on or after December 27, 2024. This exclusive benefit adds to the allure of owning one of Tesla’s highly anticipated electric trucks, which debuted earlier this year.

The Foundation Series, akin to a collector’s edition, includes the first Cybertrucks to roll off the assembly line, starting in October 2024. Early adopters who shelled out an extra $20,000 (around RM89,641) for the privilege received not only priority delivery but also access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite, a Powershare mobile connector, and various customisation options.

Terms and Conditions of Lifetime Supercharging

While free lifetime Supercharging is an attractive feature, it comes with limitations. The benefit is linked exclusively to the original owner’s Tesla account and cannot be transferred to subsequent owners or other Tesla vehicles. This means that if you decide to sell your Cybertruck, the new owner won’t inherit the lifetime Supercharging perk, and you won’t be able to transfer it to any future Tesla purchase.

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Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

China’s capital, Beijing, has passed new regulations to bolster autonomous driving technology, positioning the city as a leader in intelligent transportation. The regulations, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, aim to facilitate the adoption of driverless public buses, taxis, and private autonomous vehicles.

According to the Beijing Daily, autonomous vehicles that successfully pass road testing and safety evaluations will be eligible for road trials. The move reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to integrate autonomous technology into urban transit systems, including private cars, urban buses, trams, and taxis. To support this, the city plans to accelerate the construction of intelligent road infrastructure tailored to autonomous vehicles.

Expanding Autonomous Vehicle Trials Across China

Beijing’s announcement comes amid a nationwide push to promote self-driving technology. Wuhan, another major Chinese city, recently approved its own regulations to support the development of intelligent connected vehicles. Across China, at least 19 cities are actively conducting trials for robotaxis and robobuses, signalling rapid progress in this sector.

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Global News

GWM’s Haval Brand Unveils Image of the Haval H7 SUV for 2025

Porsche Adjusts EV Strategy Amid Declining Taycan Sales and Rising ICE Demand

Volvo’s Innovative Patent: Using Window Heaters to Improve EV Efficiency

Chery Holding Achieves Record Sales and Revenue in 2024

Mazda Breaks U.S. Sales Record While Taking a Cautious Approach to Electrification

BYD Reports Record Sales in 2024 Amid Global Trade Tensions

Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Enhanced Drive Pilot System for SAE Level 3 Autonomous Driving

Volkswagen Avoids Immediate Layoffs Amid Historic Union Deal

Tesla Announces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Cybertruck Foundation Series Orders

Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

Geely Unveils Extended-Range Galaxy E5 with 610km All-Electric Capability

BMW Unveils Concept Speedtop, Announces Limited Production Run

Proton’s R&D Centre in Hangzhou Bay Accelerates Technological Growth and EV Innovation

Xiaomi Unveils YU7 Electric SUV – 681hp, 866Nm of Torque, Top Speed of 253km/h

Lotus Emira to Ditch the V6 for a V8 Engine?

Nissan Reimagines the MICRA as Fully Electric Hatchback for 2025

Elon Musk Affirms Commitment to Tesla Leadership Amid Political Backlash and Market Challenges

FIAT Unveils Grande Panda 4×4 Concept: A Classic Reimagined for the Modern Age

Lexus Unveils 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition as V8 Farewell Tribute

Honda Reshapes Electrification Strategy Amidst Market Shifts

Archive

Ford Brings Vehicle Servicing to Your Doorstep with Launch of Mobile Service in Malaysia

Kelantan Braces for Two Million Vehicles During Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hyundai Pushes Back Against Touchscreen Overload, Returns to Physical Controls

Continental to Cease Tyre Production at Alor Setar Plant by End-2025

Stellantis Faces Crisis as Tariffs Hit Alfa Romeo and Maserati Hard

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