Global News Archives

Honda’s 0 Series EV Will be Manufactured in Ohio

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, Honda provided an exciting preview of its future in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of two groundbreaking prototypes: the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV. These near-production models mark a significant step forward in Honda’s electrification strategy, set to launch in the first half of 2026. Both vehicles are part of Honda’s innovative 0 Series and will be manufactured at the company’s dedicated EV Hub in Ohio.

Pioneering Automated Driving Technology

A key highlight of the new 0 Series models is their incorporation of Level 3 automated driving capabilities, featuring the highly anticipated “eyes-off-hands-off” operation. Developed in collaboration with Helm.ai, Honda’s advanced software enables the vehicles to estimate their surroundings with human-like precision, making informed decisions in complex scenarios such as intricate intersections. This technology represents a significant leap in autonomous driving, promising enhanced safety and convenience for drivers.

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BMW Unveils Next-Gen iDrive and Operating System X

At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, BMW Group introduced its groundbreaking Panoramic iDrive, setting a new benchmark in vehicle technology and user experience. This close-to-production innovation, powered by the all-new BMW Operating System X, combines cutting-edge design, intuitive operation, and unparalleled personalisation. Scheduled to debut in all new BMW models in late 2025, this evolution marks a quarter-century of BMW’s leadership in automotive infotainment systems.

The Next Step in Driver-Focused Innovation

BMW Panoramic iDrive integrates four key elements to redefine driver interaction:

BMW Panoramic Vision: This advanced Head-Up Display spans from A-pillar to A-pillar, projecting critical information onto a black-printed section of the windshield. Essential driving details are shown in the driver’s direct line of sight, with customisable content extending across the screen for all passengers to view.
3D Head-Up Display: Positioned above the Panoramic Vision, this optional display incorporates integrated navigation and automated driving data directly in the driver’s field of vision. Together, the two displays provide a seamless, layered information experience.

Central Display with Matrix Backlight Technology: A free-cut, touch-enabled screen located close to the steering wheel ensures ergonomic access. Drivers can personalise up to six widgets, swiping them into the Panoramic Vision display for optimal interaction.
Multifunction Steering Wheel: Adopting BMW’s “shy-tech” approach, the steering wheel features illuminated, haptic-feedback buttons that only activate relevant functions. This design keeps essential controls within easy reach without diverting the driver’s attention from the road.

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Mazda Partners with Panasonic to Build First Dedicated EV in Japan

Mazda is taking significant strides in its electrification journey by establishing a specialised battery manufacturing facility in Japan, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility. Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the plant will produce battery modules for Mazda’s upcoming models, including its first vehicle built on a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform.

Partnering with Panasonic Energy, Mazda will utilise advanced cylindrical battery modules to power its next-generation EVs. The factory is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 10GWh, a milestone reflecting the automaker’s ambition to scale up EV production.

A Bold Step Forward

Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, highlighted the brand’s progress toward its in-house EV platform, which is set to debut in 2027. This platform is promised to deliver vehicles with “advanced design, superior convenience, and extended driving ranges,” signalling a departure from Mazda’s earlier strategy of adapting combustion-engine platforms for electric use.

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Korean Researchers Develop Safer, Longer-Lasting Lithium Metal Battery

The world of electric vehicle (EV) batteries is buzzing with innovation, and the latest breakthrough comes from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea. Researchers have developed a revolutionary lithium metal battery featuring a “triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte” that not only boasts extended durability but also self-extinguishes in the event of a fire.

Addressing Lithium Battery Safety Challenges

Traditional solid polymer electrolyte batteries face a significant challenge: the formation of dendrites. These small, tree-like structures develop during charging and discharging, potentially damaging internal battery components and increasing the risk of fires and explosions. This issue has long hindered the full potential of lithium metal batteries.

The DGIST team, led by Dr. Kim Jae-Hyun, tackled this problem with an innovative triple-layer electrolyte structure. Their design features soft outer layers for better electrode contact and a strong middle layer to reinforce structural integrity. Additionally, the electrolyte includes fire-suppressing agents like decabromodiphenyl ethane, high concentrations of lithium salt, and zeolite for added strength.

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Manual Toyota GR Supra Gains Popularity in 2024 Amid Changing Lineup

Toyota’s decision to introduce a manual transmission option for the GR Supra in mid-2023 has paid off, with the three-pedal variant gaining traction among enthusiasts. In 2024, 65% of all Supras sold in the U.S. featured a manual gearbox, up significantly from the 43% take rate in 2023. While the numbers remain relatively small—2,615 Supras were sold in the U.S. in 2024, with 1,700 being manuals—the shift signals a growing appetite for more engaging driving experiences.

The increased manual adoption coincides with changes to the Supra lineup. Toyota phased out the automatic-only, four-cylinder base model partway through 2024, potentially influencing the manual take rate. With the entry-level Supra no longer available, buyers seeking a purist driving experience gravitated toward the manual-equipped, six-cylinder models.

GR Supra Manual Success Mirrors Broader Trends

The GR Supra wasn’t Toyota’s only sports car to see strong manual sales. The GR86, a staple among driving purists, saw 53% of its 11,426 units sold with a manual transmission, equating to 6,056 vehicles. Even the manual Toyota Tacoma pickup made its mark, with 3,856 units accounting for 2% of the model’s total sales of 192,813.

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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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Global News

Honda’s 0 Series EV Will be Manufactured in Ohio

BMW Unveils Next-Gen iDrive and Operating System X

Mazda Partners with Panasonic to Build First Dedicated EV in Japan

Korean Researchers Develop Safer, Longer-Lasting Lithium Metal Battery

Manual Toyota GR Supra Gains Popularity in 2024 Amid Changing Lineup

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

Honda’s 0 Series EV Will be Manufactured in Ohio

BMW Unveils Next-Gen iDrive and Operating System X

Mazda Partners with Panasonic to Build First Dedicated EV in Japan

Korean Researchers Develop Safer, Longer-Lasting Lithium Metal Battery

Manual Toyota GR Supra Gains Popularity in 2024 Amid Changing Lineup

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

Archive

EV Sales Set for 30% Growth in 2025 Despite Industry Concerns

Audi E: June 2025 Launch for the Chinese EV Market

Hyundai Rotem Unveils Hydrogen-Powered K3 Battle Tank for South Korea’s Next-Generation Military

Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Heineken is Giving away over RM10,000 Worth of Grab Ride Voucher

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