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Mitsubishi Unveils Xforce HEV in Thailand as Part of ASEAN Electrification Strategy

Mitsubishi Motors has officially launched the Xforce Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in Thailand, marking its first-ever hybrid model in the ASEAN region. The move aligns with the automaker’s broader strategy to expand its electrified vehicle lineup and strengthen its market presence in Southeast Asia.

The Xforce HEV, based on the petrol-powered Xforce that debuted in Indonesia in 2023, has been designed with a focus on fuel efficiency and enhanced performance. Mitsubishi Motors stated that the hybrid system integrates a newly developed electric motor with a compact yet powerful battery, delivering a seamless and efficient driving experience. The hybrid technology is expected to offer significant fuel savings while maintaining the durability and reliability that Mitsubishi vehicles are known for.

The company emphasised that the Xforce HEV was developed with the region’s diverse driving conditions in mind. Engineers have fine-tuned the vehicle’s chassis and powertrain to provide optimal performance across various terrains, from city streets to challenging rural roads. The inclusion of Mitsubishi’s proprietary Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system ensures superior handling and stability, particularly in wet and slippery conditions.

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Made-in-China Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has officially declared the made-in-China Volvo EX30 Cross Country variant, though Volvo has yet to confirm its launch plan for the domestic Chinese market. Meanwhile, the overseas version of the EX30 Cross Country is set for release this summer, with pricing expected to align with the standard EX30, starting at approximately 200,000 yuan (RM130,000).

Visually, the domestic variant remains largely identical to its international counterpart. The front features a black panel that contrasts with the body colour, accompanied by Volvo’s signature T-shaped headlight design and a trapezoidal lower grille. A silver trim element enhances the front bumper. The side profile maintains a floating roof effect, created by a blacked-out roof contrasting against the main body colour, while conventional door handles have been retained.

At the rear, the vehicle mirrors the front with a black panel and distinctive C-shaped taillights, ensuring strong visual recognition. The “Cross Country” badge is positioned on the lower left of the tailgate, while an “Asia Pacific” logo appears on the lower right, indicating its regional market designation. A panoramic sunroof is standard across all variants.

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Audi Eyes Sports Car Revival Following TT and R8 Departures

Audi is considering a return to the sports car segment following the discontinuation of the TT in 2023 and the R8 in 2024, marking the first time in decades that the German automaker has been without a two-door model in its lineup. The company is now exploring the possibility of a new sports car inspired by the original TT, signalling a potential resurgence in the category.

During a recent Volkswagen Group financial presentation, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed that sports cars remain an essential part of the brand’s identity. He emphasised that integrating a new sports car into the portfolio was a priority, but timing would be crucial. While acknowledging the challenges posed by Audi’s restructuring efforts, including the planned reduction of 7,500 jobs by the end of the decade, Döllner maintained that sports cars were part of his broader vision for the company’s future.

Audi’s new design chief, Massimo Frascella, is expected to play a key role in shaping the revival. A long-time admirer of the original TT, Frascella was so captivated by its design that he once took a day off work to admire the car at a dealership. Döllner noted that Frascella had carried a deep appreciation for Audi throughout his career, and now was the time to channel that passion into the brand’s next evolution.

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

One of Tesla’s earliest investors has urged Elon Musk to step down as the company’s chief executive unless he relinquishes his new government role.

Ross Gerber, a prominent Tesla shareholder, told Sky News Business Live that Musk’s growing involvement in politics had made him too “divisive” and distracted from the electric carmaker’s operations. He pointed to Musk’s recent appointment as head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role that has sparked public protests over planned deep cuts to federal government staff.

Gerber expressed concerns about Tesla’s future under Musk’s leadership, stating that the business had been neglected for too long. He argued that Musk must either return full-time to Tesla or find a new CEO to run the company. “I think Tesla needs a new CEO, and I decided today I was going to start saying it,” he said. “The business has been neglected for too long. There are too many important things Tesla is doing, so either Elon should come back to Tesla or he should focus on the government and find a suitable CEO.”

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Toyota and Subaru to Launch Twin Electric SUVs in 2026

Toyota and Subaru are set to introduce a new pair of electric compact SUVs in 2026, expanding their collaboration in the growing EV market. The two automakers, which previously co-developed the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, aim to attract a broader audience with their upcoming models, according to reports.

Unlike the futuristic, low-slung design of the bZ4X and Solterra, the new SUVs are expected to adopt a more conventional SUV appearance. Sources suggest that the models could resemble the next-generation Toyota RAV4, featuring a sharper front end, roof rails, and a more upright rear design. While the Toyota and Subaru versions will share a common platform and components, each will have distinct front-end styling to preserve brand identity.

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Tesla Removed from Vancouver Auto Show Over Safety Concerns

Tesla has been removed from this week’s Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns, according to event organisers. The decision follows ongoing protests against the automaker and its CEO, Elon Musk.

Eric Nicholl, the executive director of the show, stated that the removal was necessary to ensure the safety of workers, attendees, and exhibitors. He explained that Tesla had been given multiple opportunities to withdraw voluntarily before organisers formally asked the company to step aside. The decision, he added, was made to allow visitors to focus on the event’s positive aspects without disruption.

The Vancouver International Auto Show, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, is set to begin on Wednesday and will run through Sunday. It has established itself as Western Canada’s most well-attended consumer auto exhibition and one of North America’s premier automotive events. The 2024 edition saw record-breaking attendance, and organisers had promised an exhibition featuring the latest in environmentally focused electric vehicles, lifestyle displays, and commercial vendors.

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Honda Secures Hybrid Battery Supply from Toyota to Navigate U.S. Tariffs

As Honda evaluates a potential merger with Nissan, the automaker is reportedly seeking an alternative strategy to bypass U.S. import tariffs. A key part of this plan involves purchasing hybrid batteries from Toyota’s upcoming North Carolina facility instead of sourcing them from overseas.

According to a report by Japanese newspaper Nikkei, Toyota has agreed to supply Honda with 400,000 battery packs annually, beginning in the 2025 fiscal year, which starts in April. This coincides with the launch of Toyota’s $14 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina. The agreement, while significant, is not a strategic alliance. Honda will simply purchase the batteries from Toyota, with no reciprocal arrangement in place.

By securing a domestic supply of hybrid batteries, Honda aims to insulate itself from escalating tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. The company sold approximately 308,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States last year and intends to expand that number in the coming years. While specific models set to receive Toyota’s batteries remain undisclosed, industry speculation suggests that the popular CR-V hybrid could be among the first beneficiaries.

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BYD Unveils Ultra-Fast Charging System – 400km in Five Minutes

Chinese automaker BYD has introduced an advanced charging system that significantly reduces the time needed to recharge electric vehicles, bringing it closer to the refuelling experience of traditional petrol cars.

The new battery and charging platform, tested on the upcoming Han L sedan, demonstrated the ability to deliver 400km of range in just five minutes, according to BYD chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu. The first models featuring this technology will go on sale in April.

This development could be a game-changer for electric vehicle adoption, addressing one of the key concerns among potential buyers—long charging times. By offering charging speeds comparable to the time it takes to refuel a conventional vehicle, BYD aims to attract drivers hesitant to switch to electric mobility due to lengthy charging stops.

The new platform is set to underpin many of BYD’s future EV models and is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the global electric vehicle market. BYD has rapidly emerged as a formidable competitor to Tesla, challenging the U.S. automaker for the title of the world’s top EV seller. Meanwhile, Tesla’s China shipments dropped by 49% in February compared to the previous year, reaching just 30,688 vehicles—the lowest monthly figure since July 2022.

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Renault Unveils High-Performance Electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault has officially introduced the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an electrified homage to the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. This high-performance model, developed under Alpine’s performance division, is a limited-production vehicle designed to offer modern electric power with the dynamic spirit of its iconic predecessors.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is built on a dedicated platform featuring a lightweight carbon structure, enhancing both performance and handling. With two rear-mounted electric motors generating a combined 540hp and 700Nm of torque, the vehicle delivers exceptional acceleration, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just under 3.5 seconds. The car’s aggressive stance is emphasised by an ultra-wide body measuring 2.02 meters, significantly wider than its predecessors, and designed to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

Powering the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is an 800V architecture that enables rapid recharging. The vehicle supports 350 kW fast charging, significantly reducing downtime between driving sessions. Renault has engineered the car with a focus on both track capability and everyday usability, ensuring it meets the expectations of modern performance car enthusiasts.

Visually, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E stays true to its heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements. The retro-futuristic aesthetic is evident in the vehicle’s bold lines, flared wheel arches, and an imposing rear spoiler, all of which contribute to its striking appearance. The interior is equally performance-oriented, featuring a racing-inspired cockpit with digital displays and lightweight materials to maintain an optimal power-to-weight ratio.

Renault plans to produce only 1,980 units of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a reference to the original Renault 5 Turbo’s debut in 1980. With its combination of electrified performance, striking design, and exclusivity, the model is expected to attract collectors and enthusiasts alike. Bookings for the car will open soon, and demand is anticipated to be high given its limited availability and performance credentials.

This launch marks Renault’s continued commitment to blending heritage with innovation, bringing back an icon in a form that aligns with the future of mobility while maintaining its high-performance DNA.

Toyota Unveils Crown Estate in Japan – 2.5-liter Hybrid, 50 Percent More Output

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the launch of its all-new Crown Estate model in Japan, marking the latest addition to the Crown series. The model follows the previously released Crossover, Sport, and Sedan variants, continuing Toyota’s strategy of offering multiple body styles under the Crown nameplate.

The Crown, first introduced in 1955, has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Japan’s automotive industry. As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, Toyota remains committed to innovation, incorporating its “making ever-better cars” philosophy into the new model. This approach is supported by Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) and its in-house company system, both of which contribute to a more flexible vehicle platform and a product development strategy that prioritises customer needs.

A Fusion of SUV and Wagon for a Dynamic and Functional Experience

The Crown Estate combines the characteristics of an SUV and a wagon, offering a spacious and refined design aimed at individuals with active lifestyles. Built on the GA-K platform, the vehicle features an elegant cabin with bold shoulder lines extending from front to rear, emphasizing a seamless and dynamic profile. Large 21-inch aluminum wheels enhance the powerful stance, while a bumper-integrated front grille blends stylishly with the body color. The grille’s mesh pattern subtly transitions from top to bottom, adding to the model’s refined aesthetic.

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