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Zeekr Unveils 2026 Zeekr 001 with Major Tech Upgrades and Up to 810km Range

Zeekr has revealed the 2026 Zeekr 001, a heavily updated version of its full-size electric shooting brake that blends performance, luxury, and next-generation technology. The refreshed model is available in four variants — Max 95 kWh AWD, Max 103 kWh RWD, Ultra 103 kWh AWD, and Ultra+ 103 kWh AWD.

Although it remains a facelift rather than a full redesign, the new Zeekr 001 introduces notable styling tweaks that give the car a sharper, more cohesive look. The front bumper now features a wider horizontal grille pattern paired with sleeker air ducts, while the rear end has been cleaned up with the removal of triangular reflectors. Two new paint options, Mysterious Purple and Star Grey, join the colour palette alongside five returning finishes, adding to the car’s visual appeal.

Inside, Zeekr has completely reworked the cabin with a stronger focus on digital integration and passenger comfort. A 16-inch 3.5K central touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard, supported by a 13.02-inch digital cluster and a massive 39.3-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). Rear passengers also get an 8-inch control display for seat and climate adjustments.

The car’s interior ambience is elevated by a 256-colour ambient lighting system, a 29-speaker Zeekr Sound Max audio setup delivering 4,680 watts of power, and a panoramic glass roof with a starry pattern finish.

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BYD Launches 2026 Seal 05 DM-i with 2,000km Driving Range in China

BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, the latest iteration of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, now boasting a pure electric range of up to 128 kilometres (CLTC) and a total driving range of an impressive 2,000km. Despite these substantial improvements, the car maintains its starting price of 79,800 yuan (around RM52,000), reinforcing BYD’s commitment to offering high-value electrified mobility.

The Seal 05 DM-i continues to embrace BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design philosophy, which favours clean, fluid lines and aerodynamic efficiency. For 2026, subtle refinements have been made to streamline its appearance further, including the removal of the automatic front grille. This small but deliberate change gives the car a more cohesive front profile while preserving its sleek, modern look.

Inside, the cabin keeps to its minimalist and practical roots, with thoughtful updates aimed at improving comfort and usability. The familiar flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel and dual-screen layout remain — an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while a 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs the brand’s DiLink smart cockpit system.

The most notable interior revision is the switch from the previous crystal gear lever to a column-mounted electronic shifter, which opens up additional space on the centre console for storage and convenience.

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BMW Revives a Legend with the M2 Turbo Design Edition

BMW has unveiled the M2 Turbo Design Edition, a tribute to one of its most celebrated performance icons — the BMW 2002 Turbo of the 1970s. The special-edition coupe takes direct inspiration from the original’s distinctive tricolour livery, blending motorsport heritage with modern M engineering.

Finished in Alpine White, the car stands out with hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes running along the front and rear. The classic blue, purple, and red accents wrap around the bonnet and continue across the boot lid, while a single offset stripe runs over the carbon fibre roof, creating a striking connection between past and present.

The Power Dome on the bonnet proudly displays a black “Turbo” graphic, and a subtle carbon fibre spoiler adds a refined finishing touch. Standard fitment includes black M Dual-Spoke alloy wheels, with the option to upgrade to M Performance wheels in Matte Gold Bronze for a more distinctive look.

Inside, the M2 Turbo Design Edition echoes the same design theme. The door sills carry the “M2 turbo” script, and another Turbo logo sits ahead of the gear shifter — a nod to the car’s inspiration. The M Sport seats come upholstered in Black Vernasca Leather, finished with the familiar M tricolour detailing. For drivers seeking a more focused experience, M Carbon bucket seats are available as an option, also featuring the same coloured accents.

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Volvo’s New EX60 to Debut World-First Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt Recognised by TIME Magazine

Volvo Cars is set to introduce another industry-first with the debut of its fully electric EX60 SUV — featuring a revolutionary multi-adaptive safety belt system that has already earned a place on TIME magazine’s list of the Best Inventions of 2025. The innovation marks Volvo’s second consecutive appearance on the list, which honours 300 groundbreaking technologies shaping the world today.

True to Volvo’s reputation as a safety pioneer, the new seatbelt goes far beyond the traditional restraint system. It is designed to adapt in real time to both the individual passenger and the surrounding environment, using data from the car’s extensive network of sensors. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the system adjusts its tension and resistance according to factors such as the occupant’s body type, seating position, and even the severity of a potential impact.

For instance, a larger passenger involved in a severe collision would experience higher belt tension to mitigate head injuries, while a smaller occupant in a lighter crash would receive gentler restraint to avoid rib or chest injuries. This precision-driven technology ensures that every person in the car receives protection that’s tailored to their physical characteristics and the specific crash scenario, creating a new benchmark in occupant safety.

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Volkswagen to Integrate Xpeng’s XNGP Autonomous Driving System into China EVs by 2026

Volkswagen is set to introduce Xpeng’s advanced autonomous driving system, known as XNGP, into its next generation of electric vehicles in China starting in 2026. The first model to receive this technology will be a mid-size SUV jointly developed with Xpeng, marking a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s evolving strategy for the Chinese market.

The system, designed by Xpeng and already proven in the company’s own models, will serve as the foundation of Volkswagen’s new approach to localised innovation in the world’s largest EV market.

The German automaker’s collaboration with Xpeng dates back to July 2023, when Volkswagen invested €700 million in the Guangzhou-based EV manufacturer, securing a 4.99% equity stake. The two companies later confirmed that they were co-developing a pair of mid-size electric SUVs, which are both set for release in 2026.

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Kia Launches the New Carnival HEV 7-Seater in Thailand

Kia Sales Thailand has officially launched the new Kia Carnival HEV 7-seater, a flagship MPV designed to blend hybrid efficiency with upscale comfort and family versatility. Marketed under the tagline “Built for Every Move of Life,” this latest version brings a strong mix of performance, technology, and practicality for modern families looking for both space and sophistication.

Under the bonnet, the Carnival HEV is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 54 kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 245 PS and 367 Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between two trims — the Carnival HEV Premium priced at 2,499,000 Baht (around RM323,000), and the top-tier Luxury variant at 2,699,000 Baht (around RM349,000).

The exterior carries a refreshed design that bridges the styling of an SUV with the functionality of an MPV. Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille now sits between cube-shaped headlights and a new Star Map LED light signature at both ends. The 19-inch geometric alloy wheels give it a bold stance, while functional roof rails capable of supporting up to 100 kg add a touch of adventure-ready practicality.

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BYD Extends Its Lead Over Tesla in Global EV Sales Through Q3 2025

Chinese automaker BYD has widened its lead over Tesla in global pure electric vehicle (EV) sales, firmly establishing itself as the world’s top EV manufacturer through the third quarter of 2025.

According to data compiled by automotive analyst “Tongkuai Shuchang,” BYD recorded cumulative pure electric vehicle sales of 1.61 million units between January and September 2025. In comparison, Tesla delivered 1.22 million units over the same period, giving BYD a commanding lead of around 388,000 vehicles.

In the third quarter alone, BYD delivered 582,500 pure electric vehicles worldwide. Although this marked a slight 4% decline compared to the previous quarter, the numbers still reflected an impressive year-on-year growth of 31.4%. Tesla, meanwhile, reported deliveries of 497,100 units in Q3, achieving a 29.4% increase quarter-on-quarter and 7.4% growth year-on-year. Despite surpassing market expectations, Tesla remains behind BYD for the fourth consecutive quarter.

BYD first overtook Tesla in Q4 2024, a milestone that signalled a shift in the global EV landscape. Since then, the Chinese brand has not only retained its top spot but has continued to expand its margin, driven by its broad product lineup, aggressive pricing, and strong domestic and overseas demand.

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Rolls-Royce Showcases Its Most Complex Woodwork for Phantom’s 100th Anniversary

To mark the 100th anniversary of the legendary Phantom, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled what it proudly calls the most intricate woodwork ever created in its history. This exclusive Private Collection of just 25 cars showcases an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, debuting three techniques never before used by the marque — 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. Each car represents a century of design evolution and artistry, merging tradition with innovation in a way only Rolls-Royce can.

The centenary of the Phantom is more than just a milestone; it is a celebration of how the car has defined luxury motoring across generations. For this occasion, the marque’s designers, engineers, and artisans pushed their creative and technical limits, blending hand-drawn sketches, digital design, and cutting-edge production methods. The result is a collection of interior artworks inspired by journeys, landscapes, and the moments that have shaped the Phantom’s enduring legacy.

The standout feature of this collection is the interior door panels, which Rolls-Royce describes as the most complex ever crafted in its history. Each door took an entire year to complete, with every surface narrating a part of the Phantom’s story. The design combines geographical maps, floral motifs, and visual nods to historic Phantom models, all expressed through Blackwood veneer. This material was selected for its rich depth and distinctive grain, offering a dynamic visual texture that shifts subtly under different lighting conditions.

The process required the use of some of the largest veneer sheets ever produced for a Rolls-Royce. These were cut and pieced together like an elaborate mosaic, with each section positioned to ensure the wood grain interacts with light in a specific way. The result is an ever-changing surface that reveals new details from different angles. Even the speaker grilles were integrated directly into the veneer through precision milling, creating an uninterrupted, seamless aesthetic that elevates the cabin’s sense of calm and refinement.

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BYD Expands Global Reach With Fleet of Eight Car Carriers

BYD has now completed its very own shipping fleet, marking another major step in its global expansion. The eighth and final vessel, the BYD Jinan, officially went into service last week, giving the Shenzhen-based automaker an annual transport capacity of more than one million cars.

What’s remarkable is how quickly the fleet came together. The first ship, BYD Explorer No.1, was only delivered in January 2024. In under two years, the company has built up a full fleet of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) car carriers, each designed to handle between 7,200 and 9,000 vehicles depending on size.

The line-up now consists of BYD Explorer No.1, Hefei, Changzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Changsha, Zhengzhou and the newly launched Jinan. While Jinan is just starting operations, the other ships are already moving cars across the globe. For instance, BYD Hefei is currently unloading in Europe before heading back to China, Xi’an is due in Barcelona this week, while Shenzhen and Changsha are en route from China to Europe.

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Inflated Pre-Sale Numbers in China’s Auto Market Raise Industry Concerns

China’s car market may be the biggest in the world, but the pressure of competition has brought some questionable tactics into play. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, certain carmakers have been exaggerating pre-sale orders to create the impression of strong demand, a move that could mislead both consumers and investors.

According to Reuters, The Xinhua Daily Telegraph reported that some companies went as far as asking their own employees to place refundable deposits, while others turned to what it called a “grey industry chain” that specialises in artificially boosting order books. These inflated figures, the report added, are rarely verified by third parties and often end up being far higher than the actual number of cars delivered to customers.

This practice has already raised eyebrows among regulators. In September, China’s industry ministry announced a three-month campaign to clamp down on false marketing and other irregular online activity in the automotive sector. Industry insiders admit that the trend is becoming a problem, with concerns that it could damage the sector’s long-term credibility.

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