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Neta and Zeekr Accused of Artificially Inflating Sales to Meet Targets in China’s Hypercompetitive EV Market

Two of China’s prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, Neta and Zeekr, are facing increasing scrutiny over allegations of artificially inflating their sales figures, a tactic industry insiders claim distorts market data and misleads consumers.

According to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) citing Reuters, internal documents and dealer testimonies revealed that both automakers engaged in premature vehicle registration by insuring cars before they were sold to actual buyers. This allowed the companies to classify these vehicles as sold under Chinese industry standards, even though they had yet to be delivered.

Between January 2023 and March 2024, Neta reportedly booked 64,719 early vehicle sales using this method, representing more than half of the 117,000 units it claimed to have sold during that period. Zeekr, a premium EV brand under Geely, allegedly employed a similar strategy in late 2024, particularly in the city of Xiamen, working with state-owned Xiamen C&D Automobile.

Though not technically illegal, this practice, known as “zero-mileage used car” sales, has sparked outrage. Vehicles are marked as used due to insurance and registration, but have never been driven by real customers. The practice has emerged in the context of a fierce price war and an overcapacity crisis in the Chinese EV market.

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Subaru Unveils All-New 2026 Uncharted Electric Crossover in New York

Subaru Corporation has officially introduced the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, its latest addition to the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup. Unveiled in New York City, the Uncharted becomes the third electric model in Subaru’s expanding zero-emissions portfolio, following the Solterra and Trailseeker.

Positioned as a compact crossover, the Uncharted has been engineered to deliver exceptional versatility, seamless driveability, and high-performance attributes distinct to electric vehicles. With this model, Subaru is aiming to cater to a broad spectrum of lifestyles while embracing a forward-looking spirit. The name “Uncharted” underscores the vehicle’s adventurous identity, symbolising its capacity to take drivers and passengers beyond the familiar and into new journeys.

The Uncharted’s exterior design presents a bold, streamlined front fascia, while its compact silhouette is contrasted with rugged and sporty detailing, creating a dynamic and adventurous aesthetic. Inside the cabin, the vehicle features distinctive orange accents and an instrument panel dominated by sharp horizontal lines. The interior layout has been carefully designed to maximise comfort and spaciousness, reinforcing the crossover’s practical and inviting atmosphere.

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BMW Teases Hardcore Track-Focused M2 Package for 2025

BMW is preparing to push its compact performance offering even further with the unveiling of a new track-oriented upgrade for the second-generation M2. Though the current model is still relatively fresh, the German automaker appears keen to expand the M2 range with a package designed to maximise its circuit capabilities while remaining road-legal.

The latest development follows closely on the heels of two key M2 announcements earlier this year: the debut of the race-ready M2 variant in April, and the introduction of the M2 CS in May. Now, BMW has teased what appears to be a forthcoming Track Package version, aimed at enthusiasts seeking the most focused driving experience from their high-performance coupe.

In a recent Instagram post, BMW previewed the package using a Sao Paulo Yellow M2 test mule with camouflaged front and rear ends, including a sizeable rear wing that remains impossible to miss despite the disguise. While full details remain under wraps, the images hint at subtle aerodynamic revisions such as a more pronounced front splitter and possibly reworked air intakes. However, beyond these surface changes, the package is expected to introduce more substantial upgrades beneath the bodywork.

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Volvo’s All-Electric ES90: A Flagship Model with One of Its Lowest Carbon Footprints

Volvo Cars is ushering in a new era of sustainability with the introduction of the ES90, a fully electric flagship model set to enter production this year. Engineered with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, the ES90 not only marks a leap forward in electrification but also reflects the Swedish automaker’s commitment to transparency and climate responsibility.

According to Volvo’s latest Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report, the ES90 has a total carbon footprint of just 31 tonnes when charged using the standard European energy mix. This figure is further reduced to 26 tonnes when powered exclusively by wind energy. The LCA, which has been independently verified by a third party, calculates the environmental impact of the ES90 from raw material extraction and refinement to the vehicle’s end-of-life phase.

Compared with other models in the Volvo range, the ES90 stands out for its minimal environmental impact. It generates around 50 per cent less carbon emissions than the S90 mild hybrid and 30 per cent less than the S90 plug-in hybrid. It also posts a smaller carbon footprint than the electric EX40 and EC40, making it one of the cleanest cars Volvo has ever produced.

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China Moves to Limit One-Pedal Driving in Electric Vehicles Under New National Safety Standards

China is set to introduce new regulations that will reshape how regenerative braking systems operate in electric vehicles (EVs), a move likely to impact the growing segment of drivers who favour one-pedal driving. The new rule, outlined under the national standard GB 21670-2025, is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.

This legislation will prohibit EVs from having a default driving mode that brings the car to a complete stop simply by releasing the accelerator pedal. While the rule does not entirely ban one-pedal functionality, it requires that such features no longer be the vehicle’s default setting. The change appears to be aimed more at enhancing road safety than improving battery efficiency.

According to a report by The Paper, a Chinese news outlet, the primary concern behind the new regulation is the delayed braking response observed in drivers accustomed to strong regenerative braking. Studies have indicated that drivers relying heavily on regenerative deceleration may hesitate to apply the brake pedal in emergency situations—where the stopping power provided by regenerative systems alone proves insufficient. This delay could compromise reaction times, especially in critical moments requiring full braking force.

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Mazda Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Cars Amidst SUV Expansion

As the 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes its global debut, attention has quickly turned from the brand’s best-selling crossover to what lies ahead for its sports car lineup. While the launch of the new-generation CX-5 will likely continue Mazda’s strong commercial performance in the SUV market, the marque’s sporting future remains a key point of interest for enthusiasts and brand loyalists alike.

In an exclusive discussion with The Drive, Stefan Meisterfeld, Vice President of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, offered insight into the company’s stance on performance-oriented models. Meisterfeld emphasised that sports cars remain integral to Mazda’s identity, describing them as “critical” to the brand’s overall strategy. He acknowledged the diversity of Mazda’s customer base, stating that the company aims to meet varying emotional and functional needs, which includes retaining a strong connection to its sporty roots.

While the MX-5 Miata continues to hold a special place in Mazda’s portfolio, Meisterfeld’s comments suggest that the company’s future plans could go beyond the iconic roadster. Notably, he made a distinction between “the MX-5 and sports cars in general,” potentially signalling openness to expanding the sports car range.

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Nissan Eyes U.S. Production Boost as Talks Emerge Over Honda Pickup Collaboration

Nissan may be on the brink of revitalising dormant manufacturing capacity in the United States, as reports suggest the company is in discussions to build a pickup truck for Honda. Although no official sources were cited, speculation points to Nissan’s Canton plant in Mississippi as a likely candidate for the potential production agreement.

This development could represent a major turnaround for Nissan’s North American operations, which have been significantly downsized in response to steep financial losses. The Japanese automaker recently reported a staggering net loss of $4.5 billion in its most recent fiscal year, prompting the company to scale back both current output and future manufacturing projections across the region.

Rumblings of a collaboration between the two Japanese giants are not new. Earlier this year, when speculation of a possible merger between Honda and Nissan gained traction, both firms acknowledged the prospect of sharing resources. Among the potential joint ventures discussed was the use of Nissan’s body-on-frame platforms by Honda to expand its presence in the U.S. truck segment.

At present, Honda’s only pickup offering for the American market is the Ridgeline, a unibody model. Nissan, on the other hand, manufactures the Frontier — a body-on-frame truck — at the Canton facility. Honda currently lacks a comparable vehicle in its line-up, raising the possibility that the automaker could be considering a significant shift in platform architecture for future pickup models.

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Geely’s Geome Xingyuan Tops China’s NEV Sales in H1 2025

China’s automotive market continues to witness a rapid transformation, as new energy vehicles (NEVs) dominate the sales charts for the first half of 2025. According to data released by Chinese auto outlet Yiche, local manufacturers are gaining ground swiftly, with Geely’s Geome Xingyuan (Proton e.MAS 5) model emerging as the top-selling vehicle in the country for the period under review.

The updated Top 20 vehicle sales chart reveals a notable shift in consumer preferences, particularly towards NEVs, which include both pure electric and plug-in hybrid models. Among the top ten positions, the dominance of Chinese brands is evident, underscoring the growing appeal of domestically produced vehicles in both mainstream and electric segments.

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MG Unveils IM Series, Led by New IM5 and IM6 Models

MG has introduced its latest generation of electric vehicles under the IM badge, showcasing a bold new direction for the marque’s future. The all-new MG IM5 and IM6 spearhead this innovation-led lineup, designed around four core principles: Purposeful Innovation, Ultimate Performance, Intelligent Safety, and Elevated Experience. Together, these pillars define a range engineered for the demands of modern drivers navigating complex, fast-paced urban environments.

The new MG IM range is equipped with a suite of technologies aimed at making city driving more efficient and intuitive. A standout feature is an advanced four-wheel steering system that delivers an exceptionally tight turning radius, allowing for enhanced manoeuvrability in congested spaces. The range also benefits from a cutting-edge assisted driving system developed in collaboration with Momenta, offering reliable support in a variety of real-world traffic scenarios, from dense city centres to unpredictable motorway conditions.

In terms of performance, MG’s IM models are built to impress. The electric powertrain generates up to 741hp, with a robust 802 Nm of torque. The vehicles are also equipped with a substantial 100 kWh battery, capable of ultra-rapid charging. When using a 350 kW charger, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in just 17 minutes, placing the IM series among the quickest-charging EVs currently available.

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Rimac Nevera R Sets New Global Benchmarks, Surpassing All Previous Records

Rimac Automobili has once again redefined the limits of electric performance with the Nevera R, a cutting-edge evolution of its world-beating hypercar. Following the extraordinary achievements of the original Nevera—most notably the feat of shattering 23 performance records in a single day in 2023 at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) facility—the Nevera R has now eclipsed every one of those benchmarks.

The latest testing, carried out in high-speed mode and independently validated by Dewesoft, served as the final phase of performance verification ahead of customer deliveries. The results have firmly cemented the Nevera R’s position as the most formidable production EV in automotive history.

Among the most staggering accomplishments is the Nevera R’s 0–400–0km/h record, which now stands at an astonishing 25.79 seconds, reducing the original Nevera’s time by 4.14 seconds. Acceleration from 0–60 mph has also improved to 1.66 seconds, bettering the previous 1.74-second benchmark. It reaches 100km/h in just 1.72 seconds, down from 1.81 seconds, while 200km/h is now achieved in 3.95 seconds, trimming nearly half a second from the original’s time of 4.42 seconds. At 300km/h, the Nevera R completes the sprint in 7.89 seconds—1.33 seconds faster than the standard model. Its maximum velocity has climbed to 431.45km/h, setting a new record for the highest top speed ever achieved by a production electric vehicle.

These gains are not merely the result of raw power. Rimac has re-engineered nearly every major component of the vehicle. A newly designed aerodynamic package, including a fixed rear wing and larger rear diffuser, increases downforce by 15% while enhancing aerodynamic efficiency by 10%. This allows for improved high-speed stability and control, vital at the extreme performance levels the Nevera R now reaches.