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Geely’s Livan Auto Introduces the Smurf Micro EV

Geely’s sub-brand Livan Auto has pulled the covers off its latest creation, the Livan Smurf, a compact all-electric city car designed to capture urban buyers with its small footprint and charming styling.

The Smurf is essentially a rebadged version of the Geely Panda Mini EV, which has already proven its popularity in China with over 101,000 units sold between January and July this year. With its playful design and affordable pricing, Livan is positioning the Smurf as an accessible entry point into the growing micro-EV segment.

From the outside, the Smurf carries a boxy silhouette that suits its urban role. The closed-off front grille is narrow and is paired with distinctive “Forest Spirit Eye” headlights that lend the car an expressive, cartoon-like face. A silver bumper accent creates what looks like a smiling mouth, and the centrally mounted charging port is neatly integrated into the front. At the side, the profile remains flat, with the option of single-tone or dual-tone finishes, while 14-inch “Vibrant Pinwheel” alloy wheels complete the look.

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XPeng and Volkswagen Strengthen Partnership with Broader Technical Cooperation

XPeng and Volkswagen Group have taken another major step in their partnership with the signing of a new agreement that expands their technical cooperation well beyond electric vehicles.

The deal will see the jointly developed electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture not only integrated into Volkswagen’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platforms but also applied to its internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for the Chinese market. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s push to accelerate its software-defined car strategy while also improving its overall competitiveness in the world’s largest automotive market.

According to the two companies, the E/E architecture has already been designed and validated by their joint R&D team. Originally intended for use in electric models, it has now been adapted for conventional and hybrid powertrains as well. This flexibility will allow Volkswagen to benefit from faster software iteration, frequent over-the-air updates, and a dramatic reduction in vehicle development cycles.

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Proton’s First EV Plant Nears Completion, Production to Begin in September

Proton’s electric vehicle journey is taking shape faster than many anticipated. Within just six months of breaking ground in Tanjung Malim, the national carmaker’s dedicated EV production plant is already nearing completion. Construction is now 90.4% done, equipment installation has reached 83.5%, and overall progress stands at 86.9%. Full-scale production is scheduled to begin this September.

The first model to emerge from the facility will be the Proton e.MAS 7, marking the debut of a fully electric vehicle from a Malaysian brand. Following this, the e.MAS 5 will enter production, an entry-level EV that has already begun a nationwide showcase tour and is expected to be one of the most significant models for the local market.

Although the initial capacity is set at 20,000 units per year, the plant has been designed with scalability in mind. Its modular layout allows production to expand to 45,000 units annually, with flexibility to adapt to new models and international demand. Production lines have been configured to accommodate variations within the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, with modular tester lines, optimised logistics, and digital systems such as MES (manufacturing execution system) and WMS (warehouse management system) already embedded to support future scaling.

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Lexus Sport Concept: A Glimpse Into the Future of Performance

Lexus used the stage at Monterey Car Week to showcase what could become its most important performance model in years. Unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the new Lexus Sport Concept is not just another design study but a strong indication of where the brand is heading with its future supercar ambitions.

The striking silhouette is clearly influenced by past icons such as the LFA and LC 500, blending the drama of an exotic with sharp modern detailing. Its low and wide proportions convey speed and athleticism, while intricate aerodynamic elements reveal Lexus’ intent to produce a machine that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Among the details are exhaust outlets neatly positioned beneath the rear wing, vents at the rear reminiscent of the LFA, and additional cooling channels behind the side windows. Even the centre brake light has been reinterpreted, incorporating four miniature fans set high on the rear deck, an unusual yet purposeful touch that underscores its engineering focus.

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Chery Becomes First Chinese Carmaker to Break 5 Million Exports, OMODA | JAECOO Leads the Charge

Chery International Group has set a new benchmark in the global automotive industry by becoming the first Chinese car manufacturer to export over five million vehicles. This achievement cements the company’s position as China’s top passenger car exporter for an unprecedented 22 consecutive years.

July 2025 proved to be a defining month for the brand. Chery secured a “Double 500” milestone, recording the fastest climb among automakers on both the Fortune Global 500 and Fortune China 500 lists for the second year running. Globally, the Group leapt from 385th in 2024 to 233rd place, while its domestic ranking surged from 100th to 59th.

Much of this momentum can be traced to the rapid ascent of OMODA | JAECOO, which has carved out a reputation for attainable luxury, refined design, and innovation that challenges established segments. Since its inception, the brand’s appeal has extended across 44 markets, including ASEAN, Europe, Australia, and South America.

In just over two years, OMODA | JAECOO has accounted for 37% of Chery International’s total exports, with cumulative global sales surpassing 570,000 units. This pace has set a new industry record as the fastest-growing automotive brand to surpass the half-million sales milestone.

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Lamborghini Fenomeno Debuts as a 1,065hp, Ultra-Exclusive V12 Hybrid

Lamborghini has unveiled its latest “few-off” masterpiece, the Fenomeno, an ultra-rare creation that pushes the brand’s obsession with drama and performance to new heights. Developed from the V12-powered Revuelto, it carries over the hybrid powertrain yet wears a completely reimagined body that ensures it stands apart even in the company of Sant’Agata’s most outrageous models.

Visually, the Fenomeno embodies everything expected from the Raging Bull: wild proportions, razor-edged lines and an aggressive stance that suggests it was designed with no consideration for subtlety. While it falls just short of the sheer extremity of the Veneno, its unique surfacing and detailing make it instantly recognisable as a Lamborghini while sharing very little visually with the Revuelto.

At the front, angular headlamps flank a vented bonnet housing two large air extraction outlets. A bespoke bumper, complete with a colour-matched stripe running along the splitter, adds an extra layer of theatricality. The profile is equally purposeful, with every panel reworked and a pair of substantial air intakes positioned behind the doors. The car sits extremely low, with its wheels neatly filling the arches, giving the impression of a race car adapted for the road.

The rear treatment is dominated by carbon fibre, from the bespoke engine cover to the reshaped rear fascia. Distinctive Y-shaped LED tail-lamps frame a set of quad, centrally-mounted exhaust outlets that leave no doubt about the car’s performance intent.