Author: Jonathan Collins

Fang Cheng Bao, a sub-brand of Chinese automaker BYD, introduced new variants for two of its SUV models on Monday in a move to strengthen its position in the competitive electric and hybrid vehicle market. The updates come after the brand achieved record sales last month. At its fall product launch event, the company unveiled long-range versions of the Bao 5 SUV and five-seat options for the larger Bao 8 SUV. The additions expand Fang Cheng Bao’s current portfolio to four models — the Bao 5 and Bao 8, which target off-road consumers, and the Tai 3 and Tai 7,…

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended tariff exemptions for vehicles produced in the United States using imported components until 2030, while unveiling new import duties on trucks and buses entering the American market. Under the updated policy, manufacturers assembling vehicles domestically can continue to reclaim up to 3.75% of the retail price of their cars, a measure originally due to expire in 2027. The exemption applies to all vehicles built in the U.S., including electric models, with the level of relief determined by the share of domestically sourced components. Vehicles comprising at least 85% U.S. or USMCA-origin parts will be…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Monday it has opened a preliminary investigation into about 2,000 self-driving vehicles operated by Waymo after reports that the company’s autonomous taxis may have failed to comply with traffic safety laws near stopped school buses. The inquiry, led by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, follows a media report describing an incident in which a Waymo vehicle allegedly failed to remain stationary when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. According to the report, the autonomous vehicle initially stopped beside the bus but then maneuvered…

Nio has introduced a limited-edition version of its ET5 Touring, the brand’s current best-selling model, as part of a collaboration with the sci-fi film Tron: Ares, which premieres in China today. The black-themed edition, limited to 555 units, is priced at RMB 316,000 ($44,370) including a 100-kWh battery pack — about 6% higher than the standard model’s starting price of RMB 298,000. See also: Singapore’s GIC Files Lawsuit Against Nio Over Revenue Recognition Dispute The special edition features a distinctive black exterior, “Moon” theme interior package, 20-inch wheels, roof rails, orange brake calipers, and exclusive decals inspired by the movie.…

BYD plans to launch its ultra-fast “flash charging” network in South Africa, extending the 1,000 kW charging technology already being deployed in China and planned for Europe. The first stations are scheduled to go live in April or May 2026, the company’s senior vice president and head of Europe, Stella Li, told South African technology outlet TechCentral. The new charging network will initially be installed across BYD’s expanding dealership network before extending to key motorway locations. “We want to cover 100% of the country,” Li said in the interview. “By the end of next year, we will have 200 or…

Porsche has confirmed that it has entered talks with Michael Leiters, the former McLaren Automotive CEO, as a potential successor to Oliver Blume, who is expected to step down as Porsche chief executive in 2026 while continuing to lead Volkswagen Group. The announcement follows reports from Der Spiegel and Bild that Blume’s dual leadership roles at both Volkswagen and Porsche were drawing increasing scrutiny amid operational challenges at Porsche. See also: Porsche CEO Oliver Blume Set to Step Down, Focus on Volkswagen Role  The company said in a statement that its Supervisory Board had instructed the chairman to discuss an…

Xpeng has introduced the updated 2025 G6 electric SUV in Malaysia, marking the model’s entry into the Southeast Asian market following its domestic debut in China earlier this year. The launch coincides with the company’s first anniversary in Malaysia and underscores its broader strategy to expand globally. The updated G6 comes equipped across all variants with a 5C fast-charging battery and an 800-volt silicon carbide platform, designed to deliver faster charging speeds, longer driving range, and improved efficiency and safety. See also: XPeng Expands Fast-Charging Network in Southeast Asia Through Charge Plus Partnership The model is offered in three variants…

BYD has reached a major milestone in Thailand with the delivery of its 100,000th new energy vehicle (NEV), the BYD SEAL 06 DM-i. The model was chosen as the official vehicle for the “Friendship Fleet Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-China Diplomatic Relations,” marking its symbolic role in strengthening bilateral ties. The SEAL 06 DM-i is among the models produced locally at BYD’s Thailand factory. BYD’s manufacturing facility in Thailand, completed in July 2024, is the company’s first wholly-owned passenger vehicle factory outside China. With an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, the plant currently produces models such as the…

AGL Energy has entered into a strategic partnership with EV charging management provider AMPECO to expand electric vehicle infrastructure across Australian cities. The collaboration focuses on curbside charging stations in high-density residential areas, addressing one of the country’s most significant EV adoption barriers — limited home charging access for apartment residents. See also: Australia Allocates AU$40 Million to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure Within just six months, AGL deployed more than 150 curbside charging stations across inner Sydney, transforming the city’s public charging landscape. The initiative leverages AMPECO’s platform, which delivers 99% uptime and allows AGL to manage charging throughput in…

Li Auto has established its overseas headquarters in Hong Kong and is planning to further expand its operations and local team in the city, according to a statement released by Invest Hong Kong. The Hong Kong headquarters will serve as a strategic hub for Li Auto’s global research and development (R&D), intellectual property management, and international supply chain coordination, the agency said. It will also oversee the company’s overseas business expansion as part of Li Auto’s broader global strategy. See also: Li Auto Forms Battery Joint Venture With SEVB to Strengthen Supply Chain According to Invest Hong Kong, the new…

GM Energy, General Motors’ electric and energy solutions subsidiary, has reported significant sales growth this year as the automaker broadens its role beyond vehicle manufacturing to include integrated energy and charging services. According to GM Energy Vice President Wade Sheffer, sales of the company’s charging and energy products have increased fivefold in 2025, driven by rising demand for comprehensive electrification solutions that align with General Motors’ growing electric vehicle lineup. Sheffer said revenue has grown about 30 percent month-over-month since January, with around 70 percent of GM EV customers purchasing at least one GM Energy product. The company has also…

Tesla’s Model Y has received a Gold award at the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards, placing it among a select group of global projects recognized for excellence in innovation, user experience, and sustainability. The Model Y stood out for its refined design, incremental improvements, and cohesive vision. The international judging panel highlighted enhancements in safety, upgraded technology, and subtle styling cues aligned with Tesla’s broader design language. See also: Tesla Offers Nearly $5,000 Discount on Full Self-Driving Software in Australia and New Zealand “Tesla is clearly a trailblazer in the world of EVs. Incredible technology coupled with world-class design and…