Track products news alongside market analysis, provider activity, and connected mobility intelligence from PAVE Insight.
Mitsubishi to return to Australia’s EV market with ASX VR-e SUV
Mitsubishi will return to Australia’s battery-electric market with the ASX VR-e electric SUV in the fourth quarter of 2026. Developed with Foxtron, it will launch in four variants, with pricing and full specifications to follow.
SAIC lists MG 07 plug-in hybrid coupe with 245km electric range
SAIC has listed the MG 07 plug-in hybrid coupe on its official website. The model offers a 245km CLTC electric range and 1,745km combined range, with two versions including a LiDAR-equipped edition; pricing has not been announced.
Australian fleet technology award finalists revealed
Blacktown City Council, the City of Port Phillip and Connect Ability Australia have been named finalists for the 2026 Fleet Technology Award after using telematics, fleet-data integration, digital workflows and electrification to improve utilisation, administration and safety.
Nio completes 120 million battery swaps and unveils fifth-generation stations
Nio says it has completed 120 million battery swaps and unveiled fifth-generation Power Swap Stations in China. The stations support Firefly EVs, swapping batteries in under three minutes, as the company considers expansion into Australia.
GWM reveals Ora 5 plug-in hybrid SUV in Chinese filings
Great Wall Motor has revealed an Ora 5 plug-in hybrid SUV in Chinese MIIT filings. The model uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, CATL LFP batteries and optional LiDAR-supported intelligent driver assistance.
BAIC reveals battery-swappable Arcfox Beta T1 electric sedan
BAIC is preparing a battery-swappable Arcfox Beta T1 electric sedan, according to a Chinese MIIT filing. The CATL-powered model will support a Battery-as-a-Service sales model and offer three- or six-radar driver-assistance configurations.
Refreshed Deepal S05 launches in China with LiDAR and 620km range
Changan has launched a refreshed Deepal S05 in China, adding LiDAR and more than 90 assisted-driving functions. The electric crossover uses CATL LFP batteries offering up to 620km CLTC range, with promotional pricing from 115,900 yuan.
Smart launches updated #1 with 800V architecture and roof-mounted LiDAR
Smart has launched an updated #1 with an 800V architecture, Geely’s 16-in-1 electric drive, roof-mounted LiDAR and an enhanced assisted-driving system. The electric car offers a 535km CLTC range and 10–80% charging in 12 minutes.
Element launches AI tool to streamline fleet maintenance authorisations
Element Fleet Management has introduced DigiAdvisor, an AI-powered internal tool that combines warranty, repair-history, policy, pricing and supplier data to support maintenance authorisations. The system aims to reduce research time, improve consistency and identify warranty, pricing and repeat-repair issues.
Michelin scales AI fleet assistant to 4,800 customer organisations
Michelin Connected Fleet says its in-house AI Assistant expanded from a private beta to users at more than 4,800 customer organisations by March 2026. It surfaces fleet-data insights and supports analysis while keeping users responsible for final decisions.
Ford names $28,350 Fathom electric pickup for 2027 launch
Ford has named its new Fathom midsize electric pickup, priced from $28,350 before delivery charges. Pre-orders are due to open in early 2027, with production at Louisville Assembly Plant using Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle platform and assembly process.
Chery launches 892hp Jetour F700 plug-in hybrid pickup
Chery has launched the Jetour F700 plug-in hybrid pickup, featuring 892hp, 150km of electric range, 1,300km combined range, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and 900mm wading depth.
Auto Driveaway launches live vehicle-transport tracking feature
Auto Driveaway has launched Arrive, a tracking feature that sends live vehicle-location updates and dynamic ETAs to pickup and delivery contacts by text and email. The service uses the company’s mobile app and routing technology, with further data integrations planned.
ZF Aftermarket shortlisted for two fleet technology awards
ZF Aftermarket has been shortlisted for two Automechanika Innovation Awards: Bus Connect Remote Diagnostics, which enables remote bus diagnostics, and SCALAR Asset Insights, which provides trailer health histories from diagnostic data.
Great Dane launches lightweight Freedom Ultra flatbed trailer
Great Dane has introduced the Freedom Ultra flatbed trailer, featuring a lightweight welded-beam design, integrated cargo and corrosion-protection systems, and optional telematics for trailer visibility, tracking and routing. It is aimed at demanding open-deck fleet applications.
Trackem GPS integrates Jobber for automated fleet job tracking
Trackem GPS has released an enhanced Jobber integration that automates vehicle arrival and departure records, creates job-site geofences and adds visit data to job notes, helping field-service fleets reduce administration and verify customer visits.
Huawei-backed Maextro launches V800 and V680 MPVs in China
Huawei-backed Maextro has launched its V800 and V680 luxury range-extender MPVs in China, priced from 648,000 yuan. The models secured 2,115 orders in their first hour and feature 800V charging, dual electric motors, steer-by-wire and lidar-equipped driver assistance.
Zoox to launch paid driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas
Amazon-owned Zoox will begin charging for driverless robotaxi rides in Las Vegas on 10 August, its first commercial launch. The autonomous shuttle operator plans to expand paid services after securing a temporary federal exemption from human-control requirements.
Great Dane launches Freedom Ultra aluminium flatbed trailer
Great Dane has launched the Freedom Ultra aluminium flatbed trailer, featuring a welded main beam, integrated load-securement system, RIG30-compliant rear impact guard and optional FleetPulse telematics. It carries a 10-year main beam warranty.
Microlise partners with Ferdia to connect coach operations and fleet data
Microlise has partnered with UK coach-management platform Ferdia to integrate coach operations software with fleet intelligence, telematics and compliance tools. The combined platform is intended to reduce manual administration, improve planning and provide operators with a connected view of fleet and driver performance.
Australian fleets extend telematics into wider operational decision-making
Australian fleet leaders say telematics is moving beyond vehicle tracking to support emergency response, workforce safety, fleet planning, finance, compliance and executive risk management through integration with wider operational systems.
Geely opens European orders for E2 electric hatchback in Belgium
Geely has opened orders for its E2 electric hatchback in Belgium at an introductory €19,490, with deliveries due in September. The compact model is offered in three trims and undercuts the BYD Dolphin Surf and Renault 5.
Whelen and Fleetio integrate maintenance for emergency fleets
Whelen Engineering and Fleetio are integrating Fleetio’s maintenance workflows into Whelen Cloud Platform, giving emergency fleets access to vehicle-health data, service records and proactive scheduling in one system to reduce downtime and improve readiness.
Otodata launches subscription tank-monitoring service for propane retailers
Otodata has launched TMaaS, a subscription service bundling tank-monitoring hardware, connectivity, analytics, alerts, route optimisation and support. The service aims to help propane retailers expand telemetry, improve forecasting, reduce run-outs and manage deliveries without upfront capital costs.
NVIDIA releases Alpamayo 2 Super for commercial AV use
NVIDIA has released Alpamayo 2 Super for commercial use under the permissive OpenMDW-1.1 licence. The open reasoning model supports autonomous-driving planning, validation, auto-labelling and model distillation for robotaxis and other AV programmes.
Honda opens Australian pre-orders for A$36,900 Super-One EV
Honda has opened Australian pre-orders for its first battery-electric car, the Super-One, priced from A$36,900 drive-away. Deliveries start in October, but fewer than 130 cars are expected in 2026 before supply increases in early 2027.
Leapmotor to launch compact electric A05 with optional LiDAR
Leapmotor will launch its compact electric A05 on 10 August, offering 405km or 510km CLTC range, two motor outputs and optional LiDAR. The model follows strong sales of the A10 and is positioned to expand the company’s presence in the small-EV segment.
Xpeng reveals G9L electric SUV interior with 800V charging and AI
Xpeng has revealed the G9L’s interior in China, highlighting its spacious second row, 800V platform, rapid charging capability and VLA system powered by four AI chips. The five-seat electric SUV is due to enter the Chinese market shortly.
BYD Denza opens pre-sales for Z9S electric sedan with 1,100km range
BYD’s Denza brand has opened pre-sales for the all-electric Z9S sedan, offering three trims, Blade Battery capacity of 102.3kWh and claimed CLTC range of up to 1,100km. The model includes LiDAR-equipped God’s Eye B ADAS and up to 890kW of power.
Fleetio integrates PartsTech for faster fleet parts purchasing
Fleetio has integrated PartsTech’s supplier search and ordering tools into its fleet platform, enabling direct parts purchasing, automatic purchase-order synchronisation and linked inventory records. Early users report saving up to 15 minutes per order.
Ram to return ProMaster City van for 2027
Ram is bringing back the ProMaster City for 2027 as a cargo or passenger van, offering a 2,175-pound payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity and more than 9 feet of load-floor length. Orders are expected to open in late 2026 ahead of first-quarter 2027 deliveries.
Mercedes-Benz opens European orders for all-new electric GLA
Mercedes-Benz has opened European orders for its all-new electric GLA, offering three variants with up to 657km of WLTP range, 800V charging and 320kW DC capability. Australia is due to receive the model in 2027.
Mercedes-Benz launches limited-edition Vito Crew Cab in Australia
Mercedes-Benz Vans is launching a limited-edition Vito Crew Cab 30th Anniversary Edition in Australia. It features a 174kW, 500Nm diesel drivetrain, five seats, 3.6 cubic metres of cargo space and additional standard equipment, with production limited to the Australian market.
FAW-Volkswagen reveals Jetta M6 as its first electric car in China
FAW-Volkswagen’s Jetta brand has revealed the M6, its first battery-electric vehicle, in China. The mid-size sedan offers 113kW and 145kW single-motor variants, while battery and range details remain undisclosed.
NIO to open 4,000th battery-swap station in China
NIO will open its 4,000th battery-swap station in Quanzhou, China, on 7 August. The fifth-generation site will support NIO, Onvo and Firefly vehicles, complete swaps in 1 minute 48 seconds and hold up to 28 battery packs.
Xpeng reveals G9L electric SUV with 800V charging and AI assistance
Xpeng has revealed the G9L, a five-seat electric SUV in China, with an 800V architecture capable of adding 450km of range in nine minutes. It also features AI-powered driving assistance, self-parking and 2,250 TOPS of computing power.
Optimise and Geosecure extend Australian fleet partnership for five years
Optimise and Geosecure have extended their commercial agreement in Australia for five years. The Algorithm People’s AI-driven route-optimisation platform is intended to improve fleet utilisation, reduce costs and emissions, and support electric-vehicle transition planning.
Jaecoo adds non-plug-in hybrid J5 SUV to Australian range
Jaecoo has added a non-plug-in hybrid J5 compact SUV to its Australian range. The front-wheel-drive model combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor, claims 5.6L/100km consumption and includes extensive driver-assistance and long-term warranty support.
GM plans native in-vehicle AI assistant launch later this year
General Motors plans to launch a native in-vehicle AI assistant later this year, developed with an unnamed large language model provider. It will use GM vehicle knowledge and OnStar intelligence to support predictive maintenance, telemetry and personalised vehicle controls.
BYD Qin Max reaches Chinese dealers ahead of 13 August launch
BYD’s Qin Max electric and plug-in hybrid sedan has reached Chinese dealerships ahead of its 13 August launch. The model offers up to 630km of CLTC range, nine-minute flash charging and DiPilot 300 assisted driving with roof-mounted LiDAR.
FAW–Volkswagen opens China pre-orders for LiDAR-equipped ID. Aura T6
FAW–Volkswagen has opened blind pre-orders in China for the electric ID. Aura T6 SUV. The vehicle uses CEA architecture, LiDAR and Horizon Robotics’ 420-TOPS Journey 6H chip to support highway and urban driving assistance.
Xiaomi opens Chinese presales for Skynomad N70 and N90 crossovers
Xiaomi has opened Chinese presales for its Skynomad N70 and N90 range-extended crossovers, priced from 259,900 yuan. The models offer up to 505km of CLTC electric range, LiDAR-based assisted driving and 5G connectivity, with the N90 launching in September 2026.
Freelander 8 extended-range electric SUV enters production in China
Chery Jaguar Land Rover has started mass production of the Freelander 8 extended-range electric SUV at its Changshu plant in China. The six-seat model uses a 1.5-litre generator, a 60.3kWh battery and Huawei assisted driving with 896-line LiDAR.
Xiaomi Skynomad N90 Max reaches Chinese dealers ahead of launch
Xiaomi’s Skynomad N90 Max extended-range electric SUV has reached dealers across China ahead of launch. The seven-seat model combines a 76kWh battery with a 1.5-litre range extender, dual-motor all-wheel drive and up to 505km of CLTC electric range.
Changan opens pre-sales for refreshed Deepal S05 with LiDAR
Changan has opened pre-sales in China for the refreshed electric Deepal S05, priced from 119,900 yuan. The update adds LiDAR, 26 sensors and SDA Pilot assisted-driving functions, alongside revised styling, a new cockpit and 520km or 620km ranges.
Fleet data silos hinder technology adoption and operational efficiency
FleetOwner examines how fragmented telematics, maintenance and operational data limit fleet efficiency. Surveys find low levels of full technology and AI integration, while vendors are developing unified workflows, natural-language tools and edge processing to improve access and automation.
Chery confirms 350kW diesel plug-in hybrid Stockman ute for Australia
Chery has confirmed a 350kW, 800Nm diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain for its Stockman dual-cab ute, which is due to launch in Australia in late 2026. The four-wheel-drive model will offer up to 100km of electric-only driving and 3,500kg braked towing.