Passenger cars as a materially relevant vehicle segment, not incidental mentions.
Bugatti CEO expects luxury supercars to retain combustion engines
Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac expects mainstream cars to become predominantly electric, while luxury sports cars retain combustion engines. He also discussed the sold-out €4.5m Tourbillon, personalisation revenues and Bugatti’s profitability ambitions.
Chery announces iCaur electric brand for Australia from 2027
Chery will introduce its iCaur electric-vehicle sub-brand in Australia in early 2027, starting with the V25 electric SUV. The boxy, lifestyle-focused model will be shown at Sydney’s Everything Electric show, with specifications, pricing and launch details to follow.
BYD sets 2 September launch for Sealion 08 electric SUV
BYD will launch its Sealion 08 flagship SUV on 2 September in plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions. The model features Blade Battery options up to 115.072kWh, flash charging and the company’s God’s Eye 5.0 intelligent driving assistance system.
Dreame shuts down automotive business after rapid contraction
Dreame Technology is liquidating its Starry Sky automotive project after layoffs reduced its division from nearly 1,000 employees to a few dozen. The venture faced regulatory scrutiny and allegations that its high-performance car demonstrations relied on show vehicles rather than genuine production.
Genesis unveils electric GV90 flagship SUV
Genesis has unveiled the electric GV90 flagship SUV, featuring a 123.5kWh battery, 490kW dual-motor powertrain, estimated 500km range and 350kW charging from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes. The seven-seat model includes advanced cabin, safety and battery-management technologies.
Mazda 6e earns five-star ANCAP safety rating
Mazda’s first mainstream electric vehicle, the 6e, has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It scored 93% for adult and child occupant protection, with lower scores for vulnerable road-user protection and safety assist.
BYD to launch Great Seagull electric hatchback in China this year
BYD will launch the 4.2-metre Great Seagull electric hatchback in China this year. It will feature a 95kW motor, 30kWh or 39.2kWh LFP batteries and up to 420km of CLTC range, with optional LiDAR-based assisted driving.
US to raise Canadian vehicle and parts tariffs to 50% in 2027
Donald Trump said the US will increase tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% from 1 January 2027, escalating the trade dispute after negotiations broke down.
BYD’s Denza Z9S reaches 101 Chinese dealers ahead of launch
BYD’s electric Denza Z9S sedan has reached 101 dealers in 61 Chinese cities ahead of launch. It offers up to 1,100 km of CLTC range, nine-minute flash charging and DiPilot 300 assisted driving, with pre-sales priced from 319,800 yuan.
BYD Da Han electric sedan reaches Chinese dealers
BYD’s Da Han flagship electric sedan has reached dealers in China, offering up to 1,008 km of CLTC range, nine-minute flash charging and LiDAR-enabled assisted driving. Prices range from 249,900 to 299,900 yuan.
Xpeng G9L electric SUV spotted testing in Australia ahead of launch
Xpeng’s large G9L electric SUV has been spotted testing in right-hand-drive form in Melbourne, signalling a possible Australian launch. The model offers rear- or all-wheel drive, batteries up to 110kWh and an 800V architecture supporting 10–80% charging in under 12 minutes.
China orders mass recalls over hard-to-identify emergency door handles
Automakers including Tesla, BYD, Geely and Xiaomi are recalling vehicles in China because emergency mechanical door handles are difficult to identify. Warning labels and, for many vehicles, OTA updates enabling post-accident window lowering will be provided.
US automakers lose ground as China’s car market shifts to domestic brands
US automakers’ combined China market share fell from 21.4% in 2019 to an estimated 15.7% in 2025, as domestic competition and price pressure intensified. Electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for 65.1% of new passenger-car sales in China in July 2026.
Beijing Hyundai opens Ioniq V pre-sales in China from $17,600
Beijing Hyundai has opened pre-sales of the China-designed Ioniq V at 119,900–139,900 yuan. The electric car features AI-enabled infotainment, a 27-inch display and Momenta high-speed driver assistance.
Volkswagen launches ID. Era 5S PHEV in China with 160km EV range
SAIC-Volkswagen has launched the ID. Era 5S plug-in hybrid sedan in China, priced from 89,900 yuan. Its 19.1kWh LFP battery provides a claimed 160km CLTC range, while higher trims offer Level 2 assisted driving developed with Momenta, Carizon and Horizon Robotics.
BYD Fang Cheng Bao Ti 9 plug-in hybrid makes debut in China
BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Ti 9 plug-in hybrid SUV has made its live debut at the Chengdu Auto Show. The flagship model uses a 66.5 kWh LFP battery, offers up to 310 km of electric range and supports 10–97% charging in nine minutes.
Buick launches Electra L7 electric car in China with 800V charging
Buick has launched the Electra L7 pure-electric car in China, priced from 179,900 yuan. The 800V model uses an 80.6kWh LFP battery, offers up to 702km of CLTC range and features Momenta-powered driver assistance with a planned OTA upgrade.
Dealership parts and service profits rise as new-car margins soften
Parts and service gross profit at public dealership groups rose from an average of $3.3m in 2020 to $5m in 2025, helping offset weaker new-car margins. However, dealers’ share of service visits is falling as chain service centres gain customers.
Pre-production Freelander 8 SUV spotted testing in the UAE
A pre-production Freelander 8 range-extended SUV has been spotted undergoing road tests in the UAE ahead of its planned local and wider international launch. The 818hp model uses a 60.3kWh LFP battery and Huawei-assisted driving technology.
Refreshed Aito M9 leads China’s luxury SUV sales, Huawei says
Huawei-backed Aito says its refreshed M9 luxury SUV topped China’s vehicles priced above 500,000 yuan for two months. The EV and EREV model exceeded 10,000 monthly sales in June, while its Ultimate long-wheelbase variant is entering pre-sales with ADS 5.0 and six LiDAR sensors.
Leapmotor enters Argentina with two range-extender electric crossovers
Stellantis-backed Leapmotor has entered Argentina with the B10 and C10 range-extender electric crossovers, priced at US$31,990 and US$35,500. The brand will use Stellantis’ local sales and after-sales network to challenge BYD’s dominant EV position.
Ferrari Luce EV sells for record $40 million at charity auction
Ferrari’s first fully electric car, the Luce, has sold for $40 million at a Sotheby’s charity auction during Monterey Car Week, reportedly setting a record for a new car sold at auction.
Stronger yen and Iran war threaten Japanese automakers’ profits
Analysts warn that a stronger yen and Middle East conflict could pressure Japanese automakers through weaker export competitiveness, shipping disruption and higher costs for oil-linked materials, metals and chips.
Kia to launch Sorento in India with AWD and generative AI assistant
Kia will launch the Sorento SUV in India on 4 September with petrol and diesel options, available AWD, a strong-hybrid powertrain, Level 2 ADAS and a natural-language generative AI assistant.
Voyah launches electric Passion S with LiDAR-based driver assistance
Voyah has launched the all-electric Passion S FUV in three trims priced from 229,900 yuan. It offers rear- or all-wheel drive, 800V 5C charging, up to 740km CLTC range and Huawei Qiankun ADS 5.0 supported by LiDAR and millimetre-wave radar.
Freelander 8 opens China pre-orders with 818 hp and Huawei ADS 5
Chery and JLR’s Freelander brand has opened Chinese pre-orders for the Freelander 8 extended-range SUV, priced from 339,900 yuan. The vehicle offers Huawei ADS 5, an 800V platform with 6C charging and up to 818 hp from a dual-motor powertrain.
Chery releases iCaur V25 EREV in China ahead of global launch
Chery has released the iCaur V25 EREV crossover in China ahead of its Q4 2025 domestic launch and planned UAE rollout. The SUV features roof-mounted LiDAR, 26 other sensors and Falcon Pilot 700+ assisted driving, alongside a 33.679kWh LFP battery and up to 150km of electric range.
Next-generation Nissan Patrol to launch in Australia in 2027
Nissan will open Australian orders for the next-generation Y63 Patrol in August, with deliveries due in early 2027. The large SUV gains a twin-turbo V6, nine-speed automatic transmission, optional adaptive air suspension and upgraded cabin technology.
Changan Nevo A06 to offer up to 800km of EV range in China
Changan’s Nevo A06 is set to gain an 80.02kWh LFP battery and 770–800km CLTC range in China. The new electric sedan will use a 245kW rear motor and roof-mounted LiDAR, with an expected starting price of about 160,000 yuan.
BYD opens China pre-orders for Sealion 08 SUV
BYD has opened pre-orders in China for the Sealion 08 SUV, offered as a plug-in hybrid or battery-electric model. The vehicle features flash charging, rear-wheel steering and LiDAR-based assisted driving, with BEV ranges of up to 900 km under CLTC testing.
Ford to increase US Lincoln production and end China imports by 2030
Ford will increase US production of Lincoln vehicles by 2030 and phase out Chinese imports for the US market, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Navigator and Aviator production will continue in Kentucky and Illinois.
Changan to launch CS55 Plus HEV in China on 18 August
Changan will launch the CS55 Plus HEV in China on 18 August, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo engine with claimed 44.28% peak thermal efficiency, a 1.7kWh battery and 180kW front motor.
Electric vehicles take 65.1% of China’s July car sales
Electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for 65.1% of China’s new passenger-car sales in July, up from 54% a year earlier. Geely’s Xingyuan was the best-selling model in the first six months through July, while Tesla’s Model Y ranked second.
Volkswagen opens China presales for ID. Era 5S plug-in hybrid sedan
SAIC-Volkswagen has opened presales in China for the ID. Era 5S plug-in hybrid sedan, priced from 115,900 yuan. It is the brand’s first sedan with Navigate On Autopilot, offering monitored Level 2 urban and highway assisted driving.
BYD Racco electric kei car secures 1,002 Japanese orders in two weeks
BYD’s Racco electric kei car secured 1,002 orders in Japan within two weeks of launch, with the 300 Premium accounting for 80% of demand. BYD is targeting 10,000 reservations by the end of 2026.
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.
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.
Volkswagen reveals electric ID. Era 5X in China regulatory filing
Volkswagen’s SAIC joint venture has revealed the electric ID. Era 5X in China’s MIIT catalogue. The model uses an XPeng co-developed platform, CATL LFP battery and LiDAR-based L2++ urban assisted driving.
BYD reveals new Seal 07 with LiDAR-assisted driving and BEV powertrains
BYD has revealed the new Seal 07 in China during homologation. The sedan offers LiDAR-based DiPilot 5.0 assisted driving, two BEV power outputs and a plug-in hybrid version with a 38kWh LFP battery and 245km electric range.
Dongfeng Nissan reveals NX7 plug-in hybrid crossover specifications
Dongfeng Nissan has revealed specifications for its NX7 plug-in hybrid crossover in China. It uses a 40.95kWh LFP battery supplied by CATL-FAW and offers up to 225km of CLTC electric range, alongside a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.
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.
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.
Chinese carmakers take three places in H1 2026 global top 10
BYD, Geely and Chery ranked sixth, seventh and ninth among global automakers by market share in H1 2026, highlighting the growing international presence of Chinese carmakers.
Xiaomi Skynomad pre-orders may exceed 100,000 ahead of September launch
Xiaomi’s Skynomad N70 and N90 extended-range electric SUVs may have attracted more than 100,000 pre-orders in China. Production is under way at the company’s Beijing plant ahead of the planned September launch, as Xiaomi seeks to meet its 550,000-vehicle annual target.
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.
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.