Category Automotive

Leapmotor delivered 596,555 vehicles in 2025, a 103% year-over-year increase, securing its position as the top-selling Chinese NEV startup while achieving its first profitable quarters.

NIO produced its one-millionth vehicle at Factory Two in Hefei, marking a major milestone backed by RMB 65 billion in R&D and 8,541 charging and swapping stations across China.

smart expanded to 39 global markets in 2025, grew its retail network 25% to 688 outlets, and will launch two new models—the #2 and #6 EHD—in 2026.

EXEED launches the VX PHEV in the UAE, featuring quad-motor AWD technology delivering 420kW and 1,190km combined range in a seven-seat configuration targeting business and family users.

Sony Honda Mobility began AFEELA 1 trial production at Honda's Ohio plant and established Quality Gate, a dedicated inspection facility for verifying the EV's intelligent functions and exterior design.

Skywell announces comprehensive 2026 upgrades for its BE11 electric SUV, including UK-developed ADAS features, interior enhancements, and a £5,005 price reduction to £31,990.

Volkswagen's ID. Polo concept introduces a redesigned cockpit featuring physical buttons, a 13-inch touchscreen, and advanced software like Travel Assist 3.0, setting the interior standard for future electric models.

Mercedes-Benz debuts the electric GLC at CES 2026, featuring 800-volt charging, 713 km range, and NVIDIA-powered SAE-Level 2 autonomy, alongside a global-first dual Microsoft-Google AI infotainment integration.

BMW Group officially integrated BMW ALPINA as an exclusive standalone brand on January 1, 2026. The move combines heritage with bespoke performance, targeting high-end connoisseurs through customized engineering.

Alpine’s A390 electric fastback arrives in 2026 with an 89kWh battery, 470PS output, and active torque vectoring, blending sports car agility with 345-mile everyday usability and premium tech.

Longbow creates the Featherweight Electric Vehicle category with its 1,973-lb Speedster. Debuting at CES 2026, the British EV targets US enthusiasts with lightweight engineering and driver-focused performance.

KGM Motors UK introduces its BYD-collaborated Dual Tech Hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5L turbo engine with dual motors to deliver efficient, EV-like performance in the new Torres and Actyon SUVs.

Suzuki extends its self-funded £3,750 EV grant and 2.9% APR financing through March 2026, while introducing 0% financing options for the Swift Hybrid range.

Legacy EV and the United Nations launched a workforce development program in Guyana, training over 20 technicians to support the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

The Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup wins 2026 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year, validating the STLA Large architecture with 670-horsepower electric and 550-horsepower gas options for modern muscle car performance.

OMODA&JAECOO validated the J8 SHS in Dubai, confirming a 1,300km combined range, 5.8-second acceleration, and rapid charging capabilities. This test demonstrates the third-generation hybrid system’s readiness for the UAE market.

XPENG and Peking University's FastDriveVLA framework, accepted at AAAI 2026, achieves 7.5x computational reduction in end-to-end autonomous driving VLA models through advanced visual token pruning, advancing efficient AI deployment in next-generation electric vehicles.

Lexus introduces the limited RZ 600e "F SPORT Performance" special edition on March 2, 2026, featuring 313 kW output, lowered stance, carbon aerodynamic components, larger brakes, and Steer-by-Wire for enhanced dynamic performance in its dedicated BEV lineup.