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In 2024, new car sales in the US reached 15.9 million units, up 2.2% year-on-year, marking a five-year high. This growth was driven by replenished inventories, higher incentives, and surging demand for hybrid vehicles. General Motors led with 2.7 million units sold, while Toyota saw a 3.7% increase, boosted by models like the Camry and RAV4, which are offered only as hybrids in the US. Ford sold nearly twice as many hybrids as EVs in 2024. However, sales for Stellantis and Tesla declined compared to 2023.

FAW-Toyota will launch the refreshed Corolla Cross on Oct 28. The mid-cycle update brings a frameless grille, new air-curtain inserts and black headlight bridge for a sportier crossover look, while dimensions (4460/1825/1625 mm, 2640 mm wheelbase) and rear styling remain unchanged. Upgrades align with the global model, covering interior and powertrain enhancements.

On Oct 25, Haval unveiled the H6L, essentially the gasoline-powered Xiaolong rebadged under the core H line. Positioned as a mid-size SUV, it will launch in early-to-mid November. Featuring a “rhythmic nature” design with full-width dot-matrix lighting and an X-shaped front bumper, the H6L will be sold alongside the current H6 to broaden Haval’s reach in the mainstream SUV segment.

Displayed in heavy camo at the ASEAN Summit, the new Saga retains the Gen-3 platform and glasshouse, adding LED headlights, a full-width tail-light bar and twin-screen dash while keeping a mechanical handbrake and shifter. The 1.3L CamPro is dropped for a Geely 1.5L NA paired with 4AT or CVT. A windscreen-mounted camera enables L2 ADAS functions (AEB, ACC, LDW) for the budget-sedan segment.

On October 24, Proton announced the official launch of its first pure electric vehicle, the eMAS 7, in Mauritius, with local distributor Autonexx Group handling sales. The new model is available in two versions: Prime and Premium, priced at 1.69 million and 1.85 million Mauritian rupees (approximately 158,000 and 172,000 Malaysian ringgit), respectively. The specifications remain consistent with the Malaysian version: a front-mounted 160 kW/320 Nm motor, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, with a WLTP range of 345 km (49.52 kWh) and 410 km (60.22 kWh). The first 30 owners will receive a complimentary 7 kW home charging box, while all models come with a 6-year/150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000-kilometer battery warranty. The Premium version additionally includes 5 years/150,000-kilometer complimentary maintenance. This export model is still manufactured in China, marking the eMAS 7's fourth overseas market after Nepal.

On Oct 24, Pony.ai announced the 300th seventh-generation Arcfox αT5 Robotaxi—co-developed with BAIC—has rolled off the line. The L4-grade taxi carries 9 LiDARs and 34 sensors that see 650 m ahead, powered by 1,016 TOPS of in-vehicle compute. Mass production began in July 2024; Beijing and Shenzhen commercial launches are set for late 2024, with Middle-East and Europe expansion to follow. A parallel program with GAC is equally accelerating, aiming to deliver a combined 1,000-unit fleet by year-end and catapult Pony.ai from pilot testing to scaled robotaxi operations.