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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.

The updated Arcfox Alpha T5 hit the market on 28 Oct, priced RMB 109.8-127.8k for the EREV trio and RMB 119.8-154.8k for the four BEV variants. Measuring 4760mm long with a 2845mm wheelbase, the EREV pairs a 77kW 1.5L range extender with a 27.4kWh CATL pack for 215km electric and 1215km total CLTC range. All versions use a 200kW/360Nm motor, city NOA assisted by 15 radars/7 cameras and Qualcomm 8775 cockpit-drive SoC, while a 15.6-inch 2K screen dominates the low-VOC cabin.

BMW will launch the M3 Touring in China on Nov 1—its first M estate for the market. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six delivers 510 PS to an M xDrive AWD system, dispatching 0-100 km/h in 3.6 s. Carbon-fibre aero, widened bodywork and four 100-mm tailpipes signal track intent, while the 500-1,500 L boot and split tailgate add everyday versatility, redefining the high-performance wagon segment.

Ahead of Thursday’s launch, Proton released full details of the eMAS 5—its second EV and sister to Geely’s Xingyuan. The Premium grade uses a rear-mounted 116PS/150Nm motor, does 0-50km/h in 3.9s and covers 325km WLTP from a 40.16kWh CATL LFP pack; 71kW DC adds 30-80% in 21min. The 4135×1805×1580mm hatch offers 375L boot/1320L folded plus a 70L frunk. Standard kit includes 16-inch alloys, LED lights, powered tailgate, 14.6-inch wireless CarPlay/Android Auto screen, 8.8-inch cluster and full ADAS (ACC/AEB/LDW/BSM) plus six airbags. Pricing is estimated RM60-80k and orders already exceed 4,000 units.

Mercedes-AMG has launched the updated CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe in China, priced from CNY 720,800. A 3.0L inline-six plus 48V EQ Boost delivers 449 hp and, in over-boost, 601 Nm to a 9-speed AMG SpeedShift TCT and 4MATIC+ AWD for 0-100 km/h in 4.2s. The first AMG with 3rd-gen MBUX and Snapdragon 8295 chip, it pairs 12.3-in digital dash with 11.9-in centre OLED, Burmester 3D Dolby Atmos audio, 64-colour ambient lighting and Nappa AMG Performance seats for a fully connected, emotive cockpit.

MG Motor Malaysia has slashed the price of the 2025 MG S5 EV range by RM8k; on-the-road prices now start at RM108,548 for the Com, RM118,548 for the Com Long Range and RM128,548 for the Lux Long Range (insurance excluded). Riding on a 2,650 mm wheelbase, the rear-motor crossover delivers 170 PS/250 Nm and offers 49 kWh or 62 kWh LFP batteries good for 340-430 km WLTP. The flagship Lux adds 150 kW DC charging (10-80% in 26 min), a panoramic roof, powered tailgate and 360° camera. All grades get LED lighting, a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and full ADAS, positioning the S5 EV against the Proton eMas 7 and BYD Atto 3.