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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.

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.

Camouflaged shots reveal Stelato’s first MPV in early development, retaining the brand’s signature triple-light motif and sporting a large trapezoid grille with diamond mesh and aggressive corner vents. Scheduled for a 2026 launch, it will join Luxeed and Zun-series MPVs to form a differentiated flagship line-up under Harmony Intelligent Driving.

Limited to 400 units from Nov 13, the Skyline 400R Limited delivers 405 PS and 475 Nm via a twin-turbo 3.0 L VR30DDTT and 7-speed RWD. Wider 19-inch alloys wear staggered Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 rubber, stiffer springs and a 44% stronger rear bar, plus carbon spoiler and numbered cabin plaque. At ¥6.94 m it becomes the priciest V37 Skyline and likely its last high-performance variant.

On Oct 27 NIO CEO Li Bin confirmed the flagship ES9 SUV will debut in Q2 2026. Spy shots show it larger than the new ES8, keeping the signature lighting and 900V architecture with a 102kWh pack for ≈635km CLTC. Customers whose ES8 orders are still unscheduled can switch to the ES9 to shorten wait times and boost NIO’s per-unit margin.

The Smart #5 PHEV, a mid-size SUV, launches Oct 28. Its 1.5T hybrid offers 20 kWh or 41.46 kWh packs for up to 252 km CLTC electric range. Design keeps the capsule lighting, adds striped front skid plate and roof-mounted LiDAR. Measuring 4705 mm long with a 2900 mm wheelbase, it rides on aero-optimized 20-inch wheels. Inside: 10.3-inch cluster, 25.6-inch AR-HUD and twin 13-inch AMOLED 2.5K displays.