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At CES 2026 Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the Afeela Prototype 2026, a low-key crossover that mirrors the Afeela 1 sedan’s front LCD visor, roof-mounted LiDAR, auto-power doors and aero wheels. SHM says a production version will reach the U.S. in 2028. The Afeela 1, meanwhile, is being trial-built at Honda’s East Liberty plant for California deliveries later this year, followed by Arizona and Japan in 2027.

Volkswagen has announced plans to add an “import fee” to the price of imported cars sold in the US later this month, in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US government on imported cars and auto parts. This move is one of the first clear examples of how automakers are dealing with the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Volkswagen also plans to reduce sales incentives and has halted rail shipments of cars from its plants in Mexico to the US, although sea shipments will continue. The Volkswagen Atlas and ID.4, produced at its Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, are also expected to be affected by the tariffs due to their imported components.

Toyota has teased a new US-market SUV believed to be the fifth-generation Highlander, potentially transitioning to full electrification on the e-TNGA architecture. The teaser image reveals a boxy silhouette, pronounced fenders and full-width LED taillights echoing the 2021 bZ Large SUV concept. The three-row battery-electric vehicle is expected to compete against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, with the existing Grand Highlander continuing to serve internal combustion customers.

Mercedes-AMG unveiled the new AMG GT Black Series road car and GT3 race car, both derived from the Track Sport prototype and powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, set to compete from the 2027 season. The Black Series features yellow-green livery and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, while the GT3 racer sports red stripes and a full roll cage. Both share aggressive aerodynamics including large grilles, single-nut wheels, fixed rear wings, and prominent diffusers.

Toyota Motor North America announced a $1 billion investment in its Kentucky and Indiana manufacturing facilities to address diverse U.S. customer demands. The investment forms part of the company's previously announced $10 billion five-year U.S. capital commitment. This initiative reinforces Toyota's "best-in-town" strategy emphasizing localized production, community engagement, and multi-pathway product diversification. Toyota currently operates 11 U.S. manufacturing plants, employing approximately 50,000 team members and having produced over 35 million vehicles domestically.

The Chery Omoda 5 receives its second facelift, debuting at the Bangkok Motor Show with a "Robo Shark" closed-off front fascia and lightning-shaped tail lamps. The cabin features a redesigned 15.6-inch touchscreen and 8.8-inch instrument panel, replacing the previous dual 10.25-inch displays. Thailand receives solely the Max+ EV variant with a 211 PS front motor, now equipped with a smaller 50.6 kWh battery offering 422 km NEDC range and upgraded 110 kW DC fast charging capability.