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Honda President Toshihiro Mibe has clarified that the company is not abandoning its EV strategy but is adjusting investment scale and product planning in response to market slowdown. While the R&D budget for pure electric models has been reduced from 10 trillion yen to 7 trillion yen and certain projects cancelled, Honda maintains that EVs remain the optimal long-term solution for carbon neutrality. Concurrently, the automaker will accelerate hybrid vehicle deployment, targeting over 2 million hybrid sales by 2030, which will constitute the main business until then. Battery EV R&D will continue concurrently to ensure technological readiness and market transition.

The refreshed BMW X5 will launch at Guangzhou Auto Show with three variants priced from RMB 598,000 to 748,000. All models feature ADAS Pro with adaptive cruise control and eye-confirmed lane change, plus Comfort Seat Package with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The xDrive40Li Premium upgrades to 22-inch wheels and carbon fiber trim, with free optional Black Flame Limited Edition components, enhancing overall value proposition.

The mid-cycle refreshed Kia Sportage has been spotted at the Guangzhou Auto Show ahead of its debut. Featuring the latest family design language aligned with the global version, it sports a large borderless black grille, wide headlamp clusters, and taillights connected by a decorative bar for a full-width effect. Measuring 4,695/1,678/1,680 mm with a 2,755 mm wheelbase, the compact SUV promises ample rear cabin space.

Chery Group's new international brand Lepas will launch in Malaysia in Q1 2026, introducing the D-segment L8 and C-segment L6 SUVs. The L8, based on the next-gen Tiggo 8, features a five-seat layout and Chery's CSH plug-in hybrid system delivering 275 PS and 365 Nm with 1,300 km combined range. Both models share a sporty design language targeting emerging markets.

The TQ Wuling Bingo EV five-door hatchback opens pre-orders in Malaysia with a RM50 deposit. Two variants are offered: Pro with 31.9kWh battery (333km CLTC range) and Max with 37.9kWh battery (410km range). Measuring 3,950/1,708/1,580mm with a 2,560mm wheelbase, the B-segment urban EV features twin 10.25-inch displays, LED lighting, and six airbags. It supports 50kW DC fast charging and will be locally assembled (CKD), with official pricing to be announced next month.

Alfa Romeo returns to Malaysia via DLSB Partners after a decade, launching the Stelvio Veloce SUV. Built on the Giorgio RWD platform, it features a 2.0L MultiAir turbo engine producing 280 hp and 400 Nm, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic and Q4 AWD system for a 5.7-second 0-100 km/h sprint. The 2023 facelift brings Matrix LED headlights and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Priced around RM400k as a CBU import, final pricing will be announced in January 2026, with a flagship 3S center opening in Kuala Lumpur.