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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.

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 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.

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.

BYD released the official images of the Atto 3 DM-i, a new plug-in hybrid model equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 212 horsepower. It features a 19kWh battery, offering a WLTP-certified all-electric range of 90km and a combined range of 1020km. The exterior design remains largely consistent with the pure electric version, with additional features including a fuel filler cap and 17-inch matte gray alloy wheels. The vehicle will make its debut in Luxembourg this week, followed by European media test drives in November, with deliveries expected in Q1 next year. Given BYD's upcoming factory establishment in Malaysia, the new model is likely to be introduced to the local market.