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The next-generation Lexus ES has been spotted at dealerships ahead of its April market launch. The redesign features the brand's evolved spindle grille—now closed-off for electrification—paired with split-type irregular LED headlamps comprising lightning-bolt DRLs above and integrated main beams within vertical black trim panels. A trapezoidal lower grille with graduated diamond patterning completes the front fascia. The model will debut with both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, initially offered as CBU imports before transitioning to local production upon completion of Lexus' Chinese manufacturing facility.

Zeekr Malaysia has announced its 2026 product roadmap featuring three new models: a compact luxury SUV (expected facelifted Zeekr X), a luxury MPV (likely the Zeekr 009 Grand Collection four-seat executive variant with 43-inch rear entertainment screen and dual Snapdragon 8295 chips), and the flagship Zeekr 9X ultra-luxury range-extended electric SUV. The 9X, dubbed "China's Rolls-Royce Cullinan," offers dual-motor (897 PS) and tri-motor Hyper (1,400 PS) variants, with 55/70 kWh batteries paired to a 2.0T range-extender delivering up to 1,250 km CLTC range. The flagship features 900V architecture with 6C ultra-fast charging (20-80% in 9 minutes) and G-Pilot H9 autonomous driving system with five LiDAR sensors.

The Lepas L4 SUV from Chery's new sub-brand has been spotted in Malaysia during promotional filming, signaling the brand's local market entry in H1 2026. Featuring the "Leopard Aesthetic" design language, the L4 measures 4,406mm in length with a 2,700mm wheelbase, surpassing competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross in interior space. Distinctive elements include a radiating chrome grille and 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (147 PS/225 Nm) paired with a six-speed DCT. The L4 and flagship L8 are slated for South African launch in March, with Malaysian introduction to follow.

Honda has announced organisational changes effective April 1, 2026, to sharpen its response to a rapidly evolving global automotive landscape. Honda R&D Co. will absorb Automobile Development Operations and the SDV Business Development Unit, creating an integrated flow from technology selection through market launch. Automobile Operations will reorganise into new Business Strategy and Regional Business Units, dissolving the current SDV unit. Additionally, Motorcycle and Power Products Operations will merge electric and ICE model functions across sales, strategy and product development to optimise resource allocation and enhance mid- to long-term competitiveness and profitability.

Zeekr Malaysia has confirmed local assembly (CKD) of the Zeekr 7X electric SUV, establishing Malaysia as the brand's first overseas production hub outside China. Managing Director Lu Jiamin emphasized this strategic move demonstrates Zeekr's long-term commitment to the market. The CKD operation will enhance supply chain integration, pricing competitiveness, and delivery efficiency. Zeekr targets cumulative sales of 10,000 units between 2025-2027, with an annual sales goal of 10,000 units from 2028 onwards. The brand plans to expand its network to 18 showrooms, 12 service centers, and 9 body and paint shops to support the local assembly initiative.

Volvo CTO Anders Bell revealed to Autocar that the dedicated SPA3 EV platform could enable the brand's return to station wagons and sedans. Debuting on the EX60, the architecture eliminates ICE adaptation constraints by repositioning the battery-forward crash structure junction, allowing at least 7 kWh of pack placement ahead of the bulkhead. Combined with rear footwell "cell depopulation" for lower seating positions, this achieves conventional ICE-like proportions. The scalable platform decouples battery capacity from roof height, potentially facilitating sleek, low-slung EX60 derivatives should market demand justify their development.