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Xpeng’s 2026 P7+ global variant—104 upgrades over the China-only base—will hit 36 markets. The 5,071 mm-long sedan offers 800-V EV (5C charge, 725 km CLTC) and class-leading REEV (430 km electric + 1,550 km total) powertrains. Fresh cues: one-piece light bar, Y-spoke 20-inch alloys, 29-inch AR-HUD, zero-gravity passenger seat and three Turing AI chips delivering 2,250 TOPS for city/highway NOP. While Malaysia’s CKD list already covers G6 and X9, the P7+ could join future local-assembly slots D02/D03.

Toyota has instructed key suppliers to prepare for a 2026 global output of 10 million vehicles—up roughly 6% from an expected 9.94 million in 2025—citing surging hybrid demand, especially in the U.S. The plan secures long-term parts capacity for hybrids’ core components like E-CVT and power electronics, reinforcing Toyota’s lead as EV growth slows and its THS system delivers both fuel economy and cost competitiveness.

Perodua is exploring a RM500 million acquisition of TCMA’s Serendah plant, sources tell The Edge. The 40k-unit-capacity site, only 3 km from Perodua’s headquarters, already leases 30k units annually for QV-E EV paint and assembly, generating RM80 million for cash-strapped Tan Chong whose overall utilization hovers at 13%. The deal would lift Perodua beyond its current 320k maximum output and secure dedicated EV capacity, while Tan Chong monetizes excess assets.

A newly published BYD patent describes a post-impact control strategy: once a crash is detected, drive and steering motors instantly counteract impact torque to keep the front wheels straight, preventing steering-wheel snatch and secondary accidents. By leveraging electrification for passive safety, the system complements airbags and high-strength steel, and could later integrate with ADAS to guide the damaged vehicle toward a slightly safer trajectory.

JLR’s 2026 roadmap confirms six debuts, headlined by the first-ever Range Rover EV. Built on MLA-Flex, the 117 kWh pack drives dual motors for 550 PS and 531 km WLTP range via 800 V architecture. Facelifted Range Rover and Sport gain a 12-inch standalone climate touchscreen, while an electric Velar joins the line-up, accelerating Land Rover’s full electrification push.

Mercedes-Benz will unveil the VLE on March 10, 2026, in Stuttgart. Riding on the new 800-volt VAN.EA architecture, the model replaces both V-Class and EQV, blending limousine comfort with MPV versatility. Up to eight seats, 116 kWh battery and around 500 km WLTP range are expected, while exterior cues from the Vision V concept—star-pattern lamps, light bar and perforated grille—carry over to production.