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Ferrari has recently unveiled the 296 Speciale hybrid and its spider model, both plug-in hybrid vehicles based on the 2021 Ferrari 296. Enrico Galliera, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer of Ferrari, said that the 296 Speciale is lighter, more powerful, and has enhanced aerodynamic performance, focusing on performance and driving pleasure. The model is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 700 horsepower, and the electric part provides an additional 180 horsepower. New vehicle deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of next year, with the spider model “296 Speciale A” to be launched in the second quarter. The prices in Italy are 407,000 euros and 462,000 euros, respectively. Galliera noted that the US prices will be higher but are still to be determined. The 296 Speciale has been available for pre-order since April 29, with strong market demand. Customers who have had business dealings with Ferrari dealers in the past five years have priority ordering rights. Although not a limited edition, the model maintains market scarcity by shortening its product life cycle. Ferrari also plans to launch its first all-electric vehicle in October, emphasizing that it will produce key components of electric vehicles in-house.

At the 2025 Malaysia Autoshow, BMW Malaysia launched the facelifted BMW 330Li M Sport, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series. Priced at RM320,800 for a 2-year warranty, or RM347,200 for a 5-year warranty plus maintenance (with an additional year free if ordered before May 31), the facelift focuses on configuration upgrades while maintaining the same exterior and interior design. New features include full-speed adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree panoramic camera (viewable via the My BMW app), along with an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system with 16 speakers and 464 watts. The car is equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central multimedia screen running the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, with QuickSelect functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a HUD display, Qi wireless charging, an M sport steering wheel, sports seats with memory function, Vernasca leather interior, and a Crafted Clarity crystal gear shifter and iDrive knob. Externally, three colors are available: Carbon Black, M Brooklyn Grey, and Arctic Race Blue. For the duration of the show, BMW Malaysia is offering a limited-time promotion: orders placed for selected BMW 3, 5, 7 Series and X models before May 31 will receive a free one-year BSI maintenance extension and car insurance subsidy, valued at RM5,000.

Spy shots of the Li Auto i8 interior have been revealed. The i8 is Li Auto's first pure-electric SUV, positioned as a mid-large 6-seater with a price range of 350,000-400,000 yuan, set to launch in July. The interior continues the family design, featuring a large center console screen and a passenger screen, with a steering wheel display and head-up display. The vehicle measures 5085/1960/1740mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3050mm. It has an aerodynamic front design and a rear style similar to the L series. Power comes from a standard dual-motor all-wheel drive system with front and rear motor powers of 150kW and 250kW, respectively, and a 5C ternary lithium battery. The i8 is equipped with Li Auto's next-generation MindVLA assisted driving architecture, featuring Hesai ATX lidar and NVIDIA Drive AGX Thor-U chips, supporting Level 3 assisted driving.

Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato met on the sidelines of the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Milan, Italy, to discuss the impact of US tariff policies. Both countries are concerned about the effects of US tariffs on the automotive and electronics industries, which are pillars of global trade dominated by the US, Japan, China, and Europe. Indonesia, as a first-mover country in negotiating US tariffs, has received positive responses from the US and has prepared a comprehensive policy package covering tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, and the US trade deficit. Japan agreed to strengthen trade cooperation with ASEAN, noting that cultural, geographical, and historical ties among ASEAN+3 countries are a strong foundation for regional stability and prosperity. Previously, the US announced reciprocal import tariffs on various countries, including Indonesia, with a 32% tariff on Indonesian imports. This policy was initially scheduled to take effect on April 9, 2025, but has been postponed for 90 days. Indonesia is currently in technical negotiations with the US regarding reciprocal tariffs.

Mercedes-Benz has signed a new agreement with lidar supplier Luminar to jointly develop the next generation of lidar products. This collaboration marks a shift from Mercedes-Benz purchasing existing Luminar sensors to co-developing new ones. Luminar’s new Halo lidar sensor, which is smaller and more efficient, has secured its first deal. The partnership aims to integrate this technology into Mercedes-Benz vehicles for mass production. Previously, Mercedes-Benz planned to integrate Luminar’s Iris lidar around 2025, but this plan has been shelved in favor of the Halo lidar development agreement, with an expected launch in 2026. However, this deal does not guarantee a final supply agreement. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is working with multiple lidar suppliers, including Valeo, and has chosen Hesai Technology as its global supplier to reduce costs and ensure mass production capabilities.

Hyundai Motor Group is deploying its HCloud platform within Equinix data centers globally to enhance the customer experience and service quality for its over 10 million connected car service subscribers. HCloud, the Group’s proprietary cloud platform, was developed to meet the growing demand for real-time data processing, seamless connectivity, and scalable infrastructure driven by advancements in connected and autonomous vehicles. By leveraging Equinix IBX data centers and Equinix Fabric, HCloud interconnects with multiple public cloud providers, including AWS. This hybrid multicloud architecture accelerates the global rollout of connected car services while ensuring reliable connectivity, consistent service coverage, and reduced latency. Hyundai Motor Group, comprising Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, has over 10 million connected car service subscribers since its launch in 2003 and aims to reach 20 million by 2026. The Group is investing significantly in the development and expansion of HCloud to deliver enhanced in-car services, including a personalized driving experience.