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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.

Mercedes-AMG has launched the updated CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe in China, priced from CNY 720,800. A 3.0L inline-six plus 48V EQ Boost delivers 449 hp and, in over-boost, 601 Nm to a 9-speed AMG SpeedShift TCT and 4MATIC+ AWD for 0-100 km/h in 4.2s. The first AMG with 3rd-gen MBUX and Snapdragon 8295 chip, it pairs 12.3-in digital dash with 11.9-in centre OLED, Burmester 3D Dolby Atmos audio, 64-colour ambient lighting and Nappa AMG Performance seats for a fully connected, emotive cockpit.

Leapmotor’s compact EV Lafa5 will start pre-sales on Nov 7 and launch Q4. Built on LEAP 3.5 B-platform, it offers 515/605 km CLTC range; top trim packs 8295 SoC and LiDAR for advanced AD. The 4 430 mm-long, 2 735 mm-wheelbase hatch features frameless doors and 19-inch alloys; an Ultra variant arrives H1 2026.

Spy photos from dealer lots reveal the Lavida Pro cabin mirrors the Passat Pro, featuring a floating square center screen, digital cluster and ID.-style electronic column shifter, while physical steering-wheel buttons remain and no passenger display is fitted. A wireless charging pad, Type-C ports and electronic parking brake sit below the dash. Two gasoline engines—1.5 L and 1.5 T—carry over, with the current model staying on sale; launch is slated for November.

Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia now includes an accessories pack—electric side steps and side tool box—on the J7 AWD. Effective immediately, the SUV is priced at RM153,800 (OTR without insurance), RM5k more than before. The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 197 PS/290 Nm, 7-DCT 4×4 model still sprints 0-100 km/h in 9.9s and ships with 19-inch rims, panoramic roof, 14.8-inch touchscreen and full ADAS suite.

On Oct 28 the updated Arcfox α-T5 hits the market after a 123 800–162 800 RMB pre-sale. The BEV line shrinks to four trims offering 560–705 km CLTC, while a range-extender variant debuts. Entry models gain full L2+ ADAS; higher trims add City/Highway NOA, automated parking and Snapdragon 8775 cockpit SoC.