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At CES 2026 Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the Afeela Prototype 2026, a low-key crossover that mirrors the Afeela 1 sedan’s front LCD visor, roof-mounted LiDAR, auto-power doors and aero wheels. SHM says a production version will reach the U.S. in 2028. The Afeela 1, meanwhile, is being trial-built at Honda’s East Liberty plant for California deliveries later this year, followed by Arizona and Japan in 2027.

Volkswagen has announced plans to add an “import fee” to the price of imported cars sold in the US later this month, in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US government on imported cars and auto parts. This move is one of the first clear examples of how automakers are dealing with the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Volkswagen also plans to reduce sales incentives and has halted rail shipments of cars from its plants in Mexico to the US, although sea shipments will continue. The Volkswagen Atlas and ID.4, produced at its Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, are also expected to be affected by the tariffs due to their imported components.

Toyota has teased a new US-market SUV believed to be the fifth-generation Highlander, potentially transitioning to full electrification on the e-TNGA architecture. The teaser image reveals a boxy silhouette, pronounced fenders and full-width LED taillights echoing the 2021 bZ Large SUV concept. The three-row battery-electric vehicle is expected to compete against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, with the existing Grand Highlander continuing to serve internal combustion customers.

Mercedes-AMG unveiled the new AMG GT Black Series road car and GT3 race car, both derived from the Track Sport prototype and powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, set to compete from the 2027 season. The Black Series features yellow-green livery and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, while the GT3 racer sports red stripes and a full roll cage. Both share aggressive aerodynamics including large grilles, single-nut wheels, fixed rear wings, and prominent diffusers.

Honda launched the e:N2 fastback SUV in Thailand, a Dongfeng Honda-produced BEV priced at 1.429 million baht. Measuring 4,788 mm in length with a 2,733 mm wheelbase, the mid-size SUV features a 204 PS front motor and CATL-supplied 68.8 kWh NMC battery delivering 530 km NEDC range. Equipment includes a 12.8-inch touchscreen, 11.5-inch HUD, Bose 12-speaker audio, and Honda Sensing, with deliveries commencing late April.

The third-generation Lexus IS receives its third facelift, refining the 2021 model's muscular design with a larger mesh spindle grille, body-coloured upper trim, and Lexus script badging. F Sport variants add 19-inch lightweight aluminium wheels and red brake callipers. The cabin debuts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment, replacing the criticised Remote Touch controller with physical volume and seat climate controls.