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Chery, China's top car exporter, announced plans to establish an R&D center in Paris to develop a Europe-specific small city car tailored to local consumer preferences. The move marks Chery's strategic pivot from its SUV-focused European entry—via Omoda and Jaecoo brands—into the continent's iconic compact segment. "We want to build a French car for the French," stated Hanbang Yu, Chery France director, emphasizing the company's commitment to understanding regional design tastes. The initiative targets France's significant small car market, positioning Chery to compete against established European urban runabouts like the Fiat Cinquecento and Renault Twingo on their home terrain.

Spy shots of Lexus' first three-row electric flagship SUV TZ (possibly named TZ9) have been exposed. Based on Toyota's electric Highlander, it is positioned to compete with Volvo EX90 and is scheduled for release between late 2026 and early 2027. Its dimensions are basically consistent with the electric Highlander, with length, width and height of 5050/1989/1709mm and a wheelbase of 3051mm, featuring exclusive Lexus design details.

smart held its global brand gala in Beijing, debuting the Concept #2 and #6 EHD while announcing expansion from three to five global models this year. The #6 EHD will begin pre-sales at the Beijing Auto Show, while the production-ready #2—built on smart's new proprietary ECA architecture and continuing the iconic two-seater legacy—will premiere in October at the Paris Motor Show, underscoring smart's accelerated global and electrification strategy.

The NIO ES9 flagship SUV has been spotted ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, with pre-sales already underway across three variants priced from RMB 528,000 to RMB 658,000 (BaaS options from RMB 420,000 to RMB 550,000). Official launch is scheduled for end of May. The model debuts NIO's latest Shark Nose design language with a one-meter-tall front fascia, featuring a 216L front trunk (80-100kg static load, 50kg dynamic capacity) and double-layer Double-Dash crystal-cut DRLs with over 6,826 micro-faceted surfaces creating diamond light effects. Dimensions are 5,365×2,029×1,870mm with a 3,250mm wheelbase, riding on 23-inch forged wheels. Positioned as a flagship full-size SUV, the ES9 elevates NIO's presence in the premium luxury new energy segment.

The IM LS8 has been spotted ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, with the model already launched in four variants priced from RMB 261,800 to RMB 311,800. Built on an 800V high-voltage architecture, it features the Stellar super range-extender system delivering up to 1,605km combined range. Design highlights include a full-width star-ring light bar, 7-shaped headlight array and roof-mounted LiDAR, with dimensions of 5,085×2,000×1,807mm and a 3,060mm wheelbase. The vehicle debuts the Lingxi Digital Chassis 3.0 with full wire-controlled steering and bi-directional 24° intelligent rear-wheel steering, significantly enhancing maneuverability and driving dynamics.

Isuzu Malaysia has opened a new 3S centre at 21 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, operated by dealer Autoexec Corporation as its third KL outlet. The facility consolidates the former Jalan Semarak 1S outlet into a larger space featuring the latest corporate identity, hero car display, delivery bay, customer lounge and merchandise area. The service centre operates daily except Sunday (9am-6pm) with capacity for simultaneous truck and pick-up truck maintenance. Isuzu Malaysia CEO Tomoyuki Yamaguchi stated the centrally-located centre will enhance brand presence and urban user engagement with Isuzu's product range.