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Honda plans to source around 400,000 hybrid vehicle batteries from Toyota’s North Carolina plant to circumvent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Toyota’s $14 billion factory, its first battery plant outside Japan, will begin production next month. This move is part of a broader trend among Japanese automakers to restructure supply chains in response to US tariffs. Demand for efficient hybrids is rising in the US, while President Trump plans to scrap his predecessor’s initiative to promote electric vehicles. By 2030, hybrid vehicle sales in the US are projected to double last year’s figure to 4.12 million units, accounting for a quarter of new car sales. Honda aims to sell 1.3 million hybrids globally (excluding China) by 2030, a 50% increase from last year. However, Trump’s trade policies pose challenges, with a 20% tariff on Chinese imports and plans to raise tariffs on Japanese car imports from 2.5% to 25%. Japan exports 1.3 million cars to the US annually, and the tariff hike is expected to cost Japan’s six major automakers approximately $20 billion.

Tesla has launched the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Drive version, priced at 269,500 RMB. The new model features a 78.4kWh LG NCM battery, offering a CLTC range of 830km (18-inch wheels) or 800km (19-inch wheels). It retains the family design with an added “Model 3+” badge. The Performance AWD version's range is also upgraded to 647km. Tesla is also offering several limited-time promotions.

The performance and wagon versions of the new XPeng P7 have been unveiled with modified designs. The performance version comes in both two - door and four - door variants, featuring a more robust front - end design with exaggerated body kits. The color scheme includes GT - R - inspired silver and blue, with red decorative stripes. The wagon version has a full - bodied rear fender that tapers inward at the end, with a D - pillar, waistline, and rear contour line forming an arrow - like shape, creating a sleek overall profile. These modifications highlight the potential for exterior customization of the P7, and related modification kits may emerge in the future. Meanwhile, XPeng could consider launching a wagon version. Users can also personalize their vehicles through the "Modification Planet: Car Modification Metaverse."

The 2025 Wuling Starlight S is set to launch on August 15. The vehicle features a new star - wing aesthetic design with split headlights and a closed - grille front fascia. The interior has been upgraded with a new three - spoke steering wheel and a large - size floating screen, equipped with the Ling OS intelligent system. The new model also introduces Lingmu intelligent driving assistance, supporting full - speed - domain driving assistance and all - scene parking. The vehicle measures 4745/1890/1680mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2800mm and a five - seat layout. The PHEV version is powered by a 1.5T high - power engine with a combined range of over 1100km.

Ford has unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) platform and production system designed to deliver affordable and high - quality EVs. The new platform combines traditional manufacturing experience with Silicon Valley innovation, reducing the number of parts, assembly time, and costs. The first model will be a four - door mid - size electric pickup truck, set to be assembled at the Louisville plant starting in 2027 for the US and export markets. The vehicle will feature lithium - iron - phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, offering lower costs and longer life spans, as well as more interior space and a lower center of gravity for better driving dynamics. Ford plans to invest nearly US2billionintheLouisvilleplantfortheproductionoftheelectricpickup,addingtothepreviouslyannouncedUS 3 billion for the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, bringing the total investment to around US$ 5 billion.

Lantern TaiShan, a full - size six - seat SUV with a length of about 5.3 meters and a wheelbase of about 3.1 meters, is set to debut in Q4 2025. The vehicle will feature Huawei's ADS Ultra four - laser radar intelligent driving solution and zero - gravity seats. It integrates the latest technical achievements of Lantern and has an exterior design similar to that of the Rolls - Royce Cullinan.