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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 refreshed Model Y with two configurations: the Rear-Wheel Drive Launch Edition priced at 263,500 RMB and the Long Range All-Wheel-Drive Launch Edition at 303,500 RMB. The refreshed Model Y features significant updates in design, interior, rear seating, range, and suspension. The exterior includes a new front end with split headlights and a full-width taillight bar, reducing the drag coefficient to 0.22 for improved range. The interior offers two color options with increased Alcantara coverage and a 15-inch central touchscreen powered by an AMD Ryzen chip. The vehicle also introduces a new Glacier Blue color option.

Geely Galaxy A7 is set to launch on August 8th, with a pre-sale price range of 97,800-133,800 yuan. Positioned as a mid-size sedan with a wheelbase of 2,845 mm, it offers two electric ranges: 70 km and 150 km. The Galaxy A7 aims to challenge BYD Qin L DM-i, which is priced between 99,800 and 153,800 yuan. The Galaxy A7's official price is expected to be lower than the pre-sale price, with an estimated range of 86,800-122,800 yuan, and an early bird price potentially starting at 81,800 yuan.

Malaysia has emerged as the top-performing market for the MG Cyberster in the Asia and Oceania regions, with over 90 orders received since its launch in December last year. Initially offered only as an all-wheel drive variant with a 77-kWh NCM battery, the Cyberster produced 544 PS and 725 Nm of torque, with a WLTP range of 446 km and a price tag of RM320,548. Last month, MG expanded the lineup with a more affordable rear-wheel drive variant priced at RM300,548. This version retains the 77-kWh battery but uses a single rear motor, delivering 340 PS and 475 Nm of torque, with a range of up to 508 km. Both variants support 7 kW AC charging and 150 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in just 38 minutes.

The interior of the new Aito R7 has been officially revealed, featuring a new Roland Purple color and a dual-color combination with "Condensed Pearl" interior craftsmanship, creating a sense of refinement. The main driver's seat now includes a zero-gravity function with an extended and thickened cushion. The new model will start pre-orders on August 8th, with the current model priced between 249,800 and 339,800 yuan. The new model also upgrades its intelligent driving assistance functions, optimizes exterior details, and maintains the existing powertrain configurations.

Cycle & Carriage has launched a three-month pop-up store at 1 Utama, starting from August 1, 2025. The multi-brand store showcases vehicles from Leapmotor and Peugeot, including the Leapmotor C10 and T03, as well as the Peugeot 408 and 2008. Adrian Short, CEO of Cycle & Carriage Malaysia, said the pop-up store aims to bring the brands closer to the public and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Isaac Yeo, managing director of Stellantis ASEAN, highlighted that the store strengthens connections with Malaysian customers through innovative engagement.