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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 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.

On August 9, the national launch of the "Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Towns" New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Consumption Season, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, was held in Xiaogan, Hubei. During the event, Xiaogan offers substantial subsidies for NEV purchases, with up to 22,500 yuan for scrapping and updating, and 18,000 yuan for trading in and updating. Additionally, Xiaogan has implemented a subsidy stacking policy, enabling "exemption from application and direct enjoyment," directly disbursing subsidy funds into consumers' accounts. The event aims to promote NEV penetration in rural areas and accelerate the transformation of automotive consumption towards greener and smarter options.

The mid - large SUV IM LS6 has started pre - sale and will be delivered in early September. The new model is available in both pure - electric and extended - range versions, featuring a new design language. It is equipped with a triple - screen system and panoramic sunroof. The extended - range version is powered by the "Stellar" super - extended - range system, with a pure - electric range of over 450km and a combined range of over 1,500km.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA (third-generation, codenamed C178) is now open for booking in Malaysia and is expected to be introduced as a battery-electric model. Built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), it features an 800-volt electrical architecture with up to 320 kW DC fast charging. Available in CLA250+ and CLA350 variants with single and dual motors, the range varies from 672 km to 792 km. The interior features the MBUX Superscreen and MB.OS system with AI assistant capabilities.