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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.

Zeekr has announced its product update plan for the second half of 2025, covering models like the Zeekr X, 7X, 001, and 007. The Zeekr X will be updated between September and Q4 with Geely's new Energee battery and minor interior changes. The Zeekr 7X will receive a 900-volt electrical system and minor exterior/interior revisions in Q4. The Zeekr 007 will get exterior and interior updates, while the 001 will feature the Thor-U chip and a 900-volt electrical architecture. These updates aim to enhance performance and user experience.

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 new Lynk & Co 03 is set to launch in mid - to - late October and has completed the MIIT declaration process. The new model features an adjusted exterior design with a more restrained front bumper, a two - layer front grille, and a new 03 logo. It continues to use a split - headlight design. The rear bumper has been simplified, but the vehicle retains a dual - exhaust layout and is equipped with a large - size rear spoiler. The vehicle measures 4700 (4710) / 1843 / 1460mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2730mm. The powertrain has been upgraded to a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 200kW and a peak torque of 400Nm. The vehicle also features enhanced intelligent configurations.

The first production unit of the Fangchengbao Titanium 7 mid - large SUV has been launched. It is expected to be priced between 250,000 - 320,000 yuan and will be released in Q4. The new model features a classic "box - shaped" off - road design with a monocoque body. The exterior includes a double - layer split headlight design, a thick front bumper, a roof - mounted lidar, and an external "spare tire" at the rear. The vehicle measures 4999/1995/1865mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. The interior features a family - styled design with a floating central control screen, an embedded instrument screen, and metal - plated physical buttons. The powertrain is a 1.5T plug - in hybrid system with a maximum engine power of 115kW and a maximum motor power of 200kW. It will be available in two - wheel - drive short - range and four - wheel - drive long - range versions.