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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.

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.

On August 11, Acura released the teaser images of the all - new Acura RSX, which will debut at the Monterey Car Week. The new model is based on the Honda 0 - series platform and is positioned as an electric coupe SUV. It is the first electric vehicle to be produced at Honda's new "Electric Vehicle Center" in Ohio. The vehicle is expected to hit the market in early 2026. In terms of appearance, the new model features a closed - grille design, narrow headlights, and a large - size air intake, enhancing its sporty feel. The rear is equipped with a Through-type taillight group, the charging port is located on the left front fender.

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."

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.