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In 2024, new car sales in the US reached 15.9 million units, up 2.2% year-on-year, marking a five-year high. This growth was driven by replenished inventories, higher incentives, and surging demand for hybrid vehicles. General Motors led with 2.7 million units sold, while Toyota saw a 3.7% increase, boosted by models like the Camry and RAV4, which are offered only as hybrids in the US. Ford sold nearly twice as many hybrids as EVs in 2024. However, sales for Stellantis and Tesla declined compared to 2023.

The updated Arcfox Alpha T5 hit the market on 28 Oct, priced RMB 109.8-127.8k for the EREV trio and RMB 119.8-154.8k for the four BEV variants. Measuring 4760mm long with a 2845mm wheelbase, the EREV pairs a 77kW 1.5L range extender with a 27.4kWh CATL pack for 215km electric and 1215km total CLTC range. All versions use a 200kW/360Nm motor, city NOA assisted by 15 radars/7 cameras and Qualcomm 8775 cockpit-drive SoC, while a 15.6-inch 2K screen dominates the low-VOC cabin.

Less than a month after its Thai debut, the Leapmotor B10 has been spotted lightly camouflaged in Malaysia. The C-segment EV offers 218PS/240Nm, 0-100km/h in 8s and two LFP packs—56.2kWh (361km) and 67.1kWh (434km)—with 140-168kW DC charging. Features include a 14.6-in central screen and January OTA CarPlay. With CBU tax breaks ending, Stellantis will start local assembly in Gurun, Kedah in Q2 2026, targeting sub-RM100k pricing to take on the BYD Atto 3 and Proton eMas 7.

Mercedes-AMG has launched the updated CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe in China, priced from CNY 720,800. A 3.0L inline-six plus 48V EQ Boost delivers 449 hp and, in over-boost, 601 Nm to a 9-speed AMG SpeedShift TCT and 4MATIC+ AWD for 0-100 km/h in 4.2s. The first AMG with 3rd-gen MBUX and Snapdragon 8295 chip, it pairs 12.3-in digital dash with 11.9-in centre OLED, Burmester 3D Dolby Atmos audio, 64-colour ambient lighting and Nappa AMG Performance seats for a fully connected, emotive cockpit.

MG Motor Malaysia has slashed the price of the 2025 MG S5 EV range by RM8k; on-the-road prices now start at RM108,548 for the Com, RM118,548 for the Com Long Range and RM128,548 for the Lux Long Range (insurance excluded). Riding on a 2,650 mm wheelbase, the rear-motor crossover delivers 170 PS/250 Nm and offers 49 kWh or 62 kWh LFP batteries good for 340-430 km WLTP. The flagship Lux adds 150 kW DC charging (10-80% in 26 min), a panoramic roof, powered tailgate and 360° camera. All grades get LED lighting, a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and full ADAS, positioning the S5 EV against the Proton eMas 7 and BYD Atto 3.

Proton previewed the 2026 Saga at the ASEAN Summit. Retaining the Gen-3 platform, the facelift gains a Geely 1.5L iGT engine mated to either 4AT or CVT, full-LED lighting and a light-bar tail-lamp. Inside, twin screens sit above a mechanical shifter and handbrake; a windscreen mono-camera enables AEB/ACC. Market launch is expected in November.