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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.

Hino and dealer IPN debuted the 300-136 MDLR light truck in Malang, East Java, on Oct 28. Riding on an OEM 6-m long chassis, the 136 PS Euro 4 common-rail model offers higher payload without body modification. After a warm reception in Surabaya (15 Oct), Hino now touts 15% down-payment financing and full after-sales support to capture the region’s booming logistics sector.

Nissan will debut a Sakura kei-EV prototype at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show fitted with the ‘Ao-Solar Extender’ rooftop solar system. The retractable panel peaks at 500 W (300 W stowed), adding roughly 3,000 km of driving per year in sunny conditions while shading the windshield to cut cabin heat and A/C load. Born from a 2021 internal contest, the system is slated for future commercialization.

BAW launched blind order for its new full-size EREV MPV Ruicheng M8; a ¥88 deposit yields ¥2,088 purchase credit, presale starts Nov 5. The 5,317 mm-long, 3,200 mm-wheelbase model offers 7- or 9-seat configs, dual sliding doors and vertical chrome grille, targeting commercial and family fleets.

The 2026 BYD Xia hits the market on Nov 4, boosting CLTC electric range from 180 km to 218 km. The 5.1-m MPV keeps the Dragon-Face look, 3.05-m wheelbase and 2-2-7 seating, while adding a built-in fridge and captain chairs. The 1.5T plug-in hybrid carries over, yet fuel consumption in hybrid mode is expected to drop; a roof-mounted LiDAR for advanced ADAS will be optional.