Volvo Reverses Station Wagon Phase-Out as New SPA3 EV Platform Unlocks Design Flexibility
2026/02/13
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Paul Tan
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AITO M7 EREV Long-Range Variant Begins Delivery: 327km CLTC Electric Range, Cumulative Sales Exceed 400,000 Units
The AITO M7 EREV Long-Range variant has commenced delivery from Seres' Longxing super factory in Chongqing on February 4. Priced between 299,800-319,800 yuan, the model measures 5080/1999/1780mm with a 3030mm wheelbase, offering five- and six-seat configurations. Power comes from a 1.5T range-extender (118kW maximum output) delivering 327km CLTC electric range and 1690km combined range. Equipment includes Huawei Qiankun ADS 4 advanced autonomous driving, dual-chamber air suspension, and continuous damping control. The M7 has surpassed 400,000 cumulative deliveries, accounting for over 40% of AITO's total sales, supported by a service network spanning 400+ user centers and 700+ experience centers across 220+ cities.
UK Auto Industry Leaders Gather in Liverpool to Discuss Boosting EV Production Capabilities
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Regional Forum, held in Liverpool for the first time, brings together UK automotive leaders to explore leveraging the shift to zero emission mobility for new business and growth in the North West. Since 2021, global brands have invested £2.8 billion in the region, transforming factories to produce electric vehicles and components, directly creating 20,000 jobs. The North West is crucial to UK automotive manufacturing, producing one-seventh of the country's vehicles last year, equivalent to over 140,000 units. The forum will discuss attracting further investment and creating new business opportunities to boost regional economic development.
All-New Lexus ES Revealed with Hybrid and EV Variants, Local Production Planned Post-Launch
The next-generation Lexus ES has been spotted at dealerships ahead of its April market launch. The redesign features the brand's evolved spindle grille—now closed-off for electrification—paired with split-type irregular LED headlamps comprising lightning-bolt DRLs above and integrated main beams within vertical black trim panels. A trapezoidal lower grille with graduated diamond patterning completes the front fascia. The model will debut with both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, initially offered as CBU imports before transitioning to local production upon completion of Lexus' Chinese manufacturing facility.
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Mercedes-AMG Aborts Four-Cylinder Experiment, Returns to Six-Pot Power with New GLC53
Mercedes-AMG has acknowledged its four-cylinder downsizing strategy as a mistake, launching the new GLC53 to replace both GLC43 and GLC63 variants. Powered by the CLE53-sourced M256M 3.0-litre inline-six producing 449 PS and 600 Nm, paired with a 48V ISG mild-hybrid system, the SUV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The key attraction is the "powerful, sonorous" exhaust note, augmented by optional AMG Real Performance Sound. Standard AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive features rear-biased torque distribution and Drift mode with the Dynamic Plus Package. A limited Golden Accents launch edition debuts Obsidian Black with techgold detailing.
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Zeekr 7X Confirmed for Local Assembly in Malaysia, Brand's First Overseas CKD Hub
Zeekr Malaysia has confirmed local assembly (CKD) of the Zeekr 7X electric SUV, establishing Malaysia as the brand's first overseas production hub outside China. Managing Director Lu Jiamin emphasized this strategic move demonstrates Zeekr's long-term commitment to the market. The CKD operation will enhance supply chain integration, pricing competitiveness, and delivery efficiency. Zeekr targets cumulative sales of 10,000 units between 2025-2027, with an annual sales goal of 10,000 units from 2028 onwards. The brand plans to expand its network to 18 showrooms, 12 service centers, and 9 body and paint shops to support the local assembly initiative.
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Zeekr Malaysia Unveils 2026 Product Plan: Three New Models Including Compact SUV, Luxury MPV and Flagship SUV
Zeekr Malaysia has announced its 2026 product roadmap featuring three new models: a compact luxury SUV (expected facelifted Zeekr X), a luxury MPV (likely the Zeekr 009 Grand Collection four-seat executive variant with 43-inch rear entertainment screen and dual Snapdragon 8295 chips), and the flagship Zeekr 9X ultra-luxury range-extended electric SUV. The 9X, dubbed "China's Rolls-Royce Cullinan," offers dual-motor (897 PS) and tri-motor Hyper (1,400 PS) variants, with 55/70 kWh batteries paired to a 2.0T range-extender delivering up to 1,250 km CLTC range. The flagship features 900V architecture with 6C ultra-fast charging (20-80% in 9 minutes) and G-Pilot H9 autonomous driving system with five LiDAR sensors.