UK Used Car Market Recovers Strongly with Record EV Sales; Automotive Sector Accelerates Workforce Transformation and Zero-Emission Investment
2026/02/13
General News
-
Click original text link for more information
SMMT
Hot News
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.
4
Chery's New Sub-Brand Lepas L4 Spotted in Malaysia, Market Entry Expected in H1 2026
The Lepas L4 SUV from Chery's new sub-brand has been spotted in Malaysia during promotional filming, signaling the brand's local market entry in H1 2026. Featuring the "Leopard Aesthetic" design language, the L4 measures 4,406mm in length with a 2,700mm wheelbase, surpassing competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross in interior space. Distinctive elements include a radiating chrome grille and 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (147 PS/225 Nm) paired with a six-speed DCT. The L4 and flagship L8 are slated for South African launch in March, with Malaysian introduction to follow.
5
Volvo Reverses Station Wagon Phase-Out as New SPA3 EV Platform Unlocks Design Flexibility
Volvo CTO Anders Bell revealed to Autocar that the dedicated SPA3 EV platform could enable the brand's return to station wagons and sedans. Debuting on the EX60, the architecture eliminates ICE adaptation constraints by repositioning the battery-forward crash structure junction, allowing at least 7 kWh of pack placement ahead of the bulkhead. Combined with rear footwell "cell depopulation" for lower seating positions, this achieves conventional ICE-like proportions. The scalable platform decouples battery capacity from roof height, potentially facilitating sleek, low-slung EX60 derivatives should market demand justify their development.
6
Tesla Expands to East Malaysia with First Deliveries in Kuching, Marking Sixth Local Outlet
Tesla Malaysia has commenced operations in East Malaysia with its first vehicle deliveries in Kuching, following a pop-up showroom launch at Vivacity Megamall. This Borneo expansion represents the brand's sixth local outlet, supplementing existing locations in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru. Notably, no service centres or charging infrastructure are currently present in Sarawak. As of early 2026, Tesla operates 18 Supercharging stations (76 Superchargers) and 17 Destination Charging stations (79 connectors) nationwide. Despite the expiration of CBU tax exemptions, Tesla has maintained 2026 pricing and recently introduced the Model Y Premium RWD and Model 3 RWD (formerly Standard), with the latter becoming the most affordable Tesla in Malaysia at RM147,600.