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SMMT data reveals the UK used car market sustained post-pandemic recovery in 2025, with EV transactions surging nearly 50% to represent nearly one in ten sales. The industry faces significant workforce transformation, with almost two-thirds of roles requiring new competencies in battery management, high-voltage systems, and AI within a decade. SMMT showcased automotive apprentices at the House of Lords, highlighting sector commitment to talent development. Additionally, SMMT partnered with the Bus Centre of Excellence to launch "Meet the Bus Operator," facilitating zero-emission bus fleet decarbonisation through targeted investment and supplier engagement at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

Jeep has unveiled the Gladiator Whitecap special edition featuring a retro-inspired design package priced at $495. Sharing its aesthetic with the Wrangler Whitecap, the truck features a bright white removable hardtop, matching body decals, and a white-accented seven-slot grille. "1941" door badging pays homage to the original Willys MB. Power comes from a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 producing 285 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive system. The package delivers 3.4-ton towing capacity and 780 kg payload rating. The Whitecap joins four other special editions in Jeep's current lineup, emphasizing authentic off-road capability and customization.

Li Auto has been unanimously approved by the board of the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) to become a member and join its Automotive Working Group, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Brussels, the CCCEU represents over 100 member companies and more than 1,000 Chinese enterprises in Europe. Li Auto will leverage the platform to strengthen collaboration with European automakers and safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises in Europe. Following its 2025 entry into Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets, Li Auto plans to expand into Europe in 2026. The CCCEU membership will provide crucial support for regulatory compliance, market access, and brand development in the European market.

According to domestic social media reports, the new Audi RS 5 Avant is expected to enter the Chinese market in 2029, while the sedan variant has no confirmed import plans. Built on the PPC architecture, the wagon features a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 639 PS, with aggressive styling including large honeycomb grilles, performance intakes, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes. The cabin features RS-specific integrated racing seats. The lower-tier S5 Avant has been officially confirmed for launch this year, preceding the RS variant's arrival.

Spy shots have revealed the new Audi Q2 e-tron, an entry-level compact electric SUV merging the A1 and Q2 nameplates for a 2027 market launch with an estimated starting price of RMB 293,000. The design features split Matrix LED headlights matching the A6 e-tron, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive rear window positioned above the spoiler—an homage to the classic Audi A2. The cabin adopts a layout similar to the new Q3 with a floating dual-screen setup, physical climate controls, and wireless charging. Powertrain details indicate a single-motor configuration with 500 km and 600 km range options targeting the affordable premium EV segment.

Hyundai Motor Company and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) have extended their corporate partnership—LACMA's largest programmatic commitment in history—through 2037. Since 2015, the collaboration has produced eight major exhibitions and advanced Korean art scholarship. The new chapter introduces the "Hyundai Project," a biennial survey series launching in 2028 featuring Los Angeles and Pan-Pacific artists with newly commissioned works and large-scale exterior banners at the Broad Contemporary Art Museum. Additionally, the Art + Technology Lab will transition to a biennial grant cycle in 2026 with expanded programming. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung emphasized the partnership's mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue at the intersection of art and technology.