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Chery, China's top car exporter, announced plans to establish an R&D center in Paris to develop a Europe-specific small city car tailored to local consumer preferences. The move marks Chery's strategic pivot from its SUV-focused European entry—via Omoda and Jaecoo brands—into the continent's iconic compact segment. "We want to build a French car for the French," stated Hanbang Yu, Chery France director, emphasizing the company's commitment to understanding regional design tastes. The initiative targets France's significant small car market, positioning Chery to compete against established European urban runabouts like the Fiat Cinquecento and Renault Twingo on their home terrain.

Zeekr Malaysia has confirmed the facelifted Zeekr X will arrive in Q2 2026 as one of three planned models for the year. The company sees strong growth potential in Malaysia's premium compact SUV segment, noting increased consumer interest following the Zeekr 7X introduction. Thailand has already received the updated X, gaining powered front doors, B/C-pillar door buttons replacing flush handles, steering wheel touch controls, and front seat massage functions. The base Standard RWD variant now delivers 340 PS. The refreshed model will offer Malaysian consumers a compelling compact premium SUV option with enhanced everyday driving quality.

Spy shots of the Geely FS21 production model have emerged, indicating it will serve as the successor to the current Xingrui (FS11). The FS21 prototype was previously unveiled at Geely's i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid technology launch, confirming LiDAR equipment and Qianli Haohan H5 intelligent driving system support, with both HEV and PHEV powertrain options expected. The vehicle is currently undergoing camouflaged testing, with an official launch date yet to be announced.

GWM has confirmed the Tank 300 HEV will open for booking in Malaysia, adding a hybrid variant to the locally launched ICE version from July 2024. The HEV combines a 2.0L turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and nine-speed dedicated hybrid automatic transmission, delivering a combined 347 PS and 648 Nm—a significant increase over the ICE's 220 PS and 380 Nm. It features four-wheel drive with front and rear differential locks, tank turn, crawl mode (66% max gradeability), 700 mm wading depth, and an all-terrain control system with seven drive modes. Equipment mirrors the ICE version with added auto parking and smartphone app remote control for doors, windows, climate, and seat ventilation. Safety includes full ADAS with AEB and ACC. Exclusive Sand Beige paint joins Crystal Black and Pearl White options, with 17-inch black wheels and all-terrain tyres. Pricing is expected between the ICE's RM250,000 and the Tank 500 HEV's RM329,000.

BMW Group Malaysia has officially priced the iX1 L long-wheelbase electric SUV, with the sole eDrive20L M Sport variant retailing at RM252,800 on-the-road without insurance—over RM2,000 less than initially estimated. The CBU China-imported model benefits from favorable tax structures, contrasting with the German-built standard iX1. The package includes a standard eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty and two-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, with an optional five-year warranty and six-year maintenance plan at RM268,600. Power comes from a front-mounted single motor producing 204 PS and 250 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h.

Leapmotor's A05, the second model in its A series, is expected to debut in May with market launch anticipated in June. Positioned as a compact EV, the A05 measures 4,200 mm long with a 2,605 mm wheelbase, featuring the A-series design language with projector headlights and distinctive smiling taillights. Powertrain options include 70 kW and 90 kW motors paired with 39.8 kWh and 53 kWh batteries, delivering 405 km and 510 km CLTC range respectively. The model also offers optional LiDAR for advanced driver assistance capabilities.