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According to 36Kr, Mercedes-Benz is developing a new EV platform codenamed 'Phoenix' using Geely's GEEA 4.0 E/E architecture, scheduled for production around 2030 to replace the current MMA platform for next-generation entry-level models including the A-Class, B-Class, GLA, GLB, and CLA. This marks the first time in the luxury brand's history that new platform development occurs outside Germany, with its China R&D centre serving as the global headquarters for compact vehicle development while the German base focuses on mid-size and large vehicles. The GEEA 4.0 architecture supports both EV and non-EV applications, succeeding the GEEA 3.0 debuted in the Geely Galaxy E5 (Proton eMas 7 twin). The move reflects Mercedes-Benz's cost-reduction strategy through deepened Geely partnership, following similar collaborations announced by Volkswagen and Stellantis with Chinese brands.

Chery has commenced pre-sales of the QQ3 EV, offering four variants with 310km and 420km ranges priced between 68,920 and 89,985 yuan. The battery-electric city car adopts a "smart roundness" design language with a closed grille and distinctive Q-shaped LED headlamps across six colour options. Technology highlights include the AI Lingxi intelligent cockpit, Carmind AI agent and Falcon 500 advanced driver assistance system, demonstrating Chery's strategy to democratise smart EV features in the entry-level segment.

Honda will cease fuel-cell production at its Brownstown, Michigan JV plant with GM by end-2026 and dissolve the 2017-formed FCSM partnership. Leveraging joint achievements such as the 2024 plug-in CR-V e:FCEV, Honda will commercialise its next-generation self-developed fuel-cell system in 2027, positioning hydrogen as a new core business after 30-plus years of R&D.

Hyundai Motor Group has launched HTWO, its dedicated hydrogen brand and business platform, at the H2&FC EXPO in Tokyo on March 17. The debut coincides with the exhibition of the Japan-spec all-new NEXO, Hyundai's flagship FCEV fully redesigned for the first time since 2018. The Japan-market variant introduces Vehicle to Home (V2H) capability, enabling emergency residential power supply during earthquakes or outages—a feature tailored to local disaster preparedness needs. Key specifications and pricing will be announced in H1 2026.

Hyundai Motor Group and Kia have expanded their strategic partnership with NVIDIA to develop integrated autonomous driving solutions spanning Level 2 through Level 4. The collaboration combines Hyundai's SDV capabilities with NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion platform technology, with immediate integration of NVIDIA L2+ ADAS into select production vehicles. Through autonomous vehicle JV Motional, Hyundai will concurrently advance Level 4 robotaxi capabilities. The partnership establishes a data-centric learning pipeline to internalize proprietary driving AI and strengthen global market responsiveness through continuous real-world data training and model refinement.

Tesla Model 3 Standard display and test drive units have arrived in Malaysia, priced at RM147,600—over RM20,000 lower than the previous entry point. The former base Model 3 is renamed Model 3 Premium. Cost reductions include 18-inch Prismata steel wheels (versus alloy on Premium), deletion of TPMS sensors in favor of wheel speed-based pressure monitoring, and interior downgrades to seven speakers (from nine), removal of FM radio, ambient lighting strips, door pocket illumination, and sliding cupholder cover, plus manual steering wheel adjustment. Pearl White and Diamond Black paint options command RM5,000 premium.