Detail

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.

Geely has unveiled the Galaxy Starship 7 EV, expanding its NEV lineup beyond the existing PHEV variants priced from 101,800 to 129,800 yuan. The BEV model retains the PHEV's overall design with revised details, including a flatter lower air intake, full-width black trim extending to the fog lamp areas, and charging port relocated to the front fender. The Starship 7 EV delivers a maximum CLTC range of 605 km.

BMW Malaysia has expanded its X3 lineup with the X3 30 xDrive M Sport, priced from RM358,800 (RM386,700 with five-year service and warranty package). The SUV features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine producing 258 PS and 400 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. Standard equipment includes 20-inch M bicolour alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, BMW Curved Display, and the Driving Assistant Plus suite with lane change warning, AEB, and evasion assist.

Chery International's Lepas brand has globally premiered the L6 PHEV at Auto China 2026, alongside the L4 EV and L6 EV, expanding its NEV lineup on the dedicated LEX intelligent new energy platform. The L4 EV features a front-mounted single motor (211 PS/288 Nm), a 61.1 kWh LFP battery with 500 km NEDC range, and 80 kW DC fast charging. The L6 EV offers a 67.08 kWh battery, 510 km NEDC range, 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and 120 kW fast charging. The L6 PHEV debuts the Lepas Super Hybrid (LSH) system, combining a 1.5L turbo engine, electric motor, and single-speed DHT for a combined 275 PS and 365 Nm, with 107 km EV range and 1,200 km total range.

Hongqi has unveiled its first global SUV, named Global SUV, at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The model is believed to be co-developed with Leapmotor, leveraging the latter's full-stack self-developed electrification and intelligent technologies alongside FAW's conventional powertrain expertise and supply chain resources. Featuring a closed front fascia with diamond-inspired lighting effects, flush door handles, and five-spoke petal alloy wheels, the compact SUV adopts a sleek rear design with new full-width taillights reminiscent of the Hongqi HS5.

The Jetour T1 SUV is scheduled for its Malaysian unveiling at the Penang Autoshow 2026. Measuring 4,706 mm in length with a 2,810 mm wheelbase, the T1 is positioned below the larger T2 in the brand's lineup. Powertrain options include 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, both producing 184 PS and 290 Nm, paired with seven-speed dual-clutch and eight-speed automatic transmissions respectively. The T1 previously achieved a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, and is priced from 124,900 yuan in China.