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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.

Xiaomi Auto has unveiled the facelifted SU7 sedan in a new "Sunset Red" exterior color, with pre-sales opening at RMB 229,900 and deliveries commencing in April. The mid-cycle update features enlarged air intakes, new radar modules, and an upgraded cabin with a sportier steering wheel, dual wireless charging pads, and triple-layer ambient lighting. All variants now include LiDAR and 700 TOPS computing chips for the Xiaomi HAD ADAS system. Powertrain upgrades include the standard V6s Plus motor, with base/Pro models now delivering 320 hp and the Max variant producing 690 hp combined output. The entire lineup transitions to 800V high-voltage architecture, improving charging efficiency over the previous 400V/871V configurations.

The right-hand-drive Tesla Model Y L has appeared in Australian government homologation documents, with social media leaks and local media reports confirming its Q1 2026 market launch. The long-wheelbase variant—stretching 4,976 mm with a 3,040 mm wheelbase—features a 2+2+2 six-seat configuration, dual-motor AWD producing 496 PS, 4.5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, and an 82-kWh NMC battery delivering 751 km CLTC range (approx. 681 km WLTP). Priced at CNY 339,000 (approx. RM199,000) in China, the Model Y L commands a significant premium over the standard five-seat variant. Given Malaysia's current Model Y pricing (RM195,450–RM242,450), the six-seat LWB version is expected to start above RM250,000 if introduced to the local market, targeting the premium family EV segment.

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.

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.

GAC Trumpchi has launched the 2026 M8 HEV full-size MPV in two trim levels: Premium and Ultimate, priced at RMB 219,800 and RMB 239,800 respectively. With national trade-in subsidies and manufacturer incentives applied, effective prices drop to RMB 197,800 and RMB 217,800. The annual update retains the "Lion Awakening" design language featuring a large vertical-slat grille and signature 7-shaped LED headlights, with refined character lines and multi-spoke wheels enhancing its executive presence. The hybrid-electric powertrain targets the premium commercial MPV segment.