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Honda plans to source around 400,000 hybrid vehicle batteries from Toyota’s North Carolina plant to circumvent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Toyota’s $14 billion factory, its first battery plant outside Japan, will begin production next month. This move is part of a broader trend among Japanese automakers to restructure supply chains in response to US tariffs. Demand for efficient hybrids is rising in the US, while President Trump plans to scrap his predecessor’s initiative to promote electric vehicles. By 2030, hybrid vehicle sales in the US are projected to double last year’s figure to 4.12 million units, accounting for a quarter of new car sales. Honda aims to sell 1.3 million hybrids globally (excluding China) by 2030, a 50% increase from last year. However, Trump’s trade policies pose challenges, with a 20% tariff on Chinese imports and plans to raise tariffs on Japanese car imports from 2.5% to 25%. Japan exports 1.3 million cars to the US annually, and the tariff hike is expected to cost Japan’s six major automakers approximately $20 billion.

Tesla has launched the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Drive version, priced at 269,500 RMB. The new model features a 78.4kWh LG NCM battery, offering a CLTC range of 830km (18-inch wheels) or 800km (19-inch wheels). It retains the family design with an added “Model 3+” badge. The Performance AWD version's range is also upgraded to 647km. Tesla is also offering several limited-time promotions.

Lexus' future product plan has been revealed, continuing Toyota's diversified energy strategy and advancing full - scale electrification. For sedans, the new ES will be introduced to China, Europe and the US at the end of 2026, and the new IS will debut in 2026, both offering hybrid and pure - electric versions. The RC series may be discontinued, and there is no news of the LS iteration. For SUVs, the UX will be refreshed in 2026 without a pure - electric version; the TX will be launched in 2027; the NX, RX, GX and LX will undergo a mid - cycle refresh in 2028; and a pure - electric three - row SUV is expected to debut in 2027. For sports cars, Lexus plans to launch an electric sports car inspired by the LFA at the end of 2026, featuring solid - state battery technology, a 0 - 100km/h acceleration time of 2 seconds, and a range of 400km.

Zeekr has announced its product update plan for the second half of 2025, covering models like the Zeekr X, 7X, 001, and 007. The Zeekr X will be updated between September and Q4 with Geely's new Energee battery and minor interior changes. The Zeekr 7X will receive a 900-volt electrical system and minor exterior/interior revisions in Q4. The Zeekr 007 will get exterior and interior updates, while the 001 will feature the Thor-U chip and a 900-volt electrical architecture. These updates aim to enhance performance and user experience.

The first production unit of the Fangchengbao Titanium 7 mid - large SUV has been launched. It is expected to be priced between 250,000 - 320,000 yuan and will be released in Q4. The new model features a classic "box - shaped" off - road design with a monocoque body. The exterior includes a double - layer split headlight design, a thick front bumper, a roof - mounted lidar, and an external "spare tire" at the rear. The vehicle measures 4999/1995/1865mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. The interior features a family - styled design with a floating central control screen, an embedded instrument screen, and metal - plated physical buttons. The powertrain is a 1.5T plug - in hybrid system with a maximum engine power of 115kW and a maximum motor power of 200kW. It will be available in two - wheel - drive short - range and four - wheel - drive long - range versions.

On August 9, the national launch of the "Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Towns" New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Consumption Season, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, was held in Xiaogan, Hubei. During the event, Xiaogan offers substantial subsidies for NEV purchases, with up to 22,500 yuan for scrapping and updating, and 18,000 yuan for trading in and updating. Additionally, Xiaogan has implemented a subsidy stacking policy, enabling "exemption from application and direct enjoyment," directly disbursing subsidy funds into consumers' accounts. The event aims to promote NEV penetration in rural areas and accelerate the transformation of automotive consumption towards greener and smarter options.