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In 2024, new car sales in the US reached 15.9 million units, up 2.2% year-on-year, marking a five-year high. This growth was driven by replenished inventories, higher incentives, and surging demand for hybrid vehicles. General Motors led with 2.7 million units sold, while Toyota saw a 3.7% increase, boosted by models like the Camry and RAV4, which are offered only as hybrids in the US. Ford sold nearly twice as many hybrids as EVs in 2024. However, sales for Stellantis and Tesla declined compared to 2023.

Mercedes-AMG has launched the updated CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe in China, priced from CNY 720,800. A 3.0L inline-six plus 48V EQ Boost delivers 449 hp and, in over-boost, 601 Nm to a 9-speed AMG SpeedShift TCT and 4MATIC+ AWD for 0-100 km/h in 4.2s. The first AMG with 3rd-gen MBUX and Snapdragon 8295 chip, it pairs 12.3-in digital dash with 11.9-in centre OLED, Burmester 3D Dolby Atmos audio, 64-colour ambient lighting and Nappa AMG Performance seats for a fully connected, emotive cockpit.

Camouflaged shots reveal Stelato’s first MPV in early development, retaining the brand’s signature triple-light motif and sporting a large trapezoid grille with diamond mesh and aggressive corner vents. Scheduled for a 2026 launch, it will join Luxeed and Zun-series MPVs to form a differentiated flagship line-up under Harmony Intelligent Driving.

Spy photos from dealer lots reveal the Lavida Pro cabin mirrors the Passat Pro, featuring a floating square center screen, digital cluster and ID.-style electronic column shifter, while physical steering-wheel buttons remain and no passenger display is fitted. A wireless charging pad, Type-C ports and electronic parking brake sit below the dash. Two gasoline engines—1.5 L and 1.5 T—carry over, with the current model staying on sale; launch is slated for November.

Limited to 400 units from Nov 13, the Skyline 400R Limited delivers 405 PS and 475 Nm via a twin-turbo 3.0 L VR30DDTT and 7-speed RWD. Wider 19-inch alloys wear staggered Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 rubber, stiffer springs and a 44% stronger rear bar, plus carbon spoiler and numbered cabin plaque. At ¥6.94 m it becomes the priciest V37 Skyline and likely its last high-performance variant.

WTCA has priced the GAC M8 PHEV at RM328,800 for Premium and RM388,800 for Luxury—both undercut earlier estimates. A 2.0L turbo plus motor delivers 373PS/630Nm for 0-100km/h in 8.8s, 106km electric and 1,032km total range, with 30min DC fast charge. The 5.2m-long MPV out-sizes the Alphard and brings three digital screens, Yamaha 16-speaker audio, captain massage seats and full ADAS to Malaysia’s luxury segment.