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At CES 2026 Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the Afeela Prototype 2026, a low-key crossover that mirrors the Afeela 1 sedan’s front LCD visor, roof-mounted LiDAR, auto-power doors and aero wheels. SHM says a production version will reach the U.S. in 2028. The Afeela 1, meanwhile, is being trial-built at Honda’s East Liberty plant for California deliveries later this year, followed by Arizona and Japan in 2027.

Volkswagen has announced plans to add an “import fee” to the price of imported cars sold in the US later this month, in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US government on imported cars and auto parts. This move is one of the first clear examples of how automakers are dealing with the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Volkswagen also plans to reduce sales incentives and has halted rail shipments of cars from its plants in Mexico to the US, although sea shipments will continue. The Volkswagen Atlas and ID.4, produced at its Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, are also expected to be affected by the tariffs due to their imported components.

Toyota has teased a new US-market SUV believed to be the fifth-generation Highlander, potentially transitioning to full electrification on the e-TNGA architecture. The teaser image reveals a boxy silhouette, pronounced fenders and full-width LED taillights echoing the 2021 bZ Large SUV concept. The three-row battery-electric vehicle is expected to compete against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, with the existing Grand Highlander continuing to serve internal combustion customers.

The 2026 Changan UNI-Z has launched on March 26 with two variants—500ar PRO and 500ar MAX—priced at 115,900 and 124,900 yuan respectively. Exterior updates include enlarged front bumper air intakes while dimensions remain unchanged at 4,730 mm long with a 2,795 mm wheelbase. Interior revisions feature a new three-spoke steering wheel and column-mounted gear selector. The model introduces the Tianshu intelligent driving assist system with added functions including reverse tracking and lane change assist, alongside upgraded voice control with continuous recognition, CarPlay/HiCar connectivity, and driver's seat massage functionality.

The second-facelift Chery Omoda C5 has debuted at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show featuring the new "Robo Shark" design language with a closed-off front fascia, unifying the aesthetic between ICE and EV variants. Interior upgrades include a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and dual-spoke steering wheel. The Thai-market EV variant comes exclusively in Max+ trim with a front-mounted single motor producing 211 PS and 288 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The 50.6 kWh battery delivers 422 km NEDC range with 110 kW DC fast charging capability. Equipment highlights comprise dual-layer acoustic glass, 540-degree camera system, Sony eight-speaker audio, and a 19-function ADAS suite, priced from 700,000 to 790,000 baht.

The Isuzu D-Max EV electric pickup is on display at the Bangkok International Motor Show, having received official Thailand pricing days ago. Offered solely as a double-cab variant at 1.591 million baht (about RM192k), it features a dual-motor powertrain delivering 190 PS and 350 Nm, powered by a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery enabling up to 331 km NEDC range. The zero-emission truck supports 50 kW DC fast charging (20-80% in one hour) and offers four levels of regenerative braking. Visual distinctions from diesel variants include blue grille accents and 'EV' badging, while underneath it employs a De Dion rear suspension replacing the traditional leaf spring setup.