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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.

Audi has confirmed production of the next-generation A8 (D6), internally designated AU661, switching from the SSP architecture to the Porsche-developed MSB61w platform shared with the new Panamera. Scheduled for series production in late 2029 and market launch in 2030, the flagship will offer combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The current A8 has been removed from Audi Germany's configurator, ceasing custom orders ahead of its year-end discontinuation, creating a 3-4 year gap before the successor arrives. Previous speculative renderings suggesting a dramatic sporty redesign are expected to differ significantly from the final production version.

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ—marketed under the tagline "Freedom & Joy"—will launch in Thailand at end-March, subject to PPV tax classification for truck-based SUVs, with exports to Japan commencing mid-2026. Built on the IMV0 body-on-frame platform shared with the Hilux Champ, the five-seater features unconventional proportions: at 4,575 mm long with a 2,580 mm wheelbase, it stands 1,960 mm tall—340 mm higher than the Corolla Cross. Design highlights include C-shaped DRLs, optional retro round headlamps, and an octagonal side-hinged tailgate with external spare. The cabin features 12.3-inch displays and MOLLE cargo panels. Power comes from a 2.7-liter naturally-aspirated 2TR-FE four-cylinder producing 163 PS/246 Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic and part-time 4WD with low-range transfer case. Toyota claims wheel articulation matching the Land Cruiser 70, targeting lifestyle adventurers and camping enthusiasts.

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.

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 Geely EX5 (known as Galaxy E5 in China and twin to Malaysia's Proton eMas 7) is set to receive a battery capacity upgrade in Australia, increasing from 60.22 kWh to 68.39 kWh LFP according to official certification documents. The WLTP range is expected to improve from 430 km/410 km to approximately 486 km/464 km for Complete and Inspire trims respectively—a 13% increase matching the Chinese market's CLTC improvement from 530 km to 610 km. The 160 kW electric motor and overall specifications remain unchanged. Since its March 2025 launch, the EX5 has sold 4,359 units in Australia, making it one of the most affordable and popular mid-size electric SUVs in the market. The upgrade is anticipated to reach Malaysian shores soon.