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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Regional Forum, held in Liverpool for the first time, brings together UK automotive leaders to explore leveraging the shift to zero emission mobility for new business and growth in the North West. Since 2021, global brands have invested £2.8 billion in the region, transforming factories to produce electric vehicles and components, directly creating 20,000 jobs. The North West is crucial to UK automotive manufacturing, producing one-seventh of the country's vehicles last year, equivalent to over 140,000 units. The forum will discuss attracting further investment and creating new business opportunities to boost regional economic development.

The next-generation Lexus ES has been spotted at dealerships ahead of its April market launch. The redesign features the brand's evolved spindle grille—now closed-off for electrification—paired with split-type irregular LED headlamps comprising lightning-bolt DRLs above and integrated main beams within vertical black trim panels. A trapezoidal lower grille with graduated diamond patterning completes the front fascia. The model will debut with both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, initially offered as CBU imports before transitioning to local production upon completion of Lexus' Chinese manufacturing facility.

Honda has revealed additional production details of the Super-One ahead of its Japanese launch later this year. The hot hatch features a new "Boost Violet Pearl" hero color inspired by blue jet lightning, with wheel diameter reduced from 16 to 15 inches while retaining the eight-spoke two-tone heat-sink design. The interior builds upon the N-One e: architecture with heavily bolstered sport seats, a purple Boost button on the steering wheel, and a dedicated seven-inch instrument display showing battery temperature, power meter, and simulated tachometer. As the first compact Honda to feature a Bose eight-speaker sound system, the Super-One is expected to utilize a 29.6 kWh battery with WLTP range slightly below the N-One e:'s 295 km rating.

Spy shots of the facelifted BMW M5 Touring have emerged, revealing significant front-end design changes for the mid-cycle update. The prototype features a flatter, wider kidney grille inspired by the classic E39 5 Series, paired with slim headlights and a prominent front splitter. Intelligent cockpit upgrades are anticipated, while powertrain options are expected to retain the 4.4T V8 plug-in hybrid system. The high-performance estate is slated for a spring 2027 debut with market launch later that year, signaling BMW M Division's return to classic design elements while maintaining electrified performance credentials in the luxury wagon segment.

FAW-Volkswagen has announced an official price reduction of 30,000 yuan across the 2026 Bora compact sedan lineup, with the price range adjusted from 112,900-143,900 yuan to 82,900-113,900 yuan. The adjustment is strictly pricing-focused with no changes to styling or equipment. Standard features include rear parking sensors, front center armrest, and varying configurations of 8/10.25-inch digital instrument clusters and 8/12-inch central touchscreens. Powertrain options span 1.2T, 1.4T, and 1.5T engines paired with manual and dual-clutch transmissions. The significant price cut enhances the Bora's competitive positioning in China's compact sedan segment.

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.