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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.

Zeekr Malaysia has announced its 2026 product roadmap featuring three new models: a compact luxury SUV (expected facelifted Zeekr X), a luxury MPV (likely the Zeekr 009 Grand Collection four-seat executive variant with 43-inch rear entertainment screen and dual Snapdragon 8295 chips), and the flagship Zeekr 9X ultra-luxury range-extended electric SUV. The 9X, dubbed "China's Rolls-Royce Cullinan," offers dual-motor (897 PS) and tri-motor Hyper (1,400 PS) variants, with 55/70 kWh batteries paired to a 2.0T range-extender delivering up to 1,250 km CLTC range. The flagship features 900V architecture with 6C ultra-fast charging (20-80% in 9 minutes) and G-Pilot H9 autonomous driving system with five LiDAR sensors.

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.

Volvo CTO Anders Bell revealed to Autocar that the dedicated SPA3 EV platform could enable the brand's return to station wagons and sedans. Debuting on the EX60, the architecture eliminates ICE adaptation constraints by repositioning the battery-forward crash structure junction, allowing at least 7 kWh of pack placement ahead of the bulkhead. Combined with rear footwell "cell depopulation" for lower seating positions, this achieves conventional ICE-like proportions. The scalable platform decouples battery capacity from roof height, potentially facilitating sleek, low-slung EX60 derivatives should market demand justify their development.

The Lepas L4 SUV from Chery's new sub-brand has been spotted in Malaysia during promotional filming, signaling the brand's local market entry in H1 2026. Featuring the "Leopard Aesthetic" design language, the L4 measures 4,406mm in length with a 2,700mm wheelbase, surpassing competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross in interior space. Distinctive elements include a radiating chrome grille and 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (147 PS/225 Nm) paired with a six-speed DCT. The L4 and flagship L8 are slated for South African launch in March, with Malaysian introduction to follow.