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Honda plans to source around 400,000 hybrid vehicle batteries from Toyota’s North Carolina plant to circumvent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Toyota’s $14 billion factory, its first battery plant outside Japan, will begin production next month. This move is part of a broader trend among Japanese automakers to restructure supply chains in response to US tariffs. Demand for efficient hybrids is rising in the US, while President Trump plans to scrap his predecessor’s initiative to promote electric vehicles. By 2030, hybrid vehicle sales in the US are projected to double last year’s figure to 4.12 million units, accounting for a quarter of new car sales. Honda aims to sell 1.3 million hybrids globally (excluding China) by 2030, a 50% increase from last year. However, Trump’s trade policies pose challenges, with a 20% tariff on Chinese imports and plans to raise tariffs on Japanese car imports from 2.5% to 25%. Japan exports 1.3 million cars to the US annually, and the tariff hike is expected to cost Japan’s six major automakers approximately $20 billion.

Chery Fengyun T10 has garnered market attention for its affordable price and excellent cost-effectiveness. With a national minimum transaction price of 180,400 yuan, a maximum cash discount of 19,700 yuan, and a maximum discount of 8.96%, it offers significant value. The model excels in space and appearance, scoring 4.60 points. It sold 198 units in the past month, indicating strong market acceptance. Nationwide promotions with substantial discounts make it an attractive option for consumers.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced two key enhancements for its compact SUV, the Urban Cruiser Taisor: a new “Bluish Black” exterior color and the standardization of six airbags across all variants. The vehicle is powered by efficient 1.2L and 1.0T petrol engines, offering up to 22.79 km/l fuel efficiency with multiple transmission options. The Taisor features LED headlights, a dual-tone interior, a touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety technologies, starting at INR 7.77 lakhs.

Perodua and Maybank Islamic have launched Malaysia’s first Shariah-compliant agility financing plan, called Perodua Flexiplan. Based on Maybank Islamic’s myimpact Drive Financing-i, it offers a competitive Murabahah Vehicle Term Financing deal with lower downpayments and monthly installments. After an initial five-year term, Perodua will buy back the vehicle at a competitive price for trade-in towards a new model. Eligible models include the Myvi, Axia (excluding the ‘Rahmah’ Axia E), Ativa, and Aruz. The plan enhances the Shariah-compliant solution ecosystem for Perodua owners.

Spy photos of the Zhijie MPV have been unveiled. The vehicle, jointly developed by Chery and Huawei, is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026. The MPV features a wide and boxy exterior, suggesting ample interior space. The interior includes an oval steering wheel, similar in design to the Zhijie S7. The vehicle will offer both pure-electric and range-extender powertrains, with batteries supplied by CATL. The development of the Exeed Starway E08 has been halted, with some teams reassigned to Zhijie, highlighting Chery's focus on the Zhijie brand.

Tesla has launched the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Drive version, priced at 269,500 RMB. The new model features a 78.4kWh LG NCM battery, offering a CLTC range of 830km (18-inch wheels) or 800km (19-inch wheels). It retains the family design with an added “Model 3+” badge. The Performance AWD version's range is also upgraded to 647km. Tesla is also offering several limited-time promotions.