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The iconic Volvo XC90 is back with significant updates for the 2025 model year, raising the bar on luxury, safety, and electrification. As Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90 continues to set standards with its blend of Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability efforts.

Now featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the 2025 XC90 can travel over 70km on electric power alone, reducing emissions for daily commutes. This makes it possible for many drivers to go about their day with zero tailpipe emissions. For longer trips, the petrol engine kicks in, extending the total range to more than 800km. The XC90’s hybrid versatility ensures power when you need it, whether for city driving or off-road adventures.

The XC90’s refreshed exterior design showcases Volvo’s evolving look, inspired by their latest fully electric models. The SUV’s confident stance and sleek lines reinforce its premium positioning, while inside, the cabin receives a modern update with Scandinavian-inspired materials and design elements.

The interior boasts a larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen with higher resolution, offering enhanced usability and new digital features. This improved display is part of Volvo’s strategy to keep the XC90 at the forefront of in-car technology, with regular over-the-air software updates ensuring the system remains up-to-date.

True to its reputation, the XC90 offers a luxurious driving experience, with enhanced seating comfort and adaptive suspension for a smoother ride. For those seeking the ultimate in ride quality, an optional air suspension adjusts the vehicle’s height based on driving conditions, providing maximum comfort and performance both on and off the road.

Volvo’s commitment to safety remains paramount. The XC90 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including systems that can detect and prevent collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and large animals. Its advanced safety cage and radar technology further enhance the vehicle’s crash avoidance and occupant protection.

As part of Volvo’s broader strategy, the XC90 remains crucial to the company’s transition to a fully electric future. While the automaker is expanding its fully electric lineup, the plug-in hybrid XC90 T8 is a key player in their global product portfolio, offering an ideal balance of power, sustainability, and practicality.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 production is starting in late 2024.

For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has pushed its Ioniq 5 closer to that rally heritage with the introduction of the XRT trim, engineered for dirt roads and light trails. Along with its off-road capabilities, the new model year brings significant updates, including larger batteries and a new production facility.

The XRT is the highlight of the lineup, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive and a suspension lift of 0.9 inches. This boost improves not only ground clearance but also approach (19.8 degrees) and departure angles (30 degrees). While it’s not built for extreme off-roading, the XRT’s 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres enhance its ability on dirt roads. Aesthetic changes include black plastic bumpers with a pixelated camouflage pattern, black trim and badging, and bright red recovery hooks. The interior follows suit with an all-black colour scheme, leatherette seats, and rubber floor mats designed to hide scuffs and scrapes from rough terrain.

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Volkswagen Group is reportedly contemplating significant cost-cutting measures, including the potential closure of two factories in Germany, marking a historic move since the company’s founding in 1937. According to reports, the facilities under review are located in Dresden and Osnabruck.

The Osnabruck plant currently produces the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, both of which are set to be phased out soon. However, the facility also manufactures the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, Europe’s most popular convertible. The Dresden factory, much smaller in scale and opened in 2002, initially produced the Phaeton model and now assembles the VW ID.3 EV.

In addition to the factory closures, Volkswagen’s work safety program, which has prevented layoffs since its implementation in 1994, is also being reviewed. CEO Thomas Schäfer described the situation as “extremely tense” and acknowledged that simple cost-cutting strategies would not suffice to resolve the issues.

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Novitec, renowned for its automotive refinement expertise, has introduced the striking N-LARGO widebody version of the Ferrari 296 GTB. Designed by Vittorio Strosek, this exclusive model, limited to just 15 units, stands out with its bold styling, aerodynamic enhancements, and exceptional performance.

The N-LARGO features a high-strength carbon body, extending the front by 6 cm and the rear by an impressive 12 cm, bringing the car’s width to 208 cm. Complementing the widebody design, Novitec collaborated with Vossen to create custom 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels that accentuate the car’s wedge shape. These wheels are paired with high-performance tyres (255/30 ZR 21 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear).

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BYD has officially launched its newest minivan, the BYD Xia, which will hit the Chinese market later this year with a starting price of 300,000 yuan (RM183,362). The Xia, part of BYD’s Dynasty series, is a flagship product named after China’s ancient Xia dynasty, symbolising its prestigious status within the lineup.

The BYD Xia is a large MPV, measuring 5145mm in length, 1970mm in width, and 1805mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3045mm. Its size slightly surpasses that of the Toyota Alphard, which is also popular in markets such as here in Malaysia. The minivan’s design is unique yet aligns with BYD’s signature Dragon Face design language, featuring a trapeze-shaped grille, chrome accents, elongated headlights, and a BYD logo prominently placed on the front. The vehicle also features a flat roofline, rear sliding doors, and a roof spoiler.

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BYD is taking significant strides in expanding its presence in Europe by planning to acquire its German distributor, Hedin Electric Mobility. This strategic move will bolster BYD’s control over its vehicle sales and operations in Germany, enhancing its position as a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer on the continent. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the fourth quarter of this year, pending approval.

With this purchase, BYD will take full responsibility for the sales and distribution of its vehicles and spare parts in Germany, and also manage key stores in Stuttgart and Frankfurt. This move comes as the German EV market faces declining sales in 2024, but BYD remains determined to overcome the challenge by strengthening its local operations. In 2022, BYD successfully sold over 4,000 vehicles in Germany, underscoring its growing foothold in the country.

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Mercedes-AMG is moving forward with the final development phase of its highly anticipated and exclusive PureSpeed sports car, which made its debut as a concept in May 2024 in Monaco. Currently, prototypes of the limited-production vehicle are undergoing rigorous test drives across various terrains in northern Italy, with a focus on its radical design and performance. The testing program will cover over 3,000km and eventually take the car to the high-speed Nardò test track in southern Italy.

This two-seater, completely open sports car, lacking both a roof and windscreen, is a tribute to motorsport, blending modern engineering with vintage racing inspiration. During this phase, Mercedes-AMG’s development team is focused on testing the PureSpeed’s systems under real-world conditions to ensure optimal functionality and performance. The vehicle’s intricate bodywork is also being evaluated to meet the brand’s high-quality standards, especially under dynamic and high-speed scenarios. Testing on public roads is carried out in collaboration with Pininfarina, a specialist in bespoke small-volume vehicles.

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The Zeekr 7X made its anticipated debut at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 30, marking the latest innovation in Zeekr’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Set for deliveries in China by the end of September, with international shipments within a year, the 7X is designed with a global audience in mind.

The 7X is a midsize electric SUV built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, utilising advanced 800V architecture. It measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and features a wheelbase of 2,925 mm, slightly bigger than a Honda CR-V, with a curb weight ranging from 2,298 to 2,475 kg.

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BMW has introduced the fourth generation of its popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), boasting a sportier and more versatile design that enhances its appeal for everyday use, leisure, and travel. With a new design language and an array of customisation options, the latest X3 promises a dynamic driving experience and elevated style.

New Design Language and M Sport Enhancements

The new BMW X3 features a refreshed design language that gives it a commanding presence on the road. Available with the M Sport Package and M Sport Package Pro, the new X3 offers an even more elegant and athletic appearance. For those seeking further personalisation, BMW M Performance Parts are also available, crafted from high-quality materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), aramid, and high-gloss polyurethane. These parts are designed to perfectly match the X3’s geometry and enhance its sporty character.

Exterior Enhancements for a Distinctive Look

The new X3 can be customised with several exterior enhancements. The M Performance front splitter, made from CFRP and finished in high-gloss black, adds a bold touch to the front of the vehicle. Complementing this is the M Performance front ornamental grille, also painted in high-gloss black.

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Domestic car sales in Thailand took a sharp dive in July 2024, registering a year-on-year decrease of 20.5%, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The significant drop, which saw sales volumes fall to 46,394 units, is largely attributed to the country’s sluggish economic growth and mounting household debt.

The decline in car sales mirrored a 16.6% year-on-year fall in overall car manufacturing, with production numbers dropping to 124,829 units for the month.

Banks have tightened their lending requirements amid concerns over rising non-performing loans, which soared by 29.7% in July compared to the same period last year. These loans, now valued at 250 billion baht, have made it harder for potential buyers to secure auto financing. This is compounded by the nation’s household debt-to-GDP ratio, which stands at a staggering 91%.

Particularly affected were pure pickup sales, which plunged by 35.1% year-on-year, totalling just 13,167 units in July. This steep decline in the pickup segment was a key contributor to the overall drop in domestic car sales.

The Thai government’s 2024 budget allocation was delayed due to the lengthy formation of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government following the May 2023 general election. Although the budget plan was finally approved in March, the delay dampened economic activity and contributed to the prolonged slump in car sales.

As a result of the weak domestic market, the FTI has reduced its car manufacturing target for 2024 to 1.7 million units, down from the initial goal of 1.9 million units.

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