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Stellantis is going through a tough time after CEO Carlos Tavares suddenly stepped down. Despite this, the company has confirmed that a new Fiat 500 will arrive in 2032. However, the current electric Fiat 500e sales have been slow, leading to production pauses.

Keeping the Fiat 500 in Turin

The Fiat 500, a popular city car in Europe, will continue to be made at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, beyond 2030. Stellantis’ European Chief, Jean-Philippe Imparato, says this decision ensures the plant stays busy and important to the company. In November 2025, a new hybrid version of the Fiat 500, called the Fiat 500 Ibrida, will be introduced to give buyers more choices.

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Over a year has passed since Mazda introduced the Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show, hinting at the return of its iconic RX series. The sleek two-seater coupe with a two-rotor engine sparked excitement and speculation about the revival of the RX line. Now, Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has confirmed that work on the Iconic SP is progressing. While not an official confirmation of the RX’s return, his statement suggests that the project is moving forward, and fans can expect the road-going version of the car—though it may be smaller than the concept.

Mazda’s Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama, previously hinted that the car could be smaller, possibly similar in size to the MX-5 Miata. This has led to speculation that the Iconic SP could preview the next MX-5 rather than a direct RX model. The concept was 4,178mm long, 1,849mm wide, and 45.2 inches tall, with a 1,148mm wheelbase and a weight of 1,450kg. The car’s weight distribution was balanced, which enhanced its performance potential.

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Electric vehicle (EV) battery packs are now more affordable than ever, with average costs dropping 20% in 2024 to $115 (RM517) per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to BloombergNEF’s annual battery price survey. This sharp decline, the most significant since 2017, is attributed to an oversupply of production capacity, reduced prices for raw materials and components, and a growing shift toward lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are more cost-effective than traditional lithium-ion variants.

The affordability of EV battery packs has long been a critical determinant of the viability of electric vehicles. With prices falling so rapidly, experts anticipate that EVs could reach price parity with petrol-powered vehicles by 2026, a milestone expected to catalyze mass adoption. This projection hinges on battery pack prices dropping below $100(RM450)/kWh, a threshold considered pivotal for widespread EV affordability.

China continues to dominate the EV battery industry, producing enough battery cells in 2024 to meet 92% of global demand across EV and stationary storage applications. This vast production capacity has significantly influenced global pricing trends, making EVs in China cheaper than their petrol counterparts. However, part of this cost advantage is supported by government funding, suggesting that market forces alone may not account for the disparity.

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Maserati Corse has announced a collaboration with Sparco, bringing fans of the iconic Trident brand closer to the heart of motorsport. The partnership introduces two bespoke racing kits—“Replica” and “MCXtrema”—designed to embody the pinnacle of performance, innovation, and craftsmanship. This initiative celebrates a shared passion for excellence and reaffirms Maserati and Sparco’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of racing technology.

The collaboration underscores the seamless fusion of vehicle personalisation with racing gear customisation. Enthusiasts can tailor their Sparco kits to complement their Maserati vehicles, ensuring a cohesive and elegant synergy. Every detail, from logos to colour schemes, is meticulously crafted to reflect Maserati’s design ethos and commitment to quality.

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On December 15, 2024, the ninth edition of Das Treffen—the ultimate gathering for Porsche enthusiasts—brought the karting circuit at Impact Speed Park in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, to life. What began as an intimate meet-up among friends with a shared love for Porsche, envisioned by founder Sihabutr Xoomsai (fondly called Tenn), has grown into a full-fledged festival celebrating the legacy, innovation, and community spirit of the Porsche brand.

Record-Breaking Turnout and a Theme of Exclusivity

Das Treffen 9 broke records this year, attracting 3,050 attendees and showcasing more than 627 Porsche sports cars. Enthusiasts travelled from as far as Singapore and Vietnam to be part of this vibrant celebration. The event’s theme, “Limited Edition,” added an extra touch of exclusivity.

A highlight was the showcase of rare Porsche models, affectionately referred to as “unicorns,” which included iconic creations like the Carrera GT (limited to 1,270 units) and the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 from the 997 generation (only 600 units produced). These vintage and modern masterpieces stood proudly in the heart of the circuit, drawing admiration from fans and collectors alike.

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Honda Motor has introduced its latest innovation in hybrid technology with the world premiere of Honda S+ Shift. This cutting-edge system will debut in the company’s next-generation e:HEV hybrid system, making its first appearance in the all-new Honda Prelude, which is set to launch in 2025. The technology will subsequently become a standard feature in all future Honda hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs).

At a recent press briefing, Honda detailed the advancements of its e:HEV system, emphasising its continued focus on delivering both outstanding fuel economy and exhilarating driving performance. The company’s signature two-motor hybrid system alternates seamlessly between electric and petrol power, optimising efficiency while responding dynamically to the driver’s inputs. The new S+ Shift feature promises to elevate this system by intensifying the driving experience and enhancing the emotional connection between driver and machine.

Unlike conventional hybrid systems, Honda’s S+ Shift introduces an innovative mechanism that creates the sensation of shifting gears—despite the e:HEV system lacking a traditional mechanical transmission. This is achieved through precise coordination between the engine, the high-power traction motors, and Honda’s Active Sound Control (ASC). The result is a sharper, more dynamic driving experience designed to evoke the thrill of a traditional sports car.

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Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly entering discussions to merge under a single holding company in a bid to strengthen their position against electric vehicle (EV) industry leaders like Tesla, according to reports.

Reports also stated that the two companies are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the new entity. Mitsubishi Motors, where Nissan holds a significant stake, may also be included in the structure, potentially forming one of the largest auto groups globally.

Honda and Nissan issued statements addressing the report, clarifying that neither company had made any official announcements. However, they acknowledged their ongoing exploration of collaborative opportunities, leveraging each other’s strengths, as previously disclosed.

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Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced the introduction of its groundbreaking Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), set to debut in 2026. This modular and scalable platform marks a significant shift for the brand, heralding a new era for both privately positioned and commercial vans.

The VAN.EA platform is designed to offer a clear distinction between luxury-focused private vans and premium commercial vehicles. In the private segment, the new architecture will cater to high-end markets with models ranging from elegant family vans to exclusive VIP shuttles and spacious limousines. By extending its portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is carving out a unique luxury niche in the van segment, redefining the expectations of its sophisticated customer base.

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Porsche has announced restructuring its dealership network in China, reducing the number of Porsche Centers from 138 to about 100 by the end of 2026. This move, described by the company as an “optimisation,” comes as the German luxury carmaker grapples with declining sales in what was once its most important market.

Sales figures for Porsche in China have been on a steady decline over the past two years. In 2023, the company reported a 15% drop in sales, with a total of 79,283 vehicles sold. The situation worsened in 2024, as sales plummeted by 29% in the first nine months of the year. Once regarded as Porsche’s largest market for eight consecutive years, accounting for more than 30% of its global sales, China has become a challenging landscape for the brand amid shifting market dynamics and intensifying competition.

Struggles in the Chinese Market

China’s evolving automotive market has presented significant challenges for foreign brands like Porsche. The rise of local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, coupled with a growing consumer preference for new energy vehicles (NEVs), including battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, has reshaped the industry. Meanwhile, an ongoing price war has put further pressure on luxury automakers, with reports suggesting that some Porsche models have seen discounts of up to 35% at dealerships.

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Renault Group’s inspiring transformation story is the centrepiece of Anatomy of a Comeback, a four-part documentary series premiering on Prime Video. The series chronicles the company’s emergence from a challenging crisis in the early 2020s, driven by the ambitious Renaulution roadmap. This bold strategy redefined Renault’s direction and revitalized its identity, culminating in a remarkable resurgence that is now captured in this exclusive series.

The documentary provides an unprecedented glimpse into Renault’s internal processes, showcasing the innovation and dedication behind its revival. It delves into the manufacturing and design secrets of iconic models like the Renault 5, offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Alpine Formula One Team paddocks, and builds anticipation with a world-first vehicle reveal in the series finale. Through the voices of Renault’s employees, viewers witness the resilience, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs that propelled the company back to prominence.

In a groundbreaking move, the final episode of the series will unveil the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a production vehicle that marks the 44-year revival of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo. This modern reinterpretation reimagines the classic as an all-electric hot hatch, blending the nostalgia of its rallying heritage with cutting-edge technology. The reveal takes viewers into Renault’s Design Department, where executives Luca de Meo, Fabrice Cambolive, and Gilles Vidal confirm the exciting future of this iconic model.

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