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At Volvo Cars’ Capital Markets Day in Gothenburg, Sweden, the company introduced a revolutionary approach to technology that will define its future—centred around the concept of continuously improving its vehicles over time. This shift in strategy will focus on engineering a single technological foundation, ensuring that Volvo’s cars get better with each update.

The Volvo Cars Superset Tech Stack

At the core of this strategy is the Volvo Cars Superset tech stack. This comprehensive system of modules, software, and hardware will serve as the foundational base for all future electric vehicles, starting with the EX90. The tech stack is like a set of configurable building blocks, allowing Volvo to adapt and enhance various models from a single base. This shift will enable continuous improvements across the entire product lineup, enhancing cars already in the hands of customers and speeding up the development of new vehicles.

2023 Volvo EX90 EV

According to Anders Bell, Volvo Cars’ Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, the Superset tech stack will dramatically improve quality, accelerate speed-to-market, and allow the brand to focus all engineering efforts in one direction, rather than spreading resources across multiple projects.

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SAIC Motor continues its dominance in the Chinese auto industry, delivering a total of 2.12 million vehicles in the first half of 2024, as reported on July 5. The company’s impressive performance is driven by what SAIC calls the New Triad of Growth Drivers: self-owned brands, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and expanding success in overseas markets.

From January to June, sales of SAIC’s self-owned brands soared to 1.26 million units, making up 59% of total company sales. Deliveries of NEVs reached 522,000 units, marking a 29.5% year-on-year growth, while overseas deliveries hit an industry-leading 554,000 units, reflecting a 13.9% increase over the previous year.

SAIC’s growth in NEVs has been exceptional, with annual NEV sales skyrocketing from 142,000 units in 2018 to 1.12 million units in 2023, cementing its position among the global leaders in the NEV market. Similarly, the company has significantly expanded its overseas presence, with sales climbing from 277,000 units in 2018 to 1.2 million units in 2023, maintaining its lead as China’s top exporter of vehicles.

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BMW has announced its plans to launch its first-ever series production Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, adding a new zero-emission powertrain option to its lineup. The company has teamed up with Toyota Motor Corporation, extending their collaboration to accelerate the development of next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology. Both companies are committed to advancing the hydrogen economy by providing sustainable mobility solutions for the future.

Key Highlights:

  • Partnership with Toyota:
    • BMW and Toyota are pooling their resources and technological capabilities to create a new generation of fuel cell powertrains.
    • This collaboration aims to develop FCEV systems for both commercial and passenger vehicles, providing customers with new hydrogen-powered options while maintaining the distinct brand identities of BMW and Toyota.

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Renault has teamed up with French designer Ora Ïto to bring back the spirit of the classic Renault 17 with a modern electric restomod, the Renault R17. Revealed recently, the R17 takes the iconic design from the 1970s and infuses it with contemporary aesthetics and technology, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation.

Exterior Design

The Renault R17 retains the essence of the original Renault 17 hatchback (sold between 1971 and 1979) while modernizing its appearance with a carbon fibre body and sleek proportions. Key features include:

  • Rectangular LED headlights integrated into the front fascia.
  • A minimalist, full-width LED taillight bar that complements the car’s simple, elegant lines.

  • Flared fenders for a sportier stance than the original, giving the car a more aggressive look.
  • Subtle louvers that add a touch of flair and homage to its vintage roots.

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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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