Global News Archives

Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

China’s capital, Beijing, has passed new regulations to bolster autonomous driving technology, positioning the city as a leader in intelligent transportation. The regulations, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, aim to facilitate the adoption of driverless public buses, taxis, and private autonomous vehicles.

According to the Beijing Daily, autonomous vehicles that successfully pass road testing and safety evaluations will be eligible for road trials. The move reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to integrate autonomous technology into urban transit systems, including private cars, urban buses, trams, and taxis. To support this, the city plans to accelerate the construction of intelligent road infrastructure tailored to autonomous vehicles.

Expanding Autonomous Vehicle Trials Across China

Beijing’s announcement comes amid a nationwide push to promote self-driving technology. Wuhan, another major Chinese city, recently approved its own regulations to support the development of intelligent connected vehicles. Across China, at least 19 cities are actively conducting trials for robotaxis and robobuses, signalling rapid progress in this sector.

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BYD Has Nearly One Million Employees and 110,000 Engineers

BYD, a leading name in new energy vehicles (NEVs), continues to set new benchmarks in the automotive industry. At the China Innovation and Technology Festival on December 29, Wang Chuanfu, Founder and Chairman of BYD, announced remarkable milestones, underscoring the company’s dominance in research and development (R&D) and its rapid workforce expansion.

Industry-Leading Workforce and R&D Investment

BYD now boasts nearly one million employees, supported by 11 major research institutes and 110,000 engineers. This makes it the global leader in automotive R&D personnel. The company files an impressive 32 patents daily, reflecting its commitment to innovation.

Since 2011, BYD has grown its engineering team from 20,000 to nearly 110,000. The company significantly ramped up hiring in recent years, doubling its workforce from 280,000 in 2021 to approximately 570,000 in 2022, and nearly a million employees in 2024. Notably, a large portion of this expansion is in production and R&D roles, with over 50,000 fresh graduates recruited in the past three years. Nearly 70% of this year’s recruits hold Master’s or Doctoral degrees, with 80% joining R&D teams.

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Volkswagen Data Leak Exposes Over 800,000 Customers’ Personal Information

Data breaches have become an unfortunate norm but the latest incident involving Volkswagen underscores just how vulnerable sensitive information can be. A German news outlet revealed that personal data and vehicle location information for more than 800,000 customers, including high-profile German figures, was freely accessible since mid-2024 due to poor security practices.

The breach originated from VW’s car app, developed by its subsidiary Cariad, which stored customer charging data on Amazon Web Services (AWS). A lack of encryption and inadequate security protocols left sensitive data—including email addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers—exposed. Shockingly, one file even contained login credentials to VW’s Amazon cloud account, granting potential access to a treasure trove of customer information.

The leak affected multiple Volkswagen Group brands, including Audi, Seat, and Skoda. For the Volkswagen and Seat models, geolocation data was accurate within 10 centimetres, while the Audi and Skoda models were traceable within a range of 10 kilometres.

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Audi E: June 2025 Launch for the Chinese EV Market

Audi, in partnership with SAIC, is set to redefine its presence in the Chinese market with the Audi E, an electric car tailored exclusively for China. Spotted during road tests, this innovative EV is slated for a summer 2025 (June – August) launch and departs from Audi’s traditional design language, notably omitting the brand’s iconic four rings.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by its electric vehicles in China, Audi has made a strategic shift. Market acceptance for the brand’s EVs has historically been lukewarm, highlighted by a 2022 promotional campaign attempting to raise awareness of Audi’s electric offerings. To combat this, Audi has introduced a new sub-brand under the name “AUDI,” designed specifically for China. The vehicles will be developed and produced entirely within the country to cater to local tastes and preferences.

The Audi E, the first model under this initiative, debuted as a concept car in November 2024. The production-ready version, now undergoing tests, promises a blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek aesthetics to capture the attention of China’s increasingly sophisticated EV market.

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Volkswagen Polo: Celebrating 50 Years of Small Car Excellence

The Volkswagen Polo, a stalwart in the automotive world, marks its golden anniversary this year. Launched in 1975, the Polo has evolved from a compact companion into a global icon, with over 20 million units sold worldwide. As it enters its sixth generation, this small yet sophisticated car continues to prove its enduring appeal and versatility.

A Revolution in Affordable Mobility

When the Polo first rolled off production lines in 1975, it introduced a new era of compact cars. Developed from the Audi 50, it provided a fresh take on small cars with a clean design, practicality, and affordability. Positioned below the Golf in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Polo was designed to cater to a wide audience, offering individual mobility at a fair price. Whether as a first car, a sporty drive, or a family vehicle, the Polo became a reliable companion for millions.

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EV Sales Set for 30% Growth in 2025 Despite Industry Concerns

The global electric vehicle (EV) market is set to defy scepticism, with analysts forecasting a significant 30% growth in sales for 2025. According to S&P Global Mobility, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are projected to achieve 15.1 million units in sales, capturing 16.7% of the global car market. This marks a significant increase from the estimated 11.6 million BEVs sold in 2024, which accounted for 13.2% of the market.

While some automakers have expressed concerns about weakening demand for EVs, industry experts remain optimistic about the sector’s trajectory. The anticipated growth underscores the accelerating shift toward sustainable transportation, although the pace of adoption will vary significantly across different regions.

Regional Trends in EV Adoption

The rate of EV adoption is expected to differ widely across regions, shaped by a combination of government policies, incentives, and infrastructure development. In India, for example, EVs are predicted to make up just 7.5% of total vehicle sales in 2025. However, the country is witnessing rapid growth, with EV sales expected to rise by 117% year-on-year as it builds the foundation for electrification.

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Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Subaru has announced that two of its most popular models, the Forester and the Crosstrek, will be part of the brand’s new hybrid lineup in 2025. While the Crosstrek has previously featured an electrified option, this marks the debut of the Forester Hybrid in North America.

Shared Hybrid Powertrain

Though Subaru has only disclosed specific details about the Crosstrek Hybrid, it’s expected that the Forester Hybrid will share the same powertrain. This innovative setup combines a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery with two electric motors—one for driving the wheels and another as a generator that works in tandem with the engine. The combined system produces 118hp and is integrated into a new transaxle that houses a front differential gear.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Hyundai Motor Company’s revolutionary Hyundai Ioniq 5 has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Records title for the Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car. The record-setting journey, organised by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), showcased the electric vehicle’s capabilities over a gruelling 14-day adventure.

From the Heights of the Himalayas to the Depths of Kerala

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 recorded an altitude change of 5,802 meters, starting at Umling La, India’s highest drivable point located 5,799 meters above sea level in Leh Ladakh, and concluding in Kuttanad, Kerala, which lies three meters below sea level. Spanning over 4,900km, the journey tested the vehicle against extreme terrains and climatic conditions, ranging from the freezing Himalayan passes to Kerala’s humid coastal plains.

Demonstrating Resilience and Advanced Technology

Throughout the expedition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 highlighted its position as a leader in electric mobility, overcoming challenging environments while delivering exceptional performance. Designed on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 5 combines futuristic design inspired by Hyundai’s iconic PONY with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

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Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

Volkswagen is grappling with financial challenges, recently negotiating with striking workers over the potential closure of three German production facilities. Meanwhile, Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, has announced the closure of its Brussels, Belgium factory by 28 February 2025, ending production of the Audi Q8 e-tron and its Sportback sibling.

The Audi Q8 e-tron’s Journey

Initially launched as the Audi e-tron in 2019, the model was rebranded as the Q8 e-tron in 2024. The electric luxury SUV received a refresh in 2022, but its production is now set to be short-lived. The Brussels facility, which has operated since 1949 and employs around 3,000 people, can produce up to 120,000 vehicles annually, though only 49,001 Q8 e-trons were sold in 2023.

Gerd Walker, Audi’s head of production, called the decision to close the factory “the toughest decision of my professional career.”

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The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Volkswagen has revived its legendary Type 2 Microbus as the all-electric 2025 ID.Buzz, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary technology. First launched in 1950, the original Type 2 was a cultural icon symbolizing peace and good vibes, with its three rows of seats offering space for up to nine passengers. Fast forward over 50 years, and its successor is making waves as a modern EV.

Performance and Range

The ID.Buzz is significantly heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 2,800kgs—a notable 680kgs more than the Honda Odyssey. Despite its heft, the EV offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive version with 282hp and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant delivering 335hp. The ID.Buzz can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. However, its 86-kWh battery provides a modest range of 376km for the rear-wheel-drive version and 372km for the AWD model, falling short compared to some competitors.

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Global News

Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

BYD Has Nearly One Million Employees and 110,000 Engineers

Volkswagen Data Leak Exposes Over 800,000 Customers’ Personal Information

Audi E: June 2025 Launch for the Chinese EV Market

Volkswagen Polo: Celebrating 50 Years of Small Car Excellence

EV Sales Set for 30% Growth in 2025 Despite Industry Concerns

Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Porsche Enhances Digital Experience for 911, Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne

Malaysian Government-Owned ‘1M’ Number Plate Among UK’s Most Expensive, Valued Over RM5.7 Million

Nissan Confirms the GT-R’s Return, but Details Remain Unclear

Nissan Unveils New Models and Technologies for FY25 and FY26

Tesla Bolsters Security Amid Rising Vandalism Concerns

Shell to Slash Costs and Boost LNG Focus in Strategic Shift

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: The Ultimate Grand Tourer

Toyota Launches Upgraded Supra RZ Grade and Limited A90 Final Edition

Lewis Hamilton Eyes Ferrari Road Car Project, Inspired by the Legendary F40

Mitsubishi Ralliart Gears Up for AXCR 2025 with Enhanced Triton Rally Car

Archive

Honda Malaysia Sets Bold 2025 Strategy with Three New Models and First BEV Launch

Stellantis Makes Breakthrough in Lithium-Sulphur Battery Technology

Mitsubishi Unveils Xforce HEV in Thailand as Part of ASEAN Electrification Strategy

Nizra Group Launches MG Nizra Damansara 3S Showroom

Aston Martin Valhalla Nears Final Validation Ahead of Q2 2025 Production – 1,079PS, 1,100Nm of Tourque

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