Global News Archives

Third-Generation Audi Q5 Teased Before September 2 Debut

Audi is gearing up to unveil the third generation of its popular Q5 crossover on September 2, 2024. The teaser image released by the automaker reveals the driver-side headlight, showing a sleeker, more aggressive design with thinner, swept-back LED elements. Lighting, a long-time signature of Audi’s design, remains a focal point, and the new Q5 will likely feature configurable LED elements, continuing the brand’s innovative lighting traditions. The hood also appears more sculpted, hinting at a more dynamic look.

Though specifics on the powertrain have yet to be revealed, it is known that the upcoming Q5 will not feature an electric option. Audi’s recently implemented naming system indicates that odd-numbered models will continue to be powered by gasoline, while even-numbered models, like the upcoming Q6, will be electric. This ensures that the next Q5 will maintain internal combustion engine powertrains.

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smart Officially Introduces the #5 SUV in Australia – Over 740km of Driving Range

The all-electric automotive brand smart has officially introduced the smart #5 at a world premiere event in Byron Bay, Australia. As smart’s third electric vehicle, the smart #5 marks the brand’s entry into the premium mid-size SUV segment, joining the smart #1 and #3 models in offering innovative electric mobility. The SUV is designed by Mercedes-Benz, showcasing signature design elements like the panoramic halo roof, frameless doors, and compact front and rear overhangs.

The smart #5, with a length of 4,705 mm and a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, features premium styling elements such as dual-coloured mirrors, floating wheel caps, and a smart logo on the D-pillar. The SUV also debuts the exclusive Adventurers’ Collection, which includes practical features like a roof light bar, electric trailer hitch, and underbody protection for enhanced utility.

The interior of the smart #5 is designed with high-tech and luxurious elements, including zero-gravity seats with integrated airbags, ambient lighting with 256 colour options, a Sennheiser Signature Sound System with 20 speakers, and entertainment features such as a built-in projector. The vehicle also offers ample storage space, including a 72-litre frunk and a spacious rear storage area of up to 1,530 litres.

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Hyundai N Vision 74 Confirmed for Production – 670hp, 900Nm of Torque

Hyundai Motor Group is pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, especially with electrification, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles at the core of its future strategy. While many traditional car manufacturers are cautiously advancing in these areas, Hyundai’s recent 2024 CEO Investor Day presentation showcases its bold plans, particularly with its thrilling N Vision 74 concept. This concept, a hydrogen hybrid sports car, will become a production model, signalling Hyundai’s commitment to groundbreaking technology.

The N Vision 74 concept made its debut two years ago with Hyundai President and CEO Jae Hoon Chang taking it for a spin at the Nürburgring racetrack. The car’s design takes inspiration from the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe, designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. Despite the retro nod, the N Vision 74 boasts a modern aesthetic with sharp lines, a large rear spoiler, and digital lighting reminiscent of the Ioniq 5. However, the car’s real innovation lies in its unique powertrain.

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SAIC Motors Hit with 36.3% Additional Tariff by the European Union

SAIC Motors, a major Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer and partner to both General Motors and Volkswagen, has been hit with a significant 36.3% additional tariff by the European Union. The EU imposed this hefty tariff after accusing the state-owned company of benefiting from “unfair subsidisation,” which allegedly harmed European competition. The tariff is a revision from a previous 37.6%, which SAIC contested earlier this year. This additional tariff comes on top of the existing 10% duty applied to all-electric vehicles imported from China.

In contrast, other prominent Chinese EV manufacturers faced lower tariffs. BYD, China’s largest EV producer, received a 17% tariff, while Geely, which owns Volvo, was assigned a 19.3% tariff. These companies had their tariffs slightly reduced last week. Tesla, which manufactures cars in China, was given the lowest tariff at 9%, primarily due to its limited reliance on Chinese subsidies.

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Nissan’s Legendary GT-R Set to Go Electric with Solid-State Batteries

Nissan is preparing to electrify its iconic GT-R, and the model is expected to be the brand’s first to utilise cutting-edge solid-state batteries. As the new technology continues to develop, Nissan has hinted that these batteries could boost the electric GT-R’s power output significantly.

The first glimpse of this transformation came when Nissan revealed its Hyper Force EV concept in October last year. Described by Nissan as a “game-changing hyper EV,” the electric sports car is touted to deliver over 1,300hp. In comparison, Tesla’s Cyberbeast edition of the Cybertruck reaches a maximum of 845hp.

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BMW and Toyota to Strengthen Partnership on Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles

BMW and Toyota are set to deepen their collaboration on hydrogen fuel-cell technology as global demand for electric vehicles shows signs of stabilising. According to reports, the two automotive giants will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during a media roundtable on September 5, marking a significant step forward in their joint efforts to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Under this new partnership, Toyota will supply BMW with hydrogen tanks and fuel cell systems for BMW’s next-generation hydrogen vehicles. These components will be paired with BMW’s in-house electric motors and drive units to create a complete hydrogen fuel-cell drivetrain. The collaboration is expected to reduce production costs for BMW, especially for models like the iX5 Hydrogen prototype, which was recently tested in Australia.

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smart Partners with Sennheiser for New In-Car Audio Experience – Beats Replaced

smart has announced a strategic partnership with renowned German audio solutions company Sennheiser. This collaboration aims to elevate in-car audio entertainment by integrating Sennheiser’s industry-leading sound technology with smart’s cutting-edge automotive designs. The partnership will debut in the highly anticipated all-new smart #5, which is set for its global premiere in Australia on August 28, promising to redefine premium in-car audio experiences.

Uniting their expertise, smart and Sennheiser, both rooted in European innovation, are committed to delivering not just technological advancements, but also immersive and emotional user experiences. Sennheiser, trusted by top artists and music lovers globally, brings its 80-year legacy of audio excellence to this collaboration, ensuring a transformative listening experience inside the smart #5.

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BYD to Unveil First Electric Hot Hatch: Seal 06 GT on August 30th

BYD is set to make waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the upcoming reveal of its first electric hot hatch, the Seal 06 GT. The highly anticipated launch is scheduled for August 30, 2024, and marks the automaker’s entry into the performance electric hatchback segment.

The Seal 06 GT was first previewed as the Ocean-M concept at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year. Positioned between the Seal sedan and the Dolphin, both of which belong to BYD’s “Ocean” family of electric vehicles, the Seal 06 GT represents a bold step forward for the Chinese EV giant as it targets enthusiasts in the hot hatch market. The new model is expected to go head-to-head with the MG 4 XPower, another electric performance hatchback making waves in the industry.

While official specifications are yet to be confirmed, previous filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) indicate that the Seal 06 GT will be available in two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant with 214hp of power and a dual-motor flagship version producing 415hp. This positions the Seal 06 GT just shy of the MG 4 XPower’s 429hp output, although both models pale in comparison to BYD’s own Seal Performance sedan, which boasts an impressive 522hp.

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European BEV Market Sees BMW Lead for the First Time, Overtaking Tesla

BMW led the European battery electric vehicle (BEV) market for the first time in July 2024, surpassing Tesla in a significant milestone. According to data from JATO Dynamics, BMW sold 14,869 BEVs during the month, edging out Tesla by approximately 300 units. This shift underscores the growing success of traditional automakers in the electric vehicle (EV) space, despite Tesla’s dominance.

BMW’s achievement comes amid a broader trend where traditional car brands, bolstered by government policies and strong customer loyalty, are beginning to catch up to pure electric vehicle manufacturers. BMW reported a 35% jump in BEV sales from the previous year, while Tesla saw its registrations fall by 16%.

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Studies Show Mixed Reception Of Advanced Technology In New Cars

The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study highlights the mixed reception of advanced technology in new cars, showing that while some features are praised, others frustrate owners. The study uses a “problems per 100 vehicles” (PP100) scale to rank the tech issues reported by new car owners within 90 days of purchase.

Some of the most problematic features include gesture controls, which recorded 43.4 PP100, with 21% of owners citing a lack of functionality. Hands-free driving assistance systems also received low ratings for usefulness, with even more advanced versions struggling to gain approval. These findings suggest that while automakers are investing heavily in innovative tech, not all of it resonates with customers.

However, certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like blind spot monitoring scored favourably. These features, which address specific needs in driving, seem to be more appreciated than newer innovations that drivers find unnecessary or confusing.

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Global News

Third-Generation Audi Q5 Teased Before September 2 Debut

smart Officially Introduces the #5 SUV in Australia – Over 740km of Driving Range

Hyundai N Vision 74 Confirmed for Production – 670hp, 900Nm of Torque

SAIC Motors Hit with 36.3% Additional Tariff by the European Union

Nissan’s Legendary GT-R Set to Go Electric with Solid-State Batteries

BMW and Toyota to Strengthen Partnership on Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles

smart Partners with Sennheiser for New In-Car Audio Experience – Beats Replaced

BYD to Unveil First Electric Hot Hatch: Seal 06 GT on August 30th

European BEV Market Sees BMW Lead for the First Time, Overtaking Tesla

Studies Show Mixed Reception Of Advanced Technology In New Cars

Hyundai’s Remarkable Milestone: 100 Million Cars Produced, With Eyes on the Next 100 Million

Jaguar Land Rover Pumps in £500 Million for Electric Vehicle Factory

Hydrogen Power Triumphs: MAN hTGX Wins Truck Innovation Award 2025

Volkswagen Warns of Factory Closures as It Downgrades 2024 Financial Forecast

VW Commits to Sustainable Interiors, Phases Out Cheap Plastics for Premium Materials

2025 Chery Tiggo 9 and Tiggo 9 C-DM Officially Launched in China

Hyundai, Kia and Samsung Join Forces to Develop Next-Gen Infotainment System

Stay in Your Lane: Experts Warn Against Switching Lanes in Stop-and-Go Traffic

P1 Successor Set to Break Cover: McLaren Teases New Hypercar Reveal

Toyota’s New Four-Cylinder Engine Aims to Surpass the Legendary 2JZ

Archive

UMW Toyota’s Momentum Continues with Strong Sales, New Model Launches, and Exciting Promotions

2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Unveils Subtle Yet Elegant Updates

Honda Malaysia Introduces Special Edition Models of the City V and the WRV

Porsche Worth RM3 Million Seized by Customs for Exceeding Duty-Free Island Stay Period

Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: The Sportiest Maybach – 4.0 litre, 585hp

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