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U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned acts of violence against Tesla dealerships, declaring that such incidents will be treated as domestic terrorism and warning that offenders will face severe consequences. Speaking at the White House on Tuesday alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Trump expressed his firm support for the automaker and its billionaire chief.

“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump said, addressing the recent wave of protests targeting Tesla locations. “Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell.” Musk, donning a black “Make America Great Again” baseball cap, stood beside the president as a fleet of Tesla vehicles lined the driveway between the White House and the South Lawn.

The strong remarks follow a series of demonstrations against Musk and Tesla, which have intensified in recent weeks. Activists have staged protests labeled as “Tesla Takedown” to oppose Musk’s role in federal workforce reductions and the cancellation of contracts supporting humanitarian programs worldwide. Musk, now heading the Trump administration’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has faced criticism for overseeing these cost-cutting measures.

White House spokesperson Harrison Fields described the recent attacks on Tesla as “ongoing and heinous acts of violence” perpetrated by “radical Leftist activists,” characterising them as “nothing short of domestic terror.”

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Lexus has introduced the latest iteration of its battery electric vehicle (BEV), the new RZ, marking a significant step in the brand’s continued expansion into the luxury EV market. The model will be released gradually across various global markets beginning September 2025.

The unveiling reinforces Lexus’ leadership in vehicle electrification, a position it has held since the introduction of the RX 400h in 2005. By 2024, the brand had achieved a milestone with electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric models, accounting for more than half of its lineup. Lexus remains committed to increasing the adoption of BEVs, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids while advancing vehicle technology to enhance driving performance, mobility solutions, and sustainability efforts.

The new RZ introduces a fully reengineered BEV system designed to provide higher motor output, an extended driving range, and significantly reduced charging time. The inclusion of Lexus’ next-generation Steer-by-Wire System brings a new dimension to handling, improving steering precision and responsiveness. Enhancements to the platform have refined the Lexus Driving Signature, ensuring a more intuitive and engaging experience behind the wheel. Additionally, the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system has been further optimised to deliver a performance that faithfully responds to the driver’s intent.

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has taken a major step forward in autonomous mobility by successfully conducting Japan’s first test of a self-driving vehicle with no human driver onboard in an urban environment. The trial, which took place in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, marks a crucial milestone in Nissan’s efforts to introduce autonomous driving (AD) technology as part of a future mobility service in Japan.

Addressing Mobility Challenges with Cutting-Edge Technology

Nissan’s latest autonomous technology aims to tackle key transportation issues, including the growing shortage of drivers caused by Japan’s aging population. By leveraging its advanced research and global expertise, Nissan is positioning itself as a leader in mobility solutions that offer greater freedom and accessibility.

The technology integrates key insights from Nissan’s research in Japan, the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Silicon Valley, and the U.K.’s evolvAD project. These efforts contribute to the company’s broader goal of ensuring AD systems can adapt to diverse traffic conditions worldwide.

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has officially announced a sweeping leadership reshuffle, confirming the departure of CEO Makoto Uchida and appointing Ivan Espinosa as his successor. The leadership change, which will take effect on April 1, follows weeks of speculation regarding Uchida’s resignation amid Nissan’s ongoing financial struggles and increasing pressure from competition in the electric vehicle sector.

Ivan Espinosa/Nikkei Asia

The End of Uchida’s Tenure

Since taking over in 2019, Uchida steered Nissan through a turbulent period following the controversial departure of former CEO Carlos Ghosn. However, his tenure has been marked by persistent challenges, including declining profitability and an inability to secure a long-term strategic partnership. The most notable setback was Nissan’s failed merger talks with Honda, which collapsed due to disagreements over the structure of the partnership. Honda had proposed acquiring Nissan as a subsidiary rather than forming an equal alliance, a condition that Nissan executives strongly opposed.

Makoto Uchida

With Uchida’s exit now confirmed, speculation is mounting over whether Nissan will revisit merger discussions with Honda. Internal sources suggest that while a full acquisition remains unlikely, the company may be open to securing financial backing while retaining its autonomy.

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Audi is preparing to revive its iconic R8 supercar, with the next-generation model set to arrive in 2027 as a high-performance plug-in hybrid. The new R8 is expected to be the most powerful road-going Audi ever, bringing an electrified twist to the brand’s legendary supercar.

According to Autocar, development of the new model is already underway, backed by Audi chairman Gernot Döllner, marking a major step forward in the brand’s supercar strategy. The upcoming R8 will share its underpinnings with the Lamborghini Temerario, the successor to the Huracán, continuing a partnership that dates back to 2006 when Audi first entered the supercar segment with the original R8 and its mechanical twin, the Gallardo.

While the R8 will share key elements with the Temerario, including its drivetrain, electronics, and chassis, Audi will once again set its model apart by prioritising everyday usability alongside extreme performance. Both coupé and cabriolet versions are expected.

At the heart of the new R8 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, sourced from Lamborghini, delivering 789hp and 730Nm of torque. This already impressive output is further enhanced by a trio of axial-flux electric motors, bringing the total system power to 907hp. A small 3.8kWh lithium-ion battery provides limited all-electric driving capabilities, though its primary function is to support performance. The plug-in hybrid system enables an advanced four-wheel-drive setup, with two electric motors mounted on the front axle and a third positioned between the engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, optimising energy recovery and acceleration.

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The BMW Group has become the first automotive manufacturer to launch an entirely new digital nervous system, designed for all drivetrain variants and vehicle segments. This cutting-edge system, significantly more intelligent, powerful, and efficient than its predecessors, will debut in the Neue Klasse models.

At the core of this innovation are four high-performance computers, known as “Superbrains,” which consolidate computing power for key vehicle functions, including infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, and essential operations such as vehicle access, climate control, and comfort. Compared to the current generation of BMW vehicles, these Superbrains deliver over 20 times the computing power. Additionally, they are built to support future software updates, incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance the customer experience.

BMW’s Board Member for Development, Frank Weber, emphasized the company’s commitment to technological openness. He stated that beginning with the first model of the Neue Klasse, the advanced technologies will be integrated across BMW’s entire future model lineup, spanning all segments and drivetrains. He explained that the newly developed electronic architecture, comprising powerful Superbrains and interconnected software platforms, allows BMW to separate vehicle and software development processes. This approach ensures that all upcoming BMW models remain digitally up-to-date through over-the-air updates, even beyond their initial release.

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