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Chinese automotive giant Geely Auto made headlines at Auto Shanghai 2025 with the global unveiling of its advanced Galaxy Cruiser SUV prototype, alongside a suite of major innovations in vehicle safety and battery technology. The presentation underscored Geely’s vision for the future of intelligent and sustainable mobility, with a firm emphasis on safety and accessibility through technological progress.

The Galaxy Cruiser, described by the company as a robust and technologically advanced SUV, serves as a bold statement of intent. The prototype introduces a number of industry-first capabilities that blend off-road resilience with smart connectivity. It is the first vehicle in its class capable of switching in real time between pure electric, hybrid, and extended-range power modes, aided by an AI-controlled four-wheel drive system designed to handle diverse terrains and unpredictable driving environments. This system allows the SUV to effortlessly transition from urban commuting to challenging off-road conditions.

Equipped with what Geely refers to as a full-power digital chassis, the Galaxy Cruiser features a range of dynamic functions typically reserved for specialised off-road or military vehicles. It can perform crab walking, rotate on the spot, continue driving with a flat tyre, and even drift autonomously. Notably, it has been engineered to remain buoyant on water for up to two hours at a speed exceeding 8.5 km/h and can wade through water up to 800 mm deep.

Central to the Galaxy Cruiser’s innovation is Geely’s newly developed Golden Short Blade Battery, which the company says is built for extreme resilience. This battery is designed with patented bulletproof materials and special coatings to prevent thermal runaway, deformation, or explosion. In addition to powering the vehicle’s intelligent systems, it is also integrated with Geely’s satellite connectivity technology to ensure stable communication even in remote areas.

As part of its larger battery strategy, Geely also announced the formation of a new industrial battery group, JiYaoTongXing, which consolidates its existing battery technologies under one brand—the Golden Short Blade Battery. The new entity will focus on improving battery energy density, safety, and rapid charging capabilities, all while aligning with China’s newly implemented national standards for battery impact resistance. Geely confirmed it will contribute to wider industry adoption by making its patented battery pack bottom impact testing equipment freely available.

In a landmark step towards industry-wide safety standardisation, Geely introduced the Geely Global Safety Centre, described as the largest standalone automotive safety laboratory in the world. The facility will open its doors not just to Geely’s brands, but to other automotive manufacturers and researchers. With this initiative, the company seeks to foster greater collaboration across the industry and accelerate the pace of innovation in vehicle safety.

Geely also used the Auto Shanghai platform to reinforce its broader strategic outlook. Operating under the theme “AI for All, All for Safety,” the company emphasised that safety should be an accessible and non-negotiable standard across all vehicle classes. It argued that cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart mobility platforms, must be leveraged to serve the public good, not just luxury segments.

The Galaxy Cruiser and the supporting infrastructure unveiled at Auto Shanghai represent more than just an ambitious product showcase. They reflect Geely’s determination to redefine the future of mobility by uniting electrification, artificial intelligence, and a profound commitment to safety. In doing so, the company positions itself not only as a leader in Chinese automotive innovation but also as a key player shaping the global conversation around next-generation transport.

If successful, Geely’s technological ambitions—including its new battery platform and global safety laboratory—could signal a shift in how the industry approaches both innovation and competition. With a focus on open collaboration, adaptability, and resilience, Geely is betting on a future where the road ahead is not just electric, but also safer, smarter, and shared.

In a joint initiative to promote sustainable mobility and enhance operational efficiency, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd and PRO-NET (Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd) have announced the deployment of three Proton e.MAS 7 electric vehicles for use by Northport’s auxiliary police patrol fleet. This move not only sets a new benchmark in green security operations but also positions Northport as the first company—and port operator—in Malaysia to adopt the e.MAS 7 under a fleet arrangement.

As Malaysia’s No.1 electric vehicle model, the Proton e.MAS 7 exemplifies cutting-edge innovation in environmentally responsible transportation. This milestone reinforces Northport’s leadership in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and commitment to sustainable port operations.

As Proton’s first fully electric SUV, the e.MAS 7 is an ideal fit for Northport’s daily patrol duties. With a smooth and quiet ride, the vehicle helps reduce fatigue for officers during long shifts while lowering noise levels throughout the port. Its fast-charging capabilities ensure minimal downtime, while the energy-efficient powertrain significantly reduces fuel costs and emissions. Fewer moving parts also mean lower maintenance requirements, offering a practical and sustainable solution as Northport continues its transition to cleaner technologies.

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The newly launched all-electric Volvo EX90 has secured one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious accolades — the title of World Luxury Car of the Year 2024. The award, announced ahead of the New York International Auto Show, underscores Volvo’s leadership in combining premium design, sustainable innovation, and safety-focused technology in a singular package.

Chosen by a panel of 96 respected motoring journalists from 30 countries, the EX90 was praised for its refined Scandinavian aesthetics, cutting-edge electric performance, and groundbreaking safety systems. The recognition affirms the EX90’s status as the most advanced and safest vehicle Volvo has ever produced.

At the heart of this innovation lies Volvo Cars’ proprietary Superset technology stack, developed entirely in-house. The vehicle functions as a “computer on wheels,” utilising NVIDIA DRIVE AI platforms to power every aspect of its performance — from infotainment and safety functions to advanced driver assistance systems. This architecture allows for continuous improvement through over-the-air updates, making the EX90 more capable over time.

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In a move poised to redefine the hybrid segment, Hyundai Motor Group has introduced a ground-breaking hybrid powertrain that merges high-performance capability with everyday usability. The Korean automotive giant’s latest development marks a pivotal step in the evolution of electrified vehicles, aiming to deliver the benefits of full electric motoring without the limitations of charging infrastructure.

The newly engineered system centres on a dual-motor setup paired with optimised internal combustion engines. This advanced configuration ensures seamless transitions between petrol and electric power, offering spirited performance alongside notable improvements in fuel economy. Hyundai’s engineers have reduced mechanical complexity in the design, prioritising long-term reliability and ease of maintenance—two areas where conventional hybrids often draw scrutiny.

At the heart of the new system is a 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, producing an impressive 334 PS and 460 Nm of torque—figures typically associated with performance SUVs. Yet, despite its muscular output, the unit boasts a remarkable 45 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard turbocharged engines. This leap in efficiency is attributed to a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including an advanced over-expansion cycle and a high-precision fuel injection system designed to extract maximum energy from every drop of fuel.

However, Hyundai’s vision extends beyond performance statistics. The hybrid powertrain incorporates a suite of intelligent features designed for real-world convenience. Predictive energy management evaluates upcoming driving routes to optimise power distribution between electric and petrol modes. Meanwhile, a newly developed ‘stay mode’ enables drivers to keep the climate control and infotainment systems running while the engine remains off—ideal for school runs, rest stops, or waiting in traffic.

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Kia has officially introduced the 2026 K4 Hatchback at the New York International Auto Show, marking its return to the global stage one year after the successful unveiling of the all-new K4 sedan and the teaser of a vibrant Sparkling Yellow hatchback. Positioned as a dynamic, city-savvy alternative to its saloon counterpart, the new hatchback blends enhanced versatility with the same elevated technology and design language that defined the original K4.

The K4 Hatchback has been developed with urban lifestyles in mind, combining a shorter overall length with expanded cargo space and class-leading passenger comfort. It promises a more agile driving experience while maintaining generous interior dimensions, making it particularly suitable for urban environments and active users.

According to Kia America, the hatchback is not merely an extension of the K4 line, but a purposeful evolution designed to appeal to those who value both functionality and bold styling. The model is set to go on sale in the United States by late 2025 and will be offered in standard and GT-Line variants.

The new hatchback retains the assertive stance and contemporary silhouette of the K4 saloon while introducing distinctive styling elements. It features a floating roofline that integrates seamlessly with the rear hatch, along with a more athletic profile emphasised by hidden rear door handles embedded within the C-pillar. The vehicle also adopts Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy and includes design cues from the EV9, such as vertically stacked LED headlamps and tail-lamps.

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Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) pioneer Leapmotor has embarked on a bold 6,000-kilometre expedition from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, all the way to Johor, Malaysia, showcasing its latest innovations in electric mobility. The journey, marking Leapmotor’s growing presence in the ASEAN region, highlights the brand’s commitment to intelligent, efficient and long-range electric vehicles.

Led by the company’s latest Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) models, the ASEAN Expedition Drive features three newly developed SUVs: the C10 REEV, the stylish C11 REEV, and the versatile six-seater C16 REEV. These models, combining high efficiency with advanced technology, are set to make a strong impression on Malaysian roads as they pass through key cities from Penang to Johor during the final stretch of the expedition.

One of the standout vehicles of the journey is the Leapmotor C10 REEV, a completely different offering from the all-electric C10 variant already available locally. This REEV version features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, functioning as a generator to recharge a 28.4kWh battery pack, and paired with a 158kW electric motor. The result is a combined driving range of up to 1,150km (NEDC), making the C10 REEV ideal for long-distance travel without compromising on energy efficiency.

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