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Toyota and Subaru are set to introduce a new pair of electric compact SUVs in 2026, expanding their collaboration in the growing EV market. The two automakers, which previously co-developed the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, aim to attract a broader audience with their upcoming models, according to reports.

Unlike the futuristic, low-slung design of the bZ4X and Solterra, the new SUVs are expected to adopt a more conventional SUV appearance. Sources suggest that the models could resemble the next-generation Toyota RAV4, featuring a sharper front end, roof rails, and a more upright rear design. While the Toyota and Subaru versions will share a common platform and components, each will have distinct front-end styling to preserve brand identity.

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Tesla has been removed from this week’s Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns, according to event organisers. The decision follows ongoing protests against the automaker and its CEO, Elon Musk.

Eric Nicholl, the executive director of the show, stated that the removal was necessary to ensure the safety of workers, attendees, and exhibitors. He explained that Tesla had been given multiple opportunities to withdraw voluntarily before organisers formally asked the company to step aside. The decision, he added, was made to allow visitors to focus on the event’s positive aspects without disruption.

The Vancouver International Auto Show, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, is set to begin on Wednesday and will run through Sunday. It has established itself as Western Canada’s most well-attended consumer auto exhibition and one of North America’s premier automotive events. The 2024 edition saw record-breaking attendance, and organisers had promised an exhibition featuring the latest in environmentally focused electric vehicles, lifestyle displays, and commercial vendors.

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As Honda evaluates a potential merger with Nissan, the automaker is reportedly seeking an alternative strategy to bypass U.S. import tariffs. A key part of this plan involves purchasing hybrid batteries from Toyota’s upcoming North Carolina facility instead of sourcing them from overseas.

According to a report by Japanese newspaper Nikkei, Toyota has agreed to supply Honda with 400,000 battery packs annually, beginning in the 2025 fiscal year, which starts in April. This coincides with the launch of Toyota’s $14 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina. The agreement, while significant, is not a strategic alliance. Honda will simply purchase the batteries from Toyota, with no reciprocal arrangement in place.

By securing a domestic supply of hybrid batteries, Honda aims to insulate itself from escalating tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. The company sold approximately 308,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States last year and intends to expand that number in the coming years. While specific models set to receive Toyota’s batteries remain undisclosed, industry speculation suggests that the popular CR-V hybrid could be among the first beneficiaries.

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Chinese automaker BYD has introduced an advanced charging system that significantly reduces the time needed to recharge electric vehicles, bringing it closer to the refuelling experience of traditional petrol cars.

The new battery and charging platform, tested on the upcoming Han L sedan, demonstrated the ability to deliver 400km of range in just five minutes, according to BYD chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu. The first models featuring this technology will go on sale in April.

This development could be a game-changer for electric vehicle adoption, addressing one of the key concerns among potential buyers—long charging times. By offering charging speeds comparable to the time it takes to refuel a conventional vehicle, BYD aims to attract drivers hesitant to switch to electric mobility due to lengthy charging stops.

The new platform is set to underpin many of BYD’s future EV models and is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the global electric vehicle market. BYD has rapidly emerged as a formidable competitor to Tesla, challenging the U.S. automaker for the title of the world’s top EV seller. Meanwhile, Tesla’s China shipments dropped by 49% in February compared to the previous year, reaching just 30,688 vehicles—the lowest monthly figure since July 2022.

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Renault has officially introduced the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an electrified homage to the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. This high-performance model, developed under Alpine’s performance division, is a limited-production vehicle designed to offer modern electric power with the dynamic spirit of its iconic predecessors.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is built on a dedicated platform featuring a lightweight carbon structure, enhancing both performance and handling. With two rear-mounted electric motors generating a combined 540hp and 700Nm of torque, the vehicle delivers exceptional acceleration, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just under 3.5 seconds. The car’s aggressive stance is emphasised by an ultra-wide body measuring 2.02 meters, significantly wider than its predecessors, and designed to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

Powering the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is an 800V architecture that enables rapid recharging. The vehicle supports 350 kW fast charging, significantly reducing downtime between driving sessions. Renault has engineered the car with a focus on both track capability and everyday usability, ensuring it meets the expectations of modern performance car enthusiasts.

Visually, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E stays true to its heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements. The retro-futuristic aesthetic is evident in the vehicle’s bold lines, flared wheel arches, and an imposing rear spoiler, all of which contribute to its striking appearance. The interior is equally performance-oriented, featuring a racing-inspired cockpit with digital displays and lightweight materials to maintain an optimal power-to-weight ratio.

Renault plans to produce only 1,980 units of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a reference to the original Renault 5 Turbo’s debut in 1980. With its combination of electrified performance, striking design, and exclusivity, the model is expected to attract collectors and enthusiasts alike. Bookings for the car will open soon, and demand is anticipated to be high given its limited availability and performance credentials.

This launch marks Renault’s continued commitment to blending heritage with innovation, bringing back an icon in a form that aligns with the future of mobility while maintaining its high-performance DNA.

Kelantan is set to experience a massive influx of vehicles as an estimated two million cars are expected to enter the state during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, according to the Road Transport Department (RTD).

Kelantan RTD director Mohd Misuari Abdullah stated that the surge in traffic will primarily flow through three major entry points: Pasir Puteh, Gua Musang, and Jeli. Congestion is anticipated to begin on March 28 as travellers make their way home for the festivities.

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