Author: M.Chen

Toyota’s Trim Names Decoded: What They Mean and How They Compare
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Toyota’s Trim Names Decoded: What They Mean and How They Compare

Toyota uses a complex system of trim names that can be confusing for buyers. But these acronyms actually represent specific features or levels within the lineup, from entry-level to luxury editions.Key TakeawaysToyoa's LE and XLE trims are used across most models but vary based on price point and vehicle type.The L trim is only available as an entry-level option for the Corolla Cross, starting at under $25K with advanced features.Trim names like TRD or GR denote performance-oriented vehicles within Toyota's lineup.Toyota uses LE and XLE trims extensively across its models. For cars priced below $40K, LE serves as the base trim unless it's an electrified vehicle where S or SE takes over for SUVs specifically.XLE is reserved for higher-priced vehicles starting at around $40K except in cases ...
Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint vs Holden Commodore SS-V Redline: The Last Stand
EV & Electric Cars, News

Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint vs Holden Commodore SS-V Redline: The Last Stand

In August 2016, Wheels marked the end of an era with a head-to-head comparison between two iconic Australian cars—the Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint and Holden Commodore SS-V Redline. As these rear-drive performance sedans prepare to bow out in favor of SUVs and imported models, we take one last look at their impressive stats.Key TakeawaysThe Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint boasts best-ever acceleration and handling for its final iteration.Holden's SS-V Redline sets a new benchmark in value-for-money performance.SUVs are replacing these rear-drive sedans, changing the Australian automotive landscape.The Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine generating 345kW of power and delivering an impressive 0-100km/h time in under five seconds. This performance matches or even surpasses its predece...
Bajaj Auto Takes Full Control of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas
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Bajaj Auto Takes Full Control of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas

Indian motorcycle giant Bajaj Auto has taken full control of Austrian motorcycle manufacturer Pierer Mobility, which owns brands such as KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas. The Extraordinary General Meeting on November 19 marks the start of a new era for these iconic European motorbike companies.Key TakeawaysBajaj Auto acquires full control over Pierer Mobility, including KTM and Husqvarna brands.The company will change its name to Bajaj Mobility AG and move headquarters from Wels to Mattighofen.This acquisition is expected to strengthen the global position of both companies through combined engineering and manufacturing capabilities.On November 10, the European Commission approved the takeover by Bajaj Auto, clearing the way for a complete ownership transfer. The deal includes Pierer Industrie AG...
CATL Ships Next-Gen Battery Cells for Energy Storage in Mass Scale
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CATL Ships Next-Gen Battery Cells for Energy Storage in Mass Scale

Chinese battery maker CATL has started large-scale shipments of its new generation high-capacity cells, marking a significant milestone in the company's energy storage business. The shipment volume reached 2 GWh and is expected to hit 3 GWh this year.Key TakeawaysCATL has shipped over 2GWh of its new high-capacity cells for energy storage, with an estimated shipment volume reaching 3GWh in 2025.The Jining facility supports daily production exceeding 220,000 units and reduces costs by 42 percent compared to previous models.CATL's new cell has a capacity of 587 Ah with an energy density of 434 Wh/L, marking a significant improvement over its predecessors.Since launching the 587-Ah high-capacity cells in June this year, CATL has shipped more than two gigawatt-hours. The company expects to shi...
Euro NCAP 2026: Shaping the Future of Automotive Safety
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Euro NCAP 2026: Shaping the Future of Automotive Safety

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has unveiled its latest protocol for 2026, marking a significant shift in vehicle safety evaluation. This new framework broadens assessments beyond crash tests to include real-world scenarios and driver behavior.Key TakeawaysNew Euro NCAP protocols assess vehicles across prevention, protection, and recovery phases.The shift emphasizes system interactions over individual ADAS functions in diverse conditions.Euro NCAP 2026 introduces stricter requirements for driver monitoring and post-crash safety features.Under Euro NCAP's new protocol, manufacturers must now ensure their vehicles excel not just during a crash but also before it happens. The emphasis is on preventing accidents through advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that work ...
Ford CEO Praises Xiaomi SU7: ‘It’s the Apple of China’
Industry & Business, News

Ford CEO Praises Xiaomi SU7: ‘It’s the Apple of China’

Ford’s chief executive Jim Farley is touting Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xiaomi’s latest model, the SU7. During a recent interview with Argentina’s La Nación, he highlighted how the SU7 offers an advanced digital experience comparable to that of Apple products.Key TakeawaysFord CEO Jim Farley praises Xiaomi's SU7 for its user-friendly technology and performance.The SU7 features facial recognition, AI assistant integration, and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under three seconds.Farley’s hands-on approach aims to educate Ford management on the technological advancements of Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi.Ford CEO Jim Farley has taken an unusual step by commuting in a variety of electric vehicles from China, including the Xiaomi SU7. His goal is for his team at Ford to get firstha...
Lincoln Surges, Tesla Rises as Asian Brands Dominate CR Top Ten
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Lincoln Surges, Tesla Rises as Asian Brands Dominate CR Top Ten

Consumer Reports’ latest Automotive Brand Report Card reveals a mixed bag for American automakers. While Lincoln rocketed up the rankings to seventh place, most Detroit brands struggled. Japanese and Korean manufacturers continue their dominance in reliability and quality.Key TakeawaysLuxury brand Lincoln jumps 17 spots to land at number seven on CR's list.Tesla climbs from eighteenth place to tenth, marking its highest ranking ever in the report card.The majority of Detroit-based brands fall short with Chevrolet and Cadillac placing twenty-fourth and seventeenth respectively.Lincoln’s impressive climb up CR's rankings highlights improvements in vehicle reliability. The brand now sits above established luxury automakers like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.Tesla continues its upward trajector...
Genesis Recalls G90 Due to Paint-Induced Radar Interference
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Genesis Recalls G90 Due to Paint-Induced Radar Interference

Genesis has issued a recall for its flagship sedan, the G90, after discovering that one of its paint colors causes false object detections in the car's radar system. The issue affects only cars painted with Savile Silver and can lead to sudden braking at low speeds.Key TakeawaysThe recall impacts 483 G90s from model years 2023 through 2026 in the US.Savile Silver paint's aluminum content disrupts radar signals used by ADAS systems.Cars with this color must avoid using Highway Drive Assist until a fix is installed.The recall only affects cars painted in Savile Silver, one of Genesis’s premium shades. The aluminum-rich composition of the paint interferes with radar signals from the car's corner sensors, causing false detections that trigger sudden braking.Genesis engineers discovered this is...
Aeva Secures Major Lidar Deal with European OEM for Level 3 Driving
EV & Electric Cars, News

Aeva Secures Major Lidar Deal with European OEM for Level 3 Driving

A leading European car manufacturer has chosen Aeva's Atlas Ultra 4D lidar technology as the sole supplier for its global vehicle platform, aimed at enabling level 3 autonomous driving. The deal covers multiple models over a decade and outside of China.Key TakeawaysAeva's Atlas Ultra 4D lidar selected by European OEM for series production vehicles worldwide, excluding China.The ten-year agreement includes internal combustion, hybrid, and electric models across the global platform.This marks a significant shift from conventional 3D time-of-flight lidar to Aeva’s advanced technology in passenger vehicle automation.Aeva's CEO Soroush Salehian stated that this partnership validates their long-range velocity-sensing tech and readiness for high-volume automotive manufacturing. The company will s...
Porsche Cayenne Electric and Turbo Electric Prices Announced for Italy
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Porsche Cayenne Electric and Turbo Electric Prices Announced for Italy

Porsche has released pricing details in Italy for the new electric versions of its popular SUV, the Cayenne. The base model starts at €108,922 while the top-tier Turbo Electric version costs a hefty €169,545.Key TakeawaysThe Porsche Cayenne Electric and Turbo Electric are now available in Italy with starting prices of €108,922 and €169,545 respectively.Both models feature an 113 kWh battery pack capable of charging at up to 400 kW speeds.The Cayenne Electric offers a range of up to 700 km (WLTP) while the Turbo variant boasts over 625 hp and can go from 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds.With an 113 kWh battery pack, both models offer impressive performance figures. The standard Cayenne Electric provides a range of up to 700 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle and can charge at speeds up to ...