Author: AGN Editor

Deepal Secures $874M Series C Funding for EV Expansion
EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Deepal Secures $874M Series C Funding for EV Expansion

Changan Automobile's electric vehicle (EV) unit, Deepal, has completed its Series C funding round by raising RMB 6.122 billion ($874 million). The funds will support the company’s global expansion and intensify competition in the EV market.Key TakeawaysNew investors Yufu Holding Group and CMB Financial Asset Investment join Deepal's shareholder base.The funding round brings Deepal closer to its global sales target of 700,000 vehicles.Sales for January through November increased by 45.73% year-on-year with over 302,118 units sold.Deepal's Series C funding has attracted two new major shareholders: Chongqing-based state-owned enterprise Yufu Holding Group and the financial arm of China Merchants Bank, CMB Financial Asset Investment. The company will use these funds to support its ongoing expa...
Ford Maverick Lobo’s Performance Boosted with New Tires
News

Ford Maverick Lobo’s Performance Boosted with New Tires

The Ford Maverick Lobo, designed for autocross performance, failed to live up to expectations due to its standard all-season tires. However, swapping them out for Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires significantly improved the truck's handling and braking capabilities.Key TakeawaysThe Lobo’s lateral grip increased from 0.85 g to 0.90 g with new tires.Stopping distances were reduced by over 24 feet at 70 mph after tire change.New summer tires cost $1,240 and greatly enhanced the truck's overall performance.The Lobo’s base model comes equipped with Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT all-seasons. These tires didn't provide enough grip for its intended use on autocross tracks. The stock setup resulted in mediocre acceleration times of 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and identical quarter-mile performan...
Hyundai Unveils Its Largest EV at Brussels Show in January
EV & Electric Cars, News

Hyundai Unveils Its Largest EV at Brussels Show in January

South Korean automaker Hyundai will kick off the new year by unveiling its largest electric vehicle (EV) yet, alongside an updated Ioniq 6 model, during the upcoming Brussels Motor Show from January 9 to 18.Key TakeawaysHighest-capacity EV in Hyundai's lineup set for debut at Brussels showNew vehicle will feature an advanced 800V charging systemIoniq 6 refresh includes aerodynamic upgrades and tech enhancementsThe new model, which sits atop the current range of compact to full-size EVs offered by Hyundai, promises a significant leap in battery capacity and performance. With an advanced electric architecture that supports ultra-fast charging via its 800V system, this latest addition aims to address consumer concerns over long wait times at charging stations.Hyundai’s updated Ioniq 6 will al...
Suzuki Unveils Five Outdoor-Themed Concepts at Tokyo Auto Salon
News

Suzuki Unveils Five Outdoor-Themed Concepts at Tokyo Auto Salon

Suzuki is set to showcase five rugged concept vehicles at the upcoming 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, each tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and active lifestyles. The lineup includes a Jimny Nomade Monster Hunter Wilds Edition in collaboration with Capcom.Key TakeawaysSuzuki presents five concept vehicles at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, focusing on outdoor utility and adventure.The Jimny Nomade Monster Hunter Wilds Edition is a standout with unique design elements inspired by Capcom’s game.Other concepts include an Xbee Nature Photographer for photographers and a Super Carry Work & Play Pro designed for camping and marine activities.Suzuki's concept vehicles are built on familiar models like the Jimny, XBee, Every Wagon, and Super Carry. The Jimny Nomade Monster Hunter Wilds Edition features bol...
Chinese Research Institute Certifies Yangwang U7, Nio ES8, Luxeed R7 as Intelligent Chassis Benchmark Vehicles
EV & Electric Cars, News

Chinese Research Institute Certifies Yangwang U7, Nio ES8, Luxeed R7 as Intelligent Chassis Benchmark Vehicles

The China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI) has certified the Yangwang U7 sedan, Nio ES8 SUV, and Luxeed R7 SUV as benchmark vehicles for intelligent chassis systems in its latest report. The certification highlights these models' advanced suspension, steering, and braking technologies.Key TakeawaysThe Yangwang U7 is certified as a leading vehicle within the 500,000 to 700,000 yuan price range for its intelligent chassis features.Nio ES8 SUV in the 200,000-300,000 yuan segment stands out for its robust performance and safety measures.The Luxeed R7 is recognized as a benchmark vehicle in the lower end of China's EV market at 150,000 to 200,000 yuan.CAERI evaluated over ten mainstream models using more than twenty metrics including peak yaw rate and maximum steering correctio...
BYD FCB Ti7: China’s EV-First Luxury SUV Challenges Range Rover Sport
News, SUV & Crossovers

BYD FCB Ti7: China’s EV-First Luxury SUV Challenges Range Rover Sport

During a visit to Guangzhou, China, the BYD Fang Cheng Bao (FCB) Ti7 4WD Max Edition luxury SUV caught our attention at a local showroom. This all-electric vehicle aims to compete with premium models like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.Key TakeawaysThe FCB Ti7 is an electric-first vehicle, unlike its ICE-heavy counterpart, the Range Rover Sport PHEV.The Ti7 boasts quicker acceleration and faster charging capabilities compared to the Land Rover model.The interior offers more legroom and headroom than the panoramic roof version of the Range Rover Sport.FCB's Ti7 is designed as an electric-first luxury SUV, distinguishing itself from traditional ICE-heavy models. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, outperforming the Land Rover Sport PHEV’s 4.9-second time.The vehicle offe...
Bentley’s Smaller SUV Sparks Debate with Renderings Revealed
EV & Electric Cars, News, SUV & Crossovers

Bentley’s Smaller SUV Sparks Debate with Renderings Revealed

Bentley is set to launch a smaller, all-electric SUV positioned beneath the Bentayga. The new model, dubbed the Urban SUV and spotted testing in Europe, will share Porsche’s electric platform but feature distinctive styling.Key TakeawaysBentley's second SUV is an all-electric vehicle designed for luxury car buyers who love SUVs.The new model features a unique grille design and headlight styling inspired by the EXP15 concept and Bentayga proportions.Renders suggest the Urban SUV will have sleek, modern lines with LED taillights that set it apart from other models in its segment.Bentley’s upcoming Urban SUV is designed to appeal to luxury car buyers who crave an all-electric option. The vehicle won't be powered by a combustion engine and thus doesn’t require the large grille seen on traditio...
EV & Electric Cars, News

Tesla’s Robotaxis Lag Behind Waymo Despite Wall St. Optimism

<a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/musk-downplays-waymo-s-self-driving-capabilities-predicts-tesla-will-dominate/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Musk Downplays Waymo’s Self-Driving Capabilities, Pred">Tesla’s share price hit a record this month due to investor optimism over the company’s potential in driverless taxis, but experts say Tesla is far behind rival Waymo.Key TakeawaysTesla has deployed around 30 Robotaxis since June, while Waymo operates more than 2,500 vehicles across five cities.Waymos offer paying rides without human monitors in Austin, whereas all Tesla robotaxi passengers have a person monitoring the car.Tesla’s ambitious goals from past years haven't been met as investors wait to see if the company can catch up with Waymo's lead.Despit...
Kia EV6’s Party Mode Keeps the Lights On and Charges Devices
EV & Electric Cars, News

Kia EV6’s Party Mode Keeps the Lights On and Charges Devices

The <a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/hyundai-previews-next-gen-sonata-kia-prepares-for-hybrid-production-in-mexico/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Hyundai Previews Next-Gen Sonata, Kia Prepares for Hybrid Pr">Kia EV6 introduces a unique feature called 'Party Mode,' which allows drivers to use their vehicle as an impromptu power station, providing up to 3.6 kilowatts of energy for charging devices or illuminating indoor spaces.Key TakeawaysThe Kia EV6's Party Mode offers a maximum output of 3.6 kW for powering external devices and lighting.This feature can charge smartphones, laptops, and even power small appliances or light up areas during camping trips.Kia claims the EV6 is among the first electric vehicles to offer such versatility in energy manage...
Tata Nexon EV Reaches Milestone of 1 Lakh Sales in India
EV & Electric Cars, News

Tata Nexon EV Reaches Milestone of 1 Lakh Sales in India

Tata Motors' Nexon EV has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first electric vehicle (EV) to cross one lakh cumulative sales in India. This accomplishment highlights growing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles and Tata's leadership in this segment.Key TakeawaysTata Nexon EV becomes India’s first EV to surpass 1 lakh cumulative sales milestone since its launch in 2020.Tata Motors now has over 2.5 lakh electric vehicles on Indian roads, with a dominant market share of nearly two-thirds.The company boasts the widest portfolio for personal mobility, including models like Tiago EV and Punch EV.Since its introduction in 2020, the Nexon EV has played a crucial role in transforming India's electric vehicle landscape. It has helped popularize electric cars among private buyers acr...