Tag: Automotive industry

Toyota’s New Luxury Brand Sticks With Gas Engines, Not Electric Ones
News

Toyota’s New Luxury Brand Sticks With Gas Engines, Not Electric Ones

<a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/should-you-wait-for-the-upgraded-toyota-rav4-or-buy-now/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Should You Wait for the Upgraded Toyota RAV4 or Buy Now?">Toyota is launching a new ultra-luxury brand called Century this year. But here’s the twist: despite being positioned to rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley, its first car will have an internal combustion engine (ICE), not electric power.Key TakeawaysThe new Toyota Century brand aims for high-end luxury but won't be as eco-friendly as expected with ICE plans.Takashi Uehara, a Toyota executive, confirmed the first vehicle will have an engine, though what kind is still up in the air.Toyota’s decision may hinder its global expansion against growing Chinese competition entering new lu...
Car Buyers Must Pay Destination Charges Regardless of Proximity to Factory
News, Pickup Trucks

Car Buyers Must Pay Destination Charges Regardless of Proximity to Factory

Despite the rising costs and record-high prices for new vehicles, car buyers in the United States are still required to pay destination charges, even if they live near the factory where their vehicle was manufactured. This non-negotiable fee covers transportation expenses from the manufacturing plant or port to the dealership.Key TakeawaysNew car buyers must pay a mandatory destination charge, regardless of proximity to the factory.The average cost of destination charges has increased faster than inflation and new car prices.Negotiating for incentives or discounts is more effective in lowering overall costs than attempting to remove the destination fee.Destination fees are a standard part of the Monroney sticker, which includes information about the vehicle's specifications, warranty cover...
Xiaomi EVs Surge Past Half a Million Sales in Less Than Two Years
EV & Electric Cars, News

Xiaomi EVs Surge Past Half a Million Sales in Less Than Two Years

Xiaomi Auto has reached an impressive milestone, delivering over half a million electric vehicles (EVs) since April 2024. The company's November sales crossed the 40,000 mark, putting them well ahead of their original yearly goal.Key TakeawaysXiaomi has delivered over half a million EVs in just under two years since April 2024The company's November sales exceeded 40,000 units and surpassed its annual target of 350,000 vehicles for the year.YU7 Max is now available with a carbon-fiber exterior option priced at approximately 362,900 yuan (USD $51,050).The automaker's SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV continue to dominate sales in China’s EV market. The latest data from the China Passenger Car Association shows that Xiaomi recorded over 48,000 retail sales of new-energy passenger vehicles in October alon...
Ford Argentina Leads in Tariff-Free Import Quota for 2026
EV & Electric Cars, News

Ford Argentina Leads in Tariff-Free Import Quota for 2026

The Argentine government announced today that <a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/mustang-s-thermal-triumph-over-ford-s-electric-lineup/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Mustang’s Thermal Triumph Over Ford’s Electric L">Ford will lead the tariff-free import quota of fifty thousand vehicles set to begin next year. This initiative aims to lower car prices across the country.Key TakeawaysFord Argentina is the biggest beneficiary, with 10,000 Territory Hybrid imports exempt from tariffs in 2026.Chevrolet and BYD are also major winners, authorized to import a combined total of over seven thousand vehicles without paying customs duties.The quota favors foreign brands more this year: 30,720 units for Cidoa (importers) versus 19,280 for Adefa (local manufacturers...
Argentina Announces Electric Vehicle Import Quotas for 2026
News

Argentina Announces Electric Vehicle Import Quotas for 2026

The Argentine government has announced a quota of 50,000 electric and hybrid vehicles that will enter the country in 2026 without paying customs duties. This move aims to reduce prices on new cars but raises questions about transparency.Key TakeawaysThe government exempts EVs and hybrids from a 35% import tax in 2026.Pricing information for vehicles benefiting from this exemption is missing, raising concerns about transparency.Around 130,000 applications were submitted, but only 50,000 will receive the benefit based on declared prices and other criteria.The Argentine government's decision to allow over 50,000 electric vehicles into the country in 2026 without customs duties is a significant move towards promoting EV adoption. However, this policy comes with some caveats that might not bene...
US Senate Committee Points Finger at Safety Tech for Car Price Hike
News

US Senate Committee Points Finger at Safety Tech for Car Price Hike

The US Senate's Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has released a report blaming the rise in new car prices on advanced safety technologies. The committee's chairman argues that while these features enhance vehicle safety, they also contribute significantly to increased manufacturing costs.Key TakeawaysThe US Senate committee attributes rising car prices to the incorporation of advanced safety technology.Chairman's report suggests that while these technologies improve vehicle safety, they also increase production expenses.Automakers may face regulatory pressures easing as a result of this finding.The report highlights that modern cars are equipped with an array of sophisticated safety systems such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), and adaptive...
News

Honda Reports Sharp Drop in Global Vehicle Production in October

<a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/maruti-dzire-outperforms-honda-amaze-in-child-safety-ratings/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Maruti Dzire Outperforms Honda Amaze in Child Safety Ratings">Honda Motor Company has announced a significant dip in vehicle production, with an 11% year-on-year decrease to 302,671 units in October 2025. This decline is part of a broader trend that saw the company's global output fall by 7.4% for the first ten months of the year.Key TakeawaysHonda’s global vehicle production dropped to 302,671 units in October 2025 from 339,638 units in October 2024.The company's overseas production fell by nearly 13%, while domestic output decreased by 3.6% year-over-year.Vehicle manufacturing in Asia outside Japan dropped sharply by 18%, wi...
Lexus New Zealand Surpasses Sales Record with 1,352 Vehicles Sold in November
News

Lexus New Zealand Surpasses Sales Record with 1,352 Vehicles Sold in November

Lexus New Zealand has achieved a new sales milestone by surpassing the previous annual record of 1,327 vehicles sold. With one month remaining in 2025, Lexus reported selling 1,352 units in November alone, solidifying its position as the second-favorite luxury brand in New Zealand.Key TakeawaysLexus sales hit a record high of 1,352 vehicles sold in November 2025.The brand attributes its success to customer trust and quality craftsmanship.New models like the RZ SUV and ES are set to enhance Lexus' market presence.Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis highlighted that this achievement is a result of customer confidence in the brand's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and long-term value. Despite challenges within the automotive industry, Lexus has managed to secure its place as o...
Paul Philpott Named SMMT’s 84th President
Industry & Business, News

Paul Philpott Named SMMT’s 84th President

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has announced Paul Philpott as its new president, effective January 1, 2026. Philpott, currently the President and CEO of Kia UK, will succeed Mick Flanagan after a two-year tenure.Key TakeawaysPaul Philpott becomes SMMT's 84th president from January 1, 2026.Mick Flanagan steps down after completing his two-year term as the association’s leader.The automotive industry faces significant challenges including zero-emission transitions and legislative changes.Philpott's appointment marks a new era for SMMT, bringing with it 37 years of experience in the UK automotive sector. His career began at Ford of Britain before he moved to Toyota GB and later joined Kia UK as Managing Director in 2007.As president of Kia UK since 2021, Philpott has ov...
Zipcar UK to Close: Brits Not Buying Into Car-Sharing Craze
News

Zipcar UK to Close: Brits Not Buying Into Car-Sharing Craze

Auto enthusiasts and urban dwellers in the UK are facing a new reality as Zipcar, the world's largest car-sharing company, announces it will cease operations by year-end. Despite having over 3,000 vehicles, including more than 1,000 electric cars, Zipcar has struggled to find traction outside of London and will now join its competitors in facing a lukewarm reception from British drivers.Key TakeawaysZipcar will end UK operations by December 2025 after significant losses.The company's decision follows a consultation with employees and customers.Rivals like Enterprise Car Club and Hiyacar may see an uptick in business as Zipcar exits the market.Zipcar’s exit marks a stark contrast to Europe where car-sharing is booming. In 2024, over 24 million Europeans were already using such services, wit...