Lotus has launched the Eletre X plug-in hybrid in Europe, sold in China as the Lotus For Me. A 2.0L turbo range-extender with two motors gives 350 km of electric range and up to 952 hp in H1000 form. From €96,990 in Germany, deliveries in Q4 2026.

Rolls-Royce has updated the Spectre, its first series-production EV. A new 112.5 kWh battery from the BMW i7 raises WLTP range 18% to 628 km, power climbs to 601 hp (680 hp in Black Badge form), and the cabin gets a bamboo-viscose fabric and new detailing.

GM has opened a design studio in Pasadena and shown its first result - the GMC Hummer X concept. Its modular Flex Fab body uses 3D-printed panels, and GMC presented it in both SUV and pickup forms.

Chinese makers are aiming at one of the most closed niches in the Japanese market - kei cars. Two China-linked projects are preparing to launch in Japan: BYD's Racco kei microvan and EMTA, a new Chery-backed brand.

BYD has started sales of the Song Ultra DM-i in China. The plug-in hybrid SUV is near-identical to the updated Sealion 06 DM-i - same powertrains, same prices - with up to 310 km of electric range and 1,845 km combined.