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At CES 2026 Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the Afeela Prototype 2026, a low-key crossover that mirrors the Afeela 1 sedan’s front LCD visor, roof-mounted LiDAR, auto-power doors and aero wheels. SHM says a production version will reach the U.S. in 2028. The Afeela 1, meanwhile, is being trial-built at Honda’s East Liberty plant for California deliveries later this year, followed by Arizona and Japan in 2027.

Volkswagen has announced plans to add an “import fee” to the price of imported cars sold in the US later this month, in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US government on imported cars and auto parts. This move is one of the first clear examples of how automakers are dealing with the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Volkswagen also plans to reduce sales incentives and has halted rail shipments of cars from its plants in Mexico to the US, although sea shipments will continue. The Volkswagen Atlas and ID.4, produced at its Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, are also expected to be affected by the tariffs due to their imported components.

Spy photos of the first model from FREELANDER—a new independent electrification brand jointly developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover—have been leaked online, with the global debut scheduled for March 31. The large six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, spotted in crash test configuration with Chery badging visible, signals Chery's lead in project development. The vehicle is reportedly built on Chery's T1X platform, developed by an international team integrating JLR and Qoros technologies for shared development and synergistic benefits. The modular T1X architecture supports wheelbase adjustment between 2,560-2,800 mm, covering A to B-segment SUVs with flexible dimensional scalability. The FREELANDER launch marks the substantive execution of Chery-JLR cooperation in the electrification domain.

The 2026 Changan UNI-Z has launched on March 26 with two variants—500ar PRO and 500ar MAX—priced at 115,900 and 124,900 yuan respectively. Exterior updates include enlarged front bumper air intakes while dimensions remain unchanged at 4,730 mm long with a 2,795 mm wheelbase. Interior revisions feature a new three-spoke steering wheel and column-mounted gear selector. The model introduces the Tianshu intelligent driving assist system with added functions including reverse tracking and lane change assist, alongside upgraded voice control with continuous recognition, CarPlay/HiCar connectivity, and driver's seat massage functionality.

Toyota has teased a new US-market SUV believed to be the fifth-generation Highlander, potentially transitioning to full electrification on the e-TNGA architecture. The teaser image reveals a boxy silhouette, pronounced fenders and full-width LED taillights echoing the 2021 bZ Large SUV concept. The three-row battery-electric vehicle is expected to compete against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, with the existing Grand Highlander continuing to serve internal combustion customers.

Chery's new Lepas brand has unveiled the L6 EV at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, marking the model's world premiere as a C-segment electric SUV. Measuring 4,570 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,683 mm tall with a 2,700 mm wheelbase, it is the largest among Chery Group's C-segment SUV offerings. The powertrain features a front-mounted single motor producing 242 PS and 275 Nm, enabling 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. A 67.08 kWh LFP battery delivers 510 km NEDC range (estimated 430 km WLTP), with 120 kW DC fast charging capability (30-80% in 20 minutes) and 7 kW AC charging. Exterior design distinguishes the EV variant with a closed-off grille, L-shaped DRLs, 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and full-width taillights. The L6 lineup will later expand to include petrol and plug-in hybrid variants.