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Liu Xueliang, BYD VP and GM of Asia Pacific Auto Sales, recently visited Malaysia for the BYD Mansion Macalister launch while touring Sime Motors' Inokom plant in Kulim, fueling speculation of a local CKD assembly partnership. Under MITI's new CBU EV regulations requiring either 180kW output or RM200k CIF pricing, BYD's current lineup faces compliance challenges. Deputy minister Sim Tze Tzin suggested contract manufacturing as a solution for RM100k-200k EVs, following MG, Xpeng, and GWM's EPMB partnerships. BYD's Inokom visit signals potential accelerated local assembly plans to maintain market competitiveness.

The updated Hongqi H5 will launch on May 20 with official images revealing exterior refinements aligning closer to the H9, including an illuminated front emblem light, "Dragon Whisker" headlamps, "Phoenix Tail" taillights, and new "Banner Victory" multi-spoke wheels in Azure Ripple paint. The cabin features the Lingxi intelligent cockpit with a 15.6-inch 2.5K display, HUD, digital instrument cluster, and 8155P chip enabling seamless smartphone integration and AI voice interaction. The Hongqi Sinan intelligent driving system supports highway pilot, urban memory navigation, and trace reversing. Powertrain options are expected to carry over the 1.5T, 2.0T gasoline, and 1.5T PHEV configurations.

Leapmotor has unveiled the D99 interior, built on the LEAP 4.0 architecture with BEV and EREV powertrains, featuring dual-chamber air suspension and CDC dynamic chassis. The 2+2+3 cabin layout includes a large center display, digital instrument cluster, HUD, and rear entertainment screen. Second-row seats rotate 90 degrees for viewing or 180 degrees to face the third row, with a central table. Third-row seats offer heating, electric folding into the cargo floor, and rearward flip fishing mode, with all rows capable of folding flat for maximum versatility.

Volkswagen debuted the ID. Polo GTI electric hot hatch during the Nürburgring 24H weekend, marking the iconic nameplate's 50th anniversary. The production model closely mirrors the 2023 ID. GTI Concept with full-width light bar, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, illuminated VW badge and 19-inch octagonal alloy wheels. Measuring 4,096/1,816/1,513 mm with a 2,599 mm wheelbase, the vehicle retains physical controls inside alongside a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, signaling Volkswagen's strategic push into high-performance electrification.

Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed the Emira will replace its Mercedes-AMG 2.0L turbo and Toyota 3.5L V6 engines with the Geely-Renault co-developed Horse Powertrain W30—a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 476-544PS and 600-700Nm. Featuring compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and versatile longitudinal/transverse mounting, the engine pairs with an integrated motor automatic transmission, potentially making the Emira a hybrid sports car. The switch addresses stringent EU emissions standards and amortizes Geely's R&D investment. Lotus has revised its electrification strategy, previewing a 2028 flagship Esprit supercar with V8 hybrid powertrain.

Xiaomi has revealed the YU7 Youth Edition, a new entry-level variant featuring a 73kWh battery delivering 633km and 643km of range, with pricing expected below 250,000 yuan. Launching alongside the YU7 GT on May 21, it retains the standard YU7's streamlined design with teardrop headlights, front bumper vents, and an aluminum clamshell hood offering 141L of front storage. Dimensions match the long-range RWD version at 4999/1996/1608mm with a 3000mm wheelbase, riding on Hankook iON evo SUV 245/50 R20 tyres specifically developed for electric SUVs.