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SMMT data reveals the UK used car market sustained post-pandemic recovery in 2025, with EV transactions surging nearly 50% to represent nearly one in ten sales. The industry faces significant workforce transformation, with almost two-thirds of roles requiring new competencies in battery management, high-voltage systems, and AI within a decade. SMMT showcased automotive apprentices at the House of Lords, highlighting sector commitment to talent development. Additionally, SMMT partnered with the Bus Centre of Excellence to launch "Meet the Bus Operator," facilitating zero-emission bus fleet decarbonisation through targeted investment and supplier engagement at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

The Geely EX5 (known as Galaxy E5 in China and twin to Malaysia's Proton eMas 7) is set to receive a battery capacity upgrade in Australia, increasing from 60.22 kWh to 68.39 kWh LFP according to official certification documents. The WLTP range is expected to improve from 430 km/410 km to approximately 486 km/464 km for Complete and Inspire trims respectively—a 13% increase matching the Chinese market's CLTC improvement from 530 km to 610 km. The 160 kW electric motor and overall specifications remain unchanged. Since its March 2025 launch, the EX5 has sold 4,359 units in Australia, making it one of the most affordable and popular mid-size electric SUVs in the market. The upgrade is anticipated to reach Malaysian shores soon.

The right-hand-drive Tesla Model Y L has appeared in Australian government homologation documents, with social media leaks and local media reports confirming its Q1 2026 market launch. The long-wheelbase variant—stretching 4,976 mm with a 3,040 mm wheelbase—features a 2+2+2 six-seat configuration, dual-motor AWD producing 496 PS, 4.5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, and an 82-kWh NMC battery delivering 751 km CLTC range (approx. 681 km WLTP). Priced at CNY 339,000 (approx. RM199,000) in China, the Model Y L commands a significant premium over the standard five-seat variant. Given Malaysia's current Model Y pricing (RM195,450–RM242,450), the six-seat LWB version is expected to start above RM250,000 if introduced to the local market, targeting the premium family EV segment.

The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante has been spied winter testing in the Swedish Arctic Circle, showcasing aggressive performance-oriented styling. The high-performance variant retains the sharp design language with a wide, flat front fascia, massive air intakes, and distinctive C-shaped DRLs. Carbon fiber wheel arches, a flowing shoulder line, and a sloping roofline enhance its athletic stance, while quad exhaust tips signal its performance credentials. Power is expected from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid system delivering approximately 1,000 PS, making it Lamborghini's most powerful production SUV. Interior details remain undisclosed, with the official debut anticipated for 2027.

GAC Trumpchi has launched the 2026 M8 HEV full-size MPV in two trim levels: Premium and Ultimate, priced at RMB 219,800 and RMB 239,800 respectively. With national trade-in subsidies and manufacturer incentives applied, effective prices drop to RMB 197,800 and RMB 217,800. The annual update retains the "Lion Awakening" design language featuring a large vertical-slat grille and signature 7-shaped LED headlights, with refined character lines and multi-spoke wheels enhancing its executive presence. The hybrid-electric powertrain targets the premium commercial MPV segment.

Hyundai Motor Company and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) have extended their corporate partnership—LACMA's largest programmatic commitment in history—through 2037. Since 2015, the collaboration has produced eight major exhibitions and advanced Korean art scholarship. The new chapter introduces the "Hyundai Project," a biennial survey series launching in 2028 featuring Los Angeles and Pan-Pacific artists with newly commissioned works and large-scale exterior banners at the Broad Contemporary Art Museum. Additionally, the Art + Technology Lab will transition to a biennial grant cycle in 2026 with expanded programming. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung emphasized the partnership's mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue at the intersection of art and technology.