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The AITO M7 EREV Long-Range variant has commenced delivery from Seres' Longxing super factory in Chongqing on February 4. Priced between 299,800-319,800 yuan, the model measures 5080/1999/1780mm with a 3030mm wheelbase, offering five- and six-seat configurations. Power comes from a 1.5T range-extender (118kW maximum output) delivering 327km CLTC electric range and 1690km combined range. Equipment includes Huawei Qiankun ADS 4 advanced autonomous driving, dual-chamber air suspension, and continuous damping control. The M7 has surpassed 400,000 cumulative deliveries, accounting for over 40% of AITO's total sales, supported by a service network spanning 400+ user centers and 700+ experience centers across 220+ cities.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Regional Forum, held in Liverpool for the first time, brings together UK automotive leaders to explore leveraging the shift to zero emission mobility for new business and growth in the North West. Since 2021, global brands have invested £2.8 billion in the region, transforming factories to produce electric vehicles and components, directly creating 20,000 jobs. The North West is crucial to UK automotive manufacturing, producing one-seventh of the country's vehicles last year, equivalent to over 140,000 units. The forum will discuss attracting further investment and creating new business opportunities to boost regional economic development.

The next-generation Lexus ES has been spotted at dealerships ahead of its April market launch. The redesign features the brand's evolved spindle grille—now closed-off for electrification—paired with split-type irregular LED headlamps comprising lightning-bolt DRLs above and integrated main beams within vertical black trim panels. A trapezoidal lower grille with graduated diamond patterning completes the front fascia. The model will debut with both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, initially offered as CBU imports before transitioning to local production upon completion of Lexus' Chinese manufacturing facility.

Mercedes-AMG has acknowledged its four-cylinder downsizing strategy as a mistake, launching the new GLC53 to replace both GLC43 and GLC63 variants. Powered by the CLE53-sourced M256M 3.0-litre inline-six producing 449 PS and 600 Nm, paired with a 48V ISG mild-hybrid system, the SUV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The key attraction is the "powerful, sonorous" exhaust note, augmented by optional AMG Real Performance Sound. Standard AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive features rear-biased torque distribution and Drift mode with the Dynamic Plus Package. A limited Golden Accents launch edition debuts Obsidian Black with techgold detailing.

Zeekr Malaysia has confirmed local assembly (CKD) of the Zeekr 7X electric SUV, establishing Malaysia as the brand's first overseas production hub outside China. Managing Director Lu Jiamin emphasized this strategic move demonstrates Zeekr's long-term commitment to the market. The CKD operation will enhance supply chain integration, pricing competitiveness, and delivery efficiency. Zeekr targets cumulative sales of 10,000 units between 2025-2027, with an annual sales goal of 10,000 units from 2028 onwards. The brand plans to expand its network to 18 showrooms, 12 service centers, and 9 body and paint shops to support the local assembly initiative.

Volvo CTO Anders Bell revealed to Autocar that the dedicated SPA3 EV platform could enable the brand's return to station wagons and sedans. Debuting on the EX60, the architecture eliminates ICE adaptation constraints by repositioning the battery-forward crash structure junction, allowing at least 7 kWh of pack placement ahead of the bulkhead. Combined with rear footwell "cell depopulation" for lower seating positions, this achieves conventional ICE-like proportions. The scalable platform decouples battery capacity from roof height, potentially facilitating sleek, low-slung EX60 derivatives should market demand justify their development.