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According to the latest SMMT figures, UK car production rose 3.2% in May 2026 to 49,249 units, reversing four months of decline, while total vehicle output increased 2.7% to 51,178 units and commercial vehicle production fell 7.6% to 1,929 units. The stronger performance was driven by overseas orders recovering from a 30.3% decline in May 2025 when US tariff uncertainty pushed volumes to the lowest level since Covid-hit 2020. Car exports rose 3.9% to 38,897 units, CV shipments surged 61.0% to 1,391 units, delivering an overall 5.2% outbound trade boost. Car production for the UK market was broadly stable, up 0.7% to 10,352 units. Among top export markets, the US was the strongest performer with shipments up 83.1% to 7,733 units, reflecting the US-UK trade deal effective June 2025. EU exports fell 5.2% to 20,057 units, while China-bound shipments dropped 14.3% to 2,794 units. In the first five months, UK factories produced 317,779 vehicles, down 8.7% year-on-year, with car output declining 4.1% and CV production falling 60.0%. Exports account for 76.4% of all production, with 242,792 units shipped overseas. SMMT emphasizes sustained recovery depends on competitive conditions—lower energy costs, open trade, and a stronger domestic market—and urges government to ensure EV market regulation reflects real-world demand.

Dongfeng Yipai has officially launched the Nano 06 Intelligent Edition, offering two configurations priced from 99,900 to 109,900 yuan. Limited-time purchase benefits valued at up to 15,300 yuan include finance packages up to 3 years/50,000 yuan interest-free, five lifetime quality guarantees, and additional connectivity, charging, and colorful gift packages. As a new variant, the core upgrade focuses on driving assistance capabilities, featuring urban NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) that can autonomously execute intelligent lane changes, intersection turns, roundabout navigation, and traffic light stop-and-go operations. This launch marks advanced intelligent driving features penetrating the 100,000-yuan segment, strengthening Dongfeng Yipai's differentiated competitiveness in the entry-level pure electric market through an "ADAS democratization" strategy.

Leapmotor's first MPV, the D99, officially launched on June 25, built on the LEAP 4.0 intelligent technology architecture. Positioned as a mid-large MPV with EREV and BEV powertrain options, the model offers six configurations priced from 249,800 to 319,800 yuan, with deliveries commencing July 20. The exterior adopts the Tech-Nature Aesthetics 2.0 design philosophy with rounded, full front lines, split headlamps, and three-section LED light strips for strong brand recognition. Details include million-pixel DLP projection headlights, active grille shutters, a large-angled windshield for aerodynamic efficiency and maximized cabin space, flush window design with blacked-out A/B/C/D pillars, and exclusive 19-inch "Realm of Aspiration" dish wheels. Dimensions measure 5,280/1,995/1,900 (1,880) mm with a 3,110 mm wheelbase. The rear features full-width taillights integrating 8,260 LED pixels. The interior includes a large floating central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and HUD with multi-screen linkage. Intelligent capabilities feature an end-side AI large model smart cockpit powered by dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chips (1,280 TOPS), VLA large model with 28 high-precision sensors including LiDAR, 44 ADAS functions, and full-scenario navigation assist from parking space to parking space. Space flexibility allows front seats to fold completely flat, while the rear cabin features a 21.4-inch 3K ceiling entertainment screen and a vehicle refrigerator with -6°C to 50°C wide temperature range control.

Spy shots of the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe have surfaced in China, revealing a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh spanning exterior, interior, intelligence, chassis, and powertrain. Exterior updates include a larger grille with three-pointed star emblem and new star-pattern LED headlamps integrating star emblem elements; the profile retains the classic coupe-SUV silhouette, with taillights echoing the front star motif. The interior debuts the MBUX Superscreen, while powertrain upgrades feature a flat-plane crank V8 engine and L2++ advanced driving assistance. The test vehicle carries German plates, indicating an authentic European specification expected to be introduced via import. For reference, the current GLE Coupe is priced at 843,800–947,800 yuan, with dealer quotations starting around 600,000 yuan. This refresh signals Mercedes-Benz's continued strengthening of intelligent technology and performance in the luxury coupe SUV segment, consolidating its benchmark status through the Superscreen and advanced ADAS capabilities.

The Fangchengbao Titanium 9 has gained significant attention recently, with automotive blogger SugarDesign creating renderings based on spy shot materials. The model continues the Titanium series' classic boxy silhouette with horizontal-vertical lines and commanding presence, drawing comparisons to the Range Rover from some media outlets while blending hardcore aesthetics with technological sophistication. Key features include standard "split tailgate" upper-lower opening (similar to BMW X5 and Lynk & Co 900) for convenient camping gear and large item loading; a roof-mounted LiDAR indicates God's Eye advanced intelligent driving. Power is expected from the 5th-generation DM-O super plug-in hybrid system with a 2.0T engine and dual motors, achieving approximately 4.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, 250–300 km pure electric range, and over 1,200 km combined range. The chassis features Yunian-P intelligent hydraulic suspension paired with second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging technology. Due to second-generation Blade Battery production constraints, the Titanium 9 is expected to launch by year-end with PHEV variants first, followed by BEV versions in early 2027. Pricing strategy avoids internal competition with BYD's Da Tang, as the boxy design occupies a relatively uncontested niche at this level with clear differentiated positioning.

Maextro opened pre-sales for its first luxury flagship large MPVs—the V680 and V800—on June 25, with the V680 priced from 650,000 to 900,000 yuan and the V800 from 800,000 to 1.2 million yuan. Official launch is scheduled for early August, with over 3,200 orders placed within the first hour. These are the brand's second flagship models following the S800 sedan, featuring a 7-seat layout and an EREV powertrain comprising a 1.5T range extender with dual electric motors. The exterior continues the family Chinese luxury design language with a closed grille, 7-shaped headlamps, and illuminated logo. The profile features two-tone paint, dish wheels, ambient door handle lighting, and welcome carpet projection. The rear adopts vertical rounded-rectangular taillights with a full-width chrome accent. Dimensions measure 5,495/2,006/1,850 mm (V800) and 5,320/2,006/1,850 mm (V680), with wheelbases of 3,430 mm and 3,290 mm respectively. The interior features a triple-screen front cockpit and three-spoke steering wheel, with a center island housing dual wireless charging pads and a crystal rotary controller. Second-row independent seats offer zero-gravity functionality, flip-up control screens, and a giant privacy screen. The third row supports electric adjustment with ventilation, heating, and massage. Cargo depth expands to 1,474 mm with foldable third-row seats, balancing family and business travel needs.