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Showing posts from April, 2026

Kia EV3 Is the Budget EV That Doesn’t Feel Like One

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Kia has unveiled the all-new EV3 at the New York International Auto Show , positioning it as the most accessible entry point into its growing EV lineup. The compact electric SUV is set to go on sale in the US by late 2026, with five trims on offer—Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT. Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform, the EV3 offers two battery options. The base Light variant gets a 58.3 kWh pack with an estimated range of around 220 miles, while higher trims feature a larger 81.4 kWh battery delivering up to 320 miles. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes roughly 30 minutes, depending on the battery. The EV3 also comes equipped with a native NACS charging port and Plug and Charge capability for added convenience. Buyers can opt for all-wheel drive on select trims, while it comes standard on the sportier GT-Line and GT versions. ALSO READ: Kia EV2 Makes Global Debut as Brand’s New Entry-Level Electric SUV Adding to its practicality, the EV3 supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)...

VinFast VF MPV 7 Bookings Open in India Ahead of Launch

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VinFast has officially opened bookings for its all-electric VF MPV 7 in India, marking its third model in the market. Customers can reserve the seven-seater MPV with a booking amount of ₹21,000 via the brand’s website or across 50 authorised dealerships nationwide. The official launch and price reveal are scheduled for 15 April 2026. The VF MPV 7 is positioned as a spacious family EV, measuring 4,740 mm in length with a 2,840 mm wheelbase, promising ample cabin room across all three rows. It is powered by a 60.13 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of over 500 km on a single charge. Fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to juice up from 10 to 70 percent in around 30 minutes. This new MPV joins the VinFast VF 6 and VinFast VF 7 , which were launched in India in September 2025, as part of VinFast’s expanding EV lineup. To support its growth, VinFast is rapidly scaling up its retail and after-sales network, while also partnering with financial institutions to make o...

Mitsubishi Plans Hybrid Production in Philippines by 2028

Mitsubishi Motors has announced plans to enter the Philippines’ Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), with a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) set to be produced locally by mid-2028, subject to regulatory approval. The upcoming model will be manufactured at the brand’s Santa Rosa plant in Laguna by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, which currently handles production and sales operations in the country. The announcement follows discussions between Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. ALSO READ: Mitsubishi Launches Versa Van to Expand Commercial Line-Up in Philippines To support the shift towards electrification, MMPC is planning further investments in facility upgrades and production capabilities. The move is expected to strengthen the local automotive supply chain while also creating new employment opportunities in the region. At present, the Santa Rosa facility produces models like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, and...

Boulder Concept Shows Hyundai’s Wild Side for Off-Road Fans

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Hyundai has pulled the wraps off its new Boulder Concept at the New York International Auto Show, offering a glimpse into its upcoming body-on-frame vehicles—and a midsize pickup truck slated for launch by 2030. Developed by Hyundai Design North America, the Boulder Concept marks the brand’s first serious move into ladder-frame architecture, signalling a shift toward hardcore off-road capability, towing strength and load-hauling versatility. The concept looks every bit the part, riding on massive 37-inch mud-terrain tyres and featuring coach-style doors, a split rear tailgate, and a sleek roof rack. Finished in a striking Liquid Titanium paint, it showcases Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, inspired by advanced materials developed within the group. ALSO READ: Hyundai Plans 36 New Models for North America by 2030 Inside, the focus shifts to tech, with a software-driven real-time off-road guidance system designed to assist drivers when the terrain gets tricky. Hyun...

Toyota Brings US-Built Tundra, Highlander to Japan

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Toyota has started retailing US-manufactured models in Japan, taking advantage of new regulations introduced in February 2026 that remove the need for Japan-specific certification on American-built vehicles. The rollout begins with the Toyota Tundra and Highlander, both currently available through Toyota Mobility Tokyo, with nationwide sales set to expand by summer 2026. Built in Texas, the Tundra is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Measuring nearly 6 metres in length, the full-size pickup is a rare sight for Japanese roads and is priced at around ¥12 million. Toyota is targeting monthly sales of 80 units once distribution expands nationwide. ALSO READ: Toyota RAV4 PHEV Debuts in Japan with 150km EV Range Meanwhile, the Highlander—manufactured in Indiana—takes a more practical route. It features a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 184 kW. The SUV comes standard with E-Four all-w...

BMW i3 Neue Klasse Production to Begin in Munich Later This Year

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BMW is gearing up for the next phase of its EV push, with series production of the i3 Neue Klasse set to begin at its Munich plant in August this year. Now, this marks a key milestone in the global rollout of the German brand’s Neue Klasse platform. BMW's Munich facility has undergone a major transformation, with investments of around €650 million. From 2027 onwards, the factory will transition to producing only all-electric vehicles, underlining BMW’s long-term electrification strategy. The new i3 will also bring improved manufacturing efficiency. BMW expects production costs at the plant to drop by around 10 percent compared to the current generation, thanks to the Neue Klasse architecture, increased automation, and streamlined production processes. ALSO READ: BMW Rosslyn Plant Builds 100,000th Fourth-Gen X3 A highlight of the upgraded facility is its new body shop, which uses around 800 industrial robots and operates at an automation rate of nearly 98 percent. Logistics ha...

Subaru Getaway EV Debuts as Brand’s First 3-Row Electric SUV

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Subaru has taken the wraps off its all-new Getaway at the New York International Auto Show, marking its fourth EV and the brand’s first three-row midsize electric SUV. Co-developed with Toyota , the model is slated to go on sale in the US by late 2026. The Subaru Getaway will be offered with two battery options—77.0 kWh and a larger 95.8 kWh pack. The latter delivers a claimed range of over 300 miles and supports fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes using a 150 kW charger. It also features battery preconditioning and adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. Power comes from a dual-motor setup producing up to 420 hp, with all-wheel drive as standard. Subaru says the drivetrain and suspension have been tuned for stable performance across varying road conditions. Inside, the EV benefits from a flat-floor architecture, allowing flexible three-row seating. A large 14-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity takes centre stage, underlinin...