2025 Toyota Highlander: Comprehensive Review of China's Domestic Made SUV

Exterior Design Upgrades

The new Toyota Highlander features sharper body lines and a larger trapezoidal grille, creating a more aggressive and modern front fascia. The redesigned LED daytime running lights within the sculpted headlight clusters enhance both technological appeal and visibility. Flowing side profiles with muscular wheel arches combine with large-diameter alloy wheels to emphasize sporty character and off-road capability. The rear showcases new slim-line LED taillights and dual exhaust pipes, further amplifying its dynamic presence.

Premium Interior & Smart Technology

Inside the cabin, the Highlander delivers luxury through high-quality soft-touch materials and premium Nappa leather seats offering exceptional comfort and support. The centerpiece is a large touch screen powered by Qualcomm's 8155 chip, ensuring smooth operation of the upgraded infotainment system. Flexible seating configurations (including

Avatr 06 Launch on April 19: Key Features and Configuration Details

Official Announcement and Market Positioning

Chinese premium EV brand Avatr has confirmed its new mid-size sedan Avatr 06 will debut on April 19, 2025. The model will offer 5 variants with both pure electric and range-extender powertrains, directly competing with Tesla Model 3 and Xiaomi SU7 in its segment.

Pre-Sale Pricing & Purchase Benefits

• Starting pre-sale price: ¥215,900 (~$29,600)
• Early reservation privileges:
  • ¥2,000 deposit counts as ¥5,000 (instant ¥3,000 discount at purchase)
  • 20-inch five-spoke sport wheels + sport package (worth ¥11,000)

Model Variants & Powertrain Options

Key powertrain

2025 Shanghai Auto Show: Complete Guide for International Buyers

Event Dates & Essential Information

The 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (commonly called Shanghai Auto Show) will run for 10 days from April 23 to May 2, 2025. As China's premier automotive event, it serves as the launchpad for major global vehicle debuts and technological innovations.

Key Expected Vehicle Launches

While manufacturers haven't finalized their exhibition lineups, industry patterns suggest these new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intelligent cars will dominate attention:

• BYD: All-new Seal 06, Han series refresh, Denza SUV/MPV models, Fang Cheng Bao flagship
• Li Auto: i8 series update, first pure-electric flagship reveal, new powertrain options
• XPeng/NIO/Zeekr/Neta: Focus on intelligent driving systems and extended-range solutions
• SAIC-VW/SAIC-GM/FAW-VW: Plug-in hybrid and smart connectivity upgrades
• Premium brands: Mercedes EQ series, BMW i5, Audi Q6 e-tron, Lexus electrified models

Chery's Tech Breakthrough and Global Strategy: Rapid Growth Creates New Energy Opportunities

As China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry transitions from policy-driven to market-driven, a silent technology revolution is accelerating. Chery Automobile, with its bold declaration of "No Mercy in NEV Competition," achieved 171.8% year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, with cumulative NEV sales exceeding 163,000 units, officially joining the industry's first tier as one of the fastest-growing mainstream brands. This success stems from both concentrated technological innovation and precise understanding of user needs and global trends.

Three-Pillar Strategy: Technology + Product + Globalization

1. Innovation-Driven Technological Advancement

• Platform Technology Matrix: Chery developed the Super Hybrid Platform and E0X High-Performance Electric Platform, supporting three powertrain solutions: hybrid, range-extender, and pure electric.
• Full-Stack R&D & Smart Systems: Created CHERY-OS intelligent operating

Why BMW Mini Suspended EV Imports from China to the U.S. – Key Impacts

BMW's Mini brand has halted plans to introduce two China-made electric vehicles (EVs) – the Aceman compact crossover and an electric convertible – to the U.S. market. This decision stems from high U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs, cooling consumer demand, and escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Trade Policy & Tariff Barriers

• 25%+ tariffs on Chinese-made EVs under Biden administration policies made the imports commercially unviable.
• Potential new tariffs announced by the Trump campaign created additional uncertainty for automakers.
• Mini's U.S. VP Peyton confirmed that local production in South Carolina wasn't feasible due to low projected sales volume and lack of local supply chains for these models.

Market Consequences

• Dealers like those in Portland expected 35% annual sales growth from these EVs, now lost.
• No immediate replacement for discontinued two-door Mini EVs, creating a product gap.

Strategic

Stellantis Q1 2025 Performance Report: Key Insights for Global Buyers

Global Deliveries Decline Amid Regional Shifts

Stellantis reported a 9% year-over-year decrease in global vehicle deliveries for Q1 2025, with approximately 1.2 million units sold worldwide. While facing challenges in established markets, the automaker demonstrated resilience in emerging economies.

Regional Performance Breakdown

North America: Production Challenges Offset by Strong Models

The North American market saw a 20% delivery decline (82,000 fewer units), primarily due to extended factory shutdowns during January holidays and production ramp-up for the new Ram Heavy Duty trucks. However, several models outperformed the market:

• Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee
• Ram 1500/2500 series

These vehicles achieved over 10% sales growth despite overall market contraction.

Europe: Market Share Gains Amid Transition Period

European deliveries fell 8% due to product renewal cycles for small vehicles and weakening commercial van

Foxconn's Ambitious EV Partnership Plans with Japanese Automakers

Strategic Collaboration in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

In a recent development that could reshape the Asian electric vehicle landscape, Foxconn has revealed its intentions to collaborate with major Japanese automakers. Jun Seki, Chief Strategy Officer of Foxconn's EV division, shared these plans during a Tokyo seminar covered by TopUsedCars.com reporter Calvin Zhang.

Key Partnership Opportunities

Foxconn sees particular synergy with Nissan, though formal discussions haven't yet begun. The Taiwanese manufacturing giant believes strategic alliances with Japanese manufacturers including Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors could create powerful opportunities in the competitive EV market.

Current Negotiations Progress

The company has advanced to final-stage talks with Mitsubishi Motors regarding EV supply agreements. Industry sources suggest Mitsubishi may outsource production of Oceania-market EVs to Foxconn, indicating

Changan Auto Partners with Saudi Arabia's Jameel Motors to Enter South African Market

As Chinese automakers continue their global expansion, Changan Automobile has signed a distribution agreement with Saudi Arabia's Jameel Motors, marking its official entry into the South African market.

Market Background

South Africa is the largest automotive market in Africa. According to data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, the country's new vehicle sales exceeded 500,000 units in 2024. In January this year, South Africa's passenger vehicle market saw an 18.3% year-on-year sales growth, demonstrating strong market vitality.

Partnership Details

The collaboration between Changan and Jameel Motors will focus on distributing SUVs, sedans, pickup trucks, and new energy vehicles in South Africa. Jameel Motors will primarily promote Changan's two major brands: the Changan brand for traditional fuel vehicles and the Shenlan brand for new energy vehicles.

Market Entry

BYD Launches Full Range of Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks: A Game-Changer for Global Markets

Event Overview

On April 11, 2025, BYD made a groundbreaking announcement at their "Pioneering New Journeys, Innovating the Future" product launch event in Chengdu. The Chinese new energy vehicle giant unveiled its complete lineup of heavy-duty electric trucks, including pure electric tractors, dump trucks, and mixer trucks - all designed to meet diverse transportation scenarios and industry demands.

Market Context

The Chinese new energy heavy-duty truck market has shown explosive growth, with total sales reaching 82,723 units in 2024 and market penetration exceeding 13%. However, the industry faces challenges including product homogenization, cutthroat competition, and high acquisition costs.

BYD's Strategic Approach

Tian Chunlong, General Manager of BYD Commercial Vehicle Division, emphasized the company's commitment to vertical integration and low-carbon transformation. The new truck series addresses

JETOUR Powers Angola Peace Day International Half Marathon

Event Overview

The Angola Peace Day International Half Marathon successfully took place in Luanda on April 4, 2025. This significant event celebrated the 50th anniversary of Angola's victory in its independence war, attracting approximately 3,000 runners from around the world to promote messages of peace, unity, and perseverance.

JETOUR's Participation

As the official automotive partner, JETOUR played a vital role in supporting this international sporting event. The Chinese automaker deployed its T-2 model as the men's lead vehicle and Dashing model for the women's race, accompanying athletes throughout their challenging 21km journey. The company also established an interactive brand zone offering hydration stations, photo opportunities, and vehicle displays, effectively communicating its "Healthy Mobility · Explore Life" philosophy.

Brand Philosophy & Social Responsibility