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Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota budget Tesla Model Y killer takes off in China
At this point, Toyota is almost as much a part of the U.S. auto industry as the Detroit Big 3. Toyota is by far the most popular brand in the States. Toyota sold over 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2024, a 3.7% year-over-year increase. Just in the last 12 months, between April 2024 and March 2025, the company built 1.96 million units in the U.S., according to Statista. Related: Elon Musk, Tesla finally get some good news out of China Meanwhile, 52% of the 2.7 million vehicles GM sold globally last year were "made in the USA." Of the Big 3, GM isn't even ahead of Stellantis (57%), a multinational conglomerate based in Europe, in terms of domestic production. Ford leads the way, with 77% of the cars it sells originating from the States. But even though Toyota has a dominant position in the States, the U.S. EV market isn't very developed right now. In fact, current U.S. government policy concerning tax credits for EVs suggests that the U.S. market is getting ready to contract rather than expand. At the same time, China controls the key element EVs need for their batteries. China controls over 70% of the world's rare earth mining, 85% of its refining capacity, and 90% of rare earth metal alloy and magnet production. So Toyota, despite its U.S. ties, is headed West to debut its latest mass-market EV SUV, which is selling like crazy in the world's largest EV market. Toyota debuted the bZ3X, its budget electric SUV, in China in March. In May, the vehicle became the best-selling foreign EV in China. Toyota launched the bZ3X through its joint venture, GAC Toyota, at a starting price of 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000, making it the Japanese automaker's "first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV" and the most affordable EV so far in China, according to Electrek. The BZ3X sold 4,344 units in May, edging out the Volkswagen ID.3, which sold 4,217 units. Fellow Japanese automaker Nissan came in third with its new N7 sedan. Toyota claimed that it took so many orders when the bZ3X dropped that the server crashed after taking over 10,000 orders in an hour. Related: Toyota moves production of popular US sedan to Britain The compact electric SUV is considered conservative-looking, but Toyota is betting that consumers are willing to pay a little bit more for a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) driver assistance system. Toyota offers the bZ3X in seven different trims, but only two of them feature LiDAR, which is considered superior to the camera-based system Tesla utilizes for its Full Self Driving system, for a slightly higher price. The car also offers two battery options that grant driving ranges of 430 km (267 miles) and 610 km (379 miles), respectively. China's EV industry has shifted into overdrive. The Chinese government has been pushing its citizens to adopt the green technology using cash, tax, and other incentives to get them to purchase EVs and hybrids. In late May, BYD, Tesla's biggest rival in China, launched a new round of price cuts of up to 53,000 yuan (about $7,300) across 22 models. The move sent shock waves throughout the industry, as smaller rivals will have trouble keeping up wth the discounts the much-larger BYD can offer. The move was so drastic that the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology had to issue public warnings about "disorderly price wars." More Automotive news: General Motors delivers surprising business updateFord reports surprising news amid Tesla turmoilApple creates a clever way to stop car thieves BYD controls 32% of China's new energy vehicle market, compared to Tesla's 6.1% market share. Tesla has been marketing in China using the made-in-China mantra, but data shows that production at its China plant is slowing. Tesla made 58,459 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles at Gigafactory Shanghai in April, a 6% year-over-year decline. This came as demand fell, wth delivery data also declining in recent weeks. To fight back, Tesla has been discounting its vehicles in China wth subsidized 0% interest rates and direct discounts. Related: General Motors makes $4 billion tariff move The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Auto Express
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
The Nissan Leaf is back, and it's got a controversial new look
One of the big EV innovators that helped push electric cars into the mainstream has been completely reimagined, because where once the Nissan Leaf was a sensible, somewhat awkward C-segment hatchback, this all-new generation is much more interesting. That's not just because of its arresting design, but also because it now packs some impressive numbers that will bring it right back into play against key rivals, such as the Kia EV3 and Volkswagen ID.3. Advertisement - Article continues below It's those two key competitors that Nissan has its eye on, appealing to both the short-range urban dweller and, thanks to a new long-range battery option, high-mileage business users. The new long-range battery is a 75kWh unit that gives the Leaf up to 375 miles of range, which matches the EV3's best efforts and besting the ID.3's maximum claimed 369-mile figure. This feeds power to a front-mounted 214bhp electric motor and will go from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, before topping out at 100mph. Nissan quotes DC charging speeds of up to 150kW, topping up the battery from 20 to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes. However, a UK-based development team has also been testing the Leaf during sustained high-speed driving that should give owners a better idea of motorway efficiency. In this case, Nissan says the long-range Leaf will still offer around 204 miles on a single charge at a sustained 80mph. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The entry-level 52kWh battery, which is aimed more at urban use, is still impressive on the WLTP cycle, reaching 270 miles from a charge, with 138 miles achieved on the in-house 80mph test. This version is powered by a slightly less powerful 174bhp electric motor, and slows down the charging to 105kW – yet the smaller battery retains a 30-minute 20-80 per cent refill figure. Its 0-62mph time is 8.6 seconds and hits the same 100mph top speed. Yet a big battery is only one of the elements required for long range figures, and in this respect Nissan's designers have worked hard to make the Leaf into a much more slippery and efficient EV. The sloping roofline, Kamm-tail rear end and clever aero tricks around the front contribute to an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.25 – excellent for the class and above many key rivals. Advertisement - Article continues below The sloping roofline has also been a key driver of change when it comes to the car's overall form, with Giovanni Arroba explaining to Auto Express about the latest model's design philosophy. 'The Leaf is all about muscularity, wheel orientation, agility, but it should still have a sense of chic, urban, sleek and sexiness,' he explained. 'The shape of the Leaf very much is again, shaped by bringing 604 kilometres [of range] to the customer within that price range.' Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Nissan has also sprinkled in plenty of nineties-inspired design details, which was a heyday for the brand. Elements such as three-dimensional rear lights and their clever 'Ni-San' (or two-three in Japanese) graphics, plus references to sports models like the 300ZX around the blacked-out rear panel, all suggest that the company is leaning into something the newer Chinese and Korean brands don't have: heritage. It might appear like a big car, but pictures don't quite do the Leaf justice, because it's one of very few EVs that looks smaller in the flesh. At 4,350mm long, it's only around 50mm lengthier than the boxy Kia EV3. The Leaf is available with 18 or 19-inch wheels, although specific trim levels and pricing have yet to be confirmed for the UK market. Advertisement - Article continues below The cabin's interior design is much more contemporary, with the clean and uncluttered dash layout prioritising a digital-heavy interface, but without totally relegating physical controls to the bin. The twin-screen display is new for Nissan, and comprises dual 14.3-inch screens that are even bigger than the Nissan Ariya's. They also run a fresh native interface that's powered by the latest electronic hardware, and include elements such as intelligent voice control and a Google-based navigation system. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Just below the main screen bank is a set of touch-sensitive controls for the air-conditioning, and between the air vents are a simple volume knob, track-seek buttons and a shortcut for the parking cameras. High-spec models will also feature a Bose sound system, including a dedicated speaker that can relay navigation and warning sounds to the driver without interrupting passengers. The rear seats are spacious for the class, with good knee and legroom. A flat floor means foot room is decent, while there is plenty of headroom, despite the sloping roofline. Nissan will offer a glass roof on higher-specification models, which includes the same changeable glass that can block sunlight across the roof in stages. As well as making the cabin brighter, the glass roof also increases rear headroom by 30mm. Advertisement - Article continues below There's plenty of space in the cabin, with good storage for small items combined with a vast, open area under the dashboard to really hammer home that this is a bespoke EV, rather than one based on an existing ICE platform. The 437-litre boot is also a good size and is 50 litres bigger than the previous-generation Leaf. However, more upright rivals will likely be more versatile when it comes to loading bulky items. Nissan will split the Leaf into four trim levels: Engage, Engage+. Advance and Evolve. Specific features and pricing for each of these will be revealed closer to its launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, but Nissan has suggested that both the standard equipment and pricing will be competitive with the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. So while the Nissan Leaf might have been a trailblazer when it first brought EV motoring to the masses, its relative inability to capitalise on that lead has made the previous model something of an afterthought in the era of bespoke EVs from Europe, Korea and, now, China. However, this new generation signals that Nissan is committed to getting back to the sharp end of the class, and has ensured that its Sunderland factory in the UK is equipped for the sales volume the company hopes to see. Auto Express Find A Car can help you find the best deals out there on used Nissan Leaf models ... Find a car with the experts New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can't be anything but popular Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can't be anything but popular The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won't do it any harm at all.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
New car tax rules could ‘undermine consumer confidence' in EVs, Treasury warned
Car tax rule changes could 'undermine consumer confidence' in electric vehicles (EVs) – despite them remaining cheaper to own than petrol models, according to new research. Think tank the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said owners of the top 10 best-selling EVs will benefit from average annual savings of nearly £1,200 over the vehicle's lifetime, mostly because running a car on electricity is generally cheaper than paying for petrol. The analysis includes purchase and running costs. The Treasury will remove EVs' exemption from vehicle excise duty (VED) – known as car tax – from Tuesday. That means all EV owners will be charged at least the standard rate, which will be £195 for the second year onward after a vehicle is registered. New EVs worth more than £40,000 will also incur the expensive car supplement, which will be £425 annually from years two to six after a car is registered. But the VED changes – announced in November 2022 under the Conservative government but being implemented by the Labour Government – will also see rates increasing for petrol cars, with owners of the largest and most polluting vehicles seeing a doubling of the amount they will have to pay in the first year. Under the zero emission vehicles (Zev) mandate, a minimum proportion of new cars and vans sold by each manufacturer must be zero emission, which generally means pure electric. ECIU head of transport Colin Walker said: 'The Zev mandate policy introduced by the previous government and continued by the current one has been successful in driving competition between manufacturers up, and driving EV prices down. 'But the Government is risking complacency if it is seen to be increasing the cost of running an EV at such a critical time in the country's EV transition. 'These new taxes could undermine consumer confidence and hold families back from making the move to electric driving, leaving them stuck paying a petrol premium to run more expensive combustion engine cars.' The Government is analysing feedback from a recent consultation on proposed changes to the Zev mandate rules, which includes making it easier for non-compliant manufacturers to avoid fines. Ginny Buckley, founder of EV buying advice website said the luxury car tax threshold of £40,000 – set eight years ago – is 'outdated' and 'unfairly penalises EVs due to their higher upfront costs'. She went on: 'Many family-sized electric cars – such as the Kia e-Niro or Volkswagen ID.3 – could be subject to a tax originally intended for luxury vehicles. ' Family drivers needing extra space, and businesses requiring longer range, could end up paying thousands more in tax over six years. 'This may discourage car buyers from making the switch to electric.' A Treasury spokesperson said: 'The shift to electric vehicles will support growth and productivity across the UK and is crucial for tackling climate change. 'Our approach ensures fiscal stability while providing incentives through the tax system such as freezing vehicle excise duty first year rates for EVs to encourage the transition to electric and zero emission vehicles.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New car tax rules could ‘undermine consumer confidence' in EVs, Treasury warned
Car tax rule changes could 'undermine consumer confidence' in electric vehicles (EVs) – despite them remaining cheaper to own than petrol models, according to new research. Think tank the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said owners of the top 10 best-selling EVs will benefit from average annual savings of nearly £1,200 over the vehicle's lifetime, mostly because running a car on electricity is generally cheaper than paying for petrol. The analysis includes purchase and running costs. The Treasury will remove EVs' exemption from vehicle excise duty (VED) – known as car tax – from Tuesday. That means all EV owners will be charged at least the standard rate, which will be £195 for the second year onward after a vehicle is registered. New EVs worth more than £40,000 will also incur the expensive car supplement, which will be £425 annually from years two to six after a car is registered. But the VED changes – announced in November 2022 under the Conservative government but being implemented by the Labour Government – will also see rates increasing for petrol cars, with owners of the largest and most polluting vehicles seeing a doubling of the amount they will have to pay in the first year. Under the zero emission vehicles (Zev) mandate, a minimum proportion of new cars and vans sold by each manufacturer must be zero emission, which generally means pure electric. ECIU head of transport Colin Walker said: 'The Zev mandate policy introduced by the previous government and continued by the current one has been successful in driving competition between manufacturers up, and driving EV prices down. 'But the Government is risking complacency if it is seen to be increasing the cost of running an EV at such a critical time in the country's EV transition. 'These new taxes could undermine consumer confidence and hold families back from making the move to electric driving, leaving them stuck paying a petrol premium to run more expensive combustion engine cars.' The Government is analysing feedback from a recent consultation on proposed changes to the Zev mandate rules, which includes making it easier for non-compliant manufacturers to avoid fines. Ginny Buckley, founder of EV buying advice website said the luxury car tax threshold of £40,000 – set eight years ago – is 'outdated' and 'unfairly penalises EVs due to their higher upfront costs'. She went on: 'Many family-sized electric cars – such as the Kia e-Niro or Volkswagen ID.3 – could be subject to a tax originally intended for luxury vehicles. 'Family drivers needing extra space, and businesses requiring longer range, could end up paying thousands more in tax over six years. 'This may discourage car buyers from making the switch to electric.' A Treasury spokesperson said: 'The shift to electric vehicles will support growth and productivity across the UK and is crucial for tackling climate change. 'Our approach ensures fiscal stability while providing incentives through the tax system such as freezing vehicle excise duty first year rates for EVs to encourage the transition to electric and zero emission vehicles.'
