·Tesla Begins Uncrewed Robotaxi Road Testing in Austin, Targets Fully Driverless Operations by Year-End

·FF FX Super One Secures Additional 2,000 Paid Pre-Orders as Pre-Production Vehicles Near Completion

·Genesis Unveils Magma GT Concept with V8 Power, Showcasing a Philosophy of Balance

·Audi GT50 Concept Debuts in Tribute to 50 Years of the Inline Five-Cylinder Engine

·Volkswagen ID.Polo Specifications Revealed, Launching Spring 2026 with 450 km Range

·Ford Reshapes Electric Pickup Strategy, Discontinues Standard Model in Favor of EREV

·EU Relaxes 2035 Vehicle Emissions Requirements, 90% Target Allows Multiple ICE-Related Models

·Mercedes-Benz VLE All-Electric Model Teased, Launching in 2026 After Extensive Testing

·Japan to Impose Additional Taxes on Pure Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles from 2028, Tax Amount Linked to Vehicle Weight

1、Tesla Begins Uncrewed Robotaxi Road Testing in Austin, Targets Fully Driverless Operations by Year-End

Elon Musk recently confirmed that Tesla has begun uncrewed Robotaxi road testing in Austin, Texas, with no safety drivers or passengers onboard during the trials.

This milestone fulfills Musk’s earlier commitments and lays the groundwork for future commercial deployment. For the Robotaxi program, the key objective has always been the complete removal of safety supervisors and the realization of fully autonomous passenger transport. Tesla is currently expanding its test fleet to meet anticipated demand, with its goal of fully driverless operations by year-end steadily taking shape.

2、FF FX Super One Secures Additional 2,000 Paid Pre-Orders as Pre-Production Vehicles Near Completion

Faraday Future founder Jia Yueting announced that the FX Super One has secured an additional 2,000 paid pre-orders, with Florida-based Golden Hill Investment LLC as the partner.

The orders include non-refundable deposits and non-binding reservations, with all non-refundable deposits already received. Golden Hill will collaborate with FX as a co-creation partner, while the first batch of pre-production vehicles is scheduled to roll off the line on the 22nd at the Hanford facility—marking a critical milestone in FF’s mass-production journey.

3、Genesis Unveils Magma GT Concept with V8 Power, Showcasing a Philosophy of Balance

Genesis recently released additional official images of the Magma GT concept, powered by a V8 engine, underscoring the brand’s ongoing commitment to high-performance vehicles. Rather than chasing extreme aggression or outright speed, the concept emphasizes balance and a deep connection between car and driver.

In terms of design, the car retains Genesis’ signature dual-line headlamp layout integrated with aerodynamic elements, paired with an oversized front splitter for a highly aggressive stance. At the rear, the absence of an exaggerated wing conveys restraint, while the full-width dual-bar taillights with a central “GENESIS” badge enhance brand recognition.

4、Audi GT50 Concept Debuts in Tribute to 50 Years of the Inline Five-Cylinder Engine

Audi’s Neckarsulm training center apprentice team recently unveiled the GT50 retro concept, inspired by the 1989 RS3 race car and created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Audi’s inline five-cylinder engine. Rejecting modern rounded design language, the GT50 adopts a sharp three-box silhouette reminiscent of 1980s race cars, complete with dramatic aerodynamic elements, turbine-style wheels, and a retro grille—paying homage to iconic IMSA and Trans-Am racing heritage.

At the heart of the commemorative model lies the RS3’s 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine, producing up to 394 hp. Unlike conventional performance tuning approaches, Audi deliberately left nearly 100 hp of untapped potential, emphasizing balance over outright output. 

5、Volkswagen ID.Polo Specifications Revealed, Launching Spring 2026 with 450 km Range

Volkswagen has revealed key specifications for its new all-electric compact car, the ID.Polo. The model offers a WLTP-rated range of 450 km, supports 130 kW DC fast charging, and is expected to start at EUR 25,000 (approximately RMB 206,900), with a market launch planned for spring 2026. Volkswagen claims the ID.Polo surpasses all previous Polo generations in space and practicality, meeting both urban commuting and everyday driving needs.

Powertrain options include 85 kW, 99 kW, and 155 kW variants, with a performance-oriented GTI version slated for launch after 2026, delivering up to 166 kW. Lower-output models use a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, while higher-output versions feature a 52 kWh ternary lithium battery, ensuring efficient energy replenishment via 130 kW fast charging. 

6、Ford Reshapes Electric Pickup Strategy, Discontinues Standard Model in Favor of EREV

Ford announced a major overhaul of its electric pickup lineup, confirming that the standard F-150 Lightning will be discontinued after 2025 and replaced by a next-generation extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). Despite the change, the new model remains fundamentally electric, retaining the current battery pack, motor setup, and all-wheel-drive system, along with signature instant torque and acceleration.

The core difference between the new model and the current version lies in the addition of a gasoline generator, a design that significantly increases driving range from approximately 515 km to over 1,126 km. Ford has not yet released official images of the new vehicle, and details such as power specifications and charging efficiency remain confidential and will be disclosed gradually over the coming months.

7、EU Relaxes 2035 Vehicle Emissions Requirements, 90% Target Allows Multiple ICE-Related Models

The European Commission has recently adjusted policies related to the automotive industry, lowering the 2035 new-vehicle emissions target from 100% zero emissions to 90%. This change means that plug-in hybrid vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles, mild hybrids, and certain internal combustion engine models will still be allowed to be sold in the EU market.This policy adjustment is regarded as a revision and supplement to the regulations introduced in 2023. Under the new rules, affordable small electric vehicles produced within the EU will receive “super credits” before 2035. At the same time, emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles will also be adjusted, and member states will be required to set corporate fleet emissions reduction targets to further promote the adoption of low-emission vehicles.

8、Mercedes-Benz VLE All-Electric Model Teased, Launching in 2026 After Extensive Testing

Mercedes-Benz recently released teaser images of the all-new VLE model, built on the VAN.EA pure electric architecture—a modular, flexible, and scalable platform planned for official launch in 2026. The new vehicle continues the family design with a futuristic feel, short front overhang for expanded cabin space, smooth lines to reduce drag, and a clean rear for ensured loading capacity. The Mercedes-Benz VLE prototypes have completed three rigorous tests, including wind tunnel validation, track optimization, and a long-distance real-world test from Stuttgart to Rome. This nearly 1,100 km journey required only two 15-minute fast charges each, fully demonstrating its energy efficiency advantages.

9、Japan to Impose Additional Taxes on Pure Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles from 2028, Tax Amount Linked to Vehicle Weight

The Japanese government and ruling party have announced amendments to the automobile tax system, introducing a new tax on private pure electric vehicles (EVs) starting May 2028, with the tax amount increasing progressively based on vehicle weight and added to the existing automobile weight tax. This measure aims to ensure that EVs, which impose greater load on roads, contribute correspondingly to road maintenance funding. The new tax will be incorporated into the 2026 fiscal year tax reform outline, with plug-in hybrids (PHVs) also subject to taxation at half the EV rate. New vehicles are exempt during inspection, commercial EVs' taxation status to be determined after end-2026, and tax amounts subsequently set referencing average gasoline tax levels.

10、Chery Becomes First Chinese Brand to Sign with Le Mans; November Sales and Exports Hit Record Highs

On December 13, Chery Automobile completed a strategic signing with ACO in Malaysia, becoming the first Chinese brand to partner with Le Mans, with Exeed tasked with pioneering China's Le Mans journey. This collaboration was announced on the 15th by Chery Executive Vice President Li Xueyong on social media.

In the recently concluded November, Chery Group delivered impressive sales performance, totaling 272,536 vehicles sold. New energy vehicle sales reached 116,794 units, up 50.1% year-on-year; exports hit 136,728 units, up 30.3% year-on-year, marking seven consecutive months of single-month exports exceeding 100,000 units. 

11、Porsche China CEO Praises Chinese Automakers' Innovation; Industry to Face Challenges in 2026

Porsche China CEO Michael Kirsch frankly stated in an interview that the innovation speed of Chinese automakers is "astonishing," with product quantities and update frequencies changing almost daily. He also warned that 2026 will be a year full of challenges.

Kirsch revealed that Porsche's new fuel-powered SUV will not launch until the end of the 21st century, with no current plans for a sub-brand. Over-reliance on pure electric vehicles has not met expectations, while renewed market attention to internal combustion engines may bring new opportunities for the brand.

12、Wey Gaoshan Rolls Off the Line in Malaysia, Equipped with Hi4 Intelligent Hybrid 4WD for Overseas Expansion

Great Wall Motor announced that the Wey Gaoshan (overseas name: GWM WEY G9) has officially rolled off the production line at its Malaysia factory. This model previously entered the Thai market with a local price of 2.35 million Thai baht (approximately RMB 517,800), maintaining consistent overall design with the domestic version on sale.

In terms of powertrain, the new vehicle is equipped with the Hi4 intelligent hybrid four-wheel drive system, with a base maximum of 156 PS; paired with dual electric motors, combined power reaches 487 PS and combined torque 762 N·m. The battery uses a 37.96 kWh capacity version, providing up to 140 km of pure electric range, balancing energy efficiency and practicality.

13、XPeng Partners with EPMB Group for Localized Production in Malaysia, Targeting Mass Production in 2026

On December 15, XPeng Motors signed a cooperation agreement with Malaysia's EPMB Group, officially launching a localized production project there. This marks XPeng's third global localized production base after Indonesia and Austria, planning to achieve mass production in 2026 and establishing a strategic hub for the ASEAN right-hand-drive market.

From January to October this year, XPeng successfully ranked among the top six pure electric brands in Malaysia sales, with the XPeng X9 claiming the top spot in local premium electric MPV sales in September. In the future, XPeng will continue advancing its Southeast Asia localization strategy to provide higher-quality products and services to regional consumers.

14、BYD Secures Order for 210 Electric Buses in Singapore, Contract Worth Approximately RMB 575 Million

BYD successfully won a bid for 210 electric buses from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA), with a total contract value exceeding SGD 105 million, equivalent to approximately RMB 575 million. Previously, BYD has over 300 buses operating locally, supporting the green transformation of public transport. Singapore's bus procurement standards lead globally; the winning BYD B12 series buses incorporate multiple core technologies. The models are adapted for high-density urban roads, fully validated across dimensions, equipped with safety assistance systems, and feature full low-floor design for both comfort and operational efficiency.

15、Geely Partners with Poland's iTaxi, Delivers 50 EX5 Units to Advance Taxi Electrification

Geely Automobile signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Poland's mobility platform iTaxi to jointly promote local taxi fleet electrification. The first batch of 50 Geely global EX5 units has been delivered, joining the Warsaw fleet as premium electric vehicles to provide sustainable mobility services. Since entering the Polish market in July 2025, Geely has steadily expanded its business and product lineup. In addition to the EX5, it has launched the plug-in hybrid SUV Geely STARRAY EM-i, with plans to continue introducing adapted models for diverse green mobility options.

Sentauto Editor’s Note:

This week's automotive industry can truly be described as a "battle of giants," with various automakers flexing their muscles to the fullest, policy directions showing stark "hot and cold" contrasts, and industry trends unmistakably shifting toward new directions.

Tesla is decisively betting on autonomous driving, launching unsupervised Robotaxi road testing in Austin with a sprint toward full unmanned operations by year-end—this aggressive push to "seize the beachhead in future mobility" clearly aims to lock in an early advantage on the track; Faraday Future's FX Super One securing another 2,000 paid pre-orders, with pre-production vehicles about to roll off the line, demonstrates that despite past setbacks, the market still holds expectations for it, finally bringing this automaker a "light at the end of the tunnel" turnaround. Genesis and Audi, meanwhile, are busy "paying homage to classics while showcasing strength"—the former's Magma GT concept with V8 power embracing "balanced aesthetics," and the latter's GT50 concept commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inline-five engine—preserving a sense of ritual for internal combustion enthusiasts in an era dominated by new energy vehicles. Volkswagen revealed ID.Polo specifications for a spring 2026 launch with 450 km range, while Ford directly adjusted its electric pickup strategy by discontinuing the standard version in favor of an extended-range model—it is evident that automakers are "pivoting flexibly" based on market demands, balancing range with real-world user scenarios.

On the policy front, it is truly "ice and fire"—the EU relaxed 2035 vehicle emission requirements to a 90% target, giving multiple fuel-related models some "breathing room," clearly acknowledging the practical challenges of industry transition; while Japan plans to impose additional taxes on pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from 2028, with amounts tied to vehicle weight—this move is likely aimed at balancing environmental goals with fiscal needs, yet it pours "cold water" on the local new energy market and adds another layer of consideration for automakers' overseas strategies.

Chinese brands' latest "overseas offensive" is truly impressive—Chery becoming the first Chinese brand to sign with Le Mans, with November sales and exports both hitting record highs, proving with strength that "Made in China" has already broken into international markets; Wey Gaoshan rolling off the line in Malaysia equipped with Hi4 hybrid 4WD for overseas markets, XPeng partnering with EPMB Group to deepen localized production in Malaysia with 2026 mass production plans reflecting a clear "long-termism"; BYD securing a 210-unit electric bus order in Singapore worth over RMB 570 million, Geely delivering 50 EX5 units to Poland's iTaxi to advance taxi electrification—Chinese new energy vehicles are not only competitive in passenger cars but also firmly established on the global stage in commercial vehicles through solid strength. Even Porsche China CEO couldn't help praising the innovation prowess of Chinese automakers while warning of industry challenges in 2026—this also suggests that future competition in the automotive sector will be even more intense ("rolled up"), and only players who maintain innovation, stabilize their strategies, and accurately read policy trends will go further in this "elimination race."