Mercedes-AMG unveils GT XX concept; Xiaomi launches YU7 electric SUV
Key Takeaways
- Mercedes-AMG unveils GT XX concept: 1,341 HP electric supercar, production in 2026.
- Xiaomi launches YU7 electric SUV; shares surge 64% this year.
- Tesla launches Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with pilot program.
- BYD rapidly expands in Europe, launching multiple EV models in less than a year.
- Italy allocates €1.2B for eco-friendly mobility incentives, €600M for 'Ecobonus 2025'.
Top Stories
Mercedes-AMG unveils GT XX concept: 1,341 HP electric supercar.
On June 25, 2025, Mercedes-AMG revealed the GT XX concept, an electric supercar with 1,341 horsepower and a top speed of 223 mph, featuring new technologies and entering production in 2026. The car has an 800-volt battery with fast charging capabilities, adding nearly 250 miles of range in about five minutes.
Xiaomi launches YU7 electric SUV, shares surge 64% this year.
On June 26, 2025, Xiaomi launched its first electric SUV, the YU7, with expected deliveries of 350,000 cars in 2025, and its shares have surged 64% this year.
Tesla launches Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with pilot program.
Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a pilot program, featuring a new logo and safety monitors in the passenger seat.
BYD rapidly expands in Europe, launching multiple EV models.
BYD is rapidly expanding in Europe, launching multiple electric vehicle models, including the Dolphin Surf in the UK, and plans to launch six models in less than a year.
Italy allocates €1.2B for eco-friendly mobility incentives.
Italy's revised PNRR allocates 1.2 billion euros for eco-friendly mobility incentives, with approximately 600 million euros dedicated to a new 'Ecobonus 2025' for electric vehicles.
Autonomous Drive Updates
Kodiak Robotics partners with Vay for remote-driving in self-driving trucks.
Kodiak Robotics and Vay are partnering to integrate remote-driving technology into Kodiak's self-driving trucks, enabling human remote control in low-speed environments and supporting commercial driverless deliveries in Texas.
Car News Today
Kia CEO Ho Sung Song wins Issigonis Trophy for EV leadership.
On June 25, 2025, Kia CEO Ho Sung Song received the Issigonis Trophy at the Autocar Awards for his leadership in Kia's design and electrification strategy, including the EV9 and EV3 models.
Alpine A290 named Best Fun EV at 2025 Autocar Awards.
The Alpine A290, a sporty variant of the Renault 5, has been named the Best Fun EV at the 2025 Autocar Awards, available from £33,490 with two power options: 178bhp and 217bhp.
Huawei Maextro S800 deliveries begin, prices from $137,900.
Huawei's Maextro S800, a luxury electric sedan, will begin deliveries on June 26, 2025, with over 5000 pre-orders and prices ranging from $137,900 to $208,000.
Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV to debut at Goodwood Festival.
The Genesis GV60 Magma, a performance EV, is set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2025, with aggressive styling and potentially exceeding 601 horsepower.
Nissan unveils 2026 Armada Nismo with 460 HP.
On June 25, 2025, the 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo, a performance version of the full-size SUV, was unveiled, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 460 horsepower.
Volvo EX60 all-electric SUV set for 2026 debut.
Volvo is developing the EX60, an all-electric SUV and electric sibling of the XC60, set to debut in early 2026, utilizing the SPA3 platform and positioned between the EX40 and EX90 models.
Cadillac begins delivering $350,000 Celestiq EV ultra-luxury sedan.
Cadillac began delivering the Celestiq EV, an ultra-luxury electric sedan priced around $350,000, featuring a 655 hp dual-motor all-wheel drive system and an estimated range of 303 miles, around June 25, 2025.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra reviewed: 1548 hp, priced at $74,000.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, Xiaomi's flagship electric vehicle, is reviewed for its interior, design, and features, boasting 1548 hp and priced at $74,000, currently only available in China.
Jeep Cherokee returns in 2026 with hybrid, fuel, and EV options.
The Jeep Cherokee is returning in 2026, built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, offering hybrid, fuel, and electric versions, with the electric version featuring a 100 kWh battery and a dual-motor system producing 600 horsepower.
Volkswagen Golf eHybrid named Best Hybrid at 2025 Autocar Awards.
The Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, announced on June 24, 2025, and named Best Hybrid at the 2025 Autocar Awards, features a 1.5L four-cylinder turbo engine and an electric motor, delivering 201bhp and up to 88 miles of electric range.
Dacora Motors to revive US ultra-luxury market with $500,000 EV.
Dacora Motors, founded by Kristie D’Ambrosio-Correll, aims to revive the US ultra-luxury car market with handcrafted vehicles, including the Dacora, a luxury electric sedan designed by Pininfarina and priced around $500,000.
Koenigsegg introduces Sadair's Spear: 1,625 HP track hypercar.
Koenigsegg introduced the Sadair's Spear, a track-focused, street-legal hypercar based on the Jesko, featuring a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing up to 1,625 horsepower on E85 fuel, with only 30 units to be produced, each priced over $5 million.
Lexus ending LC production; limited Pinnacle Edition available.
Lexus is ending production of the LC, with a limited-edition Pinnacle Edition LC 500 available, featuring aesthetic changes and limited to 100 units destined for the Japanese market.
AMG developing new V-8 engine for US market by 2027.
AMG's CEO announced on June 25 and 26, 2025, that a new V-8 engine is in development and will arrive by the end of 2027, driven by customer demand, particularly in the US, despite the EU's 2035 zero CO₂ emissions rule.
EV Revolution
Judge orders Trump administration to release $5B for EV charging.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release $5 billion in frozen funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects, part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
GM explores solid-state and sodium-ion batteries for EV improvements.
General Motors is actively exploring next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, to improve EV range, charging, and cost at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Michigan.
Foxconn to supply electric buses to Mitsubishi Fuso.
Foxconn is nearing a deal to supply electric buses to Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, with plans to roll out these buses in Japan in 2027.
Toyota study compares hybrid and plug-in hybrid real-world performance.
On June 24, 2025, Toyota released a study comparing the real-world performance of its C-HR full hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, finding plug-in hybrids most cost-effective for users with photovoltaic systems and private parking.
Spiro deploys 35,000 e-motorcycles in Africa, cuts CO2 emissions.
Spiro has deployed over 35,000 electric motorcycles and 60,000 LFP batteries across 8 African countries, establishing a battery swapping network and reducing CO2 emissions by 33,000 tonnes.
Skycharger to develop 24-port fast charging hub at SFO.
On June 24, 2025, Skycharger announced it was awarded a lease to develop a 24-port fast charging hub at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), projected to avoid 200,000+ tons of CO₂ in the first ten years.
Market Watch
Intel closes automotive chip division, lays off employees.
Intel is restructuring under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, including the closure of its automotive chip division and layoffs, refocusing on its core client and data center portfolio.
High-end EVs struggle with sales despite growing EV market.
High-end electric vehicles from legacy automakers are struggling with poor sales, such as the electric Mercedes G-Class SUV, despite the global EV market's rapid growth, expected to surpass 20 million in 2025.
Stellantis CEO Filosa presents new strategic plan.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa presented the new strategic plan during his first global 'Town Hall' in Turin, emphasizing growing the business, improving industrial execution, and aiming for high quality.
Tech in Motion
Automakers reconsider Apple CarPlay Ultra; Porsche remains committed.
As of June 2025, some automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are reconsidering Apple's CarPlay Ultra due to data control concerns, while Porsche remains committed to integrating the technology.
Nvidia CEO sees robotics as major growth opportunity alongside AI.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted robotics as a major growth opportunity, with the automotive and robotics divisions generating $567 million in quarterly sales, up 72% annually.
Mahindra updates Scorpio N with Level 2 ADAS features.
Mahindra is updating the Scorpio N with Level 2 ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, with prices expected to be higher than the current range.