ASEAN auto sales rise 13% on electric vehicle demand

Hanoi replaces diesel buses with 31 electric vehicles

Hanoi Transport Corporation, known as Transerco, replaced all diesel buses on three city routes with 31 electric vehicles on November 7, 2026.

The move is part of the city's ongoing transition to electric power for public transport.

BYD unveils Altior luxury electric sedan in Abu Dhabi

BYD unveiled its new electric flagship sedan, the Altior, in Abu Dhabi under its Yangwang sub-brand.

The vehicle features four electric motors, two refrigerators, and a 39-speaker sound system.

The Altior measures 220.5 inches in length, 79.9 inches in width, and 62.6 inches in height, with a 137.8-inch wheelbase.

Its body includes a coachline and is slightly longer than the standard-wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The front grille contains individually polished elements and twelve lighting elements that rotate and illuminate sequentially as the vehicle is approached.

Front doors open up to 80 degrees, while rear coach doors open to 90 degrees for easier passenger access.

Bespoke umbrellas are integrated into the doors for added luxury.

The vehicle rides on 21-inch wheels with a polished disc design reminiscent of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

While BYD did not release official power figures, it suggested the output may exceed 1,000 horsepower.

The sedan includes a tank-turn capability and an emergency flotation function for use if the vehicle enters water.

A fully active suspension system uses a forward-looking camera to adjust the ride in real-time, isolating the cabin from road bumps.

BYD claims the vehicle has a range of more than 621 miles based on the CLTC cycle.

The interior features yellow Hetian jade air-vent detailing, traditional Suzhou embroidery, and cloud-and-thunder motifs.

There are 48 decorative pieces throughout the cabin, designed to reflect light.

Development involved tapping metal switches with small hammers to ensure the desired sound and feel.

The rear layout provides four seats with 13.9 inches of knee room and 47.6 inches of legroom.

Aviation-style zero-gravity seats feature mechanical massage heads with four ball-shaped components.

A relaxation mode reclines the seats, raises leg rests, closes sun blinds, and activates lighting, massage, and fragrance functions.

Two refrigerators are installed in the vehicle, with the rear unit holding 1.5 gallons and capable of cooling or warming contents.

The luggage compartment offers 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Pricing starts at 2,080,000 yuan, which is roughly $311,000 at current exchange rates.

BYD positions the Altior to compete with ultra-luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

India leads global battery-powered auto rickshaw market

India remains the world's largest market for battery-powered auto rickshaws. In September 2026, electric vehicles represented more than 50 percent of all new three-wheeler sales in the country. By comparison, electric models accounted for 8.5 percent of car sales and 11.6 percent of two-wheeler sales during the same month.

Manufacturing output is keeping pace with this demand, as a factory operated by Mahindra Last Mile Mobility produces one electric three-wheeler every 90 seconds. Suman Mishra, the chief executive of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, said that the company's electric vehicle penetration has grown six times over the past five years. Mahindra is currently one of 15 finalists for the Earthshot Prize, which Prince William is scheduled to award in Mumbai on November 17.

India has been working to manage energy costs since a conflict in the Middle East began in February 2026.

Infrastructure remains a regional challenge, as e-rickshaws are common in cities like Lucknow but face adoption hurdles in Mumbai due to a lack of parking and charging facilities.

Ford expands EV architecture and European operations

The company is also developing the Fathom electric pickup truck, which features an internal inverter to allow for bidirectional charging for home use without an external wall-mounted inverter.

BMW offers charging credits for 2027 electric models

BMW is offering a $500 charging credit for 2027 i5, i7, and iX3 electric models in the United States. This incentive, available since November 5, 2026, includes $300 for the BMW Charging Network and $200 for IONNA locations.

The BMW Charging Network connects drivers to partners including Shell Recharge, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo. Owners also receive a one-year IONNA membership, which provides a 25% discount on charging costs.

The 2027 BMW i5 carries a purchase price of nearly $70,000, including the destination fee, or a monthly lease of about $750. Federal electric vehicle tax credits in the United States expired on September 30, 2025.

BMW has invested in Plug & Charge technology and the ChargeScape platform, which manages energy flow between vehicles and the power grid. ChargeScape launched in September 2024, adding Nissan in October 2024 and Rivian in June 2026.

Utility provider Constellation offers owners energy plans such as "Free Power Hours" from midnight to 4 a.m. A "Discounted Nights & Fair Days" plan provides lower rates between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Singapore and Japan prepare for autonomous transit trials

Tada Mobility is participating in a self-driving minibus project on Singapore's Sentosa island, with trials beginning in early 2027. Singapore is also scheduled to receive Waymo robotaxis in 2028.

Toyota and Waymo plan to launch driverless robotaxis in Japan in 2027.

Foxconn unveils three new electric vehicles

Foxconn has unveiled three new electric vehicles as part of a strategy to expand its contract manufacturing business.

US agricultural trade mission visits Ho Chi Minh City

US agricultural exports to the nation increased by 38 per cent from 2024 to 2025.