News Roundup: July 21, 2025

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/CJ4spfRIFo8

Ford's Electrified Bronco

Ford's resurrection of the iconic Bronco nameplate several years ago turned out to be a pretty smart move, creating a challenger for Jeep's legendary Wrangler and a more affordable and fuel-efficient Bronco Sport spinoff. Now, Ford has partnered with their China partner, JMC, to produce a third new member of the Bronco family. Based on a JMC BFI (not BOF) platform, this new Bronco is larger and heavier than America's Bronco, and is powered by either an EV (~300 miles EPA equivalent EV range) or EREV (~100 miles EPA equivalent EV range). It features Bronco design cues, flush door handles, an externally mounted spare tire, and roof mounted LiDAR, and is expected to be priced around $42-55K.

WHY IT MATTERS: Chinese automakers have discovered not only SUVs, but blocky, offroad-capable SUVs--and Ford can bring not only the capability but an iconic brand to the table. Plus, Ford's ability to get a big square SUV to 300 miles on a charge is a pretty significant accomplishment.

THE BOTTOM LINE: It's not clear if this BFI Bronco is as capable as America's Bronco, but otherwise it hits all the right notes. The only downside is that it's built in China for China, because it was easily fit into Ford's US plans.

Tesla's Bigger "Y"

In June, Tesla sent an email to its customers referencing a seven-passenger Model Y, and we now have a look at the actual vehicle. You may recall that, at one point, the current Model Y did offer a rather punishing third row but that was dropped two years ago. Info on this new long-wheelbase Y has just been filed in China, indicating a 7.3" stretch (on a 5.9" longer wheelbase). Although the roof has been raised, the profile is still pretty swoopy, which raises questions about how habitable that third row is. The 456 hp dual motor drivetrain is the most powerful ever for a Model Y--but keep in mind it's moving a few hundred pounds of extra mass.

WHY IT MATTERS: Tesla is continuing to lose share globally, and so any incremental product improvement is better than nothing. This particular model follows a plan similar to that employed by BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, who offer long-wheelbase SUV variants in China to provide a more comfortable second row.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Given what seems like a cramped third row, the big story here is the improved second row packaging--but that may not be enough in the face of increasing competition from both legacy and Chinese automakers.

Mitsubishi Pajero Returns!

First launched in 1981 as a two-door, with a four-door quickly following, the Pajero (Montero in North America) ran for about forty years as an alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol. New spyshots suggest the model is being revived as a derivative of the new L200/Triton pickup. The L200 currently offers L4 gas and turbodiesel engines, but a hybrid is likely to be required to keep the new Pajero competitive.

WHY IT MATTERS: This may not be a high volume entry, but it's a potential brand flagship (with appropriately high margins) that resurrects an iconic nameplate.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Without more specifications, it's too early to tell how competitive this new Pajero will be, but it could help draw traffic to Mitsubishi showrooms.

Gen-Z Explorer Concept

It's been 28 years since General Motors hooked up with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) in China--one of the first legacy automakers to enter the market--and they are celebrating with the Gen-Z Explorer, a compact hatchback with some pretty impressive specs:

• ~560mi charge, 800V charging > 280mi/10min, wireless vehicle charging

• Unspecified battery pack with 350Wh/kg (current estimates for Tesla are <300) and cell-to-chassis structure

• 644hp dual motor layout, 0-100kmh in 3.8sec

• Front and rear ends feature light bars with 2000 micro LEDs, which can display images and messages

WHY IT MATTERS: Some sources are suggesting a production version of this could join the new Buick Electra portfolio (which already includes an MPV, an SUV, and a sedan).

THE BOTTOM LINE: The listed specs are better than just about any EV in GM's portfolio, so it's not clear how close to reality this is from a mechanical standpoint, but it could give GM or Buick a new fashionable entry-level EV.

#ev #electricvehicle #reev #ford #jmc #china #bronco #tesla #teslamodely #modely #mitsubishi #pajero #montero #generalmotors #gm