News Roundup: Sept 22, 2025

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/Kuw0j88JyzE

TOYOTA’S NEW BZ7 FLAGSHIP

Originally shown as a concept in Shanghai, Toyota’s electric flagship sedan has now debuted in production form. Built in partnership with GAC, it comes in a single configuration with a 268 hp motor and a lower-cost lithium-iron-phosphate battery. Slightly larger than the Tesla Model S, it features Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead’ face up front. It’s the first Toyota to use Xiaomi’s Human x Car x Home ecosystem, allowing you to control home appliances from your vehicle or smartphone app. Other technology partners include Momenta (for its lidar-supported automated driving) and Huawei (which supplied the drive units and HarmonyOS cockpit system).

WHY IT MATTERS: Toyota has long been accused of deprioritizing EVs—and their first-generation models were barely competitive. However, this new flagship, which leverages state-of-the-art Chinese technology, suggests that Toyota will be turning up the heat in the EV market.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A stylish, sophisticated sedan that, unfortunately, will only be offered to Chinese customers. The only open question is what the range and performance numbers look like.

TOYOTA’S ELECTRIFIED ICONS

Toyota confirmed they will begin building two three-row electric SUVs in Kentucky starting next year, and sources have suggested they may be badged Land Cruiser and RAV4. Toyota has indicated they are moving away from ‘bZ’ (“beyond zero”) and are likely to use better-known nameplates—although Highlander might be a better choice for the second entry, given the rarity of three-row RAV4s. The Land Cruiser may be derived from the Land Cruiser Se concept shown in 2023, and both will use the updated E-TNGA platform underpinning the Toyota bZ and bZ Woodland.

WHY IT MATTERS: This would give the Toyota showroom five electric SUVs—more than any other brand—and help demonstrate to skeptics that Toyota is in the EV business for the long haul.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The updated E-TNGA platform is now competitive (though not necessarily class-leading)—and, combined with Toyota’s strong brand, should help bring potential buyers into the dealership.

TOYOTA’S 2ND-GEN E-PALETTE

The original E-Palette (that’s “palette”, like what an artist uses, not “pallet” for delivering goods) was shown as a concept in 2018, and then used to shuttle athletes at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This new version, configurable as a 17-person people mover, commercial van, or mobile shop, is now available for purchase for about $197,000 (with a $107,000 government subsidy available). Although it launches with Level 2 autonomy, Toyota is promising lidar-enabled Level 4 autonomy by 2027. The 50 mph top speed limits it to urban settings, but the 155-mile range should be plenty given its usage cycle

WHY IT MATTERS: It’s not clear who will be the first to buy one of these—local government or private fleet owner. We’ve seen similar types of vehicles, both smaller and larger, but it remains to be seen if it will catch on.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Toyota’s commitment to zero emissions appears to extend beyond conventional passenger vehicles.

THE RETURN OF THE FOCUS?

The current Ford Focus—which left US shores seven years ago—is scheduled to end production in November, following the Fiesta’s exit in 2023. Bill Ford has indicated we will be “pleasantly surprised by what’s coming” to Ford’s European lineup, and now Autocar is reporting a new entry will come out of Ford’s Valencia plant in 2027. Sharing the C2 platform with the Ford Kuga (the European counterpart to our Escape), it would be sold in ICE and EV variants alongside the Kuga—and also alongside the new, similarly-sized Explorer and Capri SUV EVs. Ford has trademarked Mythic, Fuze, and Hive—but also wants to leverage iconic nameplates, hence the rumor of the Focus badge returning.

WHY IT MATTERS: This seems to be creating unnecessary clutter in Ford’s showroom—and also points out an apparent missed opportunity. Why isn’t Ford’s new low-cost Universal EV platform being used to source an entry (or two) for Europe?

THE BOTTOM LINE: If the article’s info is accurate, this seems to point to a rather confusing planning process that will add cost and complexity to both Ford and its customer base.

DREAME DREAMS BIG

Outside of China, you probably haven’t heard of Dreame, but this Chinese appliance maker intends to go where the UK’s Dyson (maker of premium vacuum cleaners) failed to go: EVs. Dyson’s founder lost about half a billion pounds of his own money with his company’s efforts to create a $150,000 electric SUV. Now, Dreame—who has been working on this for about nine months—announced their first round of funding two weeks ago, setting a record for the fastest financing by a new EV maker in China. The company has set up Dreame Automotive (targeting Bugatti) and Starry Automotive (targeting Rolls-Royce and Bentley), but starting at under $40,000. They’ve shown their first prototype, a heavily Bugatti-influenced EV with four butterfly doors. The prototype will debut at CES 2026, and they’ve also signed an agreement with BNP Paribas to build a plant in Germany.

WHY IT MATTERS: Ten years ago, the media was rife with stories of Chinese automakers ripping off legacy automotive designs. It happens far less frequently today, but Dreame’s prototype seems likely to inspire a lawsuit or two from the legendary supercar brand.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Despite the government encouraging consolidation, the Chinese auto industry remains riddled with startups competing for resources.

HYUNDAI INVESTOR DAY 2025

This annual event yielded several interesting data points, especially when compared to announcements made a year ago…

• Hyundai’s EV sales target of 2.0 million units by 2030 has apparently been dropped; they’ve kept their total target of 5.5 million units, but now indicate 60% will be “electrified” (EV/HEV/PHEV/EREV/FCEV)

• The new Ioniq 3 (based on the Concept Three shown at IAA) was confirmed, but only for Europe, and new China- and India-specific entries were also announced

• They are developing a new BOF pickup (and possible SUV)—different from the GM-sourced entry for South America—and an electric van for the US (shared with GM)

• Genesis is now targeting nearly 5x sales growth (up to 350K units) by 2030—and offering “ultra-bespoke” capability

• The company’s EREV launches remain on track for 2027—both Hyundai and Genesis variants expected, and likely Kia, too, and likely midsize SUVs

• There will be seven “N” models by 2030—but that count might include lower-performance “N Line” variants

• New battery technology is due by 2027, targeting 30% lower cost, 15% higher energy density, and 15% faster charge times

WHY IT MATTERS: Last year, many automakers backed off on EV plans and programs, but not Hyundai; this year’s announcement is still EV-strong but perhaps slightly less aggressive, and the addition of more EREVs and hybrids should help them adjust to market shifts. The new N models will add higher-priced—and higher-margin—entries to the portfolio, and Genesis’ potential to offer ultra-bespoke capability (like Rolls-Royce or Bentley) puts them in rarefied company.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Hyundai continues to barrel forward and raise the bar in terms of design, quality, and technology.

#toyota #bz #ev #erev #electricvehicle #automotive #landcruiser #rav4 #ford #focus #dreame #bugatti #hyundai #investorday