1. Toyota settles the marathon DPF class action
After more than seven years, Toyota Australia has reached a settlement in the diesel particulate filter class action — subject to court approval. It covers 264,170 HiLux, Fortuner and LandCruiser Prado models built between October 2015 and April 2020, fitted with the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbo diesels. The faulty DPF units could clog and blow white smoke, stink, and drink more fuel. Toyota says a free remedy has been available since 2020, and joining the class action is no longer possible — but impacted owners can still get the fix. No word yet on the payout figure, after the 2022 ruling of roughly $2 billion was appealed.
Source: Drive.com.au
2. Honda's next-gen hybrid tech lands in 2027
Honda has unveiled its next-generation hybrid system, simply branded "Honda Hybrid", rolling out globally from 2027. Fifteen new hybrid models by the end of March 2030, aimed mostly at North America — Honda's not mucking around. The tech builds on Honda's two-motor e setup with a wider engine high-efficiency range, a smaller and more efficient electric drive unit, and a new lightweight platform that uses controlled body flex to sharpen handling. There's also a new electric all-wheel-drive system in the mix. Honda's been at hybrids since the 1999 Insight — this is its biggest swing yet.
Source: Autotalk Australia
3. Geely Monjaro EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV debuts in Paris
Geely took the Monjaro EM-i to the 2026 Paris Motor Show for its European debut — a flagship D-segment plug-in hybrid SUV and Geely's fourth new-energy vehicle in Europe. The AWD Ultra packs a 1.5-litre hybrid engine good for 246kW and 667Nm, with an e-AWD system and adaptive suspension that adjusts in milliseconds. Kit includes 17 driver-assist features, Geely's Battery Safety System and a high-strength steel safety cage. No pricing yet, but this is the PHEV the Chinese brands are betting on against the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq.
Source: MarketersMEDIA (Geely press release)
4. Zagreb's driverless taxis clock 200,000km with no one at the wheel
Europe's first commercial robotaxi trial is stacking up the kilometres. Uber, Pony.ai and Verne launched Level 4 autonomous taxis in Zagreb back in April, and the fleet has now logged over 200,000km with an average passenger rating of 4.7 out of 5. Since September the cars run fully unsupervised — no safety driver on board — and riders just book through the normal Uber app. The driverless ride is no longer a pilot-project fantasy; it's booked like any UberX.
Source: POLIS Network
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