1. Volkswagen turns to China to reverse its Aussie sales slide
Volkswagen could soon be selling Chinese-built cars in Australia. Global boss Thomas Schäfer told Autocar the brand is "starting now to export" vehicles to countries with easier access from China, such as Australia — and a Volkswagen Australia spokesperson confirmed to Drive that Australia is one of the markets being considered. Expect more affordable electric cars and family SUVs first, including a rival to the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. No surprise VW is looking for a reset: sales are down 23 per cent this year, with 17,161 Volkswagens sold to the end of September 2026. And it wouldn't even be a first — the brand sold the Chinese-built Polo Classic here back in 2004 and 2005, and China is already the leading country of origin for new cars sold in Australia.
Source: Drive
2. Omoda reveals the futuristic X electric SUV
Chery's Omoda Jaecoo sub-brand has unveiled a new model it simply calls the X, previewed at an event in Wuhu, China. At 4.65 metres long it's bigger than the popular J5 EV, and it looks the part: 19-inch wheels, all-terrain tyres, 200 mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of over 700 mm, plus 1.8 tonnes of towing and a claimed 39 storage spaces inside. Buyers get a choice of full-electric or plug-in hybrid power, in two- or all-wheel drive. The standout bit of kit is an infrared thermal-imaging night-vision system that spots hazards up to 90 metres away. Australian availability is yet to be confirmed, but with the J5 already past 10,000 sales, this one has a fair shot at landing here.
Source: The Driven
3. Baidu's robotaxi hits London streets
China's Baidu has unveiled its RT6 autonomous vehicle in London, working with Lyft's Freenow unit, with hopes of a driverless robotaxi service in the city in 2027. Testing with safety drivers began over the summer; the plan is fully driverless cars next year, ahead of a commercial launch. London's getting crowded with robotaxis, mind you: Wayve and Uber launched a service there in September with a human safety driver, and Waymo aims to go fully driverless in the city by the end of this year. Freenow's UK boss reckons London is a great test — speed bumps, narrow streets and plenty of 20 mph zones — saying the car is "learning the rules of the road much like you would do if you're trying to pass your own driving test."
Source: Devdiscourse (Reuters)
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