Sales of Lucid’s Air sedan are growing, and its new, high-riding Gravity brother has met with rave reviews, so why are sales of the SUV so awful?

That’s a question you might ask after learning that a pathetic nine examples of the theoretically more on-trend EV in Lucid’s lineup were registered in the first six months of 2025. The figures, first reported by Auto News, come from S&P Global Mobility, whose data set also confirmed the Air logged 4,780 registrations in the same period.

Related: Lucid Prepares An SUV That’s Built For More Than The Highway

Lucid sedan sales were up 52 percent year-on-year, but far more people want to buy SUVs than traditional-shaped four-door cars these days, so the nine-unit Gravity tally was disappointing to say the least.

“The Gravity nails its mission,” wrote Car and Driver after testing the $96,550 utility, praising its speed, range, and cargo space. But since the ultimate mission of any automaker is to sell cars, S&P GM’s numbers suggested it hadn’t nailed, but failed, its mission.

Lucid Pushes Back

Unlike U.S. President Donald Trump did upon hearing less than favorable job statistics, Lucid didn’t have a meltdown and demand the head of S&P GM’s adder-upper. But it did claim to Auto News reporters that the nine-cars figure was wildly inaccurate. The real numbers are in the “multiple hundreds,” it said in an email to the website.

Lucid explained the huge disparity between the two numbers as resulting from a lag between the date on which vehicles are sold and the date on which they’re registered.

The Gravity entered production in December 2024, but 2025’s first quarter production was ringfenced for showroom models and demo drives. Customers didn’t begin to get their own SUVs until spring, and even then, the production ramp-up was happening slower than anticipated, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff told AN in June. The loss-making company also trimmed its 2025 production forecast.

More Trims, More Volume to Come

Currently, the Gravity is only available in GT trim with 828 hp (840 PS / 617 kW) and a 450-mile (724 km) EPA range, but a year from now, with SUV production in full swing, the numbers will look very different, and registrations should relegate the Air sedan to a side-man.

DUNCANNON, Pa., – Rohrer Bus Sales proudly announces the appointment of Nicholas Cole as Executive Vice President & General Manager. Nick will be bringing over three decades of executive experience in the automotive, transportation, and mobility industries to Rohrer Bus. In this role, Nick will report directly to Skip Rohrer, President of Rohrer Bus Sales.

As Executive Vice President & General Manager, Nick will be responsible for integrating the Service and Parts Departments into the dealership, and working alongside Skip developing sales strategies to continue the growth of our dealership.

Nick is a seasoned leader known for transforming businesses and leading innovations across global organizations. His distinguished career includes leadership roles with Daimler AG, Avis Budget Group, Local Motors, and United Road. Most recently, Nick served as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at United Road, where he led the OEM and remarketing sales teams.

Nick previously held the role of Senior Vice President of Sales & Deployment at Local Motors, a start-up manufacturer that introduced the first 3D-manufactured, electric, autonomous, commercial shuttle bus. As President of Zipcar International, he was responsible for global operations across Europe, and launching innovative B2B mobility as a service (MaaS) solutions. As CEO of Car2go North America, a Daimler AG subsidiary, he built and scaled the first point-to-point car-sharing service in the U.S. and Canada, transforming it from a start-up, to a viable enterprise with 14 markets across the U.S. and Canada.

Nick holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Nick and his wife, Heather, have two adult children. Although Nick currently resides in Plymouth, Michigan, he and Heather will be relocating to the Harrisburg area.

Please join us in welcoming Nick and Heather to the Rohrer Bus family.

For more info on Rohrer Bus, see https://www.rohrerbus.com.

Rohrer Bus is a full-service bus sales and transportation company offering a wide selection of new and pre-owned buses, vans, and transportation services. We have a long-standing reputation as a leading commercial vehicle dealer and school bus company, and we have been providing safe and reliable passenger transportation solutions dating back to the early 1900’s. Our inventory of sales vehicles consists of hundreds of different new and preowned vehicles at our 30,000-square-foot headquarters located in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, as well as our other locations in Maryland, DC, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.

The post Rohrer Bus Sales Announces Nicholas Cole as Executive Vice President & General Manager appeared first on School Transportation News.

MACON, Ga.-Blue Bird Corporation (“Blue Bird”) (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, announced today its fiscal 2025 third quarter results.
“I am incredibly proud of our team in delivering another outstanding result, achieving a new all-time quarterly record revenue and profit,” said John Wyskiel, President & CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “The Blue Bird team continued to exceed expectations, improving operations, navigating tariffs, and expanding our leadership in alternative-powered buses. Our backlog remains strong with approximately 3,900 units at the end of the third quarter, despite industry orders slowing due to tariff-related pricing actions. Unit sales were above the same period as last year, and revenue was up by $65M, driven by product mix and pricing. We delivered an exceptional Adj. EBITDA of $58.5M for Q3 2025, a new all-time record for the Company.

“In our push to expand our leadership in alternative-powered school buses, we delivered a record 271 electric-powered buses this quarter. As of the end of the quarter, we have 1,200 EV buses either sold or in our firm order backlog, which supports our EV sales target for 2025.

“Based on our strong Q3 performance, we’ve raised our full-year financial guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to $210 million, with a 14.5% margin. This will be an all-time full-year record for Blue Bird, and we look forward to sustained profitable growth in the coming years.”

Raising FY2025 Guidance and Long-Term Outlook

“We are very pleased with the third quarter results, with our highest ever quarterly Adj. EBITDA,” said Razvan Radulescu, CFO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Our business is in a very strong position and we continue to deliver ahead of the plan we have been messaging. We are tightening our full-year 2025 guidance for Net Revenue at ~$1.45 Billion and raising our Adj. EBITDA guidance to $205-215 million and Adj. Free Cash Flow to $90-$100 million. Additionally, we are raising our long-term profit outlook towards an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16%+ on ~$2 billion in revenue. We are confident in our profitable growth plans and are excited to announce a new $100 million share repurchase program.”

Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results

Net Sales

Net sales were $398.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, an increase of $64.6 million, or 19.4%, compared to $333.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The increase in net sales is primarily due to an increase in Bus unit bookings, Bus customer and product mix changes and cumulative Bus price increases, including an increase that was intended to mitigate the impact of increased procurement costs for certain of our imported inventory as a result of the imposition of tariffs beginning during the third quarter of fiscal 2025, as well as a small increase in Parts sales.

Bus sales increased $64.2 million, or 20.8%, reflecting a 14.7% increase in unit bookings and a 5.4% increase in average sales price per unit. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, 2,467 units booked compared to 2,151 units booked for the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase in unit price for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to customer and product mix changes as well as price increases implemented to offset increases in inventory costs.

Parts sales increased $0.4 million, or 1.7%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2024. This increase is primarily attributed to price increases implemented to offset increases in inventory costs that were partially offset by slight variations due to product and channel mix.

Gross Profit

Third quarter gross profit of $85.9 million represented an increase of $16.6 million from the third quarter of last year. The increase was primarily driven by the $64.6 million increase in net sales, discussed above, and partially offset by a corresponding increase of $48.1 million in cost of goods sold.

Net Income

Net income was $36.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, an increase of $7.7 million from the third quarter of last year. Among other smaller fluctuations, the $16.6 million increase in gross profit, discussed above, was offset by an increase of $6.2 million in selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily due to an increase in a) research and development expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and b) labor costs.

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted net income of $38.7 million represented an increase of $8.1 million from the third quarter of last year. The increase was primarily driven by the $7.7 million increase in Net Income, discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $58.5 million, which was an increase of $10.2 million compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The increase primarily relates to the increase in gross profit, when adjusting for the impact of expenses that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, as outlined in the gross profit discussion above that was partially offset by a smaller increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, when adjusting for the impact of expenses that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, as discussed above.

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2025 Results

Net Sales

Net sales were $1,070.7 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2025, an increase of $73.8 million, or 7.4%, compared to $996.9 million for the nine months ended June 29, 2024. The increase in net sales is primarily due to an increase in Bus unit bookings, Bus customer and product mix changes and cumulative Bus price increases, including an increase that was intended to mitigate the impact of increased procurement costs for certain of our imported inventory as a result of the imposition of tariffs beginning during the third quarter of fiscal 2025, as well as a small increase in Parts sales.

Bus sales increased $73.7 million, or 8.0%, reflecting a 5.5% increase in units booked and a 2.4% increase in average sales price per unit. 6,892 units booked in the nine months ended June 28, 2025 compared with 6,534 units booked during the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase in unit price for the first nine months of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to customer and product mix changes as well as price increases implemented to offset increases in inventory costs.

Parts sales increased $0.1 million, or 0.2%, for the nine months ended June 28, 2025 compared to the nine months ended June 29, 2024. This small increase is primarily attributed to price increases implemented to offset increases in inventory costs that were partially offset by slight variations due to product and channel mix.

Gross Profit

Fiscal year-to-date gross profit was $217.1 million, an increase of $20.5 million from the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by the $73.8 million increase in net sales, discussed above, and partially offset by a corresponding increase of $53.2 million in cost of goods sold.

Net Income

Net income was $91.2 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2025, a $10.3 million increase from the same period in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily driven by the $20.5 million increase in gross profit, discussed above, and among other smaller fluctuations, was partially offset by an increase of $17.5 million in selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily due to an increase in a) share-based compensation expense recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 relating to the retirement of our former President and Chief Executive Officer, b) labor costs and c) research and development expense.

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted net income was $100.8 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2025, an increase of $11.3 million compared to the same period in the prior year. This is primarily due to the $10.3 million increase in Net Income, discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $153.4 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2025, an increase of $11.8 million compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is primarily due to the increase in gross profit, when adjusting for the impact of expenses that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, as outlined in the gross profit discussion above, that was partially offset by a smaller increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, when adjusting for the impact of expenses that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, as discussed above.

Conference Call Details

Blue Bird will discuss its third quarter 2025 results in a conference call at 4:30 PM ET today. Participants may listen to the audio portion of the conference call either through a live audio webcast on the Company’s website or by telephone. The slide presentation and webcast can be accessed via the Investor Relations portion of Blue Bird’s website at www.blue-bird.com.

Webcast participants should log on and register at least 15 minutes prior to the start time on the Investor Relations homepage of Blue Bird’s website at http://investors.blue-bird.com. Click the link in the events box on the Investor Relations landing page.
Participants desiring audio only should dial 404-975-4839 or 833-470-1428. The access code is 189469.

A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes via the same link on Blue Bird’s website.

About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

The post Blue Bird Reports Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results; Beats Third Quarter Guidance With Record Results; Raising 2025 Guidance and Long-Term Outlook; $100M Share Buy-back Announced appeared first on School Transportation News.

High-end, luxury cars are perhaps more suited to all-electric powertrains than any other vehicle type, as they provide the silent running and solid performance many shoppers are looking for. With this in mind, it was only logical for Genesis to launch an all-electric version of its excellent G80 sedan, but as it turns out, virtually no one in the US has bought it. This has forced the carmaker to rethink its position in its US line-up.

Read: Genesis’ Flagship SUV Is Hiding A Secret Worthy Of Rolls-Royce

News of the G80 Electrified’s departure from the US market came shortly after it mysteriously disappeared from the brand’s website. After a little more digging, it’s been confirmed that the car has indeed been dropped from the U.S. market, leaving the brand without an electric sedan.

No G80 EV for America

“Genesis is no longer offering the Electrified G80 in North America at this time,” the carmaker confirmed to Carscoops in a statement. “The customer is at the core of every decision we make, and we remain flexible as we adapt to ever-changing consumer needs and market conditions. Our award-winning sedans and EVs remain important parts of the Genesis lineup, and we continue to offer the G70 sport sedan, G80 executive sedan with 2.5T and 3.5T powertrains, G90 flagship sedan, all-electric GV60 SUV, and the U.S.-assembled Electrified GV70 SUV, in addition to our GV70 and GV80 model lines.”

Much like the GV70 Electrified, but unlike the GV60, the G80 Electrified is not based on an all-electric platform. Despite this, Genesis still managed to slot in a sizeable 87.2 kWh battery pack driving a pair of electric motors with 365 hp, to give the G80 Electrified a solid 282 miles (454 km) of driving range.

Sales Simply Didn’t Follow

Genesis didn’t pinpoint a reason for killing off the car, but it’s probably due to its dismal sales. Last year, Genesis sold just 140 electric G80s in the US, and through the first half of 2025, it shifted just 77 units. Additionally, the car is subject to 15 percent import tariffs as it is built exclusively in South Korea and will not be one of the models that Genesis builds at Hyundai’s massive $5.5 billion plant in Georgia.

Despite early dominance in the electric vehicle market, Tesla is now struggling to keep pace in Europe. Recent industry sales data continues to show a troubling pattern, with the automaker losing ground in several key countries.

Sales have taken a hit in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, and Italy, and more importantly, the numbers are rapidly declining in two of the continent’s most crucial markets: the United Kingdom and Germany.

Read: Tesla Is Losing Europe Faster Than Elon Musk Can Tweet

According to the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tesla sold a total of 987 new vehicles in the country in July. That’s a steep fall from the 2,462 units sold during the same month last year, marking a nearly 60 percent drop. What’s particularly worrying about this is that the thoroughly updated Model Y is now available in the UK, but it has failed to reverse the carmaker’s fortunes.

BYD Outsells Tesla in the UK – By a Lot

Poor sales are one thing, but adding insult to injury for Tesla in the UK is the strong performance of one of its main rivals. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD sold 3,184 new cars in the country in July, more than four times what it managed in the same month last year. That total puts it clearly ahead of Tesla for the month, underscoring how quickly the landscape is changing these days.

German Market Slips Further

Over in Germany, things are also looking bleak for Tesla. Sales there slipped 55.1 percent in July to just 1,110 units. Year-to-date, Tesla’s sales in Germany have also collapsed 57.8 percent to approximately 10,000 units. Then there’s the threat from BYD.

Data reveals that BYD sold 1,126 new vehicles in Germany last month, narrowly edging out Tesla. Its year-to-date sales have also soared nearly 390 percent to 7,449 units.

What makes the German decline even more concerning is that it happened despite the overall electric vehicle market growing by 58 percent in July, with 48,416 EVs registered. In other words, while more buyers are turning to EVs in Germany, fewer of them are choosing Tesla.

Tesla faces an uphill battle if it wants to stop the bleeding in Europe and retain its dominant market share. Unlike in the US, where the brand doesn’t have to deal with the threat posed by Chinese automakers, a growing number of EVs from China are flooding European shores, more often than not offering better features for lower prices.

Tesla’s struggles in Europe are becoming harder to ignore and the outlook doesn’t appear to be improving anytime soon. A combination of factors, including Elon Musk’s polarizing public image, rising competition from established automakers, and the rapid emergence of Chinese EV brands, has led to a sharp decline in the brand’s popularity across several key European markets. As a result, its local market share has taken a significant hit.

New data reveals the extent of the damage. In July, Tesla registrations in the Netherlands dropped 62 percent year-over-year to 443 vehicles. In Belgium, they fell 58 percent to 460, and in Portugal, they declined 49 percent to just 284 units.

The impact was even more severe in Sweden, where registrations fell 86 percent to 163 vehicles. Denmark and France also saw steep drops of 52 percent and 27 percent, with Tesla selling 336 and 1,307 units in those markets, respectively.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

Sales continued to slip in Italy as well, down 5 percent year-over-year to 457 vehicles. As noted by Reuters, sales declines in these major nations in not only July, but also in June, have also seen Tesla’s battery-electric vehicle market share fall from 21.6 percent to 14.5 percent.

Can Tesla Turn Things Around?

Amid the downturn, there were a couple of bright spots. In Norway, Tesla registrations surged 83 percent to 838 vehicles, helped in part by the introduction of 0 percent interest loans. Spain also saw a modest uptick, with sales rising 27 percent to 702 units.

Despite the challenges, Musk remains optimistic that Tesla can stage a rebound in Europe. While recently speaking with analysts, he said that the region’s stricter regulations on semi-autonomous driving systems make it harder to sell the Model Y than in the US.

“Our sales in Europe, we think, will improve significantly once we are able to give customers the same experience that they have in the U.S.,” he explained, citing Full Self-Driving capabilities as “a huge selling point” in the American market.

Mazda isn’t diving headlong into the electric transition, but it’s not standing still either. Instead, it is following a measured path, blending hybrid models with steady electrification efforts and continued updates across its core lineup. This includes a hybrid CX-5, updated sales targets, future EVs, and even new sports cars.

The company recently introduced a new generation of its top-selling model, the CX-5. While the redesign matters, the more significant news is the addition of a hybrid powertrain set to arrive in 2027. This move expands Mazda’s range of electrified SUVs in the US, aiming to attract more buyers during a time of shifting attitudes toward EVs and growing uncertainty around tariffs.

More: One Country Asked Mazda For Something And Actually Got It With The CX-5

Through the first half of 2025, Mazda reported global sales of 636,968 units, a 2.6% year-over-year increase. The US remained its largest market with 210,297 units sold, up 3.9%, while sales surged 18.7% in Japan but declined in Europe and China by 12.2% and 18.7%, respectively.

According to Automotive News, the company has revised its US sales target of 450,000 units for 2025 in response to potential tariffs and is monitoring the market closely, though pricing for imported models has not yet been adjusted.

A Hybrid-Focused Core Lineup

Mazda’s current lineup in North America includes an electrified version of the locally-produced CX-50 compact SUV with a Toyota-sourced hybrid system, as well as plug-in hybrid options for the larger and more premium CX-70 and CX-90 twins. In 2027, these will be joined by a new variant of the third-gen CX-5 fitted with an in-house developed hybrid powertrain based on the new 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z engine.

The automaker expects its two similarly-sized hybrid SUVs that compete in the hugely popular compact segment against the Toyota RAV4 will result in combined annual sales of 250,000 units in the US. However, before that happens, the new CX-5 will reach dealers with a gasoline engine in 2026.

More: Mazda Just Made The Same SUV Twice But Swears You’ll Want Both

Although the CX-30 is smaller by US standards, it holds the position as Mazda’s third-best-selling vehicle in the region, just behind the CX-5 and CX-50. Introduced in 2019, the CX-30 will continue with minor updates until a new generation launches in 2029.

Likewise, the CX-50 that arrived in late 2021 might get a comprehensive redesign in 2030. As for the CX-70 and CX-90, they will reportedly benefit from mild facelifts in 2026, with new generations arriving after 2030.

Finally, the Mazda3 that is available in hatchback and sedan forms and remains largely unchanged since 2018 is expected to carry on for at least four more years. According to the latest reports, a new generation of the model could arrive in 2032.

The BEVs Of The Future

Mazda plans to launch the mechanically related Mazda6e sedan and CX-6e SUV in Europe and Australia, both originating from its Chinese joint ventures. However, US customers may have to wait a bit longer before they see a fully electric Mazda on showroom floors.

The first EV developed entirely in-house is slated for a 2027 debut and could reach US dealerships in 2028. Though details remain under wraps, the vehicle is expected to be a crossover and will likely pave the way for more electric models as Mazda moves toward its 2030 targets.

What About Sports Cars?

If the SUV-heavy lineup isn’t quite your thing, there’s still good news. Mazda has two sports cars in development, each aimed at reviving the brand’s enthusiast credentials before the decade wraps up.

More: Mazda Is Bringing Back The Rotary RX-7 And Building A New Miata

The most exciting arrival is the production version of the 2023 Mazda Iconic SP Concept fitted with a rotary range-extender electric powertrain. Reports from Japan suggest we might first lay eyes on the new sports car as early as next year, although others expect it in the first half of 2028.

Either way, the low-slung two-door coupe is designed to be a spiritual successor to the RX-7, rather than a replacement for the MX-5.

Also: Mazda’s Stunning Vision SP Morphs Into Next-Gen MX-5

On that note, the MX-5 is getting a new generation as well. Development is already underway, and the next iteration of the world’s most popular roadster could launch in 2029. Encouragingly, it’s expected to keep its four-cylinder gasoline engine and further refine its reputation for agile, accessible performance.

Lead illustration Theottle

As the federal electric vehicle tax credit approaches its end, some buyers are moving quickly to take advantage of it. They’ve made that clear in a recent swelling of purchases for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The retro-futuristic hatchback just saw a gigantic boost in sales during July. In fact, the brand had a great month overall.

More: Porsche Fast-Tracks New Compact SUV With Gas And Hybrid Power

When we say a huge boost, we’re talking about a 70 percent jump in sales compared to July of 2024. 5,818 people bought an Ioniq 5 in July of 2025. In other words, Hyundai sold almost eight (7.8) of them for every hour of every day of the month, nonstop. For the year, the Ioniq 5 is up 12 percent. Hyundai itself is up 11 percent this year, but let’s break that down further.

Mixed Results Across the Lineup

Most models are either up or down by two digits. For example, in the first seven months of the year, the Santa Cruz and Kona are down 20 and 13 percent, respectively. Their downturns aren’t enough to snuff out the success of other badges, though. The Venue is up 14 percent year over year. The Palisade was up 53 percent in July and is up 13 percent for the year. Both are dwarfed in total sales by the Tucson, which is up 20 percent for the year with 129,716 sales.

“Hyundai delivered an outstanding July, setting an all-time July total sales record with 79,543 units, up 15% year-over-year,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.

HYUNDAI US SALES

“We achieved new records across multiple nameplates, including Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Palisade, IONIQ 5, and the Santa Fe family, while electrified vehicle sales surged 50% compared to last year. Retail sales climbed 18%, highlighted by strong demand for Santa Fe and Palisade, and a 71% jump in IONIQ 5 retail sales. These results reflect Hyundai’s momentum in sustainable mobility and our ability to deliver an innovative lineup that continues to resonate with customers.”

Interestingly, the Ioniq 5 is a real outlier among the family. It’s the only EV under the Hyundai Motor Group to be outpacing sales when compared to 2024. Technically, the Ioniq 9 is also, but that’s only because it wasn’t on sale last year. That said, the Ioniq 6, Kia EV9, and Kia EV6 are all struggling to match the sales figures they saw in 2024. 

Electric vehicle sales may have surged over the past few years, but 2025 is shaping up to be more complicated for the segment. Despite steady innovation, fresh designs, and continued refinement, demand seems to be cooling.

That trend is particularly evident for Kia, whose EV9 and EV6 models are struggling to keep pace with last year’s numbers, n unexpected turn, considering the recent surge in EV sales as buyers hurry to take advantage of the $7,500 federal tax credit, whether through purchases or leases.

More: Kia Is Done With Gas GT Performance Cars

The automaker just released sales figures for the month of July so let’s focus on those first. During the month, Kia sold 1,737 EV9s and just 1,290 EV6s. Last year in the same month, it sold 1,815 and 1,545 respectively. Sure, that doesn’t look so great for what is an awesome crossover, but the EV9’s number could be an aberration. Except that yearly totals say otherwise.

A Steeper Decline Over Time

This year, Kia has sold 7,165 EV6s. That’s 5,323 less than it had after July of 2024. In other terms, that’s a full 42.6 percent decline in sales. The EV9 is actually fairing ever so slightly better as it’s down 41.8 percent from 11,486 sales through July of 2024 to just 6,675 sales so far this year. Somehow, though, the brand is having a great year overall thanks to gas-burning options.

Gas-Powered Models Carry the Load

The K5 is crushing it in sales with over 40,000 units sold already. The Carnival minivan is up 52.4 percent year over year with 39,080 sales so far in 2025. The Telluride, Sorento, and K4 are also selling well. Finally, the Sportage is crushing it with over 101,000 sales already this year, contributing to Kia being up 8.3 percent for the year in total.

“Kia is steadily progressing toward its highest annual sales record and an all-time high market share, fueled by record-breaking consumer sales growth,” said Eric Watson, vice-president, sales operations, Kia America.

He added, “As our SUV lineup maintains double-digit growth month after month, we recently rolled out a new ad campaign for the 2026 Sportage, which offers the ideal combination of efficiency and capability. As Kia’s longest-running nameplate, our customers have a strong sense of connection to Sportage, and we are fostering similar connections between our customers and other models.”

At this point, the brand might lean more heavily into its gas-burners because it appears that, unless something unexpected happens, the EV side of the business won’t be able to match last year’s performance. 

Much has changed for Porsche since its 2022 stock market debut, and we’re not just talking about the share price, which has fallen to less than half of its peak value. Sales are down, too, and so is faith in the electric-focused future model plan Porsche had put in motion before the IPO. Now the company’s boss admits it was wrong to turn away from combustion power, and he’s taking steps to rectify the mistake.

Related: Porsche Could Announce A New Macan ICE As Soon As March

Maybe mistake is too harsh a word. Porsche created its EV-heavy product strategy, which included phasing out the combustion 718 twins and Macan in favor of electric versions, when all the market signals pointed to sustained growth in EV sales and the brand was flying high in China. It didn’t read the signals wrong, the signals themselves proved to be wrong.

After Sales Slump, Strategy Shift

“We continue to face significant challenges around the world,” CEO Oliver Blume conceded as Porsche announced half-year figures showing total sales were down 6 percent and profit had slumped by a scary 67 percent. “This is not a storm that will pass. The world is changing dramatically, and above all, differently than expected just a few years ago,” he added.

That’s not to say Porsche’s EVs have gone down like lead balloons. Taycan sales were strong until recently, and the new Macan Electric has been a big hit. More than a third of all Porsches sold in Europe are now fully electric, and half of buyers choosing a Macan, Porsche’s best selling model, go for the EV.

That gives the brand a bigger slice of the electric segment than some of its rivals, but the slower than expected growth in the EV market – particularly in the US, where growth appears to be stalling – means that segment is smaller than predicted.

Macan’s ICE Successor Coming By 2028

Part of Blume’s plan to steady the ship is to put more energy into traditional combustion models. “A more balanced drivetrain portfolio from 2028 onward will enhance market positioning and underpin sustainable long-term growth,” said Blume.

It’s not abandoning EVs by any means, but the Macan Electric is getting a previously unplanned ICE counterpart after all. When asked by an investor during the H1 2025 Earnings Call about the ICE Macan’s successor, Blume revealed that it will be introduced no later than 2028.

“It won’t be later than 2028. We’re developing a compact SUV with both ICE and hybrid versions,” said Blume. “And that’s what we said by the end of the decade, a global rollout in all markets. We are speeding up the process with very short development times and making a very, very typical Porsche for this segment and also differentiated from the BEV Macan. So we think, especially for the SUVs now, we’ll have a very flexible product lineup between Macan and Cayenne across all drivetrain options.”

One thing Blume didn’t clarify is whether the new combustion-powered compact SUV will retain the Macan name or debut under a new nameplate, potentially setting it apart from its electric sibling. That decision could signal how closely Porsche intends to align the two models, or how much distance it wants between them.

Furthermore, the Cayenne (pictured below) will be offered with a choice of electric and combustion engines and the electric K1 super-SUV due at the end of the decade could now also get an ICE option, Automobilwoche reports.

The 718 Boxster and Cayman – believed to be delayed until 2027 due to the collapse of battery supplier Northvolt – would seem even more deserving of an ICE option, but it’s unclear if that will happen.

Global Hurdles Beyond Powertrains

Making more combustion cars won’t help fix the sales disaster in China, where deliveries have fallen by 28 percent this year and are unlikely to fully recover, or deal with President Trump’s new 15 percent tariffs on Porsche cars coming to the US from Europe. Job cuts and price increases are helping to minimise the financial sting from those problems being felt at the Stuttgart HQ.

Apart from slightly higher prices, though, as far as Porsche buyers are concerned this upheaval, and the greater choice of powertrains and cars it will bring, can only be seen as good news.

Surging car sales from China’s automakers might not be quite as clear-cut as they seem. Behind the headline-grabbing numbers lies a practice that’s prompting questions: some companies appear to be boosting reported sales by insuring vehicles before they’re actually sold.

A new report from Reuters sheds light on this strategy, claiming that several of China’s top car manufacturers have been counting cars as “sold” once they’re insured, even if those vehicles haven’t yet reached buyers. Thanks to this approach, sales figures appear stronger than they truly are, giving the impression that targets are being met.

Read: China’s Next Supercar Is Coming For Ferrari And They’re Not Laughing Anymore

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Neta and Zeekr had insured tens of thousands of vehicles before selling them to buyers, allowing the companies to book sales early under Chinese industry car registration practices. In the case of Neta, it reportedly recorded early sales of at least 64,719 cars from January 2023 to March 2024, more than half of the total 117,000 vehicles it sold over that period.

As it turns out, many other companies could be doing the same. Reuters recently examined 97 customer complaints related to the controversial sales practice, and in more than a dozen cases, buyers were told by dealerships that the method was used specifically to help manufacturers hit sales goals. In many cases, customers only discovered their new vehicles had been previously insured after completing the purchase.

Dealerships affiliated with major brands such as FAW Hongqi, SAIC Roewe, SAIC VW, Dongfeng Nissan, GAC Toyota, GAC Honda, and SAIC GM have admitted to official media that insuring unsold vehicles is a practice used to meet sales targets.

Interestingly, a Honda spokesperson told Reuters that GAC Honda dealers are prohibited from taking out compulsory insurance before selling new cars. Similarly, FAW Hongqi says it does not engage in such shady practices. GM China also said that it only counts deliveries, not insured vehicles, in its sales reports.

Two key metrics are used to track sales in China. The first are reported from automakers to the industry association, showing sales from automakers to dealers. The second is retail data based on mandatory traffic insurance registrations, which captures actual sales to consumers.

The practice is understood to have first emerged as early as 2016 but is believed to have grown in popularity from early 2023 when the Chinese car price war kicked off. Companies like Li Auto have reportedly leaned heavily into publishing weekly sales rankings on social media, using only insurance registration numbers to demonstrate their performance.

China’s Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has pushed back against the use of insurance data for public sales rankings, calling the figures unreliable and blaming them for fueling what it described this month as increasingly cutthroat.

Ever since Tesla’s inception, California has been one of its most important markets, thanks to the state’s progressive policies and deep commitment to electric vehicles. While California remains hugely important for Tesla, new registrations continue their decline for the seventh straight quarter. Alarm bells should be ringing at Tesla HQ.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

Data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) shows that 41,138 new Tesla registrations were recorded across the state in the second quarter. That’s a significant 21.1 percent decline from Q2 in 2024 and was no doubt caused in part by Musk’s continued involvement in politics, including forming the new America Party.

Sales Slide Continues Into 2025

The picture doesn’t improve when looking at year-to-date figures. Tesla’s California sales for the first half of 2025 are down 18.3 percent compared to the same timeframe last year. To reverse course, Tesla may need to accelerate the rollout of its rumored budget-friendly, stripped-down Model Y, a move that could help re-engage cost-conscious buyers, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit set to expire on September 30.

While Tesla’s sales in California continue to fall, the Model Y and Model 3 are still the best-selling new EVs in the state. This year, a total of 44,112 Model Ys have been registered in California, while 31,394 Model 3s have also found new homes. The next best-selling hybrid, PHEV, or ZEV model is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, shifting 30,464 units over the same period.

Behind the Model Y and Model S, the third best-selling EV in California is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with 7,498 examples sold through the first half. That positioned it ahead of the Honda Prologue with 5,931, the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 5,594, the Chevrolet Equinox at 5,584, and the BMW i4 with 5,396 units registered.

Tesla’s declining numbers stand in contrast to broader industry gains. Toyota, for example, saw its second-quarter sales in California rise 9.8 percent, from 78,964 to 86,683 vehicles. Honda also posted a 9.3 percent increase, jumping from 49,651 to 54,278 registrations over the same period.

Cadillac has expanded its electric lineup more than ever, but shifting consumer interest in the States could complicate its all-EV ambitions. As demand for electric vehicles tapers off, the company may need to revisit its goal of becoming an EV-only brand by 2030.

The final quarter of this year could be especially challenging, since the federal EVs tax credit is scheduled to end, likely making both new and used electric models less accessible to many buyers.

Read: Cadillac Is About To Lose $7,500 Per EV And Still Isn’t Backing Down

GM’s flagship brand has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past couple of years. It first launched the all-electric Lyriq SUV and more recently, it’s been followed up by the electric Optiq and the three-row Vistiq. Additionally, Cadillac wants to once again become the ‘Standard of the World’ with the Celestiq. It has also launched two electric versions of the Escalade, known as the IQ and IQL.

Flexibility in a Shifting Market

Even with these investments, Cadillac is approaching the market with cautious adaptability. According to global Cadillac vice president John Roth, the brand is staying open to adjusting its powertrain strategy as needed.

“It’s really important in this continuously evolving marketplace to make sure that you’re meeting customers where they are,” he said. “The auto industry is never a straight line, and so to put absolutes in the marketplace, you’ve got to have some flexibility to pivot when it makes sense to do so.”

As Auto News pointed out, more manufacturers are acknowledging that both gasoline and electric models need to be available side by side, with consumers ultimately setting the pace for the transition. Roth confirmed that GM is actively working on plans for the fourth quarter to prepare for the end of the tax credit.

A Shrinking Gas-Powered Lineup

While Cadillac has grown its fleet of EVs, its range of ICE models has shrunk dramatically. The company recently halted production of the XT4, and the XT6 is set to follow later this year.

The XT5 is expected to remain in the lineup only through 2027. Meanwhile, the factory that currently produces the CT4 and CT5 sedans is being converted to focus exclusively on EVs. This shift could eventually leave the Escalade as the last gas-powered Cadillac standing.

It’s not unusual for dealers and early owners of in-demand cars to take delivery, and then quickly try to sell them for a tidy profit. However, the vehicles in question are usually limited-run performance models or cars that’ll only be built for a short time. The Xiaomi YU7 doesn’t fit into either one of those categories, and yet, people are already trying to flip them.

Read: Xiaomi SUV’s Tesla-Beating Pricing Sparks Frenzy With 289,000 Orders In An Hour

Shortly after it was revealed that Xiaomi had received 289,000 orders for the YU7 an hour after the order books opened, several of the first cars have already found themselves listed for sale. There are currently about 80 YU7s listed for resale in China, and some have hefty markups. Evidently, it’s not just Americans who have to deal with eye-watering dealer premiums.

Early Listings, Fast Markups

As reported by CarNewsChina, prices for YU7s on the used market range from roughly 350,000 yuan to 390,000 yuan (about $48,300 – $53,800 at current exchange rates). While Xiaomi’s all-electric SUV still sounds like an excellent deal for those prices, prices for a new YU7 start at 279,900 yuan ($38,600) and top out at 329,900 yuan ($45,600).

Although the YU7 is positioned as a mass-market EV, the extraordinary demand means shoppers will be waiting a long time to take delivery. In fact, wait times for the entry-level model currently stand at 57-60 weeks, while buyers for the Pro have to wait 49-52 weeks. The flagship Max has wait times between 41-44 weeks.

Resale Value Could Stay Strong

Once more YU7 models start to land in the driveways of buyers, prices of used examples will inevitably start to fall. But, given how fond Chinese consumers are of the Xiaomi brand, depreciation could be minimal. Local data reveals that the Xiaomi SU7 sedan has ranked the highest of all Chinese cars for resale, retaining 88.91 percent of its value after the first year.

Big trucks and SUVs continue to be the backbone of GMC’s business, and American buyers show no signs of losing interest. The Sierra full-size pickup and Yukon full-size SUV remain the brand’s heavy-hitters, and while they’ve been strong performers, GMC isn’t sitting still. Designers and engineers are already deep into developing the next versions of their most in-demand models.

More: GM’s EV Dream Plant Is Now A Gas Powerhouse In The Making

GMC, much like sibling brand Chevrolet, isn’t stepping away from internal combustion engines just yet. That’s proving to be a practical move as EV demand has cooled, in part due to the rollback of federal incentives under the Trump administration. But electrification at GMC doesn’t start and end with battery-electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids are now part of the plan.

Plug-In Powertrains and Production Plans

GM CEO Mary Barra has confirmed that plug-in hybrid models will join the lineup in 2027. That same year, GM plans to ramp up production of the Sierra at its Orion Township facility in Michigan. According to Automotive News, this timing may align with a mid-cycle refresh for the Sierra, followed by updates to the heavy-duty version in 2028.

These refreshed models are expected to feature electrified powertrains as their main upgrade, alongside tweaks to styling and onboard tech. The all-electric Sierra EV could also see its own redesign in 2028, potentially bringing it more in line with its combustion-powered counterpart. As for the related Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs, a redesign is reportedly planned for 2029, and they too are expected to adopt plug-in hybrid options.

Future Updates Across the Lineup

The rest of GMC’s portfolio is also set for change. Autonews reports that the fully electric Hummer, which began production in late 2021, will likely undergo a mid-cycle refresh around 2028 for both pickup and SUV variants. The current-generation Arcadia, launched in late 2023, could be due for an update by 2027 or 2028. Meanwhile, the Canyon midsize pickup is expected to get a refresh in 2029, six years after its debut. The GMC Terrain is also quite fresh, so don’t expect a facelift before 2028 or 2029.

More: Forget The Cadillac XT6, This Is GM’s Fanciest Crossover

The aging GMC Savana van is expected to stick around at least through 2026, with some reports suggesting a potential production expansion. First introduced in 1996 and largely unchanged since then, the Savana continues on alongside its Chevrolet Express twin.

Growing Sales Driven By the Full-Size Segment

Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, pointed to the strong position GMC holds in the full-size market: “Trucks are such an important part of the U.S. market, and GMC has cornered the segments that are a bit more upscale than Ford or Chevrolet.”

That strategy appears to be paying off. GMC posted its best-ever first-half sales in 2025, reaching 315,906 units, an 11 percent increase over last year. The Sierra alone accounted for 166,409 of those sales, up 12 percent. The Yukon followed with 48,190 units sold, a 22 percent increase.

The only drop came from the Terrain compact SUV, down 34 percent with 32,361 units sold. On the other end, the Hummer EV saw the largest percentage gain in the first half of 2025, climbing 74 percent to 7,987 units. Still, it remains GMC’s second slowest-selling model, just ahead of the newly introduced Sierra EV, which logged 2,774 units in the same period.

An electric truck priced under $20,000 sounded almost too good to be true. And, as it turns out, it was. When startup Slate Auto initially announced its all-electric pickup, the promise of sub-$20,000 pricing grabbed attention across the U.S. EV market.

But the company may have overlooked a key political shift: President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to eliminate the so-called EV mandate, which signaled that the federal tax credit was on shaky ground. So, when it was confirmed the credit would be scrapped on September 30, it came as no surprise that Slate walked back its pricing commitment, stating the EV will instead be priced in the “mid-twenties.”

Read: Slate’s Affordable Electric Truck Just Got A Whole Lot More Expensive

Despite the adjustment, Slate isn’t backing away from its optimism. The new automaker still remains confident in the Blank Slate’s appeal. According to chief executive Chris Barman, it appeals to five very-specific groups of buyers. If Slate is to establish itself as a legitimate player in the EV space, then it’d better hope that these five groups do indeed buy it.

Strong Reservations, Cautious Optimism

In a recent interview with Sherwood News, Barman shared that Slate has already racked up 100,000 refundable reservations for the EV. A large portion of those, he said, are from “everyday Americans for whom it’s just an affordable vehicle and a lot of utility and value for the money.”

Additionally, Slate says it’s received plenty of interest from young professionals, who have “either just finished trade school or are just out of college.” According to Barman, they are “looking for value for the money” and love the customization element of the truck.

Who Else Is Buying?

New drivers are also showing the Blank Slate love. Backed by funding from Jeff Bezos, the vehicle is emerging as a practical option for younger drivers looking to buy their first car. According to Barman, parents “like the fact that there are only two passengers, it doesn’t have an infotainment for distraction, and it has really high safety standards.”

An interesting demographic where the Blank Slate is proving itself to be appealing is among “contemporary seniors.” Barman describes these as semiretired or retired individuals interested in an EV, but wanting a simpler driving experience than most other EVs. She added, “the fifth type that we see is a lot of people who are just auto enthusiasts. They want to just be able to trick it out.”

Of course, high reservation numbers don’t always translate into actual sales. Tesla’s experience with the Cybertruck showed how early enthusiasm can taper off. For Slate, the real test will come when production starts and deposits need to turn into deliveries, especially for early birds who were under the impression that prices would start from around $20,000.

The global uptick in electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues, but the situation is, understandably, not uniform. Year-to-date sales of EVs and PHEVs have jumped in all major regions and there’s every chance that the momentum will continue through the second half of the year. However, with the US EV tax credit set to expire in just over two months, turbulent times may lie ahead.

It’s been revealed that through the first six months of this year, a total of 9.1 million EVs and PHEVs were sold globally. This represents a massive 28 percent gain from the first six months of 2024 and comes thanks mostly to surging demand for electrified vehicles in China.

Read: EV Sales Just Took A Turn That Should Worry Automakers Everywhere

Rho Motion says that this year, no less than 5.5 million EVs and PHEVs have been sold in the People’s Republic. Unfortunately, the analytics firm does not separate the two categories but bundles them up, so we don’t have a breakup of the mix.

What we do know is that it’s not just China where sales have surged this year. Through the first six months of 2025, 26 percent more EVs and PHEVs have been sold across Europe, hitting 2.0 million units. Last year, sales of EVs in Germany fell dramatically after the first full year without incentives, but they’ve rebounded strongly this year, jumping 40 percent year-to-date. New incentives for electric vehicles recently announced in the country could further this momentum.

Year-to-May electrified vehicle sales also rose 72 percent in Spain, 58 percent in Italy, and 32 percent in the UK.

JAN-JUN EV & PHEV SALES

Canada drags down North America

North America is not performing as well. Sales of EVs and PHEVs are up by just 3 percent this year to ~900,000. Despite what you may think, this isn’t because of the US. Instead, sales have dropped roughly 23 percent in Canada after the nation paused EV subsidies earlier this year. By comparison, sales have grown by 4 percent in the US and by 20 percent in Mexico.

As the $7,500 federal EV tax credit will be scrapped in the US on September 30, Rho Motion expects to see an uptick in EV sales over the coming months, followed by a significant decline in the final quarter of the year.

Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. haven’t just hit a plateau – they’ve declined. Despite years of growth and aggressive expansion from automakers, new registration data shows that EV sales in May dropped compared to the same month last year. Specifically, registrations fell by 5.9 percent, marking the second straight month of decline and pushing EV market share down as well.

In total, 99,053 new electric vehicles were registered in the U.S. during May. While some brands continued to post growth, others recorded steep losses. EVs made up 7.1 percent of all light-vehicle sales for the month, a slight decline from 7.5 percent in May 2024.

More: These Are The Best Selling EVs Of 2025

Elon Musk’s company continues to sell far more EVs than any other car manufacturer in the country. In May, 42,861 new Teslas were registered, far ahead of Chevrolet in second place with 8,389. However, whereas Chevy’s sales rose 122 percent, those at Tesla dropped by 12 percent. This perhaps doesn’t come as much of a surprise given how public sentiment about Tesla has cratered this year due, in part, to Musk’s controversial involvement in politics.

Other major car manufacturers reported decreases in EV registrations, too. At Ford, they fell 6 percent to 6,710, while at Hyundai, they were down a considerable 22 percent to 4,730. Registrations at Rivian in May also fell 25 percent, while BMW experienced a 21 percent drop.

Not every brand followed the downward trend. Some showed substantial growth, led by Honda with a dramatic 266 percent rise. Acura jumped 2,911 percent – and although that might seem staggering, it’s admittedly a glitch in the matrix since it’s compared to a much smaller sample. GMC rose 111 percent, while Cadillac and Nissan posted gains of 33 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

More Than Just Pricing

According to S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, the results come despite incentives allowing carmakers to close the price gap between EVs and ICEs. “The fact that EVs are not selling means they have other issues — the range, the charging infrastructure and the product portfolio,” he told Auto News.

Read: New EV Sales Are Down But Used EVs Are Making A Big Comeback

Sales of EVs surged earlier this year as consumers were worried that President Donald Trump would scrap the $7,500 federal EV tax credit imminently. However, they lulled in April and May. With confirmation that the program will be scrapped from October 1, it’s possible buyers will again rush to buy EVs that are eligible for the rebate.

Cadillac is aiming to lead the pack when it comes to luxury EV offerings in the US, and it doesn’t plan to slow down, even as federal tax incentives disappear. By the end of September, President Trump’s One Bill Beautiful Bill Act will eliminate credits, effectively increasing the prices of all eligible new EVs by $7,500. It comes at a bad time for Cadillac, which has recently grown its EV family dramatically.

The company has introduced several new electric models: the performance-focused Lyriq V, the full-size Escalade IQ and IQL, the compact Optiq and Optiq V, as well as the mid-size Vistiq and the ultra-luxury Celestiq.

Read: Nearly 1 Of 4 Cadillacs Sold Is Fully Electric

While the loss of the credit could push some automakers to lean more heavily on internal combustion engines, Cadillac appears committed to its EV trajectory. As John Roth, vice president of global Cadillac, put it, “you can never stick your head in the sand.”

Preparing for a Post-Credit Landscape

According to Roth, “the auto business is not a straight line. The EV business is certainly not.” He noted that while Cadillac will remain eligible for the $7,500 lease and non-lease vehicles through the third quarter, it is making plans for when the credit is removed.

Speaking with The Detroit Free Press, Roth didn’t reveal specific steps Cadillac will take once the credits are gone, but he made it clear that adjustments are underway.

Cadillac’s Plans

“Are we always game-theorying what’s going on in the marketplace? Absolutely,” he said. “As you look in our past, chip shortages, pandemics, you name it, we’ve been through a lot as an organization. And going through that makes you stronger about managing the challenges that are in front of you but also taking advantage of the tailwinds that are blowing behind you.”

Fortunately for Cadillac, it has remained relatively shielded from the impacts of trade tariffs enforced by President Trump. With the exception of the Optiq, all of Cadillac’s current US models are manufactured in the United States, meaning there has been “very limited impact, if you will, on the Cadillac brand.”

When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.

Also: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.

Tight Competition at the Top

Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.

Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.

CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS

At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.

More: Chevrolet’s Latest Electric SUV Has A Secret Chinese Twin

Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.

Currently, the N7 is a China-only model, but Nissan has already confirmed it’s exploring international markets. A global launch could be on the table under a different name, potentially reviving the old Primera badge. Just don’t expect to see it on American roads anytime soon.

Nissan