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The 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD Veilside Fortune from 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'
The car features a memorable two-tone paint job
The Mazda RX-7 FD Veilside Fortune in profile
Inside the modified coupe
The vehicle features details from the movie inside and out
The car is one of two examples that survived production and is still in working order
The 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD Veilside Fortune was used to film stunt and static scenes in 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
How BYD became the new Tesla
Are we presently living in one of those interim periods whereby the UK's best selling passenger vehicle isn't a 4.4-4.8 m long car? Think about it: the Cortina, Sierra, Cavalier and Mondeo were long, long ago yet a new generation of Brits has been mad for the Qashqai, HS, Sportage, Model 3, and Model Y. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Earlier this year private buyers and and fleet managers pulled back from what had been EV near-mania. Now that looks set to start all over again once the government's latest scheme to hand out tax-payers' money in subsidies kicks in. BYD could well be sitting pretty, with this company already the UK's fastest expanding brand of 2025. One of the biggest advantages that Build Your Dreams has is the sheer size of its vehicle portfolio. And it's not as if the name is unknown, Londoners having been travelling in the company electric buses for many years. As big as today's Toyota Motor Corporation one day? I briefly tried a Seal, as in the electric saloon, a few months back and came away impressed. Other OEMs should be scared of this company. I will admit that some years ago, it seemed that this might be the next Daewoo Motor but now my own thinking is that a future rival for the mighty TMC is in the making. Laugh at the model names? Well yes. Seal, Seal U, Dolphin Surf are what we have now in the UK but easily the best selling Kia is called Sportage. And that was a name which people once either thought silly or had never heard of. BYD isn't just on the rise rapidly here in Britain. It's becoming ever bigger all over Europe and in fact, with the exception of the USA, India and Japan, worldwide. Mexico is the first market in North America with 13 models offered there. Doubling sales from last year's 40,000 is the target for 2025. And in Australia, surely the most saturated market in the world aside from China, BYD rose to fifth position in June. Even the Japanese like Chinese cars Even the Japanese are keen on the cars, registrations rising by 58 per cent in H1 (albeit to just 1,709 units and a mere point one of a per cent market share). It will be fascinating to see how buyers - not to mention Daihatsu's parent TMC as well as Honda and Suzuki - react when an electric keijidōsha model being developed specifically for Japan launches there. Images of disguised prototypes hit the web two months ago. Exports of this micro-vehicle are due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026 though which of BYD's Chinese factories will manufacture it is yet to be stated. Uzbekistan, Thailand, Hungary, Turkey and now Brazil too, where build of the Dolphin production started on 1 July at what was previously Ford's plant in Camaçari - the list of locations for new factories is growing almost as rapidly as BYD sales the world over. Production of EVs at a soon to open site in the EU (Szeged) will be dialled back to modest levels it now transpires, the Chinese OEM instead fast-tracking build at the new site in Turkey. Why? Lower costs with the same tariff-free access as for the Hungarian plant. Expansion might be rapid - new factories are springing up in multiple other countries - but BYD seems not to be letting costs get out of control in the quest for growth. An almost 600% sales rise in the UK Back to the UK, and the brand seems to have a strong understanding of how to get EV doubters into its cars: a new deal with Octopus Energy bundling a leased car, a V2G charger and smart EV tariff is just one example of what the brand is offering. Aside from tempting incentives, what else explains how any car company can see its sales rocket by 567 per cent (YoY) in the first half of a calendar year? The vehicles themselves of course. The best selling model is the Seal U DM-i. Unlike the Seal, this is an SUV and it's also a plug-in hybrid (DM means Dual Mode) rather than an EV, something which every other BYD model imported to the UK is. Some 8,700 examples of this 4,775 mm long 4x2/4x4 were delivered in the most recent quarter alone and when you realise what's on offer for the money, all this recent success becomes understandable. Overall excellence with some minor faults First impressions being oh so important, the Seal U looks immediately fresh (despite having debuted in China two years ago this month). It may have some quirks, but these did in fact endear me to the car and anyway, they're only minor things. Such as a typo on the infotainment screen (which nagged me all week for a software-updating reboot - not risking it thanks, as at the car would be rendered static for as long as that would take). Among the many language options there isn't one for British English, US spellings being the default. Still, my Aussie accent was understood and that's not always the case with some Navi systems, even in 2025. Also, and I am not mocking, just observing: among the 4WD settings the display lists 'Sandy Land' as well as 'Muddy Land' and 'Snowfield'. You may also choose from either Eco, Normal or Sport. BYD will get the small stuff nailed; of that I have no doubt. And the quirkiness is endearing anyway, just like, say, the digital gauges immediately ahead of the driver in every Lexus and Toyota being called (a) 'Meter' [sic]. Two battery sizes, two engines, one or two motors Not all variants have four-wheel drive, the least expensive ones being equipped with just the one motor, its torque delivered solely to the front axle. Whichever specification the buyer chooses, the transmission has a single speed. Power is either 160 kW (218 PS) or a combined 238 kW (324 PS) from 150 kW front and 120 kW rear motors. BYD specifies two versions of a 1.5 engine for the Seal U, depending on how many motors feature. For FWD 'Boost' and 'Comfort' trims, it's a non-turbo while forced induction is reserved for the two-motor and AWD 'Design'. There are two battery specifications, these being 18.3 or 26.6 kWh with the second one only available in the FWD comfort specification. The powerful all-wheel drive model lent to me was softly sprung and particularly quiet, the engine kicking in seemingly rarely. Which explains why the range of the base Boost can be as many as 700 miles. Low-drag shape a bit generic? To look at I have to say the Seal U isn't anything special but since when did that stop vast numbers of people buying a rival SUV from, say MG? Others, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq offer a more distinct appearance though the BYD is far from offensive. The strong waist line is fairly high and contributes to what is a small glasshouse, the back window especially being quite shallow. On the inside, the impression of high quality which tends to mark out many Chinese brand models (but not always made-in-China one from American or European OEMs) is present here. Double stitching on the seats is mirrored by the same thing on the dashboard and in the test car it was millimetre-perfect in alignment with the glovebox opening. Impressive. A (big) screen that swivels The screen can be switched from landscape to portrait via a press on one corner of it but if you are using CarPlay it automatically revolves back to landscape-only. Most functions are easily located and there are lots of real buttons on the steering wheel. Also, the A/C worked beautifully during warm and humid weather, even if leather-look upholstery is obviously not ideal. And BYD needs to specify a proper blind for the glass roof: what it gives you is too thin. Aside from the Seal U DM-i, every BYD model for the UK market is electric and there is a lot of choice. The line-up starts with the Dolphin Surf, which may not have the looks of the Renault 5 but it is significantly cheaper. Above this sits the Dolphin, another five-door hatchback. Then come the Atto 2 and Atto 3, with the Seal, a svelte D segment car (think Model 3) positioned just below the Sealion 7 (Model Y). Britain the number one market in Europe Just from seeing how many models are already available in the UK, a major EV market, even though our overall volume isn't that big in world terms, demonstrates how serious BYD is about Europe. And while today Germany is a minor market (only 6,323 cars sold in H1), registrations there were up by 426 per cent in the half year to 30 June. As we know, Ford of Britain lost its long-time leadership in passenger vehicles to VW. Kia and BMW remain major challengers, as are Toyota, Nissan, Skoda, Peugeot, Mercedes, Vauxhall and MG, with China's now number one brand rising rapidly. Six-figure sales in the UK by decade-end? Nobody should underestimate how determined BYD is about the European region and Britain specifically. Pricing here for cars has always been high in world terms and that makes us a major target for profit-hungry OEMs. I would expect BYD to be selling far in excess of the 19,390 vehicles it retailed in H1 in subsequent half years."How BYD became the new Tesla" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tesla pledges to make cheaper cars as issues mount
Tesla has said it will build cheaper cars and win approval for its self-driving software in Europe this year, as it tries to revive its struggling business. Elon Musk's electric car firm told investors it had started "first builds of a more affordable model in June" while posting a slump in car deliveries and shrinking profits. The firm is struggling as it faces cuts to US government support for electric cars, competition from Chinese carmakers, and a brand hit from Musk's controversial political activities. Meanwhile, Tesla told investors US tariff policy had cost it $300m over the three months to June and warned of further pain in the months ahead. Chief financial officer Vaibhav Taneja said the end of a tax credit for buyers of electric cars in the US is also likely to hurt. Tesla did not provide an update on its outlook for the year, warning it was "difficult to measure the impacts of shifting global trade and fiscal policies". Revenue in the three months to June fell 12% year-on-year - the biggest drop in at least a decade - after deliveries plunged 14%. Profits fell 16%. Musk told investors on Wednesday he expected the firm's sales in Europe to increase once customers there are allowed to use the firm's self-driving software. He said he expected the first approval to come in the Netherlands but that the firm also hoped to win sign-off from the European Union, despite it having a "kalfka-esque" bureaucracy. "Autonomy is the story," Musk said. "Autonomy is what amplifies the value [of the company] to stratospheric levels." But the firm's once-fat margins have shrunk sharply, with profits down in five of the last six quarters. Shares have fallen roughly 30% from the peak last year, after Musk's support for Trump helped win the White House. Tesla shares tumble as Trump-Musk feud erupts US safety regulators contact Tesla over erratic robotaxis Car maker Stellantis says US tariffs have cost it €300m In May, as concerns about the company mounted, the head of the company's board had to publicly deny it had started looking for a replacement. Investors cheered after Musk said he was leaving the Trump administration, hoping he would focus on the company and steer clear of politics. But the messy break-up with the White House, as Musk has flirted with starting a new political party, has kept investors on edge. Earlier this month, Tesla investor and Trump supporter James Fishback wrote to the Tesla board, calling on it to determine if his political ambitions are "compatible" with his obligations as chief executive. Analyst Dan Ives, known as a fan of the company, also urged the board to impose guardrails, prompting Musk to snap back on social media: "Shut up, Dan". Musk's "shenanigans" have cost it some of the passionate support that had allowed it to grow without spending on advertising, said Daniel Binns, global chief executive of brand consultancy Elmwood. With Tesla now facing much stiffer competition, he said it was unlikely that the launch of a new model would fix the firm's problems by itself. "It will help... but it's got to be more than just another car," he said. "The market's caught up to them."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Japan trade deal sparks hope for US investors, frustration for automakers
By Nora Eckert and David Shepardson DETROIT (Reuters) -Shares of General Motors, Ford Motor, and Jeep-maker Stellantis, some of the biggest automakers in the U.S., rallied on Wednesday after news of a trade deal that will reduce tariffs on imported Japanese cars, as investors saw it as a sign of more deals to come. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You But the companies are not celebrating. Automakers importing vehicles into the U.S. from Japan now face a 15% levy, according to terms of the deal outlined on Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, down from 27.5%. GM shares rallied 9% and Stellantis rose 12%, as market watchers said they anticipated further agreements could reduce other trade barriers that have hurt the companies' profits. Ford shares rose about 2%. The automaker is less exposed to tariffs because it produces more of its U.S.-sold vehicles domestically. On Wednesday, the European Union and United States were nearing a trade deal that would also set a 15% tariff on European imports. GM, Ford and Stellantis have been paying up to 25% on vehicles imported from Mexico or Canada, depending on how much U.S. content is in the vehicles. The companies are concerned they could soon be paying higher tariffs on vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada than on vehicles with significantly less U.S. content made in Japan or the United Kingdom. Some lobbyists also expressed alarm that if South Korea strikes a similar deal with the U.S., it could become a low-cost market to assemble cars and trucks. "They could be the new Mexico," one lobbyist told Reuters. The American Automotive Policy Council, which represents the Detroit Three, criticized the deal, saying it creates an easier path for Japanese imports than for some cars built in North America. Even before Tuesday's deal, Detroit automotive executives raised concerns that Trump's trade policy could end up giving an edge to foreign automakers who do not invest as heavily in U.S. manufacturing. "This is a bonanza for our import competitors," Ford CEO Jim Farley said in February, when Trump initially proposed levies on Mexico and Canada, but not on major automotive centers such as South Korea. The Japan trade announcement came the same day General Motors said tariff costs knocked $1.1 billion from its bottom line, hurt by a battery of levies including 25% taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 50% on steel and aluminum imports. Industry consultant and former GM executive Warren Browne said the Japan deal "put all vehicles produced in Mexico and Canada by the Detroit Three at a disadvantage' because they face higher levies than Toyota vehicles shipped in from Japan, for example. That could allow the foreign brands to undercut U.S. car companies on price. Toyota, Subaru and Mazda are among the most reliant companies on Japan-produced vehicles for their U.S. sales, and stand to benefit most from the lower tariffs, according to business-analytics firm GlobalData. Toyota imported roughly 500,000 vehicles from Japan last year. Japanese automotive stocks soared after the trade deal announcement. Autos Drive America, which represents those Japanese automakers along with other foreign car companies operating in the United States, on Wednesday praised the trade deal, saying it would lead to further factory investment in the U.S. The deal is good news for Wade Kawasaki, executive chairman of the Wheel Group, a collection of aftermarket wheel, tire and accessory companies based in California. Kawasaki said the group has been trying to break into some aspects of the Japanese market, and the lessening levies will help with that. 'There is a certain group of customers who want American-made products. Those are the ones we were going to get,' he said.
