Car News of the Week: Dodge Drops Its Most Powerful Electric Charger

The week spanning from October 4 to 10, 2025, was packed with major car news from across the globe. From the unexpected cancellation of key projects and bold technological innovations to new strategic partnerships and shifting market dynamics, the automotive world was buzzing with activity. In this roundup, we highlight the biggest stories that grabbed attention, starting with DodgeUAE DodgeBahrain DodgeKSA DodgeKuwait DodgeOman DodgeQatar DodgeEgypt Dodge’s shocking move to scrap its most powerful electric Charger and ending with ToyotaBahrain ToyotaEgypt ToyotaKSA ToyotaKuwait ToyotaOman ToyotaQatar ToyotaUAE Toyota’s futuristic drone support system for off road driving.

Dodge Cancels Its Most Powerful Electric Charger After Declining Sales

Dodge is facing significant challenges in the electric vehicle market after reports confirmed the cancellation of the Charger SRT Daytona Banshee project, which was set to deliver around 900 horsepower using an 800 volt electric system.

• The cancellation follows months after the discontinuation of the base R/T trim.

• The company will now focus on the Scat Pack variant, producing 670 horsepower.

• Sources within Stellantis revealed that the group is reassessing its overall product strategy.

This move reflects the sharp decline in sales that Dodge’s electric models have experienced compared to earlier projections, prompting the brand to reconsider its EV roadmap.

Toyota Develops Drone System to Support Off Road Vehicles

Toyota has taken an innovative step toward enhancing off road capabilities with a drone based assistance system designed to support vehicles in rugged environments and improve driver safety.

• The system uses compact drones controlled directly from the vehicle to provide a 360 degree view of the surroundings.

• It helps scan complex terrain without requiring the driver to step out.

• The drone can fly above trees and obstacles to deliver real time video and improve route planning.

This cutting edge development demonstrates Toyota’s ambition to blend aerial and automotive technologies, offering a smarter, safer, and more connected off road driving experience.

Strategic Partnership between Manahil International and Lumi to Strengthen Nissan’s Presence in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh hosted the signing of a new strategic partnership between Manahil International, the authorized distributor of NissanUAE NissanKSA NissanKuwait NissanOman NissanQatar NissanBahrain NissanEgypt Nissan vehicles, and Lumi, one of the leading car rental companies in Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to expand Nissan’s vehicle fleet across the Kingdom and enhance its presence in the mobility sector.

• The deal includes supplying Lumi with Nissan PatrolUAE Nissan PatrolKSA Nissan PatrolOman Nissan PatrolQatar Nissan PatrolBahrain Nissan PatrolKuwait Nissan PatrolEgypt Nissan Patrol and Magnite models.

• The collaboration supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s car rental sector.

• The partnership reinforces mutual trust between both companies and aligns with local market ambitions.

This move underscores Nissan’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in Saudi Arabia through partnerships that promote smart and sustainable mobility solutions across the Kingdom.

Tesla Introduces Affordable Versions of Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla announced new, lower priced Standard variants of its Model 3 and Model Y, a strategic step to boost sales amid slowing global demand.

• The Model 3 Standard starts at 36,990 USD (approximately 139,000 SAR).

• The Model Y Standard starts at 39,990 USD (around 150,000 SAR).

• Both models feature a single rear motor and a 69 kWh battery pack.

• The Model Y Standard accelerates from 0 to 96 km/h in 6.8 seconds.

With these new versions, Tesla aims to attract a broader customer base by offering more competitive pricing while staying true to its electric performance identity.

Global Mercedes Sales Drop While GCC Markets Stay Strong

Mercedes Benz reported a decline in its global sales during the third quarter of 2025, mainly due to slowing demand in China and the United States, while GCC countries remained the brand’s strongest market.

• Sales in China dropped by 27%.

• Deliveries in the United States fell by 17%.

• Sales in Gulf markets increased by 33%.

This strong performance in the Gulf reflects the continued trust of local buyers in the German luxury brand, as demand for its premium models remains high despite growing competition from Chinese automakers such as BYD and Xiaomi.

Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Imported Trucks

President Donald Trump has reignited the trade war by announcing a 25% import tariff on all medium and heavy duty trucks entering the United States starting November.

• The decision covers transport, waste, and school trucks.

• The goal is to support local manufacturers like Peterbilt and Freightliner.

• The US Chamber of Commerce warned that the move could strain relations with major trade allies, including Japan, Canada, and Germany.

This new policy signals a return to protectionist trade measures that could impact the global trucking industry in the coming months.

Honda Prelude Becomes a Surprise Hit in Japan

The new Honda Prelude has exceeded all expectations, achieving sales nearly eight times higher than forecasted in its first month on the Japanese market.

• Orders reached 2,400 units versus an initial target of 300 cars.

• Starting price: 6,179,800 yen (around 154,000 SAR).

• Based on Civic Type R components with an elegant coupe design.

These results show the Prelude’s massive popularity, especially among buyers aged 50 to 60, who appreciate a blend of comfort, sophistication, and Honda’s rich heritage.

Toyota and Porsche Lead the 2025 Brand Loyalty Study

The annual JD Power study revealed that Porsche and Toyota topped the charts for brand loyalty in 2025.

• Porsche ranked first among luxury car brands with 58.2% customer loyalty.

• Lexus led the luxury SUV category with 57.4%.

• Toyota secured the top position in the overall market with 62%.

• Ford dominated the truck segment with a record 66.6%, thanks to the iconic F-150.

These results highlight that brand loyalty remains a key factor in the automotive industry, as Japanese and German manufacturers continue to build long lasting trust with their customers.

McLaren Tests the W1 Hypercar, Successor to the Legendary P1

McLaren continues testing its all new W1 hypercar, the highly anticipated successor to the legendary P1, on the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

• Powered by a 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor.

• Combined output reaches 1,258 horsepower and 1,340 Nm of torque.

• Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds.

• Hits 200 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

McLaren confirmed that the W1 is undergoing intensive testing on the world’s toughest circuits ahead of customer deliveries in 2026, positioning it as one of the most powerful and fastest British cars ever built.