Cybersecurity regulation tightens: Ministry of Transport recommendations for new vehicles
The Ministry of Transport is expected to soon publish new guidelines for vehicle importers and garages, against the backdrop of rising cyber threats and concerns over the information that smart vehicles transmit to servers abroad. Simultaneously, vehicle importers are preparing for another wave of electric models from China, including premium models from Voyah, Denza, XPENG, and Zeekr. Also: Hyundai Tucson Plug-in launched in Israel.
Government cyber and security bodies continue to tighten cybersecurity regulation for vehicles. This is part of ongoing staff work that has been underway for several years and as a lesson learned from the recent rounds of war with Iran, during which cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Israel increased significantly.
Globes has learned that the Cyber Division at the Ministry of Transport is expected to soon publish a final version of professional instructions for vehicle importers and service garages regarding vehicle cybersecurity. This follows an initial draft that was distributed last year.
The ministry's finalized regulations are still defined as a "non-binding professional instruction." However, the guidelines included in them are expected to serve in the future as a binding basis for cybersecurity instructions for the government vehicle fleet and government companies, especially in the field of critical infrastructure.
It should be noted that some of the guidelines have already been published recently in an updated version in a tender for charging station operators. They include, among other things, increased supervision of remote software updates by manufacturers (OTA), a ban on the transfer abroad of data collected from vehicles of users defined as sensitive, the implementation of encrypted protocols to protect stored data, and more.
A need that has become sharper
Most new vehicles currently imported into Israel under European standards meet mandatory international cybersecurity standards set by UN regulatory bodies. However, due to Israel's unique security situation and the accelerated penetration of "smart" vehicles with extensive network connectivity that transmit data to servers abroad, the need to formulate unique and strict requirements for Israel has sharpened in recent years.
In addition, the demand for the use of cybersecurity measures in large private sector vehicle fleets is expanding, in light of the access restrictions currently imposed on some smart vehicles at IDF bases and in the security system.
The Ministry of Transport responded: "The vast majority of new vehicles imported into Israel, starting from July 2024, already comply with mandatory international cybersecurity standards, in accordance with UN R155 and UN R156 standards, implemented by vehicle manufacturers. To complete the protection envelope also during the operation and maintenance stages of vehicles in Israel, the sectoral cyber unit and the Traffic Administration at the Ministry of Transport are currently formulating a final version of a voluntary professional instruction intended for vehicle importers and service garages.
"The guidelines are intended to help maintain the original level of protection of the vehicles throughout their life cycle, including during maintenance and service operations. The guidelines will help ensure that vehicles in the fleet continue to enjoy the required level of cybersecurity also during maintenance and service, through adapted work processes and procedures at importers and garages."
The flow does not stop: premium electric models from China on the way to Israel
Vehicle imports from China continue to break new records this year, and the list of new models that will arrive in the coming months is growing longer, with an emphasis on the premium market.
Delek Motors is expected to import in 2027 the sporty electric crossover PASSION of the Voyah brand of the Chinese Dongfeng group. The vehicle's length is over 5 meters, its height is 1.66 meters, and it sits on a wheelbase 3 meters long. The vehicle is offered in China in a single-motor version with 402 hp or in a dual-motor version with 637 hp and batteries of 81 or 98 kWh and a driving range of up to 740 km according to the Chinese standard; the starting price there is about 34 thousand dollars. In Israel, a base model will likely be offered for about 220-250 thousand shekels.
In the second half of 2027, Shlomo Motors, the importer of BYD, will launch a new family electric crossover under the premium brand DENZA. The vehicle is marketed in China under the group's BAO brand name; its length is 4.6 meters, its height is 1.72 meters, and the wheelbase is 2.74 meters long. It is equipped with an electric drive and a version with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a power of 503 hp and a driving range of up to 620 km according to the Chinese standard. The vehicle will support the company's "Flash" ultra-fast charging infrastructure. The first chargers will be installed here in 2027. Starting price in China is about 22 thousand dollars.
Crossover and electric car
Freesbe (Carasso Motors) will import towards the end of the year the new electric crossover L03 from XPENG. This is the company's most compact vehicle with a length of 4.65 meters, a height of 1.6 meters, a wheelbase of 2.85 meters, a trunk (456 liters), and a sporty design.
The European specification includes 3 versions. A base version with a single engine with 245 hp and a battery with a capacity of 58 kWh with a range of up to 445 km in WLTP; a long-range version with the same engine and a 71 kWh battery with a range of up to 520 km; the top version is equipped with 2 engines with a combined power of 387 hp and a 71 kWh battery with a range of up to 440 km. Pricing in Europe is aggressive and ranges between about 35 thousand and 43 thousand euros after taxes and duties. In Israel, one can expect a base version for about 160-170 thousand shekels.
Meanwhile, the premium brand "Zeekr" of Geely is expected to import this year the electric sports-station wagon 7GT; its length is 4.82 meters; its height is 1.45 meters and the wheelbase is 2.9 meters. It has a luxurious passenger cabin and a trunk (456 liters).
The base version has a rear engine with 421 hp and a 75 kWh battery with a range of up to 520 km in WLTP or with a 100 kWh battery and a range of up to 655 km. The dual-motor version produces 646 hp, accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and achieves a range of up to 560 km in WLTP. Prices in Europe start at about 49 thousand euros.
Launched in Israel: Hyundai Tucson Plug-in in two trim levels
Colmobil launched this week here the plug-in version of the "Tucson" crossover. The vehicle maintains the dimensions and familiar design of the Tucson, but its propulsion system combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, a powerful electric motor, and a battery with a capacity of 13.8 kWh with an electric range of up to 71 km depending on the version. The combined power is 283 hp and the declared fuel consumption is up to 37 km per liter depending on the version.
The vehicle is offered in two trim levels, where already in the base level, which costs 200 thousand shekels, there is a digital control system, split climate control, and more. The top version also includes leather upholstery, electric front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a surround camera, and more at a price of 230 thousand shekels.
