Author: Linda Ma

Xiaomi has completed a significant regulatory step for its high-performance electric sedan, the SU7 Ultra, by filing for approval with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The SU7 Ultra has been added to MIIT’s latest catalog of models eligible for public feedback, with comments open from November 8 to November 14. This inclusion marks the last regulatory step required before the model can be sold in China, and it is slated for its real-life debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 15. Manufactured at Xiaomi’s Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area facility, the SU7 Ultra is an…

Audi has launched a new premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, “AUDI,” in collaboration with SAIC Motor, aimed at developing competitive EV models tailored for the Chinese market. This strategic move will leverage China’s supply chain to create high-end smart EVs and accelerate Audi’s presence in the rapidly growing EV sector in China. The “AUDI” brand was introduced at an event yesterday, featuring a logo with the “AUDI” lettering, a departure from Audi’s iconic four-ring emblem. The partnership with SAIC Motor, which started with an agreement in May 2023, focuses on co-developing advanced smart EVs under the new joint venture, SAIC…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon Auto, has initiated significant organizational changes, including extensive layoffs, as it confronts operational challenges. Local media outlet Cailian reports that layoffs began today, with one insider suggesting the reductions could affect up to 70% of staff. Another source noted that the scale of layoffs varies by department and may not reach such high levels overall. A Neta source confirmed the restructuring effort, which includes layoffs, though specific figures remain undisclosed. This follows an all-employee equity incentive plan announced on October 29, where Neta detailed intentions to streamline its operations,…

Xpeng introduced its “Kunpeng Super Electric System” on Wednesday, marking a strategic shift toward extended-range hybrid vehicles that are expected to be more cost-competitive than pure electric models. Founder He Xiaopeng showcased the new technology, which allows for a driving range exceeding 1,400 kilometers, thanks to an internal combustion engine that charges the battery when depleted. “We need new types of power charging solutions for different market conditions globally,” He said, citing less developed charging infrastructure outside China as a driving force for Xpeng’s pivot to hybrids. He did not specify a launch date for models equipped with this system.…

EHang Holdings, a Chinese company specializing in flying taxis, has announced a partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) aimed at developing and training personnel for large civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Established by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Sichuan provincial government, CAFUC is known for creating pilot licensing frameworks and specializing in UAV regulations and standards. EHang has secured three airworthiness certificates from the CAAC for its EH216-S, a pilotless eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle designed for passenger transport. Zhao Wang, EHang’s chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of continuous…

China has called on France to encourage the European Commission to find a solution that is acceptable to both the European and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industries. This appeal comes as France maintains its position that the European Union (EU) will not compromise on key issues while it seeks to overturn tariffs on French brandy imports. The EU initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of Chinese-made battery EVs last year, leading to a vote in October for tariffs on these vehicles. In retaliation, China has commenced its own investigations into European pork and dairy products and imposed temporary anti-dumping measures…

China’s commerce ministry confirmed Friday that representatives from the European Union will visit China to negotiate price commitments related to the recent electric vehicle (EV) tariff dispute. The ministry highlighted that, following extensive communication, the EU agreed to continue consultations in person, aiming to refine the terms of the proposed price commitment. “China welcomes this and hopes that the next round of consultations will be conducted in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable solution,” the ministry stated. The tariff dispute arose from the EU’s plan to implement new duties on…

Nio reported vehicle deliveries of 20,976 units in October, consistent with the previous month’s numbers. For the January-to-October period, the company reached 170,257 deliveries, a 35% increase over the previous year. This total includes 16,657 vehicles under the Nio brand and 4,319 from Onvo, Nio’s family-oriented smart electric vehicle line, with cumulative deliveries now standing at 619,851 as of October 31, 2024. October marked steady progress in the production and delivery of the Onvo L60, while Onvo also expanded its network with 166 centers and spaces in 60 cities. Users can access 584 Nio Power Swap Stations across China, reinforcing…

Nio is actively hiring senior personnel in China to bolster its Middle East team, with vehicle deliveries in the region anticipated to commence later this year. According to a report by local media outlet 21jingji, the Shanghai-based electric vehicle manufacturer has begun recruiting for positions at the senior director level and above, including assistant vice president (AVP) roles. The company is seeking talent in various domains, including vehicle manufacturing, core electrical systems, smart cockpit technology, and smart driving solutions. Sources indicate that while Nio is offering salaries comparable to those of a Level 5 employee in China, the responsibilities in…

Chinese automaker Geely Automobile Group firmly denied online claims on Thursday that it had held separate discussions with the European Commission about potential tariffs on electric vehicles, labeling the allegations as “slander” in a statement on Weibo. Geely clarified that while the European Commission reached out to its brands from late September to mid-October, the company chose to “prioritise industry unity and declined separate discussions.” This position, Geely said, underscores its commitment to collective industry interests during ongoing tariff talks. “Geely remains committed to supporting the industry-wide negotiations, contributing actively to protect the overall interests of the sector,” the company…

BYD has named former Stellantis UK chief Maria Grazia Davino as its regional managing director for Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic, the Chinese automaker announced on Wednesday. Davino will assume her role on December 1, aiming to strengthen BYD’s European presence as the company continues its expansion strategy, building local manufacturing plants in Hungary and Turkey. Davino’s appointment marks BYD’s latest recruitment move as it builds a robust management team for Europe, following its August hire of former Fiat Chrysler executive Alfredo Altavilla as a special adviser for the region. “Her appointment comes at a time when…

China’s SAIC Motor (600104.SS) announced plans to file a lawsuit at the European Union’s Court of Justice after the EU imposed tariffs of up to 45.3% on Chinese-built electric vehicles (EVs). The European Commission argues that these tariffs are needed to offset subsidies it claims give Chinese EV makers an unfair advantage, citing favorable financing, land allocations, and reduced raw material costs as factors. SAIC contends the EU’s investigation was flawed, saying it “wrong in determining subsidies” and had “inflated subsidy rates” by disregarding critical information provided by the company. In response to the trade barriers, SAIC said it will…

The European Union will impose increased tariffs of up to 45.3% on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), concluding an anti-subsidy investigation aimed at countering what it claims are unfair trade practices from Beijing. The new tariffs, formally announced in the EU’s Official Journal on Tuesday, will take effect Wednesday, ranging from 7.8% for Tesla to 35.3% for Chinese manufacturer SAIC, on top of the standard 10% car import duty. The European Commission argued that the tariffs are necessary to address subsidies that allegedly give Chinese EVs a competitive edge, including preferential financing, land allocations, and discounted raw materials. The EU maintains…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has announced a new partnership aimed at expanding its international presence into Africa. The company signed a partnership agreement with Egyptian International Motors (EIM Group) to collaboratively explore opportunities in the Egyptian market. The agreement includes the establishment of a sales and service network in Egypt, intended to enhance the high-end driving experience for local consumers. Initially, Zeekr plans to introduce its Zeekr 001 shooting brake and the Zeekr X urban SUV in Egypt, with intentions to roll out additional models in the future. The company’s first local store…

CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, announced on October 28 that seven extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models are now equipped with its new sodium-containing Freevoy battery. This lineup includes vehicles from Neta, Changan Nevo, Deepal, and Avatr, with the Avatr 12 set to debut in China on November 2. The Freevoy battery, unveiled by CATL on October 24, is an LFP battery that incorporates sodium-ion technology specifically designed to provide plug-in hybrids with a range and experience closer to that of fully electric vehicles. The battery offers up to 400 kilometers of pure electric range and supports 4C…

China renewed its warning to the European Union on Monday, cautioning that separate negotiations with individual electric vehicle (EV) companies during ongoing trade talks would “shake mutual trust” and disrupt the overall discussions. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce reiterated the stance, following a similar warning earlier this month, as China and the EU work to resolve trade tensions over Chinese electric vehicle imports. The latest statement from the ministry comes just days after both parties agreed to continue technical discussions aimed at exploring alternatives to imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs. Both sides had previously agreed that price commitments would be…

China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group announced on Friday that discussions with potential buyers regarding a partial stake sale have concluded without an agreement. The EV subsidiary of China Evergrande Group, which holds a 58.5% interest in the unit, was in talks to divest 29% of its stake, with an option to sell the remaining shares over time. In a separate statement, China Evergrande indicated that its liquidators will continue exploring potential buyers and other opportunities to divest its holdings in the EV arm. However, the company warned that the prospects for a successful sale remain uncertain. Evergrande NEV reported…

BYD launched the 2025 model of its Tang DM-i hybrid SUV on Friday, implementing the automaker’s new DM 5.0 hybrid system, which promises enhanced fuel efficiency. This marks the latest update for BYD’s Tang SUV, which previously saw a refresh with the Tang DM-i Glory Edition earlier this year. The 2025 Tang DM-i is available in four trim levels, with starting prices of RMB 179,800 ($25,250), RMB 187,800, RMB 197,800, and RMB 207,800, respectively. Compared to the Tang DM-i Glory Edition launched in February, three of the new model’s variants are now priced RMB 2,000 to RMB 12,000 lower, while…

Xiaomi has officially opened preorders for its high-performance electric vehicle, the SU7 Ultra, through its website. Customers can select their preferred dealership for the preorder process. Goldman Sachs has projected that the SU7 Ultra will start at approximately $112,500. The tech giant is set to launch the vehicle officially on October 29, alongside its 15 series smartphones. The SU7 Ultra, a modified upgrade variant, was first unveiled as a high-performance prototype in July 2024. According to Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, the vehicle is designed to compete on Germany’s Nürburgring race track. It is expected to achieve a top…

Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide has officially filed for a $119.4 million initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq, alongside a private placement targeting $320.5 million, according to a term sheet reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday. The Guangzhou-based company plans to offer 6.5 million American depositary shares priced between $15.5 and $18.5 each, which could raise up to $119.4 million. In August, WeRide announced its intention to pursue a valuation of up to $5.02 billion for its IPO, coinciding with expectations that the Biden administration would propose restrictions on Chinese software used in autonomous vehicles within the United States. The company…