Author: Linda Ma

China’s retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) surged to 856,000 units in June, marking a significant 28.6% increase from the previous year, according to data released today by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This figure, while slightly lower than earlier estimates, reflects a 6.4% rise from May, underscoring continued momentum in the country’s EV market. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 57.6% of NEV sales in June, totaling 493,000 units, up 9.9% year-on-year but slightly down from May’s figures. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) contributed 42.4% of NEV sales, reaching 363,000 units, reflecting a robust 67.2% increase from last year.…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio and Belgian specialty chemicals company Syensqo have teamed up to establish a joint laboratory focused on developing cutting-edge materials for electric vehicles, Syensqo announced on July 2. Located at Nio’s Nanxiang delivery center in Jiading, Shanghai, the joint lab was inaugurated on June 28 during a visit by Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri. Under the agreement, Syensqo Asia CEO Chen Pu and Nio assistant vice president Wang Huizhang signed a collaboration agreement to advance research and development in innovative materials and validate their application in EV technology. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of…

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD Co Ltd has strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia by acquiring a 20% stake in Thai auto dealer Rever Automotive, aiming to bolster its position in Thailand’s competitive automotive market. The share purchase agreement, finalized on July 6, underscores BYD’s strategic move to enhance its market share in Thailand, according to a statement released today. BYD formally entered Thailand’s passenger car market in collaboration with Rever in Bangkok last August. Celebrating another milestone, BYD inaugurated its Thailand factory on July 4, where it rolled out its 8 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV) on the same…

SAIC Motor, a leading Chinese auto manufacturer, announced today its intention to petition the European Union for a hearing to address additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), asserting its stance to protect its interests and those of its customers. In a statement, SAIC expressed its formal request for the European Commission to conduct a hearing regarding the provisional countervailing duty measures imposed on Chinese EVs. The company highlighted discrepancies in the European Commission’s calculations, noting a subsidy rate initially set at 38.1 percent, which was later adjusted to 37.6 percent in a preliminary ruling on July 4. “SAIC has…

Xpeng has rolled out a significant over-the-air (OTA) update, XOS 5.2.0 Beta, aimed at enhancing its XNGP smart driving system across its range of vehicles. The update introduces several user enhancements, with a spotlight on advancing the capabilities of XNGP beyond those offered by competitors like Huawei ADS 2.0, particularly in critical driving scenarios. Key improvements include enhanced functionality in 426 different driving situations, such as navigating roundabouts without the need for pre-mapping, optimizing U-turn maneuvers, and improving handling on narrow roads. A notable enhancement is the system’s ability to manage roundabouts seamlessly, now capable of lane changes within roundabouts…

Xpeng has unveiled its latest offering, the Mona M03, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge design and advanced technology aimed at the electric vehicle (EV) market. Positioned as a compact pure electric car under the Xpeng brand’s new Mona series, the Mona M03 promises impressive features and specifications. Design and Features The Mona M03 stands out with its compact dimensions, measuring 4780 mm in length, 1896 mm in width, and 1445 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2815 mm. It features a spacious trunk offering 621 liters of storage, comparable to that of a mid-size SUV. The car’s exterior design…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD commemorated a dual milestone today with the inauguration of its Thailand plant and the rollout of its 8 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), underscoring its growing influence in the global automotive market. BYD, which entered the Thai market in 2022, now commands a substantial 41 percent share of the local NEV market, according to Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD. He made the announcement during a ceremony celebrating the achievements. “Since January 2023, BYD has consistently led NEV sales in Thailand for 18 consecutive months, achieving strong recognition in the country,” Wang stated. Wang…

Chinese tech giant Huawei has announced the transfer of trademarks and patents associated with the Aito brand to its car-making partner Seres Group, signaling Huawei’s firm stance on not entering the automotive manufacturing sector. According to a recent stock exchange announcement by Seres, a subsidiary plans to acquire Huawei’s Aito-related assets, including 919 registered or pending trademarks and 44 design patents, for RMB 2.5 billion yuan ($340 million). “The transaction reinforces the ongoing partnership between Seres and Huawei while consolidating our commitment to the Aito brand,” the announcement stated, affirming that the deal will not impact their joint business activities.…

As the European Commission prepares to finalize provisional tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China, automakers brace for potential disruptions that could hinder their expansion in Europe. The tariffs, expected to range up to 37.6%, aim to prevent an influx of subsidized Chinese EVs into the European market despite ongoing negotiations and efforts to reach a compromise. “The Chinese EV brands’ entry into Europe will face obstacles,” remarked Lei Xing, founder of consultancy AutoXing. “It’s akin to slowing down from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, but the momentum remains.” Major Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD and SAIC’s MG Motors…

Xiaomi EV, the automotive arm of tech giant Xiaomi, is ramping up production capacity to meet robust demand for its SU7 model, reassuring customers with accelerated delivery timelines and plans for further expansion. In a recent communication posted on Weibo, Xiaomi EV informed prospective buyers and order holders of ongoing efforts to enhance production capabilities, particularly for the popular Xiaomi SU7. “The delivery ramp-up of Xiaomi SU7 is progressing well, with the commencement of double-shift production in June and over 10,000 units delivered in a single month,” stated Xiaomi EV. See also: Xiaomi EV Exceeds June Delivery Target with Over 10,000…

Aito, a Chinese automotive brand established in 2021 through the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) with support from Huawei and Seres, has integrated diecasting technology into its production process. This adoption, initially deployed for the Aito M9 model, aims to significantly enhance manufacturing efficiency. Seres, utilizing a Wencan IDRA9800T 10,000-ton class super diecasting unit since its installation in February, now manufactures one-piece diecast rear body units for the Aito M9, potentially for the chassis, although specific details have not been confirmed. This approach reduces part count by approximately 80 and solder joints by about 1,440, while increasing torsional rigidity by…

Huawei has slashed the official selling price of its ADS (Advanced Driving System) premium feature package by nearly 17%, a move expected to influence pricing dynamics in the smart driving sector where the company holds a strong position. The standard price for Huawei’s ADS one-time purchase option from July 1 to December 31 is now RMB 30,000 ($4,130), down from the previous RMB 36,000, the company announced recently. Monthly and annual subscription rates for the software remain unchanged at RMB 720 and RMB 7,200 respectively, according to a statement from Huawei’s intelligent vehicle solutions business unit. See also: Toyota Plans Advanced…