Author: Linda Ma

Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group announced on Saturday the successful launch of 11 low-earth orbit satellites, marking its second dispatch as part of an initiative to enhance navigation accuracy for autonomous vehicles. The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, according to a statement provided to Reuters by Geely. Geely revealed plans to increase its satellite presence, aiming to have 72 satellites in orbit by 2025 and a long-term goal of establishing a constellation of 240 satellites. The first launch took place in June 2022. See also: Volvo Cars Ceases Funding for…

Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group’s premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Zeekr, reported the delivery of 12,537 vehicles in January. While this figure represents a 7 percent decline from December, Zeekr outperformed its major peers, considering seasonal factors. According to recently released data, Zeekr’s January deliveries increased by an impressive 302.34 percent compared to the same period last year. However, the month-on-month decrease was reported at 6.97 percent. See also: Zeekr Unveils Enhanced Zeekr 009 MPV with Slight Price Adjustment For the entirety of 2023, Zeekr achieved the delivery of 118,685 vehicles, marking a substantial 64.98 percent year-on-year increase. Zeekr, established…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio experienced a decline in deliveries for January compared to December, following a trend influenced by seasonal factors. The company reported delivering 10,055 vehicles in January, indicating an 18.21% increase from the previous year but a 44.18% decrease from December’s figure of 18,012, as disclosed in the latest data. See also: Nio Partners with Longi Green Energy for Solar Solutions at Battery Swap Stations The January deliveries comprised 6,307 SUVs and 3,748 sedans, although specific model breakdowns were not provided. Nio’s current lineup includes models such as the ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5, and…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng witnessed a notable decline in its January deliveries, citing seasonal factors, as the company delivered 8,250 vehicles, marking a 58.99% month-on-month decrease from December. While the figure reflected a robust 58.11% year-on-year increase, it underscored the customary lull in auto sales during January, compounded by the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday. See also: XPeng AeroHT Announces Mass Production Plans for Land Aircraft Carrier and Flying Supercar In the fourth quarter of the previous year, Xpeng experienced a surge in deliveries, consistently exceeding 20,000 units per month. However, the EV maker anticipated the January dip,…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is making strides in the competitive European market by showcasing its five models at a dedicated BYD-only store in Berlin, operated by Sternauto, a dealership with exclusive BYD selling rights in eastern Germany. The move is seen as part of BYD’s strategy to penetrate European markets and compete with local rivals. Sternauto, aiming to connect with customers as BYD gains recognition among Germans seeking affordable electric vehicles, established the store to enhance accessibility. Oliver Hein, Head of BYD for Sternauto, highlighted the increasing awareness of the brand among German customers, attributing it to BYD’s…

Chinese automaker BYD has decided to enhance its Tang electric SUV for European consumers, making strategic changes less than a year after entering the European market. With the goal of competing with the popular Tesla Model Y, BYD is equipping the Tang with a more powerful battery. The Tang EV, initially introduced in Norway in 2020, expanded its presence to Germany, the Netherlands, and other European markets within the past year. Despite announcing pre-sale prices at €72,000, positioning itself as a formidable player in the electric SUV segment, the Tang faces a significant pricing challenge against the Tesla Model Y,…

Chinese automaker SAIC-GM-Wuling has introduced the “Wuling Red 1,” a power battery pack designed for new energy commercial vehicles, boasting the distinction of being the thinnest in the industry at 148 mm thick, according to a Weibo posting today. This slim design aims to optimize cargo space within a van’s cargo box, enhancing practicality for commercial applications. However, the announcement did not disclose whether SAIC-GM-Wuling manufactures the battery cells in-house or relies on external suppliers for this component. The “Wuling Red 1” battery pack supports fast charging, with the capability to charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in just…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has recently introduced an upgraded version of its Zeekr 009 Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), just days after the launch of the enhanced Zeekr X urban SUV. The Zeekr 009, originally launched on November 1, 2022, is the second model in Zeekr’s lineup, following the Zeekr 001, with deliveries commencing in February 2023. In the latest update, Zeekr continues to offer the Zeekr 009 in two trims, namely WE and ME. See also: Zeekr Targets 230,000 Deliveries in 2024 Amid Global Expansion While the core specifications of the Zeekr 009 remain…

Chinese electric car manufacturer Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, has set an ambitious target of delivering 230,000 cars in 2024, aiming to double its 2023 delivery figures. A company spokesperson announced this goal on Monday, citing plans to boost sales with the introduction of new models and expand its presence in overseas markets. In December, Zeekr commenced deliveries of its fourth model, the Zeekr 007 sedan. The company now seeks to enhance its market share in Europe and extend its footprint in the Middle East and Asia throughout the year. Having achieved sales of 118,685 cars in 2023, a 65%…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has taken a significant stride in its U.S. market presence by establishing a group of dealers for its electric vehicles. The initial group includes Leith VinFast in North Carolina, Smith Haven VinFast in New York, Principle VinFast Grapevine, and Hiley VinFast of Fort Worth in Texas, along with VinFast Wichita in Kansas. The dealerships will initially offer the VinFast VF 8 model, with plans to include the VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9 models upon their U.S. launch. VinFast is preparing to serve the U.S. market with the construction of an electric vehicle factory, scheduled for…

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has dispelled recent rumors circulating on social media regarding the pricing of its first electric vehicle (EV), the Xiaomi SU7. The company’s general manager of public relations, Wang Hua, clarified on Weibo that all information and pricing details currently circulating are false until the official product launch. Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi SU7 during its tech launch on December 28, revealing key specifications but withholding pricing information. Over the past few days, fake posters claiming various pre-sale prices for the SU7, ranging from RMB 599,000 to RMB 369,000, have gained traction on platforms like WeChat and Weibo.…

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi’s venture into the electric vehicle (EV) realm has garnered praise from Chris Bangle, the former design director at BMW. Bangle, renowned for his influential yet controversial tenure at BMW, has provided positive insights into Xiaomi’s all-electric sedan, the SU7. After departing BMW in 2009, Bangle established the Chris Bangle Associates design studio and consultancy firm. Xiaomi has now enlisted Bangle’s expertise to assess the design of the SU7, as revealed in a video released by the tech company. Bangle commended the sedan’s balanced proportions and expressed admiration for its interior, noting that the SU7 avoids over-designing,…