Author: Jackson Han

Chinese automotive group Dongfeng has unveiled its latest electric saloon, the Xinghai S7, under the Forthing brand. This model is being touted as the most aerodynamic production electric vehicle (EV) globally and is set to make its way into the European market. The Xinghai S7 is powered by a 56.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that energizes a 160 kW rear-wheel drive system, delivering a torque of 310 Nm. According to Dongfeng, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.67 seconds, with a Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) range of 555 kilometers. In addition…

Chinese automaker BYD is pursuing an extension of tariff relief for electric vehicle (EV) imports from the Mexican government as it aims to establish a manufacturing facility in the country. In an interview with the newspaper Reforma, Jorge Vallejo, BYD’s country head, expressed the company’s intention to negotiate the continuation of a decree that exempts 15% to 20% of tariff payments on EVs imported from nations without a trade agreement with Mexico. This decree is set to expire at the end of the month, coinciding with the departure of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Vallejo stated, “The proposal to the…

Dongfeng Honda, a collaboration between Japan’s Honda and China’s Dongfeng Motor, has introduced the Lingxi L, marking the debut of its electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand, Lingxi. This launch comes at a critical time as joint venture brands struggle to keep pace with the rapid electrification of the Chinese automotive market. Key Specifications and Features The Lingxi L is a mid-size all-electric sedan with dimensions of 4,830 mm in length, 1,845 mm in width, and 1,503 mm in height, alongside a wheelbase of 2,731 mm. Its pricing starts at RMB 129,800 (approximately $18,500), positioning it competitively against models like BYD’s Qin…

BYD has begun accepting pre-orders for its Xia MPV, following the model’s debut at the Chengdu Auto Show in late August. While the company’s head of sales for the Dynasty lineup, Lu Tian, made the announcement on Weibo, no official pricing details have been released yet. The Xia MPV is set to expand BYD’s product offerings, which currently include its Dynasty and Ocean series, neither of which feature MPVs. The Xia marks a new model series for the BYD brand, aligning with the tradition of naming models after Chinese dynasties. The Xia dynasty, considered the first recorded dynasty in Chinese…

Xpeng has introduced a new variant of its flagship SUV, the G9, aimed at consumers prioritizing power over advanced smart driving capabilities. The G9 650 Pro was launched today with a starting price of RMB 309,900 ($44,150), making it RMB 50,000 (13.89 percent) cheaper than the top-tier G9 650 Max, priced at RMB 359,900. The G9 650 Pro features a dual-motor four-wheel drive system, delivering a combined maximum power of 405 kW and a peak torque of 717 Nm. This variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. However, unlike the G9 650 Max, it omits…

The European Union has delayed its vote on imposing special tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, leaving open the possibility that an agreement may still be reached. Originally expected to take place on September 25, the vote was postponed as negotiations between EU and Chinese representatives continue in Brussels, according to a report by Politico. Despite several rounds of talks, officials have yet to reach an agreement, and it remains unclear whether the extended discussions signal a potential breakthrough. EU officials have not publicly commented on the ongoing negotiations or the possibility of an extension. One option reportedly under…

Uber Technologies has announced a partnership with Chinese self-driving technology firm WeRide, aiming to introduce WeRide’s autonomous vehicles to its rideshare platform in the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration marks WeRide’s first engagement with a global ride-hailing service, signaling the company’s intent to extend its operations beyond China while providing Uber with a step towards integrating robotaxis into its offerings. The partnership is set to launch in Abu Dhabi later this year. WeRide has been awarded the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, which permits the firm to test and operate robotaxis on public roads across the…

Leapmotor, the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker backed by Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA), has unveiled a preview of its upcoming B10 SUV, which is set to make its official debut at the Paris Auto Show on October 14. The B10 is the first global model from the company’s new B-platform, part of Leapmotor’s ambitious globalization strategy aimed at young consumers seeking intelligent and personalized vehicles. The B10, a compact SUV similar in size to the BMW X1, will compete with models such as the Aito M5 and Nio Onvo L60. It is designed using Leapmotor’s latest Leap 3.5 technology…

BJEV, a subsidiary of car manufacturer BAIC and an early pioneer in China’s electric vehicle market, is facing significant challenges as it announces a major reduction in production capacities. Founded in 2013, BJEV was once a market leader, but has been overtaken by competitors such as BYD and other emerging players in the electric vehicle sector. As a result, the company is shifting its strategy by closing its three factories located in Beijing, Qingdao in Shandong province, and Cangzhou in Hebei province, while also planning to open a new factory in Beijing. This decision reflects the company’s ongoing difficulties, as…

Leapmotor has officially entered the European market with the launch of its C10 and T03 electric vehicle models on September 24. The launch event in Milan, Italy, marked the brand’s European debut, with the two models now available for sale in 13 countries, including France, Germany, the UK, and Spain. This move is part of a joint effort between Leapmotor and Stellantis NV, under their 51:49 joint venture, Leapmotor International, headquartered in Amsterdam. Stellantis’ €1.5 billion investment in Leapmotor in October 2023 secured a 20% stake in the company, solidifying its role as the largest external shareholder. The venture aims…

Xpeng  has signed a dealer agreement to enter the Qatari market, furthering its global expansion. The agreement names Pioneer Motors, a subsidiary of Qatar’s Almana Group, as Xpeng’s exclusive distributor in the country. The Xpeng G6 and G9 SUVs, along with the P7 sedan, are expected to be available by the end of 2024. “Entering the Qatar market is a strategic move for XPENG. It not only strengthens our presence in the Middle East but also complements our mission to provide smart, eco-friendly transportation solutions on a global scale,” said Alex Tang, Xpeng’s general manager of international markets. The agreement,…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio has introduced its new sub-brand, Onvo, alongside the launch of its first model, the L60 SUV. Priced at 149,900 Chinese yuan (approximately $21,210), the L60 aims to make premium electric vehicles more accessible. One notable aspect of the L60’s pricing strategy is the option for a subscription-based battery rental, starting at 599 yuan per month (around $1,000 annually). For buyers who prefer to purchase the vehicle with the battery included, the starting price rises to 206,900 yuan (about $29,330). Deliveries of the L60 are set to commence on September 28. The Onvo L60 is designed…