Author: Michael Zhang

Tesla has increased the parts localization rate at its Gigafactory Shanghai to 98%, further strengthening the electric vehicle maker’s reliance on China’s automotive supply chain at its largest global production facility. The company disclosed the latest figure in a statement released during the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Thursday. Tesla had previously described the factory’s localization rate as consistently exceeding 95%. Chinese Suppliers Contribute to Product Development Tesla’s cooperation with Chinese partners extends beyond component sourcing to include product engineering and development. One example is the Model Y L, whose seat comfort features, including…

Buick’s Electra GS plug-in hybrid sedan has appeared in China’s latest vehicle regulatory filing, providing the first detailed look at the fastback model’s design, powertrain and battery suppliers ahead of its expected market introduction. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) included three Electra GS variants in its 413th batch of vehicle filings, published for public consultation from November 4 to November 10. All three versions are manufactured by SAIC-GM, Buick’s joint venture with General Motors. Three Powertrain Configurations Listed The regulatory documents identify two petrol engine output levels paired with a common electric motor specification. All three variants…

Geely has launched the Galaxy Xingyao 6 EF in China, introducing a methanol plug-in hybrid sedan designed to provide an alternative to battery-electric and conventional hybrid vehicles. Unveiled at an event in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Tuesday, the company describes it as the world’s first production methanol hybrid family car. The sedan can operate using methanol, gasoline or electricity, with methanol and gasoline able to be mixed in any proportion within the same fuel tank. Geely is positioning the model for markets and driving conditions where cold-weather performance, refueling convenience and long-distance capability are important. Pricing and Driving Range The…

Leapmotor delivered a record 106,127 vehicles globally in October, exceeding 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive month as the Chinese electric vehicle maker expands production capacity and strengthens its international presence. The company released its latest delivery figures on Sunday and said its two-millionth vehicle is expected to roll off the production line in November. October deliveries increased 50.99% year on year and 0.45% compared with September. Although sales continued to grow, the pace moderated from September, when deliveries rose 58.51% year on year and 2.45% month on month. During the first 10 months of 2026, Leapmotor delivered 772,666 vehicles,…

BYD has launched the second-generation Seagull in China, introducing a lower entry price, a larger five-seat body and flash-charging capability on higher-specification variants of its small electric vehicle. Unveiled at an event in Zhengzhou, Henan, on Tuesday, the new Seagull is available in five variants with official guide prices ranging from 65,900 yuan ($9,810) to 99,900 yuan. The Vitality, Freedom, Comfort, Flying and Smart versions are priced at 65,900 yuan, 72,900 yuan, 75,900 yuan, 82,900 yuan and 99,900 yuan, respectively. The starting price is 4,000 yuan below that of the previous-generation 2026 model, which launched in May at 69,900 yuan.…

Huawei’s intelligent automotive business and battery manufacturer CATL reportedly plan to introduce their first battery-swap-compatible vehicle in 2027 under Epicland, the brand jointly developed by Dongfeng and Huawei. Chinese financial news outlet Cailian reported the planned timeline on Tuesday but did not identify the vehicle. The report follows a strategic cooperation framework agreement signed on October 19 between Huawei’s intelligent automotive business, known as Yinwang or Newcool, CATL and its battery-swap operator. The agreement established a framework for connecting vehicles equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun intelligent automotive solutions to CATL’s Choco battery-swap network. However, the original announcement did not specify a…

Geely Auto has signed agreements for its 100th retail outlet in the United Kingdom, less than a year after entering the market. The expansion is part of the Chinese automaker’s efforts to build its overseas sales network and increase access to its vehicle lineup. The latest outlet, Evans Halshaw Geely Mansfield in Mansfield, was signed in partnership with dealership group Lithia, Geely said on Monday. The company had previously set a target of establishing 100 UK dealerships by the end of 2026. The milestone refers to signed outlets rather than confirmed operating dealerships. Geely has not disclosed how many locations…

Volkswagen Anhui has introduced updated versions of the ID. UNYX 06 electric SUV and ID. UNYX 07 electric sedan in China, adding LiDAR-based driver assistance and reducing starting list prices compared with their initial launches in May. The Volkswagen joint venture announced the updates on Saturday. During China’s Double 11 shopping festival, the entry-level ID. UNYX 07 Lite is available at a promotional price of 99,900 yuan ($14,860). Volkswagen Anhui said this marks the first time it has offered a fully electric model in China below 100,000 yuan. The promotional price applies only to the Lite variant. The ID. UNYX…

Jetta, the value-oriented brand operated by FAW-Volkswagen, has opened pre-sales in China for the M6 electric sedan, its first fully battery-electric model. The vehicle was announced earlier this year and is scheduled to officially enter the Chinese market in mid-October. The M6 is priced at between 80,800 yuan and 99,800 yuan ($10,600-$13,100), placing it in China’s entry-level electric vehicle segment. Jetta Expands Into New Energy Vehicles FAW-Volkswagen and Volkswagen launched the new Jetta sub-brand at the beginning of the year through FAW Volkswagen Jetta Automotive Technology Co Ltd. The brand is aimed primarily at cost-conscious Chinese consumers. Jetta is not…

Epicland has launched the X9 as its first production model, marking the debut of the joint automotive brand established by Dongfeng Motor and Huawei. The large six-seat extended-range electric SUV is available at limited-time discounted prices ranging from 279,800 yuan ($41,460) to 359,800 yuan, compared with regular prices of 289,800 yuan to 369,800 yuan. Epicland positions the X9 as a “second-generation family flagship,” targeting models including the Aito M9 and Li Auto’s Li L9. X9 Offers Up to 1,410 Km Combined Range Pre-sales for the Epicland X9 began on August 18 with a starting price of 299,800 yuan. Epicland previously…

The Freelander 8 is the first production model from the new Freelander brand, established through a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The luxury range-extended electric SUV is designed to combine high performance, off-road capability and advanced intelligent vehicle technology as the newly repositioned brand expands into China’s new energy vehicle market. The Freelander 8 will officially make its global debut in Beijing on September 3. It began pre-sales in China on August 14 with a starting price of 339,900 yuan ($50,120) before incentives. Updated prices announced on August 21 reduced the starting price to 329,900 yuan…

Xiaomi has launched international social media accounts and a dedicated global website for its automotive business as it prepares for an overseas expansion planned to begin in Europe in 2027. The new Xiaomi Auto channels provide the company with an international platform for promoting its electric vehicle business and developing relationships with potential dealers and distribution partners. The international website, xiaomiauto.com, went live on Wednesday and prominently states that Xiaomi Auto is “Officially coming to Europe in 2027.” Europe to Lead Xiaomi Auto Expansion The website confirms Europe as the first destination for Xiaomi’s international automotive expansion, although the company…

Geely is developing a 1,000-volt electrical architecture for electric vehicles as the Chinese automaker works to reduce charging times. The company is moving beyond the 800-volt systems increasingly used in its current EVs and has already deployed charging points with peak outputs of up to 1,500 kW. Geely Moves Toward 1,000-Volt EV Systems Geely is increasingly using 800-volt technology across its current electric vehicle lineup. The high-voltage architecture extends beyond the battery to components including electric motors, power electronics, onboard chargers and wiring. https://evmagz.com/geely-plans-solid-state-battery-vehicle-trials-from-2027-with-1000-km-range-target/ The company is now developing a 1,000-volt architecture along with electric drive systems capable of operating…

China has ordered recalls and corrective measures involving more than four million vehicles over potential problems with mechanical emergency door-release systems, in one of the country’s largest automotive safety actions to date. Tesla accounts for the largest portion of the affected vehicles, while Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Zeekr and several other manufacturers are also included. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced recalls and additional measures involving 11 automakers. For most of the affected vehicles, the concern is that mechanical emergency door releases may be too similar in colour to surrounding interior trim, making them difficult to identify and operate…

GWM has launched the Wey V8X, a five-seat sport utility vehicle aimed at China’s premium hybrid SUV market. The model is available in five configurations, with retail prices ranging from 239,800 yuan to 315,800 yuan and limited-time promotional prices starting at 226,800 yuan. The V8X is the second production model based on GWM’s Global One S platform and sits below the larger six-seat Wey V9X in the brand’s lineup. Five V8X Configurations Offered Under the promotional pricing, the Wey V8X Sport Max starts at 226,800 yuan, while the Sport Ultra is priced at 266,800 yuan. https://evmagz.com/gwm-wey-v9x-ev-clears-china-filing-with-dual-motors-and-220-km-h-top-speed/ The Luxury Family Max…

iCar, Chery’s new energy vehicle brand, has unveiled the V25, an extended-range SUV that expands its range of boxy models in China. The vehicle made its debut in Chengdu on Aug. 14 and is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2026. The V25 is the third model in iCar’s V series and is positioned as a technology-focused light flagship SUV aimed primarily at younger consumers. The model is also scheduled to appear at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show. Boxy SUV Adds Extended-Range Powertrain The V25 retains the boxy styling used across iCar’s V series. https://evmagz.com/chery-begins-local-production-of-icar-v23-electric-suv-in-malaysia/ The…

Pre-orders for Xiaomi’s new Sky Nomad extended-range sport utility vehicle (SUV) lineup may have exceeded 100,000 units, according to estimates published by Chinese financial media outlet Cailian, highlighting strong early demand ahead of the models’ official launch. The estimate is based on a survey of Xiaomi EV retail stores across several major cities and has not been confirmed by Xiaomi. Store Survey Points to Strong Demand Cailian reported that it visited or contacted Xiaomi EV stores in Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai, Chengdu and other cities over the past week. According to sales staff interviewed by the publication, most dealerships had received…

Dongfeng Nissan has previewed the upcoming NX7 sport utility vehicle (SUV), expanding its N series portfolio as the Nissan Motor joint venture accelerates its electrification strategy in China. The company released a teaser image confirming that the NX7 will be introduced soon, although technical specifications and a launch date have yet to be announced. LiDAR Signals Advanced Driver Assistance The teaser reveals part of the SUV’s front fascia, showing that the NX7 adopts the N series’ signature design language with split headlights, a full-width LED light bar and an illuminated Nissan logo positioned at the centre of the front end.…

Xpeng has unveiled the first official teaser of its upcoming G9L sport utility vehicle (SUV), expanding its global product lineup with a new flagship model designed to compete in China’s premium electric vehicle market. The company describes the G9L as a “global five-seat tech flagship” and says it will target the highly competitive 300,000 yuan (approximately US$44,180) segment. Pricing and launch timing have yet to be announced. Global Flagship SUV The G9L becomes Xpeng’s latest global-oriented model following the GX flagship SUV and the Mona L03. According to the company, the vehicle shares its core platform architecture with the GX…

SAIC Motor’s MG brand has opened pre-sales for the all-electric MG 07 fastback sedan in China, marking the brand’s first production model equipped with LiDAR as it expands into the country’s highly competitive mainstream electric vehicle market. The MG 07 is available in five battery-electric variants with pre-sale prices starting at 125,900 yuan (approximately US$18,540), below earlier market expectations of around 150,000 yuan. Five Variants Offered Ahead of Market Launch MG has priced the entry-level 650 Comfort variant at 125,900 yuan during the pre-sale period. The 610 LiDAR and 610 Flagship versions are priced at 135,900 yuan and 145,900 yuan,…