Author: Victor Choi

Nio founder, chairman and CEO William Li has warned that China’s domestic auto market could experience a sharp decline in retail vehicle sales this year, even as the electric vehicle maker continues to target strong growth and sustained profitability. Speaking at the China Auto Chongqing Summit on June 13, Li said China’s automotive industry has entered what he described as the most intense phase of competition in its history. China’s auto market faces significant contraction Li forecast that domestic retail vehicle sales could decline by between 15% and 20% in 2026 as the industry transitions from a period of rapid…

Chinese automaker Saidou Technology, backed by Seres, has launched a new electric vehicle brand called Aiva, positioning it as a platform for what the company describes as “AI-defined vehicles” designed for the emerging artificial intelligence era. The brand was unveiled at a launch event on Tuesday, where Saidou also introduced the Aiva Origin Concept, a crossover SUV concept that previews the company’s future design and technology direction. Aiva said its vehicle lineup will target the mainstream market segment above 200,000 yuan ($29,540), with its first production model, the Aiva ME7, scheduled to make its official debut later in 2026. Brand…

The U.S. Department of Defense has designated several of China’s leading electric vehicle and technology companies, including BYD and Nio, as “Chinese military companies,” expanding Washington’s scrutiny of China’s automotive and advanced technology sectors. In a Federal Register notice scheduled for publication this week, the Pentagon added a broad range of Chinese firms to its list under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act. The move revives a version of the list that briefly appeared in February before being withdrawn without explanation. The updated designation reflects a widening U.S. focus on emerging technologies, extending beyond traditional defense contractors to…

Foxtron has unveiled the Cavira electric SUV, marking a significant step in the company’s transition from contract manufacturing to selling vehicles under its own brand. The new battery-electric model will debut in Taiwan before expanding to Australia and New Zealand later this year, with additional international markets planned in the future. Founded in 2020 by Foxconn and Taiwan-based Yulon Motor, Foxtron was originally established to develop electric vehicle platforms and manufacturing solutions for global automakers. The Cavira now becomes the company’s second production vehicle sold under the Foxtron brand. Mid-Size SUV Positioned for Global Markets The Cavira enters the market…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng plans to expand its manufacturing partnership with Magna Steyr by adding a fourth vehicle program to its European production operations in Graz, according to statements from senior company executives. The move builds on Xpeng’s existing collaboration with the Austrian contract manufacturer, which currently produces the G6 and G9 electric SUVs as well as the P7+ electric sedan for European markets. While the company confirmed that a fourth model will be added to the production line, it has not disclosed which vehicle will be selected. Expanding European Manufacturing Xpeng began local production of the G6 and…

Voyah delivered 13,003 vehicles in May, representing a 30% increase from a year earlier and reinforcing its position among China’s leading premium new energy vehicle brands. The premium electric vehicle marque, owned by Dongfeng Motor, reported cumulative deliveries of 62,041 units during the first five months of 2026, up 35% year-on-year and significantly outpacing overall industry growth. Retail Expansion Continues Voyah continued to expand its physical sales and service network during May, adding seven Voyah Space stores, three full-service user centers and one delivery center across 11 major cities. By the end of May, the company’s offline network covered more…

Chinese automaker Seres Group is preparing to launch a new automotive brand through a joint venture with ByteDance’s cloud and artificial intelligence unit Volcengine, according to local media Lanjinger reports. The new business, named Chongqing Saidou Technology Co Ltd, is expected to be officially unveiled on June 9, including the launch of its brand identity and logo. New Venture Receives Major Funding The company was formerly known as Landian Technology, a subsidiary of Seres, before undergoing a significant ownership restructuring. Following a recent capital increase, Saidou raised approximately RMB 6.67 billion ($985 million), attracting investment from several strategic partners. Chongqing…

Tesla’s China operations posted strong growth in May, with wholesale vehicle shipments rising sharply from a year earlier as the U.S. electric vehicle maker benefited from improving momentum in the world’s largest EV market. Tesla China delivered 85,982 vehicles on a wholesale basis in May, up 39.4% from the same month last year and 8.2% higher than in April, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The result marks Tesla China’s highest monthly wholesale volume so far in 2026 and signals a recovery after a month-on-month decline recorded in April. Shanghai Factory Drives Growth During the…

Cadillac has launched the LYRIQ-V in China with a starting price of RMB 399,900 (approximately US$59,100), introducing the brand’s first locally produced V-Series model in the country and its first all-electric V-Series sport utility vehicle. The company said production will be limited to 124 units, marking Cadillac’s 124th anniversary. The launch also coincides with the brand’s entry into Formula 1, which Cadillac said reflects its efforts to connect its motorsport heritage with its expanding electric vehicle portfolio. Electric Powertrain Delivers High Performance The LYRIQ-V is equipped with a silicon carbide dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that incorporates technologies such as dual-sided water…

Li Auto reported lower vehicle deliveries in May as competition in China’s electric vehicle market continued to intensify, prompting the company to accelerate model updates and expand its international presence. The company delivered 33,350 vehicles in May, down 18.4% from a year earlier and 2.2% lower than in April, according to figures released on Monday. Deliveries for the first five months of the year totaled 162,577 vehicles, a decline of 3.0% compared with the same period in 2025. As of May 31, Li Auto’s cumulative deliveries had reached 1.7 million vehicles. Li i6 Remains a Bright Spot Despite the broader…

Zeekr delivered a record 34,377 vehicles in May, extending the premium electric vehicle brand’s growth streak in China as demand for its higher-end models continued to strengthen. The May total represented an 81.8% increase from a year earlier and an 8.2% rise from April, according to figures released by the company. Deliveries during the first five months of the year reached 143,201 vehicles, up 93.4% from the same period in 2025. The performance highlights Zeekr’s growing presence in China’s premium electric vehicle market, where competition among domestic automakers continues to intensify. Premium Models Drive Growth Zeekr said the average transaction…

Zeekr has launched an additional allocation of its limited-edition 001 Fifth Anniversary Edition in China, offering a series of purchase incentives aimed at attracting buyers in the premium electric vehicle segment. The special edition model retains its official suggested retail price of 365,000 yuan (US$53,920), with customers who place deposits by May 31 eligible for several temporary purchase benefits. Purchase Incentives Introduced According to the company, buyers can receive an 8,000 yuan purchase tax subsidy, a 5,000 yuan trade-in subsidy, a 5,000 yuan insurance subsidy and a 5,000 yuan optional equipment allowance. Additional benefits include an exclusive commemorative gift box,…