On 14 April, the State Council Information Office held a press conference, the General Administration of Customs spokesman, Director of the Department of Statistics and Analysis, Lv Daliang, introduced that China's new energy products continue to play an important role in the global green transition, in the first quarter of 2025, the export of electric vehicles increased by 8.2%. According to the latest statistics of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's new energy vehicle exports increased significantly in March, with year-on-year growth of more than 20%.Industry experts and car companies said that the overseas auto market is far from saturated, many places contain rich market potential, China's new energy vehicles with technology research and development and other advantages, is expected to achieve sustained growth in exports in the future.New Energy Vehicle Exports Grow Significantly ‘The export of complete vehicles has maintained steady growth, of which the growth of new energy vehicle exports is particularly significant.’ The person in charge of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) told reporters that in March, China's auto exports were 507,000 units, up 14.9 per cent sequentially and 1 per cent year-on-year.In March, China's new-energy vehicle exports were 158,000 units, up 20.1 per cent sequentially and 26.8 per cent year-on-year.According to the statistics of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), in March, seven of the top ten Chinese companies in vehicle exports achieved positive growth in exports. Among them, Chery's exports reached 86,000 units, up 2.8 per cent year-on-year, accounting for 17.1 per cent of total exports. Compared with the same period of the previous year, BYD's export growth rate was the most significant, with exports reaching 73,000 units, up 88.4 per cent year-on-year. In the first quarter, the vehicle exports of the top ten companies, Chery exports amounted to 254,000 units, an increase of 0.1 per cent year-on-year, accounting for 17.9 per cent of total exports. BYD's export volume reached 214,000 units, an increase of more than 120% year-on-year.The rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle export sales has demonstrated its strong international competitiveness. Geely Automobile Group CEO Kam Jia read to reporters that Chinese automotive products in the global competition is very advantageous, especially new energy vehicles, its core technology strength has surpassed all joint venture brands. At the same time, China's new energy vehicle enterprises are also accelerating the promotion of globalisation layout, focusing on the development of global products. ‘Take Geely Galaxy brand as an example, the new energy models are basically developed and deployed synchronously according to global standards.’ Kam Ka Read said.‘China's new energy vehicles, whether it is technology, products or industrial chain, leading the world for about 3 to 5 years, should grasp this window period, adhere to the opening up of innovation, to a higher level of green technology and products to promote a higher level of opening up to the outside world, and to go out to the sea in the complementarity of advantages and open cooperation.’ BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu recently said at the China Electric Vehicle 100 Forum (2025) high-level forum.Industry experts told reporters that the rise of China's new energy vehicles no longer relies on low price competition, but on technology and quality to win the respect of overseas consumers. As a typical example of export growth, BYD's new-energy vehicles are generally sold at higher prices in overseas markets such as Europe than at home, but still offer a high price-performance ratio. In its review of the BYD ATTO 3, the German media DW (Deutsche Welle) appreciated its large centre-control rotating screen and unique interior design, which are rarely seen in other models. Relying on new technology and product power, BYD Seal's starting price in the European market is already higher than that of the BMW 3 Series.New Energy Vehicle Overseas Share Enhancement Space Looking into the future, the industry generally believes that China's new energy vehicle exports still have a broad space for development. Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the Association, said that China's global share of automobiles accounted for about 35 per cent, of which, less than 28 per cent of the independent brand, which is a huge latecomer's advantage relative to other manufacturing products.‘China's car exports to the United States accounted for a tiny proportion, especially the independent brand basically did not sell in the United States.’ Cui Dongshu introduced to the reporter, including new energy vehicles, Chinese cars exported to the United States in 2024 only 116,000 units, in the overall number of Chinese car exports accounted for only 1.81%.From the preliminary statistics of global auto sales from January to February 2025, China's own brand car sales in North America are still low, the main sales distribution in Mexico. In addition, China's own brand in Southeast Asia, the southern hemisphere and other market share is not high, the European market excluding Russia's sales share is also at a relatively low level. ‘There is still a lot of room for China's own-brand cars to improve their share in many places overseas.’ Cui Dongshu said.Chinese new energy vehicle companies are strengthening cooperation and exchange related to going overseas. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez visited China on 10-11 April. Sanchez met with Zhu Jiangming, chairman of Zero Run Automobile, a representative enterprise of China's new energy automobile field, and the two sides carried out in-depth communication and exchange. Sanchez recognised the ability and potential of Zero Run Auto, and hoped that the two sides could develop further cooperation. Up to now, Zero Run Auto has established nearly 500 sales outlets in 14 countries in Europe, all of which have sales and after-sales service functions. Zero Run Auto is accelerating the layout of the European core market.The person in charge of Zero Run Automobile told reporters that Spain, as the second largest auto producer in Europe, has an important position in the global auto industry and has become one of the home bases for Chinese new energy automobile enterprises to enter Europe. Continuous co-operation in the field of new energy has become one of the key discussions between the two sides, which is undoubtedly good news for China's new energy vehicles and supporting enterprises to speed up the pace of overseas.China's new energy vehicle enterprises are full of confidence in future exports. As the first new car-making force to complete the delivery of 10,000 vehicles in Europe, He Xiaopeng, chairman of Xiaopeng Auto, said that Xiaopeng Auto's goal is to achieve coverage of 60 countries and regions in 2025, build more than 300 overseas service outlets, rank among the top three Chinese auto brands in terms of export volume in 2027, and realise that half of its sales volume will come from overseas in 2033. ‘I hope that when overseas car owners come into contact with Chinese new energy vehicles for the first time, the deep impression they are left with is “intelligent and technologically advanced”, rather than a car that is not fun to drive.’ He said.‘Many countries don't have the infrastructure and construction system that China has, and many places have narrow streets where consumers prefer smaller cars.’ Cui Dongshu said that China's new energy automobile industry should achieve stronger international development, deepen cooperation efforts with more national markets, develop new energy vehicle categories that are in demand locally, and especially encourage the popularity of small new energy electric vehicles and other vehicles in the local market, as well as achieve upgrades such as plug-in hybridisation of fuel vehicles in overseas markets in response to the actual needs of consumers, and use energy-saving, low-carbon, and intelligent Chinese manufacturing to benefit the local people. Source: Shanghai Securities NewsSource: Shanghai Securities News

The U.S. decision to impose 25% tariffs on all imported cars and key auto parts since 3 April is triggering a domino effect, with car companies reacting differently in recent days. Among them, Stellantis Group, citing the tariffs as the reason, announced the layoff of 900 employees in five U.S. parts factories and the temporary suspension of some factories in Canada and Mexico. Jaguar Land Rover announced a one-month suspension of shipments to the United States. General Motors decided to increase production of pickup trucks at its U.S. plant in Indiana. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers are scrambling to buy stockpiles of cars not affected by the tariffs.Weighing the rising costs, car companies have come up with countermeasures Previously, the United States imposed a 2.5 per cent tariff on imported passenger cars and a 25 per cent tariff on trucks. After the 25 per cent tariff increase, the tariffs on passenger cars and trucks soared to 27.5 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. In addition to the entire vehicle, key components such as engines, transmissions, powertrain parts, electronic components and other key components also face the fate of paying an additional 25 per cent tariff. The move will undoubtedly make the cost of imported vehicles steeper.Once the move was announced, it triggered intense concern and vibration among global car companies, parts manufacturers and major economies. According to S&P Global Mobility (S&P Global Mobility), nearly half of the roughly 16 million new cars sold in the U.S. in 2024 will be imported. Among them, Mexico is the largest supplier of cars to the United States, followed by South Korea, Japan, Canada and Germany.Highly dependent on the North American industrial chain and the North American market, Stellantis Group took the lead in the response, which was announced on 3 April local time, by the U.S. tariff policy on imported cars, Stellantis decided to lay off five U.S. parts plants 900 employees, and suspend the production business of two assembly plants in Canada and Mexico.It is reported that the five U.S. plants, including the Warren, Michigan, stamping plant, mainly produces powertrain and stamping parts and components, and supplied to the assembly plants in Canada and Mexico. And now, as a result of the tariffs, the Chrysler assembly plant in Canada will be shut down for a fortnight this month and the Jeep assembly plant in Mexico will be shut down for a month. ‘The medium- to long-term impact of the tariffs on operations is being assessed on an ongoing basis.’ Antonio Felosa, Stellantis' chief operating officer for the Americas, said.Jaguar Land Rover has also announced a one-month suspension of vehicle exports to the US from 7 April. However, it is worth noting that Jaguar Land Rover had already stockpiled inventory in the US for two months before the tariff measures came into effect, and the company is considering measures to cope with the impact of the tariffs such as raising its selling price in the US, reducing costs and shifting to other markets. Currently, the U.S. is Jaguar Land Rover's largest single market, and Jaguar Land Rover exports nearly 100,000 vehicles to the U.S. each year, accounting for about nearly one-fourth of its total global sales. Other carmakers are also considering ways to cope with the rising costs. For example, Volkswagen Group plans to add import fees to the list price of cars shipped to the U.S.; Mercedes-Benz is considering withdrawing entry-level models from the U.S.; and Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche, Audi and others are considering raising the U.S. price of their cars to offset the impact of tariffs. More than 30,000 Audi vehicles in stock are still available for sale, but it has notified dealers that it is suspending deliveries of vehicles arriving at U.S. ports after 2 April.Of course, Trump doesn't care. He has said he ‘doesn't care’ if car companies raise prices as a result of the tariffs. He believes that permanent tariffs on foreign-made cars will increase sales of locally made cars in the United States. He has even said that he wants car companies to raise prices because if they do, people will buy American-made cars.In fact, in response to the tariffs, some car companies are adjusting their production and increasing their output in the United States. As recently as 3 April, General Motors said its plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, plans to increase production of light trucks. GM CEO Mary Borah also hinted at this at the beginning of the year, when she said, "We have plants in Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. that produce trucks. So we have the ability to shift some of that capacity."U.S. consumers set off a rush While Trump doesn't care about car companies raising prices, the average American consumer clearly cares a great deal. Trump signed an executive order on 26 March to increase tariffs on imported vehicles by 25%, which came into effect on 3 April. In time for the tariffs to hit, and for more than a week in between, U.S. consumers snapped up cars in a big way, as they feared the tariffs would cause car prices to rise sharply. According to industry estimates, the 25 per cent tariff increase will raise the price of cars in the US by thousands of dollars.With dealer inventories being emptied at a rate visible to the naked eye, U.S. sales by major automakers were sharply higher in March, in stark contrast to the car market's weak performance at the start of the year. For example, Toyota was up 8 per cent year-on-year, Honda was up 13 per cent, Ford was up 10 per cent and Hyundai was up 13 per cent. For its part, GM said the company's first-quarter sales were up nearly 17 per cent, with stronger sales of some models imported from Mexico and South Korea.According to industry data firm Wards Intelligence, U.S. new-vehicle sales were about 3.91 million in the first quarter, up 4.8 per cent from a year earlier. That growth was particularly notable in the 19.2 per cent increase in electric vehicle sales. ‘If we don't buy now, we may both lose the subsidy and pay more tariffs in the future.’ It's this consumer concern that seems to be the most important factor in the short-term boost to the U.S. electric car market. Of course, it's not just cars, either; with the full imposition of tariffs in the U.S., a rush of purchases has been triggered within the U.S., with all sorts of goods being snapped up in supermarkets, from toothpaste and soap to electronics.In addition, considering the pillar role of automobiles in several countries, it's not just car companies and U.S. consumers who are anxious.On 3 April, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the establishment of a ‘U.S. Tariff Countermeasures Headquarters’ to provide a series of support policies, including loans, for export enterprises affected by the tariffs.On 6 April, South Korean government officials said that the South Korean government plans to provide 3 trillion won (about RMB 15 billion) of emergency financial support to the automotive industry to ease the blow of the new US 25% tariffs. It is learnt that South Korea is one of the countries most seriously affected by the tariffs, with its car exports to the US accounting for nearly half of its total overseas car sales.In addition, the WTO said on 7 April local time that Canada had requested WTO dispute consultations on the US auto tariffs, and the request was circulated to WTO members on the 7th.Source: China Automotive News

This year, a number of new energy vehicle enterprises in China have increased overseas exports, overseas factories. China's car brand ‘overseas’, is from the early single trade mode, the development of today's overseas factories, joint ventures, technology ‘reverse output’ of the new stage.2025, China's auto exports continued last year's strong growth characteristics. From January to February this year, China's auto exports 911,000 units, an increase of 10.9 per cent year-on-year, of which 282,000 new energy vehicles exported, an increase of 54.5 per cent year-on-year. Not only exports, Chinese car companies overseas localisation plant is also speeding up, many car companies put forward ‘production capacity to the sea’ of the new plan. Not long ago, Changan Automobile announced to enter Europe and other key overseas markets, and rapid layout of Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa and other markets. It is expected that in 2025, Changan Automobile will achieve 1 million units of sales in overseas markets. Lantu Automobile, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Group, said that in 2025, it will focus on the layout of the Middle East market on the basis of deep cultivation of the European market, so as to verify the global competitiveness of Chinese brands through the high-end market in the Middle East region.How can China's electric vehicle enterprises better ‘go out’, and what new features can there be in the future?When it comes to increasing international cooperation, many Chinese car companies said that from the perspective of the future trend of the global automotive industry, ‘branding’, ‘technical’, ‘high-end’, ‘localisation’, ‘technology’.The four strategic directions of ‘localisation’ will provide new ideas for Chinese auto enterprises to break through the international competition pattern.Lu Fang, CEO of Lantu Automobile: From ‘whole car’ going to sea to driving technology going to sea, forming technical cooperation and competitive advantages. From ‘trade going overseas’ to ‘ecological going overseas’, Chinese automobile enterprises will accelerate the layout and construction of factories overseas, build overseas ecology together, and reduce the risk of overseas compliance and the cost of development.Christian Hockfield, Executive Director of the German transport transition think tank, highly appreciated China's achievements in the field of electrification, and at the same time, he suggested that Chinese enterprises should reverse their layout in Europe and help the local supply chain and industry develop through joint ventures, so as to achieve the climate goals together.Christian Hockfield, Executive Director of Agora, the German Think Tank for Mobility Transformation: Over the past 40 years, we have accelerated technological innovation and development in the Chinese market through joint ventures. Now that Chinese brands, suppliers and battery companies are going global, we can shift our co-operation model. In Europe and Germany, joint ventures based on European rules can help electrify local road transport and jointly promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading to better combat climate change.In the blueprint of Chinese automobile enterprises ‘going out’, Southeast Asia is the most concentrated area, especially Thailand is the most prominent. Experts from the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) said that thanks to China's new energy vehicles, the Thai market is accelerating its transition to ‘new’.Data show that over the past three years, Thailand's EV penetration rate has jumped from less than 1% to 13%, 90% of which are from Chinese brands. However, despite the bright market performance, Thailand has also raised new expectations for deeper cooperation.Chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), Yusaporn Launur: We hope to strengthen cooperation at the supply chain level, while Chinese car companies set up production bases in Thailand, they will integrate Thailand's local supply chain through joint ventures or collaborations, promote technological innovation and long-term cooperation, and pay attention to the training of talents and cooperation in battery technology.In the past two years, nearly 10 Chinese car companies, including BYD and Changan, have invested and built factories in Thailand, which has also led to the establishment of a number of supporting enterprises. Experts pointed out that through the ‘technology - market - policy’ three-dimensional complementary, China and Thailand are building a complete industrial chain from R & D to manufacturing. Such a new mode of deep cooperation not only drives the development of Thailand's local auto industry, but also allows Chinese car companies to take deeper roots in the Southeast Asian market.Source: CCTV News Client

Increased tariff barriers can not stop the pace of Chinese car companies to enter the European market. Had the European Union to raise tariffs in Europe show a downturn in the Chinese car companies, is through localisation and other ways to re-layout the European market.Recently, the German media kleinezeitung reported that from June this year, Magna's factory in Graz, Austria, will begin to assemble the models of Xiaopeng and Guangzhou Automobile.Borrow OEM to avoid tariffs    With the European Union imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars under the pretext of ‘countervailing investigations,’ Chinese automakers have begun to look for different ways to break through the EU's tariff barriers. Avoiding tariffs by using third-party OEM is one of the ways.According to German media reports, Magna Steyr, a wholly owned subsidiary of Magna engaged in the OEM business, will use the SKD (semi bulk device assembly) model at its Graz plant in Austria to assemble cars for Xiaopeng and Guangzhou Automobile Group. Specifically, the two Chinese car companies will ship manufactured parts to Austria, and the Graz plant will only need to install a dozen or so core components, including axles and engines, so that the entire vehicle can complete final assembly in Europe.This OEM model can be considered a win-win situation. For Chinese car companies such as Xiaopeng, producing cars locally in Europe can avoid tariffs. Currently, Xiaopeng's and Guangzhou Auto's electric cars exported to Europe are subject to a 20.7 percent countervailing duty, which, when stacked with the 10 percent base tariff, results in a total duty rate of 30.7 percent. If the SKD method is used to complete assembly in Europe, Chinese carmakers will only need to pay import tariffs on parts and components, which are usually less than 10 per cent, reducing costs significantly. In addition, according to the agreement, at the beginning of the cooperation, the two sides will only produce small batches of SKD models, so as to test the European market demand and control the risk. This strategy not only avoids the potential losses associated with large investments, but also accumulates data for subsequent market expansion.For Magna, this is also its desire. As the automotive industry's ‘OEM emperor’, Magna has long seen the opportunities behind the EU tariffs. In recent years, due to the downturn in the European auto market, Magna's OEM business has been hit, and Magna Steyr even rumoured layoffs last year, saying the Graz plant was in a difficult situation. Co-operation with Chinese automakers is seen as an important attempt to develop new growth points.Pushing for localised factories    Compared with car companies such as Xiaopeng and Guangqi, which chose to test the waters gradually, there are also some Chinese car companies that pursued the idea of going all the way and building factories directly, such as Chery and BYD.Of course, Chery did not start from scratch to build a factory, but with the Spanish car company EV MOTORS cooperation, took over the former Nissan's Spanish factory. In April last year, Chery and EV MOTORS signed a cooperation agreement to build an electric vehicle production base in Barcelona with ‘Chery technology + EBRO brand’ as the core. It is reported that EBRO is a legendary Spanish car brand, which was later acquired by EV MOTORS. Last November, Chery and EV MOTORS joint venture plant's first product EBRO brand S700 off the line.This initiative not only made Chery the first Chinese car company to produce cars in Europe, creating a precedent for Chinese car companies to participate in the revival of local brands in Europe in the role of technology exporter, but also created a large number of jobs and injected vitality into the local economy. At this year's press conference of the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress, a spokesman strongly praised Chery's Spanish project, calling it a typical example of cooperation between China and Spain.In contrast, BYD has officially announced that it is building a wholly-owned plant in Hungary, and there are rumours that SAIC is also interested in building a plant in Europe.Continue to explore the market    It's worth noting that sales of Chinese-made electric cars in Europe have declined significantly due to tariffs imposed by the EU. However, it is clear that Chinese car companies will not easily give up such an important market. Not long ago, Xiaopeng Automobile announced that it had successfully entered the Polish, Swiss, Czech, and Slovak markets, and its Xiaopeng P7, Xiaopeng G9, and Xiaopeng G6 are scheduled to go on sale in the second quarter of 2025. Prior to this, Xiaopeng Auto has entered Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and other countries.According to foreign media reports, Chery Automobile plans to take Poland as its first stop in the second half of this year, and gradually enter Hungary, Greece, the Czech Republic and Romania with the Tiggo brand, with the first product being the Tiggo 8 PHEV. In fact, some of the models in the Tiggo series have already been assembled and sold in Europe through licensing cooperation by other brands such as Spain's EBRO and Italy's DR Automobiles. Europe for assembly and sales. The Tiggo-branded models sold by Chery in Eastern Europe will be produced in China, with other models likely to be launched at a later stage.In addition, despite the EU's tariff hikes, which have hit a number of Chinese carmakers, including SAIC MG, some of them have still achieved positive growth, such as BYD. According to data from Bloomberg, in January this year, BYD achieved year-on-year growth of 551 per cent, 734 per cent and 207 per cent in the UK, Spain and Portugal respectively, with sales of 1,614, 1,192 and 392 units, all exceeding Tesla.Recently, Charles Lester, data manager at Rho Motion Consulting, analysed in a report that during the period of November 2024-January 2025, sales of SAIC MG in Europe fell sharply due to the impact of EU tariffs, which also affected Dongfeng Honda, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Geely, Renault's Dacia Springs, as well as Azure and Xiaopeng, among other car companies . However, he also said BYD expanded its market share in Europe and increased its global share despite the tariffs.‘Despite the challenges faced by Chinese automakers in the European market, their global expansion remains strong, cementing China's leadership in the electric vehicle industry.’ EconoTimes commented.Source: China Automotive News

Local time on Wednesday (March 12), Europe's largest battery company, the Swedish power battery company Northvolt announced on its official website that it has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden because the company is running out of cash.The Swedish company has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States in November last year, the company had hoped to complete the reorganisation in the first quarter of this year, in order to obtain funds to be able to continue operations.Northvolt said on Wednesday that despite pursuing all available options to negotiate and implement a financial restructuring, including Chapter 11 reorganisation proceedings in the US; and despite liquidity support from lenders and major counterparties, the company is unable to obtain the necessary financial conditions to continue operations in its current form.As of 31 January, the total debt of Northvolt's nine affiliates in the insolvency proceedings had surpassed the $8 billion mark, according to newly disclosed documents.This is one of the largest bankruptcies in Swedish corporate history, and the most high-profile since Saab's bankruptcy more than a decade ago.According to interface news, as Europe's ‘battery brother’, was founded in 2016, Northvolt had high hopes, its investors including BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Volkswagen Group and other well-known institutions and automakers, the cumulative amount of financing more than ten billion U.S. dollars. Among them, in 2019 and 2021, Volkswagen Group invested about 1.4 billion euros in Northvolt.Northvolt is not only favoured by capital, but also once held huge orders from many multinational automakers. northvolt had revealed that the company needed to expand its production scale in order to deliver a total of $55 billion in orders from major customers such as BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen Group.However, BMW cancelled a $2 billion (Rs 14.1 billion) contract with Northvolt to purchase battery cells because the products could not be delivered on time, and instead gave the order to South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI.Since then Northvolt's business situation began to take a sharp turn for the worse, and the company plans to take measures such as laying off employees, suspending and selling part of its business, and delaying the construction of production capacity to cope with the challenge.On 23 September last year, Northvolt officially announced large-scale layoffs, planning to lay off 1,600 employees at its Swedish base, accounting for about one-fifth of the company's global workforce.On 21 November, Northvolt filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US and will seek reorganisation under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. The company said in its filing that it has about $30 million in available cash and carries $5.84 billion in debt.Northvolt said it only has enough cash on hand to maintain operations for about a week and said that $100 million in new financing will be available from existing customers to support the company's business operations during the bankruptcy. During the bankruptcy, Northvolt would still deliver products to customers and make payments to key suppliers.Immediately following the next day, Northvolt co-founder and CEO Peter Carlsson resigned, saying the company would need to raise $1 billion to $1.2 billion to resume operations.Source: Caixin News Agency, Interface NewsCopyright © 2011 by the original author.

On the morning of 8 March, the 14th National People's Congress three sessions of the second ‘representative channel’ focused on interviews held. National People's Congress, Chairman of Huagong science and technology Ma Xinqiang about how to crack the ‘neck’ technology in the field of laser equipment.‘20 years ago, China's high-end laser processing equipment is basically dependent on foreign imports, and even the screws used for laser reinforcement, have to spend $ 3 a to buy from abroad.’ Ma Xinqiang recalled, ‘It was this screw that warned me that I must take the road of self-improvement and struggle.’ Over the years, Huagong science and technology in the field of high-end laser equipment to catch up, successfully developed a car body-in-white laser welding equipment, a breakthrough of nearly 40 years of foreign technology monopoly, prompting the price of similar foreign products fell by more than 40%.‘Now we only use 43 seconds, can complete a new energy car body laser welding, which is the fastest speed in the industry.’ Ma Xinqiang proudly said, at present Huagong science and technology of automobile body-in-white laser welding equipment in the domestic market share of more than 90%, the cumulative service more than 45 million vehicles off the line, and for the new energy automobile industry has developed hundreds of other sets of laser equipment, able to produce thousands of auto parts, and strongly promote China's new energy vehicles to the world.Ma Xinqiang introduced, behind these achievements, is that Huagong Science and Technology has always insisted on the lifeblood of science and technology innovation firmly in their own hands, and actively introduce global talent, and joint upstream and downstream enterprises initiated the establishment of the industry's first industrial technology innovation strategy alliance. Even in the most difficult period of operation, the company still increased its investment in innovation, with a cumulative investment of more than 10 billion yuan.‘Today we can confidently say that China's laser industry has stepped into the global first camp.’ Ma Xinqiang concluded.Source: China Automotive News

On 28th February 2025, BYD and its partner Astana Motors held a product launch event in Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan, to officially enter the Kazakhstan market. The first models to be launched in the market include the flagship pure electric sedan Han EV and Song PLUS EV & DM-i. Many media representatives and car enthusiasts participated in witnessing this event.Outside view of BYD Al-Farabi shopThe launching ceremony was held at BYD Al-Farabi shop in Almaty as the main venue, linking up with BYD Turan Astana, BYD MyCar Kuldzhinka Almaty and BYD MyCar Astana shops. All models are locally tuned for Kazakhstan's climate and road conditions to ensure performance and driving comfort.Launch siteThe released Han EV is equipped with BYD's self-developed blade battery and CTB body integration technology, with a maximum power of 380kW, zero hundred acceleration of only 3.9 seconds, and a WLTP working condition range of 565km, supporting 120kW fast charging, which can be charged from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes; the released Song PLUS EV is positioned as a purely electric SUV, with a selectable pure electric range of 505/602km, equipped with an intelligent driver assistance system and a spacious cabin. Equipped with intelligent driver assistance system and spacious cabin, it can take into account both urban commuting and long-distance travel; the Song PLUS DM-i released this time adopts plug-in hybrid technology, with a pure electric range of 150km under NEDC conditions, and a combined range of up to 1,200km, with excellent fuel consumption performance, to meet diversified travel scenarios.Ribbon-cutting to launch BYD KazakhstanKazakhstan is located in Central Asia and is a key transport hub on the Silk Road. The launch marks BYD's further ploughing into the Central Asian market and promoting the green transformation of the local automotive industry. Up to now, BYD has entered three countries in Central Asia, bringing local consumers new choices of avant-garde technology and environmentally friendly mobility, accelerating the transformation of electrification in Central Asia, and building a green future together.Declaration: This article comes from the IN-EN.com.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

According to the first financial reporter learned from the authoritative sources, local time on the 24th, the WTO (WTO) dispute settlement body agreed to China's request for the establishment of a dispute panel to review Turkey to take relevant restrictive measures against imports of electric vehicles from China, the bill number ‘DS629’.It is learnt that this time China submitted the second request for the establishment of a dispute panel to rule on the measures taken by Turkey on electric cars and certain other types of vehicles originating in China.On 17 January, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce of China said that since 2023, Turkey has repeatedly imposed tariffs, set import licences and other restrictive measures on electric cars and other vehicles imported from China, which is in violation of WTO rules and undermines the economic and trade relations between China and Turkey.Turkey has repeatedly imposed tariffs, set import licences and other restrictive measures on electric cars and other vehicles imported from China, undermining Sino-Turkish economic and trade relations (Source: Xinhua file photo)The principle of non-discrimination is a cornerstone of the WTOOn this occasion, China said at the meeting that it had taken note of the issues raised by Turkey on anti-competitive practices and subsidies, but that challenges faced by a member's industry need to be addressed in a way that is consistent with its WTO obligations, and should not be used as an excuse to abandon the core principle of non-discrimination, which is the cornerstone of the WTO and the rules-based international trading system.Turkey stated that it was deeply concerned that China had made such a request before all possible bilateral consultations had been concluded.Turkey explained that the Turkish industry involved in the case had been facing serious challenges for many years arising from issues of competitiveness, subsidies, and so on.Eventually, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body agreed to establish a panel of experts.For now, what can be seen in relation to the DS629 case is that China has requested consultations with Turkey on the following measures relating to electric vehicles (EVs) and certain other types of vehicles originating in China: that Turkey impose additional tariffs on imports of EVs from China; that Turkey require that imports of EVs and certain other types of vehicles from China be accompanied by import licensing certificates; and that Turkey impose additional tariffs on imports from China of other types of vehicles and exempts imports that have received investment incentive certificates under Turkey's investment incentive programme from these tariffs (investment certificate exemption).China states that the challenged measures are inconsistent with the relevant provisions of the GATT 1994. Normally, after the establishment of a panel of experts in the WTO, the time between the establishment of the panel and the submission of the panel's report shall not exceed six months, or nine months after an extension in exceptional circumstances. It is understood that this time, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, Russia, Thailand and India reserve the right to participate in the expert group process of the third party.China defends domestic industry interestsThe case has been brewing for some time. Previously, the Turkish side imposed an additional tariff of 40 per cent on imports of electric cars and other vehicles from China and set import licensing restrictions.On 8 October 2024, China started a consultation request to the Turkish side at the WTO regarding Turkey's additional tariffs and import licensing measures on electric cars and other vehicles.On the same day, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said that the discriminatory measure violates WTO rules and is a typical protectionist practice, ‘We urge the Turkish side to abide by its relevant commitments in the WTO and immediately rectify its wrong practices.’A spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce also said that China would take all available means to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic industries.Subsequently, on 16 January 2025, China submitted a request to the WTO for the establishment of a panel of experts, after consultations with the Turkish side were unsuccessful.China stated in the relevant subsequent meeting that Turkey's measures were protectionist and discriminatory, and clearly violated Turkey's core obligations under the WTO Agreement, including most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment, tariff bindings, and the general elimination of quantitative restrictions.China expressed serious concern over the restrictive measures taken by some members, including Turkey, against Chinese new energy products, including electric vehicles, which are not in line with WTO rules. China said that strengthening technological protectionism is not a solution and that China will resolutely defend its interests.In response, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said that China will push forward the proceedings in accordance with WTO rules to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic industries.Declaration: This article comes from the Shanghai Observer.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

Suddenly like a spring breeze, the big model ‘light of domestic production’ DeepSeek ‘all the way to flowers’, all walks of life have announced access to DeepSeek. in the automotive industry, according to incomplete statistics, more than a dozen car companies announced that DeepSeek ‘on board’, including Geely, Lantu, Zhiji, Great Wall, Guangzhou Automobile, Chery and so on. ‘In the automotive industry, according to complete statistics, more than a dozen car companies have announced DeepSeek, including Geely, Lantu, ZhiGi, Great Wall, Guangzhou Automobile, Chery and so on. What's more, with the AI boom set off by DeepSeek, the automotive intelligence ‘progress bar’ was steeply opened to multiply the speed, once only high-end models equipped with high-level intelligent driving functions to accelerate the penetration of low-end models. This time, BYD is the one who ‘set the table’ again. 10 February, BYD announced that all models will be equipped with high-level ‘God's Eye’ intelligent driving system, the first batch of 21 models has entered the market preparation period, of which 100,000 to 200,000 yuan models will be equipped with all standard! The first 21 models have entered the pre-launch stage, of which all models in the 100,000-200,000 RMB class will be equipped with the ‘God's Eye’ intelligent driving system as standard, and most of the models below 100,000 RMB will also be equipped with the intelligent driving system, including a model priced at 69,800 RMB. In the words of BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu, BYD will open the ‘era of intelligent driving for all’. The year 2024 has just been called the ‘Year of Automotive Intelligence’ by the industry, and many consumers are still surprised by the sinking of such elementary intelligent functions as ‘mobile phone car key’ and ‘remote control of car air-conditioning’ into 100,000 yuan models. To the 100,000 yuan class models to surprise, and the snake year a year, high-level intelligent driving ‘on the car’ 70,000 yuan class models is unexpected. Previously, equipped with high-level intelligent driving models concentrated in the price range of more than 200,000 yuan, the industry has the view that the important reason for the low penetration of high-level intelligent driving is the high cost, not only the high cost of system components, and due to the lack of scale effect, it is difficult to dilute the cost of the short term. From this point of view, BYD ‘lifted the table’ both unexpected and reasonable. As 2024 China's auto market sales champion, China's market sales champion of a single brand, the global new energy vehicle market sales champion of the ‘triple crown’, BYD's advantage is precisely its huge scale. In Wang Chuanfu's view, in the next 2 to 3 years, high-level intelligent driving will become as essential as seat belts, airbags, configuration, by that time, no high-level intelligent driving car will be unthinkable. What is said is not false. In the field of automotive intelligence, AI technology brings disruptive changes. Industry experts believe that AI will not only bring the user experience ‘upgrading revolution’, bring the depth of personalised service penetration, but also in the automatic driving technology, through access to AI can achieve ‘efficiency leap’, accelerate the training of automatic driving algorithms, shorten the automatic driving development cycle. The development cycle of automatic driving can be shortened. Especially when DeepSeek is launched, its low-cost large model training strategy is expected to reduce the arithmetic demand for training and vehicle end, accelerating the landing of high-level intelligent driving. This will also bring changes in the market competition situation, in the ‘second half’ of the automotive industry change - intelligent competition, traditional car companies are expected to quickly make up for the short board of intelligence, narrowing the gap of intelligence with the new forces of car companies, so that the ‘late starter, first mover’. The ‘late to arrive first’ has become possible. As Zhang Yongwei, vice president and secretary-general of China Electric Vehicle Association, said, automotive intelligence is entering a comprehensive accelerated popularity stage. Whether it is the changes in the industry, the changes in the enterprise's own competition and development mode, or the market side of the consumer's decision to buy a car, as well as the changes in the attitude towards AI technology, it has been fully illustrated that the AI-led intelligent competitiveness has become the new development of the automotive industry and the enterprise's new development heights and strategic pivot. From a global perspective, another ‘lead’ in the automotive intelligence track is by no means the work of China's automotive industry, but based on the huge advantages of China's industrial chain supply chain, based on China's construction of the world's most complete industrial categories on top of the scientific and technological innovation system. It is no exaggeration to say that, in the process of the global auto industry's mega-transformation, China's auto industry has seized the opportunity of transformation, and has also given birth to a strong competitiveness of the auto industry.Source: Economic Daily News

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing a 10% tariff increase on all Chinese goods exported to the U.S. and a 25% tariff increase on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10% tax increase on Canadian energy products. This trade protectionist measure has sparked widespread controversy in the international community and within the United States, and has had a far-reaching impact on the global automotive industry.China responded swiftly by announcing that from 10 February 2025, it would impose tariffs on certain imports originating in the United States, including a 10 per cent tariff on large-displacement cars and pickup trucks. The move shows China's determination to firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests and take the US tariff measures to the dispute settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).Trump's tariff policy has dealt a serious blow to the North American auto industry chain. The North American automotive industry is highly integrated, and after the North American Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the automotive industry chain of the United States, Canada and Mexico has formed a close interdependence over the past decades. Mexico, as an important export base for major automakers for the U.S. market, produces about 90 per cent of its cars for export, of which nearly 80 per cent are exported to the United States. Trump's tariff policy will undoubtedly pose an existential threat to Mexico's auto industry, and will also lead to a rise in the cost of car purchases for U.S. consumers.A number of multinational car companies have expressed their concerns about the tariff policy. Ford CEO Jim Farley said that if the tariffs continue, they will have a huge impact on the industry and adversely affect U.S. jobs. General Motors has also said that the company may move some of its pickup truck production out of Mexico and Canada if tariffs are imposed. Volvo Cars, on the other hand, plans to make full use of its plant in South Carolina in the US to meet the tariff challenge.In addition, Trump's tariff baton is aimed at the European Union. The news that he plans to soon impose tariffs on EU products immediately triggered stock market tremors, with shares of several European vehicle and parts makers quickly moving lower. The European Commission and a number of leaders claimed that if the United States imposes tariffs, the EU will respond firmly.Trump's tariff policy not only exacerbated the risk of trade conflict, but also caused a serious impact on the global automotive industry chain. A number of car companies are facing production adjustments and cost pressures, while consumers are facing the challenge of higher car purchase costs. The international community generally opposes Trump's tariff policy and has taken countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests.Against this background, the global auto industry needs to find ways to mitigate the negative impact of the tariff policy. On the one hand, car companies need to strengthen international cooperation to jointly address the challenges of trade protectionism; on the other hand, governments also need to strengthen communication and consultation to find effective ways to resolve trade disputes. Only through international cooperation and joint efforts can we maintain the stability and prosperity of the global auto industry.Comprehensively collated from China Automotive News