Advertisement
Advertisement
TOPIC

Automotive industry

Automotive industry
News about the global automotive industry with a focus on developments that matter most for the China market.
Chinese consumers are spending cautiously with 120 million fewer active credit cards users than a peak in 2022 as the nation experiences a slow economy. Photo: AFP
Banking & finance

Millions of Chinese consumers ditch their credit cards amid weak retail spending

Banks report there are 120 million fewer active credit cards in China with 687 million customer accounts, a dramatic drop from 2022’s peak.

videocam
Made in China 2025

China’s machinery giant XCMG eyes bigger scoop of global sales

Artificial intelligence

Xiaomi is pouring billions into AI to future-proof its hardware empire

Electric & new energy vehicles

Zelos looks to Middle East, Southeast Asia to turn a profit on robovan fleet

China’s robovan industry is in a period of consolidation, marked by the merger of Zelos with Cainiao’s autonomous-vehicle unit in January.

After merging with Cainiao’s autonomous vehicle unit in January, Zelos’ fleet of Robovans and other vehicles exceeds 20,000. Photo: Handout
Robotics

Inside the Chinese auto-glass maker whose chairman sat beside Elon Musk

Fuyao Glass, which holds 35 per cent of the world market for automotive glass, banks on automation to cement its position.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Does Xpeng’s 33% cut on 6-seat SUV portend a new price war?

The slashed price on the GX model ‘surprised the market’ in a segment carmakers have high hopes for amid slumping EV sales.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Electric & new energy vehicles

Tesla’s FSD launch in China heats up competition with domestic EV makers

The long-awaited roll-out received approval from regulators a week after Tesla CEO Elon Musk visited China as part of a US delegation.

11
A Tesla owner drives hands-free in Amsterdam on April 17, days after Dutch regulators approved the use of the company’s self-driving software. Photo: Reuters
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisis

Anhui-based carmaker anticipates 27 per cent increase in foreign deliveries in 2026 as battery ranges improve and oil prices rise.

videocam
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s Nio slams EV price wars as costs surge, defying cuts by rival Li Auto

Nio and Li Auto take different approach to pricing new models, with one executive praising ‘reasonable’ carmakers that raise prices.

Energy

Video | Hanoi hits the brakes on petrol motorbike ban

The proposed ban has already been scaled back, as riders demand better infrastructure and government support before making the switch to electric.

FILE PHOTO: People ride their motorbikes duing rush hour at Hanoi's Old Quarter, in Hanoi, Vietnam, August 30, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo
01:53
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese firm Xpeng builds driverless cabs, challenging Tesla’s FSD software

The EV maker has embarked on mass production of robotaxis using its own chips and plans to trial the tech before the end of the year.

videocam
Xpeng’s first robotaxis roll off its production line. Photo: Handout
China manufacturing

China’s old ‘Motown’, Shanghai bets on robotaxis, better batteries to bump GDP

City authorities point at the need to lure foreign firms, while emerging sectors are expected to generate a trillion-yuan boost over the next 5 years.

videocam
Electric & new energy vehicles

Global growth of pure EVs faces hurdles in insurance, charging gaps: BNP Paribas

Charging limits and rising insurance costs could slow the global march of pure electric vehicles, BNP Paribas tells Hong Kong conference.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Peugeot, Jeep take on Chinese rivals with new models using local EV tech

Peugeot and Jeep are following in the footsteps of Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq to regain lost ground in mainland China.

A Peugeot concept car on display at the Auto China show in Beijing, April 24, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV makers hunt for idled plants in Europe as they expand global influence

BYD, the world’s largest electric car maker, says it is in talks with Stellantis about using European marques’ idled assembly facilities.

videocam
A BYD Sealion 7 on display at the Baltic Motor Show in Riga, Latvia, on April 24. Photo: EPA
Electric & new energy vehicles

Xi-Trump summit: Ford-CATL plant shows how global carmakers need China

Collaboration with Chinese suppliers ‘the only way international carmakers can compete with Chinese carmakers’, Morgan Stanley analyst says.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Oil shock fuels BEVs to 9 of top 10 in sales, with China brands overtaking Tesla

Battery EVs take nine of top 10 sales spots amid surging oil prices, giving local brands the edge and pushing Tesla down April charts.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Electric & new energy vehicles

Tesla lures budget-conscious Chinese buyers ahead of state visit by Trump

US President Donald Trump’s entourage for his three-day trip to China includes Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Tim Cook of Apple.

People walk past a Tesla showroom inside a shopping mall in Chongqing, China, on June 23, 2025. Photo: Getty Images
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese smart cars set to control 20% of western European market by 2028: JPMorgan

Amid surging demand for electrification and a worldwide energy crisis, domestic carmakers can benefit from the stepped-up ‘go-global’ drive.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Tech and pricing edge behind China’s SUV surge against BMW, Mercedes and Audi

Chinese SUVs storm the premium segment with fresh momentum, giving German marques their toughest test in years.

5
Americas and the Caribbean

EVs surge in Bolivia amid fuel shortages, ‘junk gas’ scandal

The number of electric vehicles in Bolivia climbed from 500 to 3,352 in the last five years, and is set to triple again as broad appeal rises.

videocam
An electrician installs a home electric vehicle charging station in La Paz, Bolivia, on April 21. Photo: AP
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV maker Leapmotor taps Stellantis’ Spanish plant for EU production

Hangzhou carmaker’s overseas strategy highlights how Chinese brands are leveraging idle plants to scale globally while easing trade barriers.

A Leapmotor Lafa5 Ultra is on display at the Beijing Auto Show on April 24. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency

The move contradicts the country’s aim to grow the EV sector and use more renewable energy sources, analysts say.

videocam
Electric & new energy vehicles

Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals nip at heels

April sales rose on a year-on-year basis but dropped from the previous month, indicating fiercer competition from domestic brands.

Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s move to cut EV payment cycles may push weaker carmakers out: S&P

China’s weaker EV makers may soon be running on fumes as tighter payment cycles squeeze cash flow and curb price wars.

Employees work on the production line at a factory for Chery’s electric vehicles in Wuhu, Anhui province, China. Photo: Reuters
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s EV battery giants thrive while carmakers’ profits shrink amid price wars

Carmakers’ profit margin stood at 3.2 per cent in the first quarter, versus 6 per cent for downstream industrial firms, according to CPCA.

videocam
CATL’s advanced battery module technology is displayed at the Auto China show in Beijing that ended on May 3. Photo: China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese start-up ZYT eyes semi-autonomous truck production this year

DJI spin-off is providing autopilot systems to six manufacturers, as fuel-saving abilities gain importance amid oil supply shock.

videocam
US-China relations

Exiting China market a ‘self-inflicted wound’ for US tech, think tank warns

ITIF argues that regional sales help finance domestic R&D and block local rivals, while warning that a full exit would be a self-inflicted wound to innovation leadership.

videocam
9
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement