Automotive Industry and Business News

BYD Denies Flying Car Rumors, Other Chinese Automakers Move Forward

29Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

BYD Denies Flying Car Rumors, Other Chinese Automakers Move Forward

<a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/geely-galaxy-starshine-6-phev-challenges-byd-in-compact-ev-segment/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 PHEV Challenges BYD in Compact EV S">BYD has denied rumors that it will launch a flying car after an AI-generated video went viral over the weekend. The company's general manager of brand and public relations, Li Yunfei, confirmed on Weibo that BYD does not have plans to develop or release such vehicles.Key TakeawaysBYD denies rumors about launching flying cars despite AI-generated videos circulating online.Xpeng's Aridge subsidiary is moving forward with mass production of its modular flying car by 2026.The Chinese market could see over 100,000 eVTOLs in households and as air taxis by 2030 accor...

Nio Expands to Over 200 Swap Stations in Shanghai

29Dec

By AGN EditorNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Nio Expands to Over 200 Swap Stations in Shanghai

Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, has reached a significant milestone by opening its 200th battery swap station in Shanghai. The company's latest addition is located within a Sinopec gas station area and brings the total number of Nio stations to over 10 million services provided.Key TakeawaysNio operates 201 battery swap stations in Shanghai, making it home to the largest concentration of such facilities.The company has built partnerships with multiple oil giants including Sinopec and Shell for station construction.To date, Nio's total network includes over 3,655 battery swap stations across China.Nio Inc. (NYSE: NIO) announced the launch of its 200th battery swap station in Shanghai on December 28, bringing a significant boost to electric vehicle infrastructure within the cit...

Porsche and Volkswagen Dealerships Face Challenges in China

28Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Porsche and Volkswagen Dealerships Face Challenges in China

Empty showrooms, delayed deposits, and operational suspensions are hitting Porsche and Volkswagen dealerships across central and southwestern parts of China. The Beijing Shijingshan Porsche Center is expected to close soon due to these issues.Key TakeawaysPorsche deliveries in China fell 26% year-over-year, dropping from a peak of 95,000 vehicles in 2021 to just under 32,200 units by Q3 2025.The affected dealerships are owned and operated by Dong'an Holdings, which has put all employees on leave while addressing customer deposits.Porsche China issued a public apology for the situation and is cooperating with police to protect consumer rights.Local media reports show that some Porsche centers in Zhengzhou and Guiyang are now empty. Vehicles were removed overnight, leaving behind bare showro...

Inside Santa’s Global Refueling Network: Asia-Pacific Hub Revealed

28Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Inside Santa’s Global Refueling Network: Asia-Pacific Hub Revealed

Imagine a world where Santa Claus relies on covert cryogenic depots to fuel his sleigh during Christmas Eve. This isn't just myth; it’s the reality behind one of the most intriguing and secretive logistical networks in history, as revealed by CleanTechnica.Key TakeawaysThe SM Mall of Asia hub is Santa's fastest refueling stop at 22 seconds per fill-up.This facility uses solar-powered liquefaction plants disguised as HVAC units to maintain fuel stocks year-round.Geopolitical negotiations and local logistics expertise have enabled the embedding of these depots within civilian retail infrastructure across six continents.The Asia-Pacific hub, located in SM Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines, has a surface area of 407,000 square meters. It’s designed to serve as both an operational base and a ...

Changan Shipment Marks Chinese Auto Export Milestone to Europe

28Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Changan Shipment Marks Chinese Auto Export Milestone to Europe

Chinese automaker Changan has shipped its first batch of locally produced Deepal S05 vehicles from Thailand to Europe, marking a significant export milestone for the company. The shipment consists of 500 units and follows similar moves by other Chinese manufacturers like BYD.Key TakeawaysChangan's Rayong plant shipped its first batch of Deepal S05 vehicles to Europe, totaling 500 units.The shipment follows similar export moves by other Chinese automakers like BYD and GAC.This marks Changan’s expansion into the European market as a key player in electric vehicle production.Changan's Rayong plant, which started operations on May 16 this year, is now exporting its first batch of vehicles to Europe. The Deepal S05 SUVs are produced locally and tailored for right-hand-drive markets like the UK ...

Ford Focus: A Farewell to a Sales Dynamo

27Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Ford Focus: A Farewell to a Sales Dynamo

The Ford Focus, once a symbol of innovation and practicality in the automotive world, faces its end as car manufacturers pivot towards SUVs. With sales declining, it's time for one last look at this iconic model.Key TakeawaysFord Focus production will cease by 2026 due to shifting market demandsSUV dominance in Europe means fewer hatchbacks like the Ford Focus are being producedThe environmental regulations and fuel economy targets have impacted its viabilityBy 2025, SUV sales will make up about half of all new car purchases in Europe. This shift has forced manufacturers to focus on larger vehicles that cater to changing consumer preferences.Despite being a class leader for nearly three decades, the Ford Focus's impact is waning as it can't compete with the practicality and perceived safet...

Smart and Zeekr Face Challenges in Indonesian EV Market

27Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Smart and Zeekr Face Challenges in Indonesian EV Market

The premium electric vehicle market in Indonesia is seeing a shift as Chinese brands smart Cars and Zeekr struggle to maintain their foothold. With high import taxes, stiff competition from local assembly lines of other automakers like Hyundai and Toyota, and the entry of aggressive new players such as BYD and Chery, these luxury EVs are finding it tough going.Key TakeawaysPremium electric vehicle brands smart Cars and Zeekr face declining sales in Indonesia due to high import duties and local competition.The Indonesian market is witnessing a price war, pushing premium EVs out of reach for many buyers.Zeekr plans to start assembly operations in Malaysia to gain pricing advantage over imported models.Smart Cars and Zeekr entered the Indonesian market with high hopes but have encountered sig...

Xpeng P7+ EREV Spotted with New Design Ahead of 2026 Launch

27Dec

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Xpeng P7+ EREV Spotted with New Design Ahead of 2026 Launch

Car enthusiasts and tech fans alike are buzzing about the latest sightings on Chinese streets: a sleek new Xpeng P7+ Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) model. The upcoming sedan is set to make waves in the electric vehicle market with its refreshed design, powerful specs, and advanced technology.Key TakeawaysXpeng's new P7+ EREV features a redesigned front end with larger air vents for better cooling of its 1.5T range-extender engine.The car boasts an impressive CLTC pure electric range of 325km and can hit top speeds of up to 200 km/h.Three Turing chips will power the P7+ EREV, offering a total computing power of 2250 TOPS for enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.The Xpeng P7+ ELEV is more than just an aesthetic update. It's packed with cutting-edge technology and performance feat...

Deepal Secures $874M Series C Funding for EV Expansion

27Dec

By AGN EditorNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Deepal Secures $874M Series C Funding for EV Expansion

Changan Automobile's electric vehicle (EV) unit, Deepal, has completed its Series C funding round by raising RMB 6.122 billion ($874 million). The funds will support the company’s global expansion and intensify competition in the EV market.Key TakeawaysNew investors Yufu Holding Group and CMB Financial Asset Investment join Deepal's shareholder base.The funding round brings Deepal closer to its global sales target of 700,000 vehicles.Sales for January through November increased by 45.73% year-on-year with over 302,118 units sold.Deepal's Series C funding has attracted two new major shareholders: Chongqing-based state-owned enterprise Yufu Holding Group and the financial arm of China Merchants Bank, CMB Financial Asset Investment. The company will use these funds to support its ongoing expa...

VW Settles Audi Turbo Lawsuit with Limited Benefits for Owners

26Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

VW Settles Audi Turbo Lawsuit with Limited Benefits for Owners

A federal judge has approved a settlement in the class-action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi over defective turbochargers. Julie Kimball, who originally filed the case after her 2010 Audi A4's turbocharger failed at around 63,000 miles, received just $3,500.Key TakeawaysJurors approved a settlement that offers limited warranty extensions for certain models but won't cover all vehicles affected by the issue.Volkswagen and Audi lawyers received nearly $2 million from the settlement, far more than what Kimball or other plaintiffs got.The class-action lawsuit aimed to address widespread turbocharger failures in VW and Audi cars manufactured between 1998 and 2023 but has strict limitations on eligibility.Kimball's case highlights the challenges of pursuing legal action against large automa...