China Auto Thread

[Yommie]

Xpeng’s Latest OTA Update – Xmart OS 4.4.0

Can the troubled Volkswagen Software Team Leverage XPeng's Xmart OS?

carnewschina.com

Xpeng’s Latest OTA Update – Xmart OS 4.4.0​

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Adrian Leung

December 23, 2023


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Xpeng Motors launches Xmart OS 4.4.0. It adds improved High-Speed NGP Capability, facilitating lane changes in traffic, left turns at interchanges, and obstacle avoidance. The system covers 25 cities, providing detailed map data, and introduces features like transparent body views for precise parking.


Extensive Enhancement of Pro High-Speed NGP Capability:

• NGP (Navigation Guided Pilot) is a key technology for Xpeng Motors, and the new version aims to enhance its performance on high-speed road segments.

Detailed Explanation of New Features:

1. Lane Change in Dense Traffic:
   • Enabling safe lane changes in heavy traffic.
2. Left Turn at Complex Interchanges:
   • Intelligent execution of left-turn maneuvers in complex interchanges.
3. Merge into Auxiliary Roads at Complex Intersections:
   • Safe merging into auxiliary roads at complex intersections.
4. Avoid Obstacles in Dense Traffic:
   • Assisting in obstacle avoidance in congested traffic for enhanced safety.
5. Automatic Lane Change with Turn Signals:
   • Automated lane changes based on turn signals.
6. Continuous Lane Changing Overtaking with Pro High-Speed NGP:
   • Continuous lane changes and overtaking on highways for Pro version vehicles.
7. Lane Change and Merge in Congested Construction Sections:
   • Intelligent lane changes and merging in congested construction sections.
8. Protected Left Turn, Yield to Non-Motorized Vehicles:
   • Ensuring safety during left turns by yielding to non-motorized vehicles.
9. 360 Transparent Body, Park in Unmarked Parking Spaces:
   • Clearer views for easier parking in unmarked spaces.
10. Intelligent Parking Assistance, New Convenient Exit Function:
    • Autonomous location of suitable parking spaces, with a new convenient exit function.
11. SR Simulation Display:
    • Displaying simulated surroundings for better driver understanding.
12. Wireless Phone Projection:
    • Wireless projection of phone content for improved entertainment and navigation.

AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) Optimization:
Xpeng Motors has optimized AEB in Xmart OS 4.4.0:

• Improved safety braking performance for various traffic participants, such as front vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians crossing vertically.
• Enhanced safety braking performance for scenarios involving large trucks, laterally stationary vehicles, children crossing, etc., with more precise triggering.
• Optimized safety braking performance for scenarios like following the front car and quick lane changes, with more precise and timely triggering.
• Improved safety braking performance for scenarios involving sudden stops or turns of vulnerable traffic participants like motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians in front, with more precise and timely triggering.
• Enhanced safety braking performance for scenarios like starting and turning, with more precise and timely triggering.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen Group invested $700 million in Xpeng, acquiring a 4.99% stake at $15 per ADS as part of its “local electrification” strategy. However, the launch of Volkswagen’s 1.2 software for Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 e-tron is delayed by 16-18 weeks. Simultaneously, the complete redevelopment of the 2.0 platform is ongoing. Volkswagen hired Sanjay Lal from Tesla and Rivian to improve the software platform, leading a new design hub at Cariad. With the goal to tap into China’s evolving customer and market segments, VW’s potential leveraging of Xpeng’s software development to support Sanjoy Lal at VW Cariad remains to be seen.

Sources: Daily Entertainment

 

[Yommie]

Zeekr 007 pure electric sedan with 870 km range rolled off production line, will launch on December 27

Zeekr 007 features the Golden Battery, which the brand claims to be the world's fastest mass-produced charging lithium iron phosphate battery.

carnewschina.com

Zeekr 007 pure electric sedan with 870 km range rolled off production line, will launch on December 27​

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Dong Yi Chen

December 23, 2023


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On December 23, Geely’s first batch of the Zeekr 007 mass-produced pure electric sedans officially rolled off the production line in China. Its presale started earlier at November’s Guangzhou Auto Show, with the price starting at 229,900 yuan (31,800 USD). Two versions, standard (CLTC 688 km) and ultra-long-range (CLTC 870 km), will be launched on December 27, and delivery will begin on January 1, 2024.


The appearance of the Zeekr 007 is based on the brand’s new Hidden Energy minimalist design language, offered in six exterior colors: dawn brown, clear sky blue, mist silver, misty gray, bright moon white, and polar night black. Positioned as a medium-sized sedan, its dimensions are 4880(4865)/1900/1450 mm with a 2928 mm wheelbase, and has a curb weight of 2150 kg.
The car comes with an advanced driving assistance system, equipped with lidar, 12 high-definition cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and an NVIDIA Orin X chip.

The Zeekr 007 is available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The two-wheel drive is powered by a rear 310 kW Silicon Carbide (SiC) motor and has a 5.4 second 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time. The four-wheel drive is powered by 165 kW front and 310 kW rear SiC motors, and has a 2.84 second 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time.
Furthermore, the entire series comes standard with an 800V high-voltage architecture and features Zeekr’s self-developed Golden Battery pack. Zeekr claims that its Golden Battery is the world’s fastest mass-produced lithium iron phosphate battery with a maximum charging power of 500 kW and a maximum charging rate of 4.5C, and a 15-minute charging time can replenish the battery life by more than 500 km.

Inside, the cockpit has a large 15-inch floating OLED central control screen, an LCD instrument panel, a 35.5-inch AR-HUD, and a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. Below the central control screen are ambient lights. The center console features two wireless charging pads for mobile phones and a hidden storage compartment. At the same time, the cockpit is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip.

The interior mainly uses low-carbon and environmentally friendly renewable materials, including 100% recyclable fabric and water-based PU leather, according to Zeekr. In addition, the seats are wrapped in Nappa leather materials.
Source: Zeekr, AutoHome, Weibo

 

[Yommie]

Tesla Cybertruck is set to National Tour in China from January 28

Tesla Cybertruck Off-Road Wagon China Tour will cover eight China cities

carnewschina.com

Tesla Cybertruck is set to National Tour in China from January 28​

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Adrian Leung

January 27, 2024


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Tesla Cybertruck is set to commence its nationwide tour in China, officially named the “Tesla Cybertruck Off-Road Wagon China Tour” (特斯拉赛博越野旅行车中国巡展). The tour will cover eight cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing.

Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck in November 2019, and deliveries started on November 30, 2023 in the US. Now, Tesla’s eyes are on the Chinese market.

The tour will kick-off in Xi’an on January 28. Tesla’s Vice President of External Relations, Grace Tao, shared photos taken under the ancient city wall of Xi’an. The images feature the stainless steel Tesla Cybertruck set against the scenery of streets adorned with the historic brown city wall, with the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda of Xi’an standing in the background.


Tesla highlights the Cybertruck’s role as an off-road touring vehicle, diverting attention from its conventional pickup truck image. The Cybertruck integrates various tech advancements, including the 800V high-voltage battery system powering the main drive unit and a 48V auxiliary battery system. Unlike the common use of 12V lead-acid batteries in most vehicles, a component prone to maintenance and replacement, Tesla has adopted 12V lithium-ion auxiliary batteries since 2021. This shift provides a lighter and more durable alternative that aligns with the vehicle’s lifespan.

In China, regulations governing pickup trucks are characterized by certain requirements. Such as the mandate to operate in the rightmost slow lane on highways and a capped maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour. This is in contrast to the 120 kilometers per hour allowance for typical passenger cars. Further constraints include a prescribed usage period of 15 years and limitations on entry into urban areas, although there were some relaxations of these restrictions in recent times. Should these regulations affect the sales of the Cybertruck is yet to be seen.
After the initial introduction of the Cybertruck in eight cities, Tesla intends to expand its nationwide tour to encompass additional popular models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y.

Source: Fast Tech

 

[Yommie]

JuneYao Air is an all-electric vehicle revealed by JuneYao Auto, market entry in 2025

JuneYao Auto is a new Chinese car brand established in November 2023 by JuneYao Group, who also owned JuneYao Airlines.

carnewschina.com

JuneYao Air is an all-electric vehicle revealed by JuneYao Auto, market entry in 2025​

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Dong Yi Chen

January 27, 2024


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Recently, JuneYao Auto (吉祥汽车) revealed the official images of its first model, JuneYao Air, in China. The new car is expected to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2024 with a price tag below 200,000 yuan (28,000 USD) and enter the market in 2025.


The JuneYao Air is designed based on “minimalistic aviation aesthetics” called Ultimate One-Box and sits on a full-stack self-developed pure electric platform, according to the brand. It it worth mentioning that JuneYao Auto emphasized the car is not an MPV.

From the side, the new car adopts a fastback shape, paired with hidden door handles, triangular windows at the A and C pillars, multi-spoke rims, and a layered rear. The wheelbase of the car could be 2800 mm. Furthermore, the rear is minimally embellished except with the popular through-type taillights and a ducktail spoiler.


The front part is decorated with irregular sharp LED headlights and a closed face, coupled with a trapezoidal grille at the bottom.
A panoramic sunroof is also not absent. The JuneYao Air will be available in six exterior colors, including Cloud White, Morning Glow Pink, Sky Blue, Earth Green, Sunrise Gold, and Dawn Black.

Judging from a leaked interior image, the cockpit has a small LCD instrument panel, a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, and a large suspended center control screen. The center console has two cupholders and a wireless charging pad.

About JuneYao Auto​

In November 2023, JuneYao Group, the parent company of JuneYao Airlines, held a press conference on its aircraft to officially announce its new car brand “JuneYao Auto” and its “JuneYao Journey” strategy. The strategy includes launching a comprehensive travel solution based on JuneYao Auto’s first model, integrating with JuneYao Airlines to provide users with a one-stop travel experience such as airport pick-up and drop-off, airport parking, and destination car rental.
JuneYao Auto’s car manufacturing qualification comes from Yudo Auto, an EV brand that was launched in December 2015. Its Chinese name is Yundu (云度). In June 2022, Juneyao Group took over Yudo Auto and became the company’s largest shareholder. In 2023, Yudo Auto launched its compact pure electric SUV called Yuntu.
Source: Weibo, ITHome, Sohu

 

[Yommie]

Is the BYD Seal the EV you didn't know you wanted?

 

[Yommie]

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Review, China-Merican SUV

 

[Yommie]

2024 Xpeng X9 Electric MPV In-Depth Review ( English) | Chinese Car Reviewer

 

[Yommie]

Who? The secret car brands that are about to take over the world | Electrifying.com

 

[Yommie]

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Urban 2024 Review | Chinese brand adds value-packed medium SUV to Aussie line-up

 

[Yommie]

2024 Changan X7 Plus | Car Review | 7-seater SUV for only Php 1.399M​

 

[Yommie]

Tesla Cybertruck generates massive interest in China despite sales restrictions

Cybertruck tour opens to crowds yet sales reportedly impossible.

carnewschina.com

Tesla Cybertruck generates massive interest in China despite sales restrictions​

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Naveed Rastegar

January 29, 2024


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Cybertruck on display in Beijing on Jan 28 Credit: Tspace

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The Tesla Cybertruck embarked on a highly anticipated tour in China on Jan 28th, captivating crowds and creating long lines of more than 2 hours in at least one location as enthusiasts eagerly awaited a glimpse of the futuristic electric vehicle. Despite the positive reception, there’s a twist – according to industry reports from local media Autometric, the Cybertruck cannot be sold in China for certain technical reasons that are difficult to overcome. Furthermore, Tesla has not announced any plans to attempt to overcome any technical hurdles.

The electric pickup truck, known for its unconventional design and distinct features, has become a sensation in China. Reports from various online bloggers and Chinese news outlets suggest that people are flocking to the tour locations just to see for themselves what all the Cybertruck fuss is about. The phenomenon has sparked curiosity and excitement among Chinese consumers.
Cybertruck displayed on Jan 28th in Nanjing: Credit: Baijiahao
However, amidst the enthusiasm, it’s worth noting that Tesla has no specific plans for the Cybertruck to be commercially available in China. Despite its potential to disrupt the market, the vehicle is not slated for official sale, leaving Chinese enthusiasts disappointed in their hopes of owning one. Elon Musk himself has stated on X (formerly Twitter) that getting approval for sales in China will be challenging.

The reason behind this strategic move becomes clearer when considering China’s strict technical standards. In China, pickup trucks fall under the category of “multipurpose trucks”, which subject them to various restrictions, particularly in urban areas. Cities like Beijing have implemented stringent limitations on pickup trucks, including restricted access to certain zones and specific time frames for usage.
Cybertruck displayed in Shenzhen on Jan 28: Credit SZnews
The situation has raised questions among Chinese netizens regarding Tesla’s decision to showcase the Cybertruck without intending to sell it. The answer lies in the regulatory challenges associated with defining the Cybertruck as a pickup in accordance with China’s current vehicle management regulations.
However, all hope is not lost for seeing the Cybertruck in China. Tesla, in its promotional materials for the Chinese market, has referred to the Cybertruck as a “赛博越野旅行车” or “Cyber Off-Road Adventure Vehicle,” downplaying its pickup truck characteristics. Industry experts believe that Tesla might be exploring avenues to reclassify the Cybertruck as an off-road travel vehicle in the Chinese market, allowing it to circumvent pickup truck regulations.

In this light, Tesla’s decision to conduct an extensive tour of the Cybertruck in China seems to be more about flexing its technological and brand muscles rather than immediate sales. The company’s move is more likely due to its efforts in endorsing its existing vehicle models in the Chinese market, notwithstanding the Cybertruck possibly undergoing a reclassification to fit China’s regulatory framework.
Sources: 600km, SZnews

 

[Yommie]

Huge Chinese Car Dealer Group selling Honda, Volvo and Polestar Collapses​

 

[Yommie]

Musk says Chinese EV companies will demolish most legacy automakers

 

[Yommie]

NEW Kia EV5 manufactured in China to compete on price with Tesla Model Y

 

[Yommie]

THE BEST CHINESE CAR I'VE EVER DRIVEN | Xpeng G9