China Auto Thread


BYD Dolphin Champion Edition will enter China in February with enhancements​


Reading Time: 3 minutes

Denis Bobylev

January 31, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

The BYD Dolphin Champion Edition has already arrived at dealers in China and is getting ready for the market launch. The domestic Dolphin will become closer to its European sibling thanks to the new version. Its sales start is scheduled for February.

European DolphinDomestic Dolphin
Our regular readers know BYD Dolphin has two variants: domestic and European. The first modification features smaller dimensions, a torsion beam rear suspension, less power, and a smaller battery. BYD sells both domestic and European Dolphins in overseas markets. Now, the Chinese automaker has prepared the upgrade for the domestic hatchback. It will enter the market as Dolphin Champion Edition.

Dolphin Champion Edition enhancements​


The BYD Dolphin Champion Edition stays in line with its predecessor in terms of exterior design. It is a four-door hatchback finished in Ocean Aesthetics design language from ex-Audi veteran Wolfgang Egger. The fine features of the Dolphin Champion Edition are new rims with low drag coefficient, tinted rear windows, and a new body color called Atlantis Gray. Its dimensions remained the same at 4125/1770/1570 mm and a wheelbase of 2700 mm.

Inside, the BYD Dolphin Champion Edition follows the ‘old’ design language with a 12.8-inch floating rotatable screen, a small 5-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a three-spoke wheel. However, the new modification has a few enhancements, including a Type-C interface and a wireless phone charging pad.
The powertrain of the BYD Dolphin Champion Edition has a single electric motor in the front axle for 70 kW. Depending on the battery (45 kWh and 60 kWh), the new hatchback will offer two range variants: 420 and 520 km. Its predecessor has the same e-motor and a 401-420 km range. The chassis of the Champion Edition features a rear multi-link suspension system that replaces a torsion beam. This addition will enhance the driving comfort of the Dolphin.
As we can see, the BYD Dolphin Champion Edition has a bigger battery, an enhanced suspension, and some additional functions. It has become closer to its European sibling. The price range of the BYD Dolphin Champion Edition has yet to be revealed. Its market launch is scheduled for February 2024. In January last year, BYD sold 26,814 units of Dolphin hatchbacks. As a result, it was outsold by the Wuling Bingo (27,458 units).
 

BYD signed land agreement with Szeged for the car factory in Hungary​


Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

January 31, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

BYD signed a land pre-purchase agreement with the Szeged Municipal Government in Hungary for a passenger car factory on January 30, 2024. It marks a significant milestone in BYD’s European expansion. This event was attended by key figures, including Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary; László Botka, Mayor of Szeged; Gong Tao, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary; and Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD. This symbolizes an important development for BYD’s European plants.

During the ceremony, Minister Szijjártó highlighted the project as one of the largest and most significant investments in Hungary’s history. He emphasized that the construction of BYD’s first European NEV passenger car factory in Hungary will not only strengthen the country’s economic status but will also solidify its foundation for long-term economic growth and enhance its position in the global electric vehicle transition. Both central and local Hungarian governments pledged comprehensive support to facilitate the project’s swift operational commencement.
Wang Chuanfu stated BYD’s commitment to transferring its advanced technology and highly automated production lines to Hungary, supporting the local automotive industry’s transition to electrification. BYD aims to accelerate the development of products with European localized brand attributes through localized manufacturing, fostering closer commercial exchanges and complementary cooperation with Europe. This initiative is part of a broader effort to drive the industry’s green and low-carbon transformation and promote global sustainable development.

BYD President Wang Chuanfu and his delegation took a group photo at the signing ceremony in Shenzhen
In December of the previous year, BYD announced its plans to establish a new energy passenger car production base in Szeged, Hungary. It became the first Chinese automotive enterprise to build a passenger car factory in the European Union. Slated for completion and operation within three years, the factory will focus on producing passenger car models for sale in Europe, creating thousands of local jobs and facilitating Hungary’s transition to a green economy.
Hungary, located in the heart of Europe, has a rich history in automotive industry development, boasting advanced infrastructure and a mature industrial base. As the global automotive industry undergoes transformation, BYD has been steadily cultivating its presence in Hungary. Seven years ago, BYD built its first European pure electric bus factory in the country, and now it’s set to construct a new energy passenger car factory. BYD is committed to expanding and deepening its localization projects in Hungary, aiming to propel the European automotive industry’s green transformation in alignment with its vision of reducing the Earth’s temperature by 1°C.
Currently, BYD has planned 14 EV production bases globally, including nine whole-vehicle factories in China. Additionally, BYD has established five EV factories in Uzbekistan, Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, and Indonesia, showcasing its strategic approach to global expansion and localization in key markets around the world.
 

GAC Aion Thailand factory officially started construction​


Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

January 31, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

On January 31, GAC Aion officially announced the commencement of construction on its Thailand factory project, located in the Rayong Industrial Park in Rayong Province. This initiative marks GAC Aion’s first overseas production base, symbolizing a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy. With a total investment of 2.3 billion Thai Baht (64.8 million USD), the factory boasts a designed annual production capacity of 50,000 units, to be established in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by July this year.

The construction of the Aion Thailand factory is guided by the principles of minimal initial investment, quick output, and rolling development. The first vehicle model slated for production in Thailand is the Aion Y Plus right-hand drive version, indicating the factory’s critical role in introducing more localized models in the future.

GAC Aion is accelerating its globalization strategy, with Thailand serving as the initial and core market in this endeavor. The company is committed to deepening its engagement in Thailand and extending its reach into the ASEAN market, gradually achieving localized production, sales, and services.

The Aion Thailand company is tasked with the completion of the factory construction and local operations, aiming to cultivate and solidify the overseas market production-supply-sales system, enhance the brand’s overseas influence, and contribute new energy towards achieving GAC Aion’s goal of one million units of production and sales by 2025.
In November 2023, GAC Aion debuted at the 40th Thailand International Motor Expo, showcasing five vehicle models and EV technologies. The Aion Thailand factory, situated in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Rayong Province, is undergoing rapid construction with the same investment and production capacity targets as previously mentioned, aiming for the first phase to be operational this year.

Many Chinese companies have already set up EV factories in Thailand​

This move is part of a broader trend of Chinese automotive companies making inroads into the Thai market. Companies like Great Wall Motors, BYD, and Neta Automobile have entered or are planning to establish production facilities in Thailand. This includes Great Wall Motors’ acquisition of General Motors’ Rayong plant in 2020 and BYD’s foundation laying for a production plant in Rayong Province in March 2023, with production expected to start in 2024.

The increased focus on the Thai market by Chinese automotive firms is driven by competitive market conditions and policy directions. The Chinese EV market’s price reduction trend and the search for new growth avenues have led companies to explore opportunities in Thailand.
As a result, over ten Chinese vehicle and parts manufacturers have announced or are in the process of establishing factories in Thailand, with total investment estimated to be in the billions of USD. This strategic move not only aligns with Thailand’s policy incentives but also represents a critical pivot towards tapping into new growth markets by Chinese automotive companies, including GAC Aion, as they navigate the competitive landscape of the global automotive industry.
Source: Aion; iTHome; RoyalFlush
 

We Put Tesla FSD Beta Up Against Its Chinese Competition​


 

This Chinese EV will spark Stellantis's electrification. Leapmotor C10 Review​


 
I'm digging this car. Jaecoo is indeed cool.

2024 Jaecoo J7 - 7 Seater High-Tech Chinese SUV!​


 

Chery Fengyun T6 is rebadged Tansuo 06 with BYD’s FinDreams Battery, market entry in March​


Reading Time: 4 minutes

Dong Yi Chen

February 1, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

The Fengyun T6 SUV is planned to be officially launched in March with an estimated price range of 120,000 – 150,000 yuan (16,700 – 20,900 USD). The new car can be regarded as the plug-in hybrid version of the Chery Tansuo 06 SUV. Fengyun, also known as Fulwin, is a new energy vehicle brand under Chery.


Positioned as a compact SUV, the Fengyun T6 measures 4501(4540)/1865/1670 mm, with a 2672 mm wheelbase. Notable design elements include a suspended roof design, an exclusive Fengyun 6 logo above the wheel eyebrows, hidden door handles, and petal-shaped dual-color rims.

In the front, the closed grille is consistent with a new energy vehicle, with a Fengyun logo in the center, paired with a split headlight set in a matrix format connected by a black stripe and a large trapezoidal lower grille.

The rear features through-type taillights, two vertical red reflective strips, and a black rear bumper decorated with a silver guard plate.
Fengyun T6 interiorTansuo 06 interior
Inside, the cockpit adopts a similar layout as that of the Tansuo 06 with a rectangular LCD instrument panel, a 14.8-inch vertical central control screen, a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, rectangular air-conditioning outlets, and a dual color dashboard. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip is expected to power the vehicle operating system. The main difference lies in the center console layout in which the conventional gear shifter is no longer present.
Power comes from a plug-in hybrid system composed of Chery’s fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI hybrid engine, with a maximum power of 115 kW and a peak torque of 220 Nm, and an electric motor, mated to a single-speed DHT. The electric motor has a maximum power of 150 kW and a peak torque of 310 Nm. In addition, its top speed is 180 km/h and the WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption is 1.27 liters per 100 km.

Furthermore, its 18.316 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery is supplied by BYD’s FinDreams Battery, providing a pure electric cruising range of 93 km (cycle condition unspecified at this time), according to Sohu; and a comprehensive cruising range of more than 1,300 km, according to PCAuto. Under DC fast charging, it takes 19 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% in 19 minutes; while under AC slow charging, it takes three hours to charge from 20% to 100%, according to PCAuto.

Five new vehicles in 2024​

In 2024, Chery plans to launch five new cars under the Fengyun series. In addition to the Fengyun A8 and T6, the A8 Pro is planned to be launched on March 30, the T9 on April 30 with a price range of 150,000 – 170,000 yuan (20,900 – 23,700 USD), the T10 on May 15 with a price range of 180,000 – 250,000 yuan (25,100 – 34,900 USD), the T8 on August 30 with a price range of 130,000 – 160,000 yuan (18,100 – 22,300 USD), and a facelift of the A8 on October 30.
Source: Sohu, PCAuto
 

BYD reveals plan to increase profits by billions and start catching Toyota​


 

New Polestar 4 EV detailed First Look - why the classy electric family car has NO REAR WINDOW​


 

Polestar 4 - fighting the Macan EV without a rear window! REVIEW​


 

Tesla introduces special Chinese New Year OTA update​


Reading Time: 2 minutes

Naveed Rastegar

February 1, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

As 2024 begins its second month, Tesla users in China are in for several updates. Following a recent price reduction for specific Model 3/Y models, Tesla rolled out its first substantial Over-The-Air (OTA) update of the year. This update is on the heels of a recent recall OTA that was required by government regulators. Additionally, the Cybertruck officially debuted in China on January 28, showcasing its off-road capabilities in eight cities, and was met with significant interest from the public.

Last year Tesla sold 603,664 units in China with a market share of 2.78%. What is more, the Tesla Model Y sold 456,394 units in China, becoming the bestselling car of the year. Tesla surely hopes to maintain this momentum in 2024.
Cybertruck displayed in China image credit: Tspace
In preparation for the Chinese New Year, Tesla released a special OTA update on January 30, tailored for the festive season. The update, labeled version 2023.44.32.1, focuses on optimizing intelligent interaction, charging, and entertainment features for a more festive driving experience during the upcoming Year of the Dragon. With 22 updates since the beginning of 2022 and a recent release of version 2023.44.30.8, most updates focus on safety enhancements.

The Chinese New Year OTA update, known locally as the “Spring Festival Edition,” includes various enhancements, such as an upgraded navigation system providing real-time information on average speeds in areas with speed limits for a safer driving experience. For the many long-distance travelers during the holiday season, Tesla introduced features like “Highway Service Area Alerts” and “Supercharger Stall Unlock,” offering advance information on upcoming service areas, charging station availability, and the option to unlock a charging spot within 1 kilometer, streamlining the charging process. Tesla’s in-car map provider in China Mainland is Baidu. The latest update also has safety-focused enhancements, including an automatic blind-spot camera and a recently improved Autopilot warning.
In addition to safety and travel-related updates, Tesla has incorporated entertainment upgrades in line with the New Year theme. The update features a redesigned in-car iQiyi app, improved QQ Music playback experience (QQ is a popular music streaming platform), new atmospheric music, a lights show, and various convenience features such as the ability to lower volume during reverse parking and voice-controlled window and light operations.
As Tesla continues to evolve and tailor its offerings to the Chinese market, consumers can expect ongoing improvements. This year, the company celebrates its 11th year in the Chinese market; the continuous stream of updates, from price adjustments to new features, indicates that Tesla is gearing up for the year ahead, leaving users curious about what lies ahead.

Image Credit: Tesla China
Source: Tspace
 

Huawei Aito launched the first batch of “Map free NCA” in all cities in China​


Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

February 1, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

On February 1, Huawei Aito introduced a significant update for its AITO Wenjie M5 and M7 models, rolling out the V3.3.8 smart driving version, which includes the long-awaited “Map-Free NCA” (Navigation Control Assistant). This feature, a notable advancement in autonomous driving technology, enables city driving assistance without relying on high-precision maps and is now supported in all 338 cities across Mainland China.

The “Map-Free NCA” function represents a leap in the evolution of intelligent driving systems, demonstrating Huawei’s commitment to developing cutting-edge automotive technologies. This update shifts from traditional reliance on high-precision maps, allowing for more adaptable and flexible driving assistance in various urban environments.
In addition to “Map-Free NCA,” the V3.3.8 update brings enhancements and new features to the AITO Wenjie M5 and M7 models. These updates include:

  • Enhanced Lane Cruise Control (LCC Plus)
  • Lateral Obstacle Collision Prevention (LOCP)
  • Intelligent Follow-the-Vehicle Speed Limit Function
  • Special Vehicle Model Recognition
  • Smart Driving Status Island Function
  • Huawei Smart Driving App Support
  • Enhanced Traffic Capability Switch
  • Valet Parking Function (AVP)
  • Improved APA (Automated Parking Assistance)
  • Various optimizations and bug fixes for other features and user experience.
Initially, the “Map-Free NCA” feature was made available to a limited group of 200 owners of the AITO Wenjie M5 and M7 models. Following this, the second batch of updates began, with a plan to gradually roll out to all owners subscribed to the ADS 2.0 advanced feature package.
Aito M7
Huawei had previously announced in 2023 that it would deploy the “Map-Free NCA” across the country by January 1, 2024. However, the release was delayed by a month, with the feature only being rolled out to users on February 1, 2024.
Huawei’s HarmonyOS Smart Travel stated that at the end of the year, Huawei ADS would upgrade to support the “Map-Free NCA” under the motto “Drive everywhere, the more you drive, the better it gets,” along with valet parking and other features. Leveraging Huawei’s significant investment in cloud computing power and AI cluster training, this upgrade is expected to rapidly evolve the capabilities and experiences of intelligent driving.

The updated version of NCA smart driving assistance, which no longer depends on high-precision maps, is now usable on highways, elevated roads, and expressways nationwide. Huawei explains that the NCA is based on the GOD (General Obstacle Detection) network and the RCR (Road Cognition & Reasoning) network 2.0 technology. These technologies enable precise handling with a 99% obstacle recognition rate and allow the system to understand complex road conditions autonomously.
Source: iTHome
 

BYD Yuan UP revealed in official images as it enters China in March​


Reading Time: 3 minutes

Denis Bobylev

February 1, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

The BYD Yuan UP pure electric crossover was revealed in official images. The smallest SUV in the BYD’s Yuan family stands on the e-Platform 3.0 architecture. Last year, it applied for the sales license, getting ready for the market launch.

BYD has two vehicle series: Dynasty and Ocean. Cars in the Dynasty line are called after Chinese ruling families. It comprises five lines: Han, Song, Qin, Tang, and Yuan. The Yuan series currently consists of two models: Yuan Pro and Yuan Plus (Atto 3). Soon, BYD will launch the third model for the Yuan series, which is the Yuan UP. Previously, this crossover was exposed by the Chinese regulator. And now, BYD has revealed its official images.

BYD Yuan UP official images​


The BYD Yuan UP follows BYD’s updated Dragon Face design language, which is similar to the previously launched BYD Song L. It has a sturdy front bumper, a signature Yuan (元) logo, and thin elongated LED headlights. The Yuan UP has blackened pillars, a large sunroof, flush door handles, funky plastic trim in the lower part of the body, and five-spoke rims. The Yuan UP has a single taillight unit and a roof spoiler in the rear.


The exterior design of the BYD Yuan UP stays in line with images exposed by the Chinese MIIT. Its only unique feature is a light green color. Previously, BYD shared official spy shots of the Yuan UP covered in camouflage. It is clearly gearing up for the market launch scheduled for March this year.

BYD Yuan UP specs​


The BYD Yuan UP is a small SUV with dimensions measuring 4310/1830/1675 mm and a wheelbase of 2620 mm. It has two optional electric motors for 70 kW and 130 kW, similar to the BYD Dolphin. Its top speed reaches 160 km/h. The BYD Yuan UP has two LFP battery options from FinDreams for 32 kWh and 45.1 kWh, good for 301-401 km of range.
The Yuan UP will enter the Chinese market in March this year. Its price tag will be around 100,000 yuan (14,085 USD). It has the potential to become the BYD’s new bestseller.

Source: BYD
 

Li Auto delivered 31,165 units in January 2024, up 105.8% YoY​


Reading Time: 2 minutes

Qian Jin

February 1, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

Li Auto announced a significant increase in vehicle deliveries on February 1, 2024, reporting 31,165 units for January 2024. This figure represents a substantial year-over-year (YoY) growth of 105.8%, showcasing the company’s robust performance in the automotive market. Since beginning its delivery operations, Li Auto has delivered 664,529 vehicles, marking a significant milestone in its history.


Notably, the Chinese Lunar New Year, typically associated with lower sales due to factory and retail closures, fell in January 2023 and February 2024. This calendar variance contributes to the comparative analysis of monthly delivery figures year over year.
As of January 31, 2 January 31to has expanded its retail presence to 474 centers across 142 cities nationwide. The company’s after-sales service network includes 360 maintenance and authorized body and paint centers, covering 209 cities, indicating a strategic expansion to ensure customer satisfaction and service accessibility.

Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, announced an ambitious plan for 2024, dubbing it an unprecedented product launch year for the company. Li Auto is set to introduce eight new models, including four extended-range and four pure electric vehicles, to meet the diverse needs of family users. Among the upcoming launches, the Li Auto pure electric flagship MPV, Mega, is expected to hit the market and start deliveries in March, alongside the 2024 versions of Li Auto’s three flagship SUVs, the L7, L8, and L9.
Li Mega MPV
Additionally, the company plans a comprehensive upgrade of its sales and service network, aiming to increase its retail centers to 800 and after-sales service centers and authorized body and paint centers to over 500 by the end of the year.
Li Auto has set an ambitious target of delivering 800,000 units in 2024, striving to become the leading luxury automotive brand in the Chinese market. This goal represents a need for a 113% increase in sales volume following the company’s sale of 376,032 vehicles in 2023.

Li Auto is also expanding its supercharging station’s network to support its customer service initiatives. During the Spring Festival holiday, from February 9 to February 9(Lunar New Year’s Eve to the eighth day of the first lunar month), Li Auto will offer free charging services at all its 330+ supercharging stations. This service includes complimentary fees and electricity charges, underscoring Li Auto’s commitment to enhancing owner experiences and promoting electric vehicle adoption.
Source: iTHome
 

Nio delivered 10,055 EVs in January, down 44% MoM​


Reading Time: 2 minutes

Jiri Opletal

February 1, 2024


0


News like this to your inbox or phone?​


Weekly summary to your inbox
I want this

Never miss and important news
Get Instant notification once the news is published.
Follow Us

Nio delivered 10,055 EVs in January, up 18.2% from 8,506 in previous year, the company announced in a press release. However, the comparison doesn’t hold as last year, the Chinese New Year fell on January 22.

Nio deliveries fell 44% compared with December, when Nio delivered 18,012 vehicles in a massive end-of-year sales push. The cumulative deliveries reached 459,649 as of January 31, 2024.
The 2024 Chinese New Year (CNY) fell on February 10, while the 2023 CNY fell on January 22, so the year-on-year comparison doesn’t make sense. For a proper YoY comparison, we would need to wait until the end of February and compare 2024 January + February sales vs the same two months in 2023.

The deliveries consisted of 6,307 SUVs and 3,748 sedans. Nio didn’t announce the model sales breakdown. According to data monitored by CarNewsChina, about 40% of sales were made by Nio ES6 SUV, and nearly 30% were made by ET5 and its station wagon variant ET5 Touring.
In January, Nio continued to expand its battery swap alliance, trying to convince more automakers to join their swapping technology, which is now open to the whole industry, according to company executives. Nio battery swap alliance currently consists of Geely, Changan, JAC, and Chery. Despite memorandums and agreements being signed, no details about how the cooperation would look were released.
Nio sells eight models in China, two making about 70% (ES6, ET5/T). The other models are the ES8 large SUV, ET7 large sedan, EC7 and EC6 coupe SUVs, and ES7, which has the lowest sales among the Nio lineup, about 100 – 200 units in January. In Europe, the ES series is sold as the EL series due to a legal battle with Audi, so ES6 = EL6, ES7 = EL7, etc.

Nio announced it has no plans to launch new models in 2024. However, we can expect annual updates of the existing lineup. In December, Nio also revealed the executive sedan ET9, which will launch in early 2025. The presale price is 800,000 yuan (112,600 USD).
Despite no new Nio-badged models this year, we will see new vehicles from Nio as the company plans to unveil the entry-level Alps brand in March or April, and deliveries should start later in 2024, according to the report. In 2025, Nio will launch its second sub-brand, Firefly, focusing on small electric cars.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top