China Auto Thread

[Yommie]

Exlantix ET with CATL’s LFP 2.0 Shenxing battery charges to 80% in 24 minutes in -20°C winter testing

In normal conditions, Shenzign battery can add 400 km in 10 minutes.

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Exlantix ET with CATL’s LFP 2.0 Shenxing battery charges to 80% in 24 minutes in -20°C winter testing​

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Jiri Opletal

February 20, 2024


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CATL announced that the first mass-produced car equipped with a new LFP 2.0 Shenxing battery would be the Exeed Exlantix ET. During the extreme cold testing at -20 °C (-4°F) in Inner Mongolia, the electric SUV charged to 80% in 24 minutes. In normal conditions at 25°C (77°F), it can add 400 km in 10 minutes, according to Exeed.

Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery was unveiled in August last year during CATL’s conference. It can provide a range of up to 700 km and features a second-generation fast ion ring. Despite featuring low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, it supports 4C charging, becoming the first 4C LFP battery in the world, according to CATL.
C means a battery charging multiplier, saying how many times the battery can be charged in an hour. Thus, 4C means it can be fully charged in 15 minutes and four times in hour.

Exlantix ET SUV during winter testing. Credit: Exeed
Exeed is a premium electric brand under Chery Auto. Exlantix is its series, comprised of two cars: Exlantix ES sedan, which already sells, and Exlantix ET SUV, which started production in January and will launch in the first quarter. CATL previously announced that Chery’s Exeed would be the first customer to offer a commercially available car with a Shenxing battery inside. Still, we didn’t know which car it would be. The Exlantix ET winter tests answered this question.

Exlantix announced that during the extreme cold testing at -20°C, the ET added 20 – 80% SoC in 24 minutes. Previously, Exeed conducted more winter tests, such as freezing the whole vehicle for 24 hours at -30°C or putting the battery into freezing water for one hour, then drying and mounting it back on the car and continuing driving.
Chery’s Exlantix ET battery was immersed in freezing water during testing. Credit: Chery
The Exlantix ET will offer 60 kWh, 82 kWh, and 100 kWh. It sits on Chery’s EV platform called E0X, which also underpins Luxeed S7 from Chery and Huawei. The dimensions are 4955/1975/1698 mm with a 3000 mm wheelbase, similar to the Li Auto L6 and the Aito M7.

CATL announced that its vehicles powered by the next generation LFP Shenxing battery will be available globally in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Among its confirmed customers are Chery, Avatr, and Neta.
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[Yommie]

China EV registrations in W6+7: BYD 30,600, Tesla 8,200, Li Auto 7000, Nio 1,500

The car sales were significantly down due to Chinese New year celebrations.

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China EV registrations in W6+7: BYD 30,600, Tesla 8,200, Li Auto 7000, Nio 1,500​

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Jiri Opletal

February 20, 2024


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The insurance registration data were released combined for the past two weeks, from February 5 – 18, due to the Chinese New Year holiday. The car sales were significantly down due to celebrations. However, Li Auto sold nearly the same amount as in a pre-CNY week.

The weekly data were published by Li Auto, and they represent weekly sales. The background data are weekly insurance registrations. The numbers are rounded and present new energy vehicles (NEV), the Chinese term for BEVs, PHEVs, and EREVs (range extenders). To be completely precise, it also includes hydrogen vehicles (FCEVs), but their sales are almost non-existent in China.
In the article, we will consider the holiday weeks number 6 and 7 as one and compare it to the pre-CNY week number 5 (29 Jan – 4 Feb), only for comparison of how significant the CNY is in terms of sales.

BYD registered 30,600 vehicles, down 30% from 43,300 in week 5. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 49,400 vehicles in China.
BYD brands sales breakdown:

• YangWang: 260 units
• Fang Cheng Bao: 670 units
• Denza: 2,200 units

YangWang sells a sole car, 150k USD YangWang U8 hardcore SUV. Fang Cheng Bao also sells only one car, the Bao 5 (Leopard 5), which is positioned between the YangWang and Denza lineups.


Tesla registered 8,200 EVs, down 23% from 10,600 in week 5. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 13,500 vehicles in China.
Tesla sales breakdown:

• Model Y: 6,300 units
• Model 3 (Highland): 1,900 units

Nio registered 1,500 EVs, down over 50% from 3,100 in week 5. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 2,800 vehicles in China.
In 2023, Nio delivered 160,038 units globally and their 2024 goal is to deliver 230,000 units.

Li Auto was a usual first among Chinese EV startups. The Beijing-based automaker registered 7,000 vehicles, 3% down from week 5, becoming the automaker with the best sales continuity even during holidays. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 10,100 vehicles in China.
Li Auto delivered 376,030 vehicles in 2023 and their target for 2024 is 800,000 sold vehicles.

Huawei-backed Aito was second among EV startups, registering 5,500 vehicles, down 40% from 9,000 vehicles in week 5. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 9,800 vehicles in China.
Aito sells both all-electric cars (BEV) and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV), like Li Auto.
Changan’s brand, Deepal, sold 2,000 vehicles, down 35% from 3,100 on week 5. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 3,300 vehicles in China.
Zeekr sold 1,700 vehicles, down about 50% from 3,600 on week 5. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 3,600 vehicles in China.
Stellantis-backed Leapmotor sold 1,600 vehicles, down 45% from 3,000 in the previous period. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 2,900 vehicles in China.
Volkswagen-backed Xpeng sold 1,000 vehicles, down 62.96% from 2,700 in the previous period. Between February 1 – 18, the company sold 1,800 vehicles in China.
Xpeng delivered 141,601 EVs in 2023, and their target for 2024 is to double that number to 280,000 units.

 

[Yommie]

All-electric iCar 03 will launch on February 28 in China with 501 km range

The iCar 03 an electric off road SUV from Chery is set to launch of February 28.

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All-electric iCar 03 will launch on February 28 in China with 501 km range​

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Mark Andrews

February 20, 2024


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Chery iCar 03 EV concept SUV on display at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

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If you thought the iCar was from Apple it seems that Chinese producer Chery has beaten the Cupertino, California based company to the use of the name. The iCar 03 will launch on February 28.


Pre-sales began last November for six versions with a pre-sales price range of 129,800-185,800 yuan (18,000-25,800 USD). The car initially debuted at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show and the exterior largely remains unchanged.
iCar is a new brand from Chery selling new energy vehicles and aimed at the 25-35 year old age group with the 03 being the first model.

Looking somewhat like a scaled down version of the Jetour Traveller the small ‘i’ both front and back are the most prominent branding. Not only does the front i illuminate but also the front daytime running lights as well as the rear light clusters form the letter just to make sure you let everyone know what you’re driving.

Length, width and height of the new car are 4406/1910/1715 mm, and the wheelbase is 2715 mm. Design wise it is very much an old school boxy SUV although the retracting door handles help show this is an EV. The car rides on 18-inch all terrain tires and has five spoke alloys. Finishing off the rugged off road look is a rear mounted storage box. The car adopts a steel-aluminium hybrid body structure with built-in all-aluminium beams to further ensure the rigidity of the vehicle. There may actually be some useful off-road ability with the 03 having an approach angle of 26 degrees and a departure angle of 29 degrees
The iCar 03 comes in a choice of a single motor (RWD) or dual motor (AWD). On all versions the rear motor has 135 kW power and a maximum torque of 184 Nm. All wheel drive add a front motor with a measly extra 70 kW and 95 Nm torque.

Three battery packs are available 50.6 kWh, 65.7 kWh and 69.8 kWh good for CLTC ranges of 401 km, 501 km, and 472 km respectively. All the packs are lithium iron phosphate from CATL.
The inside also echoes the Jetour Traveller configuration – Jetour is another brand from Chery and the Traveller is a larger SUV than the iCar 03 available as an ICE and PHEV. However, the iCar 03 inside has a very rectangular feel to it as shown by the LCD instrument cluster and air conditioning vents. Dominating the dashboard is the 15.6-inch floating multimedia touch screen. There are two chunky grab handles on the center console.

Higher spec versions will gain features such as an NFC key, and a smart cockpit powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip which will feature Chery’s i-VA system which is an intelligent human like virtual assistant. Earlier reports also mentioned solar panels on the roof to provide extra charging.

 

[Yommie]

Hit legacy where it hurts: BYD undercuts VW Lavida and Toyota Corolla with their new PHEV lineup

BYD cut the prices of already cheap PHEV sedans by nearly 3,000 USD. Now it starts at 11,000 USD.

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Hit legacy where it hurts: BYD undercuts VW Lavida and Toyota Corolla with their new PHEV lineup​

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Jiri Opletal

February 20, 2024


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BYD Qin Plus Honor Edition

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BYD had a sharp start to the New Year of Dragon in China, escalating the price war in the EV segment and cutting the prices of its lineup up to 20%. The company commented on its price reductions with the words “ICEs are panicking,” suggesting the main target are petrol cars from legacy automakers.

BYD announced the 2024 Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition this week with a price 20,000 yuan (2,800 USD) compared to the 2023 version. The new Qin Plus starts at 79,800 yuan (11,080 USD).
Qin Plus DM-i now undercuts Volkswagen Lavida, the best-selling Chinese sedan, whose base model starts at 87,900 yuan (12,200 USD). Moreover, Lavida initially launched at 120,900 yuan (16,800 USD) but was forced to introduce radical price cuts as China’s auto price war intensified during the past year.

Volkswagen Lavida. Credit: DCH
Discounted Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition is also a threat to Japan’s mid-size sedan mass market flagship – Toyota Corrola. The latest model was launched for an MSRP of 113,800 yuan (15,800 USD), but most dealers effectively sell it for 79,800 yuan now, which is on par with Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition.
Toyota Corrola. Credit: DCH
The 2024 BYD Qin is a 4-door, 5-seater with dimensions 4765/1837/1495 mm and a wheelbase of 2718 mm. It features 1.5L ICE (81 kW output) and 132 kW or 145 kW electric motor, based on trim level.
BYD also launched an all-electric variant called Qin Plus EV Honor Edition. Like the PHEV model, it comes 20,000 yuan cheaper than the 2023 model and starts at 109,800 yuan (15,300 USD). Here is the list of variants:

Qin Plus EV Honor Edition

• 109,800 yuan (15,250 USD)
• 116,800 yuan (16,210 USD)
• 119,800 yuan (16,630 USD)
• 129,800 yuan (18,000 USD)
• 139,800 yuan (19,360 USD)

The two cheapest variants have a 420 km CLTC range, while the following three have a 510 km CLTC range.
Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition

• 79,800 yuan (11,080 USD)
• 95,800 yuan (13,330 USD)
• 105,800 yuan (14,700 USD)
• 115,800 yuan (16,060 USD)
• 125,800 yuan (17,430 USD)

The two cheapest variants have a 55 km battery-only range, while the following three have a 120 km battery-only range.
Toyota Corolla TNGA 1.5L

• 79,800 yuan (11,080 USD)
  • 113,800 yuan MSRP at launch
• 95,800 yuan (13,3020 USD)
  • 127,800 yuan MSRP at launch
• 105,800 yuan (14,700 USD)
  • 139,800 yuan MSRP at launch
• 114,800 yuan (15,970 USD)
  • 148,800 yuan MSRP at launch

Volkswagen Lavida 1.5L

• 87,900 yuan (12,200 USD)
  • 120,900 yuan MSRP at launch
• 96,900 yuan (13,400 USD)
  • 127,900 yuan MSRP at launch
• 105,900 yuan (14,700 USD)
  • 138,900 yuan MSRP at launch
• 118,900 yuan (16,500 USD)
  • 151,900 yuan MSRP at launch

However, the Qin Plus Honor is not the only BYD car that launched its annual update with a haircut. BYD released the 2024 Destroyer 05 Glory Edition with a starting price of 20,000 yuan lower than the previous version.
Destroyer 05 is PHEV, which launched in March 2022 for 119,800 yuan. In April 2023, BYD launched an annual update called Champion Edition for 101,800 yuan. This week, BYD launched the Destroeyer 05 Honor Edition for 79,800 yuan.
2024 BYD Destroyer 05 Honor Edition.
Destroyer 05 Glory Edition dimensions are 4,780mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and 1,495 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,718 mm.
Regarding the powertrain, the Honor Edition is equipped with BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system, consisting of a 1.5L engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The combustion engine delivers a maximum power output of 81 kW and a torque of 135 Nm. The electric motor offers two options: 132 kW with a maximum torque of 316 Nm or 145 kW with a maximum torque of 325 Nm. The vehicle has an LFP battery, providing a pure electric range of 55km or 120km based on the model variant.

Editor’s insight​

This is a bloodbath. Legacy automakers are already struggling in China s ICE market share declines and this is a strike to their A-segmetn leaders in important mid-size sedan category, VW Lavida, Toyota Corolla and even Missan Suplhy will feel the pressure.
Slashing the prices of the Qin Plus models will also create room for the upcoming Qin L sedan, which will most likely be priced somewhere between Qin Plus and Seal at around 120,000 yuan.
Qin Plus EV moving close to the 100k yuan border will most likely force BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini) to drop to around 60k yuan starting price.
BYD demonstrated that it is ready to use its deep pockets to gain market share and sacrifice the margins in the next year or two until more EV makers start losing wheels and price competition becomes less fierce. About 100 EV makers are selling cars in China, and the decimation has already begun. We will keep an eye on that.

 

[Yommie]

2024 Deepal SL03 EV Launches in China

Price cuts and new range versions for the 2024 year model of the Deepal SL03 EV sedan from Chang'an

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2024 Deepal SL03 EV Launches in China​

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Mark Andrews

February 20, 2024


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The 2024 year all-electric version of the Deepal SL03 sedan launched in China on February 20. Chinese media claim the starting price is now 27,000 yuan (3,750 USD) cheaper than for the 2023 models – we however are not so sure a check on the cheapest 2023 EV version on comparison site Dongchedi suggests it is actually 3,000 yuan less. Key differences are not only with price but range as well. The price cuts come hot on the heels of discounts on Deepal’s other model the S7 SUV.

At launch three versions are available starting at 156,900 yuan (21,800 USD) for the 530 Plus, with the 530 Max version at 163,900 yuan (22,800 USD) and the range topper 610 Max at 173,900 yuan(24,200 USD). The numbers 530 and 610 stand for the CLTC ranges and replace outgoing models with ranges of 515 km and 705 km.
Deepal was originally referred to as Shenlan in English before gaining an official English name. The brand is majority owned by Chang’an and currently sells new energy cars in China and Thailand. Originally launched in 2022 the SL03 was the brand’s first car.

It is quite surprising that Deepal has chosen to reduce the range with the top spec SL03. Battery size is down considerably at 66.8 kWh versus 80.0 kWh in the former 705 model but it remains NCM chemistry. However that has likely helped the brand reduce the price by 23,000 yuan (3,200 USD) from the old model (196,900 yuan, 27,400 USD). In contrast the 530 model gets a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack versus a marginally smaller 58.1 kWh unit in the old 515.

Power for the 530 versions comes from a 160 kW motor whereas the 610 gets 190 kW. Both are permanent magnet synchronous drive motors mounted on the rear axle and both produce the same torque, 320 Nm. The 610 has a slightly faster acceleration time at 6.2 seconds compared to 6.9 for the 530.
More competitive pricing is likely to help sales as China rushes to the bottom with EV prices. Dimension remain unchanged with length, width and height of the vehicle at 4820/1890/1480 mm, and the wheelbase is 2900 mm.

Interior design is quite simple with an LCD instrument display and a two-spoke steering wheel. One interesting aspect is that the 14.6-inch floating central screen can by rotated toward either the driver or passenger by 15°. Max versions come with an augmented reality head up display and all versions have a built-in dashcam.

Other features include 40W wireless mobile phone charging, Bluetooth NFC key, transparent chassis and Max versions get a 64 color ambient lighting and anti-glare mirrors.
Currently no updates for the range extended version (EREV) SL03 have been announced.

 

[Yommie]

BYD's CEO says it is GAME OVER for ICE and legacy car makers this year​

 

[Yommie]

Famous Chinese EV brand stops making cars and fires nearly all staff​

 

[Yommie]

2024 GWM ORA 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury Review - Stunning little EV​

 

[Yommie]

First spy shots of Firefly EV, Nio’s European brand, spotted in China

Firefly will launch in Europe and offer small EVs to young buyers, to compete with ID.3, Zeekr X.

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First spy shots of Firefly EV, Nio’s European brand, spotted in China​

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February 21, 2024

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Firefly’s first EV appeared in the spy shots, revealing a compact shape similar to Zeekr X, Volkswagen ID.3, or upcoming BYD Yuan UP. The brand will launch in early 2025 in Europe, according to Nio’s president, Qin Lihong.

Judging by spy shots shared by HiEV, the new EV has a round and cute, almost hatchback-like exterior. However, based on slightly higher ground clearance, it will most likely be a small SUV. In the rear, we can see the sporty spoiler.

The new Firefly (a codename) will be Nio’s mass-market brand positioned in the 100,000 – 200,000 yuan (14,000 – 28,000 USD) segment. Unlike other Nio models, it will debut its first model in Europe, where the brand will also launch. Firefly will focus on small, affordable cars and target young buyers. According to MyDrivers, the first EV will debut in Europe in the third quarter of this year.

According to previous reports, the third Nio brand will be manufactured in Chuzhou, Anhui province, rebuilt from the former Cheetah Automobile Factory. The facility will start mass production in late 2024, and the production capacity is 450,000 cars.

Nio currently sells cars under the Nio marque and will soon launch its second brand. According to previous reports, the new brand will launch in April and start deliveries of its first model, codenamed DOM, in the second quarter. Alps will be positioned between Firegly and Nio-badged cars with a price tag between 200,000 and 300,000 yuan (28,000 and 42,000 USD).
In Europe, Nio sells its premium brand in five countries – Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Germany is its biggest EU market. Hefei-based automaker registered 26 EVs there in January, up 2,600% from 1 EV in January the year before and down 31% from 39 EVs in December. Nio officially entered Germany in October 2022 and started deliveries a month later.

In 2023, Nio delivered 1,263 EVs in Germany. The cumulative deliveries since the market entry in 2022 are 1,788 units.

Nio delivered 160,038 vehicles in 2023 globally, missing its annual target of 245,000 units. Their 2024 goal is to deliver 230,000 vehicles globally.

 

[Yommie]

Chinese media stokes the flames of a car maker price war

The post CNY price war is in full swing

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Chinese media stokes the flames of a car maker price war​

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Naveed Rastegar

February 21, 2024


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In the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, a wave of price wars has emerged since the Spring Festival of 2024, with several automakers announcing price reductions. This issue has garnered significant coverage by Chinese media. Several large outlets are publishing stories about the influx of price reductions in the sector. According to Xinpin Lue Finance, “each player has their own strategy and objective, which can be analyzed from multiple aspects, such as the industry environment and real market competition.”

It all started this week when BYD, a leader in China’s NEV industry, announced the launch of the Qin Plus Honor Edition and the Destroyer 05 Honor Edition, with starting prices reduced to 79,800 yuan (11,000 USD). As well as a price reduction of the upcoming BYD Dolphin. Following BYD’s announcement, Wuling also reduced prices, with the Wuling Bingo slashing prices by about 10%. Additionally, Changan followed suit, changing the price of the Qiyuan A05 to now start at 73,900 yuan (10,300 USD). Previously, the starting price was 88,000 yuan (12,300 USD). Nio also entered the fray by offering a maximum discount of 22,000 yuan across its entire product lineup. Even Buick, a brand under SAIC General Motors, also announced price reductions or subsidies for certain models from February 19 to 29.

The Chinese Securities Journal noted that the price war in the new energy vehicle market primarily focuses on the plug-in hybrid vehicle segment. Stating that BYD’s move to reduce its plug-in hybrid models to the 70,000-yuan range, lower than the prices of equivalent fuel-powered vehicles, is a comprehensive assault on the A-class sedan market.


According to a report by Ping An Securities, the growth rate of leading NEV companies will be under pressure in 2024. Competition in the NEV industry has always been fierce, and the current price war demands that automakers not only defend their existing market share but also expand their territory. Thus, price wars led by these companies, especially in the mainstream price range of 100,000 to 200,000 yuan, are expected to continue.
It is worth noting that price reductions may have various implications for the industry. On the one hand, they can stimulate consumer demand and boost sales, especially for price-sensitive customers who have been waiting for discounts. On the other hand, price reductions put a lot of pressure on automakers by severely reducing, in some cases, already narrow margins. In another article published today, Chinanews.com reported that “aggressive price reductions can lead to lower profit margins for car manufacturers and dealerships, potentially impacting their financial sustainability. Moreover, relying solely on price reductions to attract customers may not be a sustainable long-term strategy, as other factors such as product quality, brand reputation, and after-sales services also play significant roles in consumers’ purchasing decisions.”
The ongoing price war in the Chinese automotive market has emerged as a hot topic, capturing the attention of industry insiders, media, and consumers alike. With this year still in its beginning months, it will be interesting to see how both sales figures as well as the automakers themselves are affected. Spurred by increased competition and this ongoing price war, perhaps Hiphi is just the first of many automakers to fall recently.

Other Sources: CSJ and 163

 

[Yommie]

BYD’s Snow Leopard spied – Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 spy shots from China

New spy shots of the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 Leopard 3 from BYD undergoing winter testing in China.

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BYD’s Snow Leopard spied – Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 spy shots from China​

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Mark Andrews

February 21, 2024


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The BYD brand that no one knows what to call seems to be growing. Yes we’re talking about Leopard or should that be Formula Leopard or in Chinese Fang Cheng Bao. So far the brand has the Leopard 5 (Bao 5) on sale which should be joined later this year by the Leopard 8. Now spy shots have emerged of the Leopard 3.

Little is currently known about the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3, yes the Leopard 3 has an extra bao in its Chinese name. Obviously it is smaller than its Leopard 5 sibling with BYD taking a traditional size based approach to the model numbering.

Like the Bao 5 the new car will sit on the DMO platform. This is a platform optimized for all-wheel drive SUVs and is exclusive to the Fang Cheng Bao brand. Little is known about the platform but it is likely a modified version of BYD’s DM-p platform.

In a break from the Bao 5 and Bao 8 the new cub is an all-electric model rather than a PHEV, as suggested by the single charging port cover on the front right fender.
Although it is likely to be a similar size to the BYD Atto 3, the Bao 3 will be a serious off-road SUV. Not only will it be all-wheel drive but under car shots reveal independent suspension and chassis guards.

Although still quite heavily camouflaged it is clear that the Bao 3 has rugged looks. There’s a large rectangular grille and hefty front bumper plus the light clusters both front and rear are mounted high up. Teaser images previously seen suggest an optional rare mounted spare wheel.

From the spy shots it looks as if BYD have been putting the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 through its paces in cold weather testing. The Leopard 3 should go on sale later this year after the flagship Leopard 8. Car News China expects prices to lie in the 200,000 – 300,000 yuan (27,300 – 41,000 USD) range.

There is currently no news on the power of the car or battery capacity, however, we can be assured that the Bao 3 will use BYD’s famous lithium iron phosphate Blade battery from its FinDreams subsidiary.
In a break from BYD’s traditional dealership sales model the Fang Cheng Bao brand sell through directly operated stores with BYD aiming to open 150 by the end of 2024.

 

[Yommie]

China’s got a new Tank – Tank 800 from GWM spy shots

Spy shots of the Great Wall Motor Tank 800 seen in China and due to launch soon.

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China’s got a new Tank – Tank 800 from GWM spy shots​

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Mark Andrews

February 21, 2024


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New spy shots of the Tank 800 from Great Wall Motor (GWM) have emerged. Although still heavily camouflaged on the outside we can see from the interior shots that the car is getting close to production ready.

The Tank range is growing fast and currently consists of the Tank 300, Tank 330, Tank 400, Tank 500, and Tank 700. GWM’s new addition to its Tank range will likely be the new flagship model and largest yet in the series.

Chinese media are saying the Tank 800 will used the same powertrain as the Tank 700 Hi4-T which has a PHEV system based around a 3.0T V6 twin-turbo engine and a nine-speed HAT gearbox together with an electric motor. The setup provides at total of 385 kW power and 850 Nm torque.

However, it is possible that the car will initially launch with the 3.0T engine with a 48V hybrid setup before later launching a Hi4-T version. This has been done with most Tank models so far with the exception of the Tank 700.
Design wise the Tank 800 seems to be more on the lines of the boxy Tank 300 and Tank 500 rather than the more unusually angled Tank 400 and Tank 700. At the front there is a straight on imposing grille with square light clusters to the sides.
Inside the front dashboard seems to have been largely finalised and is in line with the Tank 500. One notable addition is a line of physical buttons below the large central screen. We also can get a cheeky glimpse of what the Tank 800 will look like thanks to the car image on the screen.


The general layout of the center console is very similar to the Tank 500 which a chunky drive shifter and rotating drive mode selector. There seems to be a fair amount of chrome decoration inside and the interior seems spacious.
Some serious off-roading should be possible in the Tank 800 and it features air suspension and double wishbone both at the front and rear.
The concept for the Tank 800 originally showed at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show and it should be the largest and most luxurious car in the series. Sales are likely to begin later this year.

 

[Yommie]

Dongfeng Voyah H37 SUV spy shots emerge in China

New spy shots of a mid-size SUV from Dongfeng Voyah with the codename H37.

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Dongfeng Voyah H37 SUV spy shots emerge in China​

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Mark Andrews

February 21, 2024


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Much clearer spy shots of the Voyah H37 have emerged than the ones we previously brought you indicating that the launch should be soon and the car will likely appear at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.

H37 is the internal code name for a new mid-size SUV. It will be the fourth model in the Voyah brand from Dongfeng following on from the Free, Dreamer and Passion. Expect the H37 to gain an equally aspirational name soon.
The design is clearly true to the Voyah family and gains light strips and a large front grille. However breaking from existing models is the large air deflector on the front bumper. At the back the taillights are similar to the Voyah Free. A steeply raked tailgate makes the car look more youthful.


Interior shots prove that the car is nearly finalized. There is of course a large central display but this from the shot looks like it is mounted a bit lower than usual although that might just be due to the angle of the picture. Also apparent is the two layer center console. The top layer does not extend fully to the dashboard, ending with the wireless mobile phone charger, while underneath are possibly cup holders and a storage compartment.

Although details are thin on the ground it is safe to assume that the new model will be available in both all-electric and PHEV versions. The car will slot in underneath the Voyah Free, the brand’s first car, and it is possible that prices will be in the region of 300,000 yuan (41,700 USD).

Voyah launched in 2019 and is the luxury new energy division of Dongfeng. So far sales have not been particularly impressive and the brand has not gained the traction of some other premium offerings from large SOE such as Avatr from Chang’an. The H37 will be produced in the Dongfeng-Nissan factory in Wuhan.

 

[Yommie]

Zeekr 001 revised model to launch on February 27

China's first F1 driver joins Zeekr to commemorate the 20th anniversary of China's F1 racing sports

carnewschina.com

Zeekr 001 revised model to launch on February 27​

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Adrian Leung

February 21, 2024


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New Zeekr 001 will launch in China on February 27. It stands on the 800V platform, and has two e-motors for 580 kW on board, a CATL’s Qilin battery, and other enhancements.

The new Zeekr 001 will maintain its overall design in consistency with the current model. Notable changes include the addition of a laser radar at the upper center of the front windshield, expected to support advanced autonomous driving technology. Unlike the new Zeekr 007, the new Zeekr 001 retains the segmented “claw-like” headlights. Its front face adopts a similar style to the Zeekr 001 FR with a wider front spoiler, giving the entire front end a more aggressive look.

The vehicle features new multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. The brake caliper colors are in orange and gray. The dimensions of the new model are 4977/1999/1545 (1533) mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3005mm.

Inside, a fully digital dashboard complements the large central touchscreen. The diameter of the touchscreen reaches 15 inches. It can turn to the driver or the front passenger. The vehicle is equipped with the Qualcomm 8295 chip. Also included are lever-type window controls, upgraded electronic door handles, and wireless charging.

The new model is expected to adopt 800V high-voltage charging, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in 15 minutes. It will be offered with both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive version will have a maximum power of 310 kW that travels up to 705 km in range. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant will have a combined power of 580 kW with a range up to a 656 km range. The new Zeekr 001 can charge other vehicles with V2V function.

Commemorating 20 years since China’s F1 event in 2004, Zeekr just announced that China’s first F1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, has become the Chief Driving Officer for the new Zeekr 001. The former F1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen has also joined Zeekr as the Chief Performance Advisor late last year whom oversaw the launch of the Zeekr 001 FR. The partnership with Zhou Guanyu will boost motorsports in China. As Zeekr’s first model, the Zeekr 001 is the sole Chinese model partnering with two F1 drivers.


Since Zeekr first launched the 001 back in October 2021, the accumulated sales of the 001 came to 152,064 within the borders of Mainland China.
Source: Auto Home

 

[Yommie]

2024 BYD Dolphin gets lower price model with impressive new features​