China Auto Thread

[Yommie]

2024 BYD Dolphin launched in China, starts at 13,865 USD

The BYD Dolphin Honor Edition hatchback offers 130 kW motor and up to 420 km range.

carnewschina.com

2024 BYD Dolphin launched in China, starts at 13,865 USD​

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Denis Bobylev

February 23, 2024


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The BYD Dolphin Honor Edition hatchback started sales in China with a 420 km range, 70 kW e-motor, and a lower price tag. It also added a version with a smaller battery for 302 km range, reducing the starting price. Now, the entry-level Dolphin starts at 99,800 yuan (13,865 USD). It is 4.7% cheaper than its predecessor. As my colleague Jiri reported earlier, BYD declared a price war against ICE cars. And BYD Dolphin is one of the brand’s most valuable soldiers.

BYD Dolphin Honor Edition: main changes​

The exterior styling of the Dolphin Honor Edition is generally the same. The only new additions are the new body color and rim design. Its dimensions are also the same at 4125/1770/1570 mm with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. For clarity, the BYD Dolphin is 159 mm shorter, 19 mm narrower, and 79 mm higher than the Volkswagen Golf.

Inside, the new Dolphin follows the design language of its predecessor with a few enhancements. This hatchback offers ventilated front seats, a 50 W wireless phone charging pad, and a new type-C charging port. It also has a rear privacy glass. Another feature of this car is the built-in ETC system that allows drivers to automatically pay tolls on toll roads without stopping the car. The Dolphin Honor Edition still has a 12.8-inch floating rotatable screen and a small 5-inch LCD instrument cluster.

One of the biggest enhancements of the BYD Dolphin Honor Edition is the rear suspension. Now, it has an independent suspension system, similar to the European version. Previously, lots of Dolphin drivers complained the car’s chassis wasn’t comfortable enough.
Another enhancement is the powertrain. It still comprises two electric motor options: a 70 kW one (rated power is 35 kW), and the motor for 130 kW. But now the domestic Dolphin has two LFP battery options to pick from. The first is a 32 kWh battery for 302 km CLTC range, and the second is 45 kWh LFP pack for the 401-420 km CLTC range (depending on e-motor). Later, the 60-kWh pack for 520 km range will also become available for purchase.

BYD Dolphin Honor Edition: trim levels and price range​

The BYD Dolphin Honor Edition is available in four trim levels:

• Vitality – 99,800 yuan (13,865 USD)
  • 70 kW, 32 kWh battery, 302 km range
• Free – 112,800 yuan (15,670 USD)
  • 70 kW, 45 kWh battery, 420 km range
• Fashion – 119,800 yuan (16,650 USD)
  • 70 kW, 45 kWh, 420 km range
• Knight – 129,800 yuan (18,030 USD)
  • 130 kW, 45 kWh, 401 km range

A large batch of BYD Dolphins parked next to the BYD’s Jinan plant
The BYD Dolphin Honor Edition now offers more for less money, thanks to the variant with a smaller battery pack. It is a part of the BYD’s war against ICE vehicles. This company ceased the production of the petrol-powered cars in early 2022. BYD’s founder Wang Chuanfu previously said that he expects NEV share to reach 50% in China at the 2024 year-end. However, the annual update will also help Dolphin to rival its EV rivals, such as Wuling Bingo and Baojun Yunduo (Cloud).
Source: BYD

 

[Yommie]

IM models to be rebranded as MG for sales in Europe and South America

Capitalizing on MG's global success, IM vehicles will be rebranded as MG.

carnewschina.com

IM models to be rebranded as MG for sales in Europe and South America​

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Adrian Leung

February 23, 2024


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In a strategic move, the SAIC co-owned IM brand is set to rebrand its models, including LS6, LS7, L6, and L7, as MG for sales in the European and South American markets. This transition aims to capitalize on MG’s global success and boost sales in overseas regions. Both MG and IM fall under the umbrella of SAIC, one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers.

IM Motors is the collaboration of SAIC Motor Corporation Group, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, and Alibaba Group which is aimed at rivaling the likes of Tesla and Nio. SAIC is responsible for the production of the IM-branded vehicles.

MG, established in 1924 in Oxford, UK, holds a rich century-long history and is now owned by SAIC Motor Corporation. IM’s models are mid-sized vehicles with more luxury can also fill a gap in MG’s current line-up.

IM’s line-up:

IM L7 is the brand’s first model. It is a large sedan with dimensions of 5098/1960/1485 mm and a wheelbase of 3100 mm. Its top trim level has 4WD for 445 kW and a 90 kWh ternary NMC battery.

The IM LS6 is a mid-size fastback SUV with dimensions of 4904/1988/1669 mm and a wheelbase of 2950 mm. The top trim has 4WD for 396 kW and a 90 kWh ternary NMC.


IM LS7 is a larger SUV than the LS6 with dimensions of 5049/2002/1773 mm and a wheelbase of 3060 mm. It has 4WD for 425 kW and a 100 kWh ternary NMC.
IM L6 is the brand’s latest model that has yet to enter the Chinese market. Its dimensions are 4931/1960/1474 mm with a wheelbase of 2950 mm. Its performance variant has up to 579 kW. There are two battery options for the L6: 90 kWh and 100 kWh for 700-770 km range.

Currently, IM vehicles are exclusively available in Mainland China, the cumulative sales for 2023 reached 38,253 units. However, it lags significantly behind its primary competitors. In contrast, Tesla achieved sales exceeding 645,000 units in China throughout 2023, Xpeng delivered over 121,000 cars, and Nio successfully sold more than 160,000 EVs. The planned rebranding effort aims to strengthen IM model sales in Europe and South America.
MG’s global sales exceeded 840,000 units in 2023, marking its fifth consecutive year as the top Chinese automotive brand in terms of export volume, contributing to around 70% of SAIC Group’s overseas sales. MG’s success extended to 16 developed countries, including Western Europe and Australia, where sales reached nearly 380,000 units. Models like the MG4 EV, MG ZS, and MG5 consistently secured positions in the top ten of export lists. The MG4 EV, specifically, became the best-selling compact electric vehicle in Europe, surpassing 130,000 units in overseas sales, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units.
Recent years have seen various models from SAIC Roewe and SAIC-GM Wuling successfully exported by rebranding them as MG. The Roewe Ei5, was rebranded as MG5. The Wuling Air EV transformed into the MG Comet and MG Hector, achieving commendable sales in the Indian market.
The upcoming year, 2024, holds special significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the MG brand. SAIC Group has set ambitious goals, targeting a global annual sales target of 1.35 million units in 2024.
With MG’s brand serving as a driving force, SAIC achieved overseas sales of 1.208 million units in 2023, reflecting an 18.8% year-on-year increase. This accomplishment secured SAIC’s position as the top Chinese automaker for eight consecutive years enabling China to surpass Japan and become the world’s leading exporter.
Source: Yiche

 

[Yommie]

BYD YangWang U9 supercar teaser​

 

[Yommie]

Xiaomi SU7 winter testing in -33 °C in Heihe, China​

 

[Yommie]

More Li Mega interior details emerge in China

More details about the Li Mega electric MPV set to launch in China on March 1.

carnewschina.com

More Li Mega interior details emerge in China​

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Mark Andrews

February 23, 2024


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Today Li Auto released more information about the brand’s first ever all-electric model the Mega MPV set to be launched on March 1. The official video shows more interior information.

In the front the Mega replicates the winning formula of the L series of SUVs. An augmented reality head up display and multi-functional steering wheel do away with an instrument panel for the driver. The steering wheel itself has a small, 4.82-inch, display embedded in it. Air conditioning outlets, wireless charging panels, cup holders and other design elements are all carried over. Although the center mounted screen looks the same as in the L series it is said to be improved allowing users to view it better.

The MPV follows a 2+2+3 seating arrangement and bills itself as a mobile living space. Much like in the L9 there is a foldable ceiling screen on the roof between the first floor and second rows. On the back of the front passenger seat is a small airline side fold down tray for the second row.

Where the Mega significantly differs is the use of two large captain type seats for the second row passengers. These along with having adjustable leg rests have a 95° backrest reclining angle and 500 mm of movement backwards and forwards.
These seats should be very comfortable coming with a SPA level 16 point massage function split into six points on the cushion and ten on the backrest. Furthermore it has a new 270° surround heating system covering the backrest, seat cushion, leg rest, armrest and other areas. In addition the seats gain a 50W active cooling wireless mobile charging pad. Despite having a 532 mm seat cushion and 115 mm wide armrest there is still enough space in the center tunnel for easy third row access.
The third row itself is fairly standard layout wise for an MPV but it is more comfortable. Cushion length is 530 mm and backrest height 613 mm which is claimed to be better than in a D-segment executive sedan. Not only are the three seats heated but they also have rake adjustment of 22-36°. The whole third row can fold forward electrically expanding luggage capacity and increasing the depth of the space from 680 mm to 1,066 mm. A picture shows that space then packed with four 28-inch suitcases and a further two 20-inch cases.

The Li Mega measures in at 5350/1965/1850 mm, the wheelbase is 3300 mm so it’s truly massive. Drag coefficient though is an amazing for an MPV 0.215Cd. This aids the Mega to achieve a 710 km CLTC range from a 102.7 kWh Qilin 5C battery pack from CATL. Through ultra-fast charging using the 800V architecture peak charging of 552 kW is possible meaning 500 km of range can be added in 12 minutes.
Powering the Mega beast is a 155 kW front and 245 kW rear motor giving 542 Nm of combined torque. Acceleration is a terrifying 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph).
No official price has yet been announced but it is known that it will not exceed 600,000 yuan (83,400 USD) and Li Auto CEO, Li Xiang, has said that he expects the Mega to become a big seller.

Editor’s note:​

I had a Li L9 as a press car for around 5 days last year and was very impressed by it, despite its size. Many of the winning attributes of that car are carried over to the Mega but the new car seems to ramp up the comfort for passengers even more. Some may question the wisdom of dropping the winning EREV formula but the combination of the Qilin battery and the superfast 5C charging should help mitigate the problem.

 

[Yommie]

NEW BYD Seal review – is this electric car REALLY better than a Tesla? | What Car?​

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

"Sea of blood:" China's Xpeng promises 30 new EV models to survive competition

Xpeng to dramatically expand its lineup of EVs over the next three years in an effort to survive what it calls the “sea of blood” – the intense competition between Chinese brands.

thedriven.io

 

[Yommie]

"Sea of blood:" China's Xpeng promises 30 new EV models to survive competition

Xpeng to dramatically expand its lineup of EVs over the next three years in an effort to survive what it calls the “sea of blood” – the intense competition between Chinese brands.

thedriven.io

LMFAO. I read that as sea of flood at first.

 

[Yommie]

The new version of the GAC M8 minivan was introduced in China 19:39 - Social Bites

A new version of the GAC Trumpchi M8 Grandmaster minivan has been introduced in China. In this respect reports Automatic home. The car received a high-tech automatic parking system based on 12 ultrasonic radars. In this way, the minivan can take a parking space both in automatic mode and in…

socialbites.ca

The new version of the GAC M8 minivan was introduced in China 19:39​

ByANIKA
February 24, 2024

A new version of the GAC Trumpchi M8 Grandmaster minivan has been introduced in China. In this respect reports Automatic home.
The car received a high-tech automatic parking system based on 12 ultrasonic radars. In this way, the minivan can take a parking space both in automatic mode and in remote control mode, without a driver at the steering wheel.
The minivan featured rich chrome trim, including the sills and lower edges of the bumpers. Under the hood of the M8 is a 2.0 turbo engine with 252 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The second row seats of the minibus are equipped with folding tables, leather upholstery, massage function, heating and ventilation.
Jeep was previously known as will be released Five new models by 2025.




Source: Gazeta

 

[Yommie]

2024 IM L7 enters market in China with 3.87s 0-100km/h acceleration, price starts at 42,200 USD

Two cruising range options are available in 625 km and 708 km.

carnewschina.com

2024 IM L7 enters market in China with 3.87s 0-100km/h acceleration, price starts at 42,200 USD​

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Dong Yi Chen

February 24, 2024


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On February 24, SAIC’s IM Motors launched its 2024 IM L7 electric sedan. Consumers can choose from a total of four versions with a price range of 299,900 – 419,900 yuan (42,200 – 59,000 USD):

• Max long-range flagship version: intelligent four-wheel drive, 625 km cruising range (CLTC), 3.87 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h, 389,900 yuan (54,800 USD)
• Max long-range performance version: intelligent four-wheel drive, 625 km cruising range (CLTC), 3.87 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h, 349,900 yuan (49,200 USD)
• Max long-range version: rear-wheel drive, 708 km cruising range (CLTC), 5.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h, 299,900 yuan (42,200 USD)
• Max SP special edition: intelligent four-wheel drive, 625 km cruising range (CLTC), 3.87 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h, 419,900 yuan (59,000 USD)

As a facelift model, the 2024 IM L7 continues the design language of the previous generation model and is mainly upgraded in terms of comfort and vehicle intelligence. The front headlights are still sharp, and the intelligent light display composed of 5,000 LEDs can display various patterns. The entire series are equipped with lidar, Nvidia Orin X chip, and the pixels of the two forward-facing cameras are increased from 5 million to 8 million to realize Navigate on Autopilot (NOA).
The new car measures 5108/1960/1485 mm, the wheelbase is 3100mm. Its drag coefficient is 0.21Cd.


Inside, the new IM L7 offers a half-moon steering wheel option, a 26.3-inch “full-frame digital cockpit screen”, and a 12.8-inch vertical touchscreen embedded in the center console.
The second row has the IM MAG magnetic docking station with a batch of magnetic accessories including a small folding table, reading lamp, and beauty mirror.
In addition, the cockpit is equipped with 22 speakers and 4 microphones, with upgraded “5D luxury executive seats” that come with 50 mm thick electric thigh rest, according to the brand. The rear seats provide 3-level heating and ventilation functions, and support body massaging.

Max long-range version
Furthermore, the powertrain is available in rear single motor and a front + rear dual motor system. The maximum power of the single motor is 250 kW and the peak torque is 475 Nm; while the combined power of the dual motors is 425 kW and the peak torque is 725 Nm. The battery info has not been officially announced by the brand at this time.

Source: IM, ITHome, AutoHome, YiChe

 

[Yommie]

BYD’s YangWang U9 launched at 236,00 USD: 0-100 km/h in 2.36s with LFP battery

The dancing hypercar hits the market.

carnewschina.com

BYD’s YangWang U9 launched at 236,00 USD: 0-100 km/h in 2.36s with LFP battery​

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Jiri Opletal

February 25, 2024


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YangWang U9 launched in China with a single option priced at 1.68 million yuan (236,000 USD). The all-electric supercar sits on the e4 platform and is equipped with BYD’s Disus X suspension system, which enables it to drive on three wheels or even jump. Four electric motors power it with a total output of 960 kW (1287 hp) and 1,680 Nm peak torque.

U9, which stands for Ultimate 9 according to BYD, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.36 seconds and from 0-400 km/h in 9.78 seconds. The electric motor can spin at 21,000 rpm. Interestingly, the car is not equipped with a battery with NMC chemistry like other high-end cars but features BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

YangWang U9 was tested on the famous Shanghai International Circuit, reaching the official lap time of 2 minutes, 17 seconds, and 65 milliseconds. For comparison:

• Nio EP9: 2 minutes, 01 seconds, and 11 milliseconds
• BMW M5 F90: 2 minutes, 22 seconds, and 828 milliseconds
• Porsche Panamera Turbo: 2 minutes 27 seconds, and 727 milliseconds

The YangWang U9’s dimensions are 4966/2029/1295 mm with a wheelbase of 2900 mm. The LFP battery pack on board has a capacity of 80 kWh, good for 465 km of CLTC range. The pack weighs 633 kg, and the whole car has a 2,475 kg curb weight, which is quite a lot for the supercar. The official top speed is 309.19 km/h.
The YangWang U9 was unveiled a year ago during the YangWang brand launch. After it was revealed that it would feature the intelligent suspension Disus X developed in-house by BYD. The car became headlines when performing a dance or even driving with only three wheels. That is all thanks to DiSus X suspension, which can lift each axle with a speed of 500 mm/s thanks to the maximum power of 36 kW provided by the 800V platform.

The lightweight body coefficient reaches 0.95. As for the torsional rigidity, it is 54,425 Nm. The rear spoiler of the U9 provides a downforce of up to 280 kg.

YangWang is BYD’s high end brand. U9 is its second car after the hard-core, floating-on-water SUV U8, which started deliveries in December last year. The third model – the YangWang U7 sedan, with a 135.5 kWh battery – will follow soon. Based on CarNewsChina information, the fourth car will be a fastback SUV.
YangWang U9 will compete with Geely’s Lotus Emeya sedan and GAC Aion’s Hyper SSR with 1224 horsepower. It also eyes Chinese owners of Ferrari or Lamborghini.

 

[Yommie]

BYD to tap the electric two-wheeler market

BYD announced it is developing batteries for e-scooters.

carnewschina.com

BYD to tap the electric two-wheeler market​

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Jiri Opletal

February 25, 2024


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Nerva Exe E-Scooter with BYD LFP Blade battery. Credit: Nerva

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BYD is the world’s second-largest EV battery maker, with a 15.8% global market share in 2023. Their batteries are used in electric cars and stationary storages, but mass use in electric motorcycles, e-bikes, and other two-wheelers was avoided. This might change soon, as the company announced today it would increase its investment and R&D to develop two-wheeler batteries.

FinDreams, BYD’s wholly-owned battery subsidiary, posted today on its WeChat that it will produce safe and reliable batteries for the two-wheeler market. FinDreams will collaborate with various third parties to develop batteries that can be placed indoors. “Our mission is to let people use batteries without worries,” the company announced.
The statement came after 15 people died and 44 were injured during the fire in a residential building in Yuhuatai district in Nanking on February 23. The fire allegedly started in areas where two-wheelers are parked, and despite the exact cause still being investigated, it sparked a fierce discussion in China about the safety of e-scooters. Since then, several Chinese cities have banned residents from parking two-wheelers inside the buildings.

According to data from the National Fire and Rescue Bureau, there were 21,000 reported electric two-wheeler fires in China in 2023, marking a 17.4% increase compared to 2022. In 2022, there were 18,000 electric two-wheeler fires, representing a 23.4% increase from 2021.
The “Safety Technical Specifications for Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Motorcycles,” released last year, incorporates battery performance under diverse unforeseen circumstances or unique environments. This includes scenarios such as battery exposure to unexpected occurrences like compression, vibration, free falls or when it operates in specialized conditions such as low air pressure or extreme temperatures. Moreover, criteria such as shell flame resistance, handle durability, and waterproofing are also outlined in the specifications.
BYD already has some experience with electric motorcycles. In July 2023, BYD signed a contract with the Singaporean two-wheeler brand Scorpio Electric to assemble their first electric scooter X1 in Shenzhen for the Chinese market.

Despite X1 being produced by BYD, it is not equipped with BYD’s LFP battery but with a pack from Samsung. “The X1’s development is too advanced for us to switch. But we are discussing with BYD to use its battery for future products,” Scorpio Electric commented to the Businesstimes.
Moreover, in 2022, BYD cooperated with Spanish motorcycle brand Nerva to supply their LFP battery to their new electric motorcycle. Nerva Exe E-Scooter was launched in February of the same year with a 5.76 kWh LFP battery and can charge 0-80% in 3.5 hours.

 

[Yommie]

Off-road Capabilities of the Chinese Car | GWM Tank 300 2.0 T​

 

[StraightEdge]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1761720695976055244

One of the most interesting thing about U9 is dual-charger port. I was wondering when this will appear.

YW U9 finished Shanghai race track in 2m17s
Behind NIO EP9's time of 2m1s, but ahead ofPorsche 911 (2m20s), BMW M4 (2m23s) & M5 (2m22s), Porsche Panamera Turbo (2m27s), Aston Martin DBX (2m29s)
0-400m in 9.78m
max speed 309 km/h
Can jump/dance w/ Disus-XCarbon
ceramic brake

 

[Yommie]

Neta Auto postpones bonuses, raising concerns amidst HiPhi’s closure

Is Neta the next domino to fall after HiPhi?

carnewschina.com

Neta Auto postpones bonuses, raising concerns amidst HiPhi’s closure​

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Naveed Rastegar

February 26, 2024


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The recent announcement of a postponement of staff bonuses by Neta, a brand under Hozon Auto, has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media. With last week’s closure of HiPhi for six months, concerns are growing that Neta Auto could be the next company to face challenges in the industry.

Over the last few days, Chinese netizens have expressed concern about postponing Neta Auto’s year-end bonuses. The issue came to light when an employee on social media claimed that the CEO and Chairman had previously promised to distribute the bonuses in the first week after the Chinese New Year. However, the Human Resources Manager later informed employees that the bonus distribution process was still underway and would be completed by March. This delay, coupled with the lack of a specific distribution date, has led to comparisons with the recent issues faced by HiPhi, leaving the market questioning the implications and raising concerns about customer confidence.
Neta Auto CEO Zhang Yong
On February 24, Neta Auto’s CEO, Zhang Yong, responded to the situation on social media. Zhang explained that the year-end bonuses for 2023 were tied to performance evaluations, and the final assessment and distribution process would be completed in March. He also addressed the delay in provident fund payments, attributing it to the extended collection period due to the Chinese New Year.

Zhang emphasized that since 2016, Neta Auto has never delayed the payment of salaries, bonuses, or social security benefits. Stating ” there have been no salary cuts or layoffs” while highlighting the challenges of entrepreneurship. He also cautioned employees not accustomed to facing difficult times, reminding them of the need to share the burden collectively.
While the postponement of year-end bonuses may not be a significant issue for a company, its timing during the period following HiPhi’s closure has fueled speculation. Keen observers will not that on the one hand, Neta Auto has targeted the European market and cooperated with European banks; it also has recently announced ambitions for its new Neta SS estate to enter the European market. On the other hand, Neta Auto’s recent sluggish sales have garnered significant attention from netizens and the media. The company faces challenges, as it was the only mainstream Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer to experience a decline in sales in 2023.
Neta Auto recently announced price reductions on several vehicle models to boost its market performance during the ongoing price war. Furthermore, the upcoming launch of their new mid-to-large-sized SUV, Neta L, in March, featuring both pure electric and extended-range hybrid versions, holds potential.

While the postponement of staff bonuses by Neta Auto has generated concerns amidst HiPhi’s closure, it is pertinent to consider the company’s commitment to its employees over the years. The challenges Neta Auto and other Chinese automakers face, and the industry’s perception of the situation underscore the need for transparency and careful due diligence. As the automotive landscape evolves, the market awaits Neta Auto’s future endeavors.
Source: PC Auto