China Auto Thread

[Yommie]

Xiaomi delivered over 10,000 units of SU7 in June

Xiaomi will offer gifts to SU7 buyers facing delivery waits of three months or more; gifts include Nappa leather seats and lifetime access to autonomous driving.

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Xiaomi delivered over 10,000 units of SU7 in June​

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Adrian Leung

July 1, 2024


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Xiaomi announced that SU7 (see specs) deliveries surpassed 10,000 units in June. The increase follows Xiaomi’s announcement of dual-shift production in May. The tech giant expects to deliver the same number of vehicles, if not more, in July. Their delivery numbers have steadily increased from 7,058 units in April to 8,630 units in May. Despite earlier production bottlenecks, this achievement aligns with Xiaomi’s goal of delivering 100,000 to 120,000 units in 2024.

Xiaomi will offer gifts to SU7 buyers who wait three months or longer for delivery. This limited-time offer includes complimentary Nappa leather seats worth 8,000 yuan (1,100 USD) and lifetime access to autonomous driving for all SU7 models. This offer will be available between July 1 and July 31 with a deposit of 5000 yuan (688 USD).
Xiaomi also unveiled the SU7 Smart Chassis Ambient Light, priced at 999 yuan (138 USD). This product features six color effects. It includes exterior light illumination and IP67 dust and water resistance.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, spy shots of the high-performance version of the Xiaomi SU7, in camouflage, were spotted testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The images revealed numerous performance upgrades over the standard SU7, with expected chassis and braking system enhancements. Based on comments from Hu Zhengnan (senior consultant of Xiaomi Auto), 7 minutes 30 seconds is the current baseline performance of the Xiaomi SU7 V8s at the Nürburgring, with further adjustments targeting under seven minutes.
As previously announced by Xiaomi, the V8s super motor is expected to reach a maximum speed of 27,200 rpm, potentially delivering close to 1,000 horsepower. The highly anticipated Xiaomi SU7 V8s is scheduled for an official release in 2025. We may consider this as the “SU7 Ultra”. We eagerly await witnessing the lap time the “SU7 Ultra” will achieve at the Nürburgring.
The same motor may be used on the new SU7 MX11 SUV, as it was spotted on road tests earlier.

Recent accidents involving the SU7 on race tracks across China generated controversy surrounding the vehicle’s quality. Enthusiasts are reminded of the significant differences between consumer and race cars and urged to drive cautiously.

 

[Yommie]

Breaking news: Nio’s 3rd brand Firefly is not compatible with Nio swap stations

Firefly, Nio's third brand, confirmed as not being compatible with Nio swap stations. Require new container sized swap facility.

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Breaking news: Nio’s 3rd brand Firefly is not compatible with Nio swap stations​

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Mark Andrews

July 1, 2024


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A video posted late on June 30 on Weibo, China’s Twitter equivalent, confirmed what we speculated in early June; Nio’s new Firefly brand will not be compatible with Nio swap stations. Firefly is the codename for Nio’s third brand which was originally aimed at the European market. Now the brand, which specializes in smaller EVs, will reportedly launch in China first and then Europe later.

In the recent video Nio founder William Li is seen wearing a T-shirt, speaking possibly to members of the media, but it is not clear where the video was taken or when. In the poor quality 17-second video Li clearly says that the Firefly brand is not compatible with current Nio battery swap stations and that the brand will use special container-sized small battery swap stations. These will have a relatively simple structure and you will be able to buy coffee in the Firefly swap station.
Last month when we brought you the initial news that Firefly cannot use Nio swap stations we suspected it might just be a case that they are unable to use existing ones and that the new fourth-generation station which debuted in mid-June would be compatible. This is certainly the case with Nio’s second brand Onvo. Cars from the Onvo brand are not compatible with first and second-generation stations. Third-generation stations require modifications before Onvo cars can use them but the fourth-generation are fully compatible.

Obviously, this is not the case with Firefly. The stumbling block for compatibility is the wheelbase. In an earnings call in June Nio indicated that the first Firefly model would be priced around 100,000 yuan (13,800 USD). Firefly will focus on smaller, more affordable cars positioned in the 100,000 – 200,000 yuan (13,800 – 27,600 USD) segment. Nio says that it has not publicly released the wheelbase requirements for the fourth-generation swap station yet but the second and third-generation both have a requirement of a 2800 mm wheelbase.
Small cars will likely need shorter wheelbases than 2800 mm. A Volkswagen ID.3 has a relatively long 2770 mm wheelbase but a BYD Dolphin is 2700 mm, and an MG4 has 2705 mm.

Editor’s note:​

Where does all this leave the Firefly brand? From July 4 Nio cars will be subject to a 21% tariff in the EU on top of the existing 10% tariff. This along with Nio’s poor performance so far in Europe is probably part of the reason for Nio reportedly no longer launching the Firefly brand simultaneously in the EU and China.

Creating another battery swapping network in addition to the one for Nio is going to be a huge cost. While by the sounds the stations will be much simpler and likely cheaper than Nio swap stations, costs aside there are the logistical implications along with rolling out such a network for an unproven brand. This will be a huge drain on the resources of the company.
Source: Weibo

 

[Yommie]

BYD Song L DM-i spotted in China, to be launched in the third quarter with 2,100 km range

The BYD Song L DM-i will achieve a fuel consumption of 2.9 L/100 km with its fifth-gen PHEV system

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BYD Song L DM-i spotted in China, to be launched in the third quarter with 2,100 km range​

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Adrian Leung

July 1, 2024


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The BYD Song L DM-i, a compact SUV, will feature BYD’s latest DM-i 5.0 PHEV platform with a 2,100 km range. With sales expected to commence in the second half of this year, the Song L DM-i is poised to make a significant impact with a starting price of around 120,000 yuan (16,500 USD). As we have tested the Seal 06 DM-i, we expect the Song L DM-i to be good value for money.

The Song L DM-i will feature a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5L engine and an electric motor, delivering 99 hp and 215 hp, respectively. The combined fuel and electric range is expected to exceed 2,000 kilometers, with a fuel consumption rate of just 2.9 L/100 km. The rear suspension will feature a unique four-link independent design, promising improved shock absorption and dynamic performance. Since the new BYD Song L DM-i will be built on the DM-i 5.0 PHEV platform, we expect it will provide a softer ride than the existing BEV BYD Song L.
The new interior spy shot of the Song L DM-i looks similar to what we reported earlier. It has similarities to the Qin L DM-i. It features a fully digital embedded instrument panel and a floating-style central control screen, which appears to be 15.6 inches in size. The car has a four-spoke steering wheel, a design element typical of the Dynasty family. Additional features include a wireless smartphone charging panel with a maximum charging power of 15 watts and integrated sports seats wrapped in light-colored leather, adding a touch of luxury to the interior.

The mid-size BYD Song L DM-i SUV externally sports a black “dragon’s mouth” grille, thin LED lights, trapezoidal air intake, plastic-trimmed wheel arches, retractable door handles, and tinted rear windows. The rear has unique taillights, a roof spoiler, and independent suspension.
It measures 4780/1898/1670 mm with a 2782 mm wheelbase, slightly larger than the Song Plus. It uses 225/60 R18 or 235/50 R19 wheels and weighs between 1930 and 2000 kg. Inside, it has a 2+3 seating layout, suggesting it might replace the current Song Plus.
Updated: 03/07/2024

 

[Yommie]

Geely-backed Zeekr gets ready to launch Cullinan-like EX1E SUV in 2025

The Zeekr EX1E electric SUV from Geely was partly revealed in patent images. Cullinan-alike crossover will enter the market next year.

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Geely-backed Zeekr gets ready to launch Cullinan-like EX1E SUV in 2025​

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Denis Bobylev

June 30, 2024


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AI-made render image of the Zeekr EX1E

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The Zeekr EX1E electric SUV from Geely was partly revealed in patent images. Its rear end shows the split tailgate and sheds light on the exterior of the brand’s seventh model. The Zeekr EX1E’s styling appears to be quite close to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Zeekr IPO in New York
Zeekr is a high-end EV brand under the Geely Group, launched in 2021. Its current model line comprises four models: 001 liftback, 009 minivan, X crossover, and 007 sedan. Zeekr raised 441 million USD on a New York IPO earlier this year. In 2024, the Geely-baked brand plans to launch two cars: Mix MPV and Ark SUV. Next year, three more models will hit the domestic market. One of them is the EX1E SUV. It was partly revealed in patent images.

More about Zeekr EX1E SUV​

Zeekr’s product planning revealed by Deutsche Bank
Previously, there was no information about the upcoming Zeekr EX1E crossover. However, CarNewsChina guessed the codename of this vehicle refers to its size class. It means the EX1E is the Zeekr’s upcoming full-size flagship SUV.

On June 28, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released patent information from Zhejiang Zeekr Technology Co., Ltd. This patent protects the tailgate design of an unknown Zeekr’s future car. It shows the rear end of the vehicle, which is considered to be the brand’s flagship SUV. So, Chinese sources reported it is patent images of the EX1E crossover.
Zeekr EX1E patent images
The Zeekr EX1E SUV has a flat roofline with a large sunroof, slanted D-pillars, and plastic trim around wheel arches. It has a roof spoiler, a charging port in the left fender, and trapeze-shaped independent taillight units that look quite similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The tailgate of the EX1E also suspiciously stays close to the RR car. It has a split design. The lower section can be folded down, while the upper section opens upward. According to the patent filing, these parts both are power operated.
Interestingly, the styling of the Zeekr EX1E doesn’t follow the brand’s current design language called Hidden Energy. It looks like Zeekr wants to emphasize the EX1E’s status by giving it a unique look. The EX1E crossover is likely to use the SEA architecture. It will enter China next year to rival cars from Legacy brands.

Source: CNIPA, Weibo

 

[Yommie]

Neta S wagon fully exposed as it enters China in August

The Neta S station wagon enters China in August with a starting price of 20,600 USD. Later, it will hit overeas markets.

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Neta S wagon fully exposed as it enters China in August​

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Denis Bobylev

June 30, 2024


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The Neta S station wagon was fully exposed in spy shots in China. This NEV will enter the Chinese market in August with a starting price of 150,000 yuan (20,600 USD). Its deliveries are scheduled for September this year. The Neta S wagon stands on the Shanhai 2.0 platform and has up to 496 hp.

Neta booth at an Auto Show
Hozon Auto initially launched Neta as a mainstream NEV brand in 2018. Nowadays, it is moving upmarket, launching more advanced and expensive models. Its model line comprises five cars: Aya, X, S, GT, and L. The Neta S station wagon will become the latest brand’s model. It will enter China in August.

More about Neta S station wagon​

The Neta S station wagon is known as the Neta S Hunting Edition. Its exterior styling follows the design language of the Neta S sedan (see specs). Its front end has thin LED running lights similar to a cat’s whiskers. Headlights of the Neta S wagon sit in the front bumper, as well as a sizeable trapeze-shaped air intake. On the roof, this station wagon has a LiDAR sensor. It is the very first Neta car to obtain this tech element.

The spotted S station wagons both ride on R19 wheels with Giti tires. However, this car has optional R20 rims with Michelin tires. As the sedan variant, the S wagon adopts retractable door handles that reduce drag coefficient. All in all, the Neta S station wagon stays in line with the S sedan. However, everything changes after the C pillar.
The S Hunting Edition has a smoother roofline that merges into D pillars, forming the distinguishing outline of the station wagon. It has a large roof spoiler, a rear wiper, and a unique bumper. But the taillight unit of this wagon stays in line with its sedan sibling.
The interior of the Neta S wagon stays in line with the sedan variant. It adopts the same screen layout with a giant 17.6-inch portrait-oriented main screen, a 12.3-inch front passenger screen, and a 13.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. It also has an AR-HUD behind the wheel. The S wagon has a D-shaped steering wheel with a gear shifter mounted behind it. Interestingly, the S Hunting Edition adopts the new center tunnel design without dull glossy plastic. The quality of materials was also enhanced.

Neta S wagon specs​

The Neta S station wagon is said to be based on the Shanhai 2.0 platform. It is the next generation of architecture, which underpins Neta L crossover (see specs) and Neta S sedan. However, in terms of raw number, the Hunting Edition stays extremely close to the sedan. Its dimensions are 4980/1980/1480 mm with a wheelbase of 2980 mm. It is just 30 mm higher than the sedan version.
The all-electric variant of the Neta S wagon has two powertrain variants. The first one adopts a single e-motor in the rear axle for 200 kW (268 hp). There is also a 4WD variant with a combined power output of 370 kW (496 hp). The EREV variant has a single e-motor in the rear axle for 200 kW, and a 1.5-liter 95-hp ICE under the hood that acts as a generator. It has two battery options: 31.7 kWh and 43.9 kWh. Tall-electric range of the S wagon EREV reaches 185 km (CLTC).
The Neta S station wagon will enter the Chinese market in August this year. Its price is expected to start from 150,000 yuan (20,600 USD). The top-trim Neta S Hunting Edition can cost up to 250,000 yuan (34,400 USD). The deliveries of this wagon will start in September this year. It will first sell domestically. However, Neta has serious intentions to export this model.
Source: Weibo

 

[Yommie]

Chery Fulwin T10 plug-in hybrid SUV will enter market on July 14

The Fulwin T10's battery packs are supplied by CATL. Its comprehensive range is 1,400 km.

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Chery Fulwin T10 plug-in hybrid SUV will enter market on July 14​

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Dong Yi Chen

June 30, 2024


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Chery’s upcoming Fulwin T10 plug-in hybrid SUV will launch on July 14. Currently, the mass-produced Fulwin T10s are ready to be shipped from Chery’s Wuhu factory in China, with the two-wheel drive trims arriving first followed by the four-wheel drive. The price tag is expected to start around 200,000 yuan (27,500 USD).

The Chery Fulwin T10 measures 4850/1930/1712 mm, with a 2820 mm wheelbase, officially positioned as a medium-to-large SUV. Consumers will be able to choose from five- and six-seater layouts along with four exterior colors, namely, white, black, silver, and forest green; as well as two interior colors, namely, purple and green.
Both single-motor and dual-motor options will be available. As the sister model of the Chery Fulwin T9, the power also comes from Chery’s Kunpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system, which consists of a fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI hybrid engine and electric motor(s), mated to a 3-speed DHT. The engine has a maximum power of 115 kW (154 hp) and a peak torque of 220 Nm. The single-motor variant uses a 165 kW (221 hp)/390 Nm electric motor and can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The dual-motor variant has front and rear electric motor power of 165 kW and 175 kW (235 hp), respectively; and a combined peak torque of 740 Nm. The 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time is 4.9 seconds.

Furthermore, the entire series is equipped with a 34.46 kWh battery pack from CATL as the standard. The single-motor variant has a CLTC pure electric range of 210 km while the dual-motor variant has a CLTC pure electric range of 200 km. The comprehensive cruising range is 1,400 km.
Inside, the cockpit features a dual-screen comprised of the instrument panel and central control screen, a D-shaped steering wheel, and rectangular air-conditioning outlets. The center console has a rotary knob to control various settings.
Other configurations include an AR-HUD, 256-color ambient lights, 14 speakers, 10 airbags, a panoramic sunroof, front seat heating/ventilation, and a queen co-pilot seat with massaging and an electrically adjustable legrest.

In May 2024, Chery sold 146,029 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 31.6% and a month-on-month decrease of 0.0%. In particular, 4,448 units of the Chery Fulwin T9 (see spec here) were sold and 2,350 units of the Chery Fulwin A8 (see spec here) were sold (bringing its cumulative sales to 12,450 vehicles).
Source: DongCheDi, Sales Data

 

[Yommie]

Sunday China Drive | BYD Sea Lion 07 with new e-Platform 3.0 Evo to rival Model Y globally

The Sea Lion 07 uses BYD's latest e-Platform 3.0 Evo, supporting the world’s highest-speed production motor at 23,000 rpm

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Sunday China Drive | BYD Sea Lion 07 with new e-Platform 3.0 Evo to rival Model Y globally​

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Adrian Leung

June 29, 2024


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The Sea Lion 07 (see specs) is the first car to use BYD’s latest e-Platform 3.0 Evo. It features a 12-in-1 electric drive system supporting the world’s highest-speed production motor at 23,000 rpm. This is the latest EV added to BYD’s Ocean series. The SUV coupe is available in four variants, starting at 189,800 yuan (26,250 USD).

The new car arrived in Chinese dealerships for a while. However, registrations took longer than expected. Our readers requested a test drive report during the Sea Lion 07’s launch. So, we will make an exception to publish car reports on the same brand back to back. Join us for this week’s Sunday China Drive with the Sea Lion 07!
First Impressions

Like the Seal 06 DM-i we reviewed last week, the Sea Lion 07 belongs to BYD’s Ocean series, which targets younger buyers. The new car measures 4830/ 1925/ 1620 mm and has a wheelbase of 2930 mm. Compared to Tesla’s Model Y, it seats 4mm lower and 80mm longer, with its SUV coupe sloping roofline giving the car a sporty appearance. While some may argue that the BYD Song L (see specs) is the best-looking SUV coupe from BYD, I find the Sea Lion 07 most visually striking.
The BYD Sea Lion 07 takes design cues from the Ocean-X concept car, maintaining the BYD Seal family’s aesthetic language. Its exterior is sleek and stylish, featuring headlights and retractable door handles. The rear has a continuous taillight, a “ducktail” spoiler, and a roof spoiler with a BYD logo that illuminates at night.
Closing the Seal Lion 07 doors sounded more solid than closing the doors of the Seal 06 DM-i. All the panels are aligned, and the paint looks well-finished.

The Interior
As you enter the BYD Sea Lion 07, you will find yourself inside a premium cabin with nicely stitched leather and ambient lights that emit up to 128 colors. The ventilated leather seats with massage functions were a gift on the 33 °C test drive day. Like all other BYD cars we tested, the seat provides good lumbar support. Please note: massage functions are only available in the top two trims.
Many curves around the dashboard are reminiscent of BYD’s Ocean series. The stylish SUV has a flat-bottomed four-spoke steering wheel and a 50-inch AR-HUD, which was very bright even on a sunny day. At the center lays BYD’s signature rotating central screen measuring 15.6 inches. It runs on the DiLink 100 system, powered by a 6nm chip supporting voice control. Other features include a crystal gear selector, physical buttons for essential controls, a 220V power supply for your laptop, a karaoke system, and NFC keyless entry.
The car provides ample space for the rear passengers. The angle of the back seats is manually adjustable. The panoramic sunroof adds to the interior’s spaciousness. The car’s 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system provided a decent audio experience. Yet, it did not give enough soundstage for a vehicle this size. Having additional ATMOS speakers in the ceiling will make a difference.
Storage
The Sea Lion 07 features a 58-liter frunk and a 558-liter rear trunk, offering generous storage capacity.
Behind the Wheel
Our test car is the Sea Lion 07 Intelligent Voyage with RWD, which costs 219,800 yuan (30,250 USD). As we did with the Seal 06 DM-i last week, we took the SUV on the same suburban roads in Zhuhai to see how it performed.
Although the driver’s seat position is higher than I prefer, visibility is excellent. The cabin was quiet when traveling around the block. However, wind noise from the frameless doors became noticeable during higher speeds of around 120 km/ h on the highway. The steering is relatively quick for a car this size and is more direct than other BYD models we tested. However, it is slightly lighter than I like.
Thanks to BYD’s DiSus-C intelligent damping body control system, the car felt planted when turning corners and very stable when driving over hums and bumps. On poorly paved roads, its adaptive suspension senses the conditions and reacts to adjust wheel damper rigidity.
This Sea Lion 07’s 0-100 acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, which provides a linear speed increase over rapid acceleration. The test car has an e-motor with 230 kW mounted at the rear axle, a maximum torque of 380 N·m, and a 225 km/h top speed.
Overall, the Sea Lion 07 is a comfortable ride and lively to drive. It is one step above the BYD Song L, launched last year.
Battery Range
This single-motor model offers 610 km CLTC in range with a battery capacity of 80.64 kWh. The BYD Sea Lion 07 can charge 10 – 80% in 25 minutes.
Safety Features
The Sea Lion 07 is the first BYD vehicle to feature the DiPilot 100 “God’s Eye” ADAS integrated with 12 ultrasonic radars, five mm-wave radars, and 11 cameras. It offers advanced L2 driver assistance, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane departure assistance, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent speed control. The vehicle has 11 safety airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and driver monitoring assistance.
Conclusion
BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 is now three years old, and it’s nice to see the new e-Platform 3.0 Evo coming to the market. The Sea Lion 07 has looks and personality. Yet I felt moderately disappointed as I walked away from the test drive.
Xiaomi took a nonconventional approach and filled a void left by legacy automakers by positioning SU7 as a performance sedan with good looks and aggressive pricing. Xiaomi will likely continue its strategy with its upcoming MX11 SUV, adding more space for rear passengers. The BYD Sea Lion 07 has the world’s highest-speed production motor (23,000 rpm) and is BYD’s most sporty-looking SUV. Sea Lion 07 has the elements to be a performance SUV. Instead, it is tuned and positioned as a family SUV for comfort to compete in an overcrowded market segment in China, where BYD Song L, XPeng G6, IM LS6, and Telsa Model Y already exist.
This model will join BYD’s EVs Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal and will be available in overseas markets like Europe, the UK, and Australia as early as next year. Like the BYD Seal, we suspect this model will primarily target the overseas market rather than the domestic market, taking on the Tesla Model Y and the Volkswagen ID.4.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can get more evaluations of Chinese EVs from a first-person perspective.
Update 01/07/2024

 

[Yommie]

New FAW-Volkswagen Magotan with DJI’s intelligent driving solution will launch on July 9

Power comes from a 1.5T (158 hp) and 2.0T (217 hp) engine for the new FAW-Volkswagen Magotan.

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New FAW-Volkswagen Magotan with DJI’s intelligent driving solution will launch on July 9​

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Dong Yi Chen

June 29, 2024


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This is FAW-Volkswagen’s new Magotan gasoline-powered sedan. The new car will enter the market on July 9 with an upgraded exterior and interior along with DJI’s newly released intelligent driving solution.


The new Volkswagen Magotan is built on the MQB-B platform with dimensions of 4990/1854/1487 mm and a 2871 mm wheelbase, positioned as a medium-sized sedan. Compared with the current Magotan, the new car is 124 mm longer, 22 mm wider, and 8 mm taller, while the wheelbase remains unchanged. From the side, the car runs on new dual-color rims.
Current FAW-Volkswagen MagotanNew FAW-Volkswagen Magotan
In the front, the narrow grille is connected to the headlights on both sides with a through-type chrome trim positioned in the center, reflecting the car’s “Timeless” design language. The Volkswagen logo in the center can also be lit up and a camera is positioned below the logo.

At the rear, the new Volkswagen Magotan uses a through-type taillight, a red reflective strip below, and a slightly upturned duck tail. The Volkswagen logo can also be lit up, echoing the front.
Compared with the exterior, the changes in the interior are more obvious. The most noticeable are the three screens consisting of a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel, a 15-inch 2K floating central control screen, and an 11.6-inch co-pilot entertainment screen. The built-in car system is supported by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. A HUD and electronic gear shifter are also used.
In addition, the new Volkswagen Magotan comes with DJI’s level 2+ intelligent driving system, supporting IQ. Pilot advanced driving assistance functionalities including adaptive cruise control, lane keep, and lane change assist. It is worth pointing out that DJI’s intelligent driving solution has also been launched on other models including the SAIC-Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro, Baojun Yep Plus, and Chery iCar 03 (see spec here).

Furthermore, other configurations include iFlytek voice assistant, Harman Kardon speakers, and front/rear seat electric adjustment/ventilation/heating/massaging.
Two powertrain options are offered: 1.5T and 2.0T engines, mated to a 7-speed DCT. The 1.5T engine outputs 118 kW (158 hp)/250 Nm, which is 8 kW higher than the current 1.4T engine. The 2.0T engine outputs 162 kW (217 hp)/350 Nm, which remains consistent with the current 380TSI trim on sale.
Source: DongCheDi, Sohu

 

[Yommie]

Volkswagen ID.UNYX all-electric SUV will launch in mid-July in China

The ID.UNYX is the first all-electric vehicle manufactured by the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture.

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Volkswagen ID.UNYX all-electric SUV will launch in mid-July in China​

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Dong Yi Chen

June 29, 2024


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On June 28, Volkswagen officially announced its new pure electric compact coupe SUV, ID.UNYX, is expected to launch in mid-July in China. ID.UNYX’s Chinese name is Yu Zhong (与众), meaning with the mass, and is the first pure electric vehicle manufactured by Volkswagen Anhui.

Earlier at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the Volkswagen ID.UNYX made its debut. Positioned as a compact SUV, the Volkswagen ID.UNYX measures 4663/1860/1610 mm with a 2766 mm wheelbase.
At that time, Volkswagen also announced a new smart pure electric vehicle series called the ID.UX, which symbolizes “Make Every Moment Gold”, and the ID.UNYX is the series’ first model. In the future, all new cars under this series will adopt the gold Volkswagen brand logo. By 2027, Volkswagen plans to launch five smart pure electric vehicles under the series.

Furthermore, the Volkswagen ID.UNYX obtained a sales license from the Chinese regulator in March this year. Two powertrain options will be provided in single-motor and dual-motor versions. The maximum power of the single electric motor trim is 170 kW while the maximum power of the dual motor trim is 80 kW for the front electric motor and 170 kW for the rear electric motor.
In addition, the car will use 82.4 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery packs provided by CATL and will offer 621 km and 565 km cruising ranges.
In terms of appearance, the side features a fastback coupe SUV design and semi-hidden door handles.

The rear adopts a layered design and integrates the rear wing, taillights, and high-mounted brake lights. The Volkswagen logo embedded in the middle can also be lit up. Additionally, the car runs on 21-inch rims.

About Volkswagen Anhui​

Volkswagen Anhui was established in 2017 as Volkswagen’s first new energy vehicle joint venture in China and Volkswagen’s third vehicle joint venture in China. It used to be a 50-50 joint venture between Volkswagen and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), making cars under the SOL brand. Later, Volkswagen took control of the joint venture and now has 75% of the shares. Then, JAC changed the SOL brand into Sehol to make only JAC cars.
Source: DongCheDi, AutoHome

 

[Menthol]

Jiyue 07 EV from Geely reached dealers as brand’s sales continue to disappoint

The Jiyue 07 EV from the JV between Geely and Baidu reached dealerships in China. It aims to enhance brand's poor sales.

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Jiyue 07 EV from Geely reached dealers as brand’s sales continue to disappoint​

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Denis Bobylev

July 3, 2024


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Jiyue 07 liftback reached dealers in China

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The Jiyue 07 electric liftback from the joint venture between Geely and Baidu reached dealerships in China. It is the brand’s second model, aimed to improve Jiyue’s poor sales performance. The 07 liftback will make its market debut soon.

Jiyue’s bumpy ride in China​

Jiyue was initially established in 2021 as Jidu, a joint venture between Baidu and Geely, with “Chinese Google” holding the major stake. However, Jidu failed to obtain the sales license and was restructured to become Jiyue. Under the new name, Geely grabbed 65% of the JV, with Baidu holding the rest. In this JV, Geely takes care of manufacturing, while Baidu is responsible for the software.
Jiyue 01 SUV
The first Jiyue car modestly called Jiyue 01 (see specs) entered the domestic market in October 2023 with a starting price of 249,900 yuan (34,350 USD). Later, its price was sliced y 30,000 yuan (4,100 USD). It is an SUV based on Geely’s SEA modular architecture. The Jiyue 01 is being assembled at the same plant as the Zeekr 001 liftback. However, Jiyue’s sales volume is disappointing. From January to May 2024, the Geely&Baidu JV sold just 2,239 units.

So, Jiyue currently almost seems like a pointless brand. However, it hopes to improve its sales performance by launching its second model, the Jiyue 07 liftback. It successfully obtained a sales license in May. And now, a batch of Jiyue 07 has reached dealers in China.

Jiyue 07 arrived at dealers​

This week, Jiyue 07 liftbacks were spotted piling up at dealerships across China. Thanks to the photos, we can check the boy color options of this vehicle. The Jiyue 07 will be available in Gray, Blue, Black, White and Green colors.
The exterior of the 07 liftback stays in line with the variant shown by the Governmental regulator. It follows the design language of the Jiyue 01 SUV. The front end of the 07 adopts an LED strip that crosses the front end and two Y-shaped headlights. It also has a trapeze-shaped air intake in the front bumper. From the side, the Jiyue 07 has a sleek profile with a slanted roof and retractable door handle. The rear end of the actual car adopts an active spoiler and a single taillight unit.

Jiyue 07 interior was previously revealed in spy shots
Inside, the Jiyue 07 adopts a single screen that crosses the dashboard. This car has a steering yoke instead of the steering wheel. Back to the entertainment system of this electric car, it is powered by a Snapdragon 8295 chip from Qualcomm. Another feature of the Jiyue 07 is the Apollo autonomous driving system.

Jiyue 07 specs​

The Jiyue 07 boasts hefty dimensions of 4953/1989/1475 mm with a wheelbase of 3013 mm. Another feature of this liftback is a drag coefficient of 0.198 Cd. This number makes the Jiyue 07 one of the most aerodynamic mass-produced cars, together with Xpeng 03, Geely Galaxy E8, Xiaomi SU7, and Zeekr 007. It is worth noting that Jiyue 07 received the iF Design Award 2023 and was the Red Dot 2023 car design winner.
The Jiyue 07 stands on the SEA platform from Geely. The same architecture and its offshoots underpin every Zeekr-branded car, Smart #1, Smart #3, LEVC L380 minivan, Radar RD6 pickup truck, Geely Galaxy E8, Jiyue 01, etc. Back to the 07 liftback, it offers three powertrain variants:

• RWD, 200 kW (268 hp), 71.4 kWh LFP battery, 660 km CLTC range
• RWD, 200 kW (268 hp), 100 kWh ternary NMC battery, 880 km CLTC range
• 4WD, 400 kW (536 hp), 100 kWh ternary NMC battery, 770 km CLTC range

The Jiyue 07 has already reached dealers. It means its sales will kick off soon. The starting price of this liftback is expected to be around 200,000 yuan (27,500 USD). It is a competitive price. However, Jiyue is a little-known brand in China. As a result, the Jiyue 07 has many competitors with higher credibility among Chinese buyers. It means the sales volume of this liftback won’t be high.
Source: WeChat

I don't understand.

How can a good looking car like this, and it's also the most advanced car in China fails in sales???

I don't know what Chinese people are thinking.

What is their car preference?

Hiphi is failing, Avatr is failing too, and then this!

 

[Yommie]

I don't understand.

How can a good looking car like this, and it's also the most advanced car in China fails in sales???

I don't know what Chinese people are thinking.

What is their car preference?

Hiphi is failing, Avatr is failing too, and then this!

Marketing is not good enough.

 

[Yommie]

OPINION Is there a method in Nio’s madness of giving Firefly incompatible battery swapping?

Firefly has battery swapping but cannot use Nio battery-swap stations. This seems like madness but is there a good reason?

carnewschina.com

OPINION Is there a method in Nio’s madness of giving Firefly incompatible battery swapping?​

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Mark Andrews

July 4, 2024


0
Demonstration of a Nio Swap Station 3.0 on the Nio stand at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

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When it comes to business Chinese companies typically have a winner-takes-all attitude. This can clearly be seen in the current race to the bottom when it comes to EV pricing, largely being instigated by market leader BYD. And this ethos may go some way to explaining the current situation with Nio and its branding strategy and why Firefly has incompatible battery swapping.

Although Nio has been beset by various problems over the years, the root cause has always rested with sales. What Nio needs to do more than anything is increase its volumes. Nio’s sales of 21,209 in June, a monthly record, is obviously an encouraging sign. However, Nio keeps giving encouraging signs but unlike Li Auto has never been able to follow up on them with concerted growth.
Nio seemed to realize early on that the Nio brand alone would be insufficient which is likely the reason that it initially formed joint ventures with both GAC and Changan. These due to Nio’s financial problems came to nothing. Onvo is the latest attempt at going more mass market and William Li, Nio’s CEO and founder, has high hopes for the brand’s first car, the L60. This has battery swapping and is compatible with Nio’s fourth-generation swap stations and modified third-generation stations. If Onvo is successful this will then give Nio another brand of cars using the swap stations.

Onvo L60 using a Nio battery swap station
For Nio battery swapping is one of the main differentiators between it and the competition. From a user’s perspective, it is a lot quicker to swap a battery than charge one and it also means that the purchaser doesn’t need to worry about battery attenuation. Furthermore, it gets away from the fear factor of being hit with a huge bill for battery replacement.
However the network comes at a huge cost, China Daily quotes Nio as putting a price tag of 3 million yuan (412,650 USD) on each third-generation station and says that between 2018 and mid 2023 Nio accumulated 76.4 billion yuan (10.5 billion USD) in debts partly because of the swap stations. Previously William Li has said each station needs to do about 60 swaps a day to breakeven. Nio charges for each swap and can also potentially earn money from managing surge demand for electricity via storage for the grid, although it is not clear if Nio currently does this. It should also be noted that the cost of a swap station in Europe is likely higher.
A Nio ET7 undergoing battery swapping with the Nio Power Swap Station 3.0 installed at the Nio Delivery Center, Nanxiang, Jiading District, Shanghai, China.
Figures from June show that 54.14% of ‘charging’ by Nio drivers was done using swap stations versus the next highest figure of 23.79% from home charging. The remainder was made up of 18% at third-party public chargers and 4.07% from Nio public charging piles.

When it comes to battery swapping Nio is by far the leader in China. The only other real usage tends to be restricted to taxi fleets. In 2022 battery giant CATL set up its own battery swapping service EVOGO but this is reportedly still restricted to Xiamen, Quanzhou, Hefei, Guiyang, and Fuzhou.
Nio has tried hard to attract other producers to use its battery-swapping system and Nio’s battery swap alliance now counts GAC, Geely, Chery, FAW, Changan, and JAC as members. The problem is not one of them yet seems to have produced a car compatible with Nio’s swapping system. If they do so Nio’s swap stations have a real chance of switching from a money drain to a revenue source.
The logic of launching a third brand almost simultaneously with a second brand is highly questionable. Firefly, as the brand is codenamed, is meant to be aimed at the European market and will concentrate on smaller cars. But was it really necessary to create a whole new brand to do this, could Onvo not have done this if it is meant to be more a mass-market brand?
Firefly prototype
Causing the answer to be ‘no’ more than anything else is the wheelbase restriction on Nio’s battery swap stations. The wheelbase restriction on Nio’s second and third- and third-generation swap stations is 2800 mm. Although we currently do not know the restriction for the fourth-generation swap station, we can assume that it is probably the same. It is very difficult to make a small car with a wheelbase of 2800 mm.
Firefly prototype
As we now know the Firefly brand will have battery swapping but it will not be compatible with Nio’s existing swap stations. William Li, Nio CEO and founder, has said that the Firefly swap stations will be about the size of a container and sell coffee. Building a network of these will be very expensive. Currently, Nio only has around 50 swap stations in Europe and given Nio’s poor sales so far in Europe it would seem prohibitive to create another swap station network. Equally making a car compatible with battery swapping adds to the costs and complexity of the car. Given the low-cost aims of the Firefly brand, it would have been better just to stick with charging.
One justification for the situation is that Nio envisions selling the smaller battery-swapping size to one of its battery-swapping partners for one of its brands. The current size restrictions on using the Nio swap station network must also be a constricting factor for other brands who wish to use the battery-swapping standards set out by Nio. By having another standard which is suitable for smaller cars it may be a way of persuading some of the partners to use the Nio standard. There is though still a big question mark over whether any of the partners will actually adopt Nio’s battery-swapping standards or not. It is very common in China for big announcements to be made but nothing done to follow them up.
This brings us back to the winner-takes-all all business attitude. By having the two battery swap size standards one for medium to large cars and the other for smaller cars Nio can effectively control the market for all battery swapping i.e. winner-takes-all. Of course, the big question is whether the winner really will take all in when it comes to battery swapping. With ever-decreasing battery charging times using fast charging the need for battery swapping is diminishing. For how long battery swapping can remain a competitive advantage for Nio is difficult to say, particularly given the cost of having two different battery swapping networks.
Sources: China Daily, Autohome, China Daily, Cleantechnica

 

[Yommie]

Volkswagen ID.UNYX official images revealed ahead of launch in China

The Volkswagen ID.UNYX is under the ID.UX series, which symbolizes "Make Every Moment Gold".

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Volkswagen ID.UNYX official images revealed ahead of launch in China​

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Dong Yi Chen

July 4, 2024


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On July 4, Volkswagen released the official images of its first model – the Volkswagen ID.UNYX – a smart electric compact coupe SUV, under its ID.UX series. The new car is expected to be officially launched in mid-July, available in two trims for consumers to choose from with a cruising range of 621 km and 565 km.

ID.UX symbolizes “Make Every Moment Gold”, according to the brand. By 2027, Volkswagen plans to launch five smart pure electric vehicles under the series. Additionally, the manufacturing is done by Volkswagen Anhui, established in 2017 and is Volkswagen’s third vehicle joint venture in China.
Formerly known as JAC Volkswagen, both Volkswagen and JAC each held 50% of the shares at the beginning. In May 2020, Volkswagen China acquired 50% of the shares of JAC Holdings, the largest shareholder of JAC Motors, and increased its stake in JAC Volkswagen to 75%. At the end of 2023, Volkswagen Anhui officially put into production the Cupra Tavascan for export to the European market.

The Volkswagen ID.UNYX features various golden elements, including its golden Volkswagen logo that can be lit up in the front and rear. In the front, the Volkswagen ID.UNYX has a through-type light strip connecting the LED headlights on both sides. Air intake elements are also present on both sides of the front bumper. Additionally, the A-pillar has been blackened to create a visual floating roof effect.
Other design elements include hidden door handles, petal-shaped rims, blackened exterior mirrors, and a layered rear design.
A charging port is located on the rear right side of the body.

The Volkswagen ID.UNYX has dimensions of 4663/1860/1610 mm, a wheelbase of 2766 mm, and a curb weight of 2166/2266 kg.
Volkswagen ID.UNYX spotted on Chinese streets
According to the declared information by the Chinese MIIT, the Volkswagen ID.UNYX offers two power options: single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive.

• Single motor rear-wheel drive: 170 kW (228 hp) electric motor
• Dual motor four-wheel drive: 170 kW rear electric motor + 80 kW (107 hp) front electric motor, combined system power of 250 kW (335 hp)

Both variants use 82.4 kWh ternary lithium battery packs provided by CATL. Depending on the powertrain, the cruising ranges are 621 km and 565 km.
Interior spy shots
According to the interior spy shots, the cockpit has a three-spoke steering wheel, a suspended instrument panel, and a large central control screen. The center console is simple with two cup holders and wireless charging panels. The detailed specifications still need to be announced by the carmaker.
Source: ITHome, DongCheDi

 

[Yommie]

Avatr 07 electric SUV has a luxury interior with fish screen and zero gravity seats

More pictures give us a complete idea of the Avatr 07 interior. And more details emerge about electric range as car readies for launch.

carnewschina.com

Avatr 07 electric SUV has a luxury interior with fish screen and zero gravity seats​

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Mark Andrews

July 4, 2024


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At the end of last month, a lone picture of the front row of the Avatr 07 led to comparisons with a spaceship. Now a whole new set of pictures have appeared and we have a far better idea of what the interior looks like. What is very apparent though is that the Avatr brand is emphasizing the luxurious nature of the cockpit. Pre-orders of the car will begin in the third quarter and it may be launched in September.

According to a company official the Avatr 07 interior is based on the theme of a future technology luxury cockpit. Chinese media are referring to the long thin display unit for the instrument panel with separate screens for the side view mirrors as the ‘fish screen.’ There is also a floating horizontal center-mounted infotainment screen. Overall it has a three-dimensional look and a sense of hierarchy with hidden air outlets. The floating center console has dual wireless phone charging pads which also offer a space to put the physical key. There are dual drink holders and a cubbyhole which can be opened from either side.
It seems from the pictures that not only the passenger seat but also the driver’s seat has a legrest. The 07 has dual zero gravity seats meaning that the seats can lie down to a near-flat position. They come with heating ventilation and massage functions along with backrest anti-pinch, remote start for the heating and ventilation, along with other functions. The seats are covered in pearlescent Nappa leather which has been produced using a vegetable-based tanning agent. Avatr says that the interior of the 07 has been developed to the C-GCAP green certification standard.

Although the back row will seat three it has been designed very much in mind as a 2-seater. There is a wide armrest which when folded down has a touchscreen control for adjusting the backrest angle and functions like heating, ventilation, and massage, along with the electric sun blinds. A panoramic sunroof extends from the front to the rear. More than 65% of the car’s available space is given over to the occupants.
Outside the Avatr 07 adopts the future elegance design concept of the Avatr family. There are double-layered LED daytime running lights which make the car very recognizable. However, it is the smallest member of the Avatr family to date coming in at a marginally smaller size than the Avatr 11. The new car measures 4825, 1980, and 1620 mm (l/w/h) while the wheelbase is 2940 mm.
The Avatr 07 is available in both all-electric and extended-range EV versions and both are available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Range extended versions use a 1.5T engine with 115 kW power. For the 2WD version, there is an electric motor on the rear axle with 231 kW, for the 4WD version an additional 131 kW electric motor is added to the front axle. The extended range version has a 39.05 kWh battery pack and has an all-electric CLTC range of 230 km for the single motor and 220 km range for the dual-motor version.

Fully electric versions use a more powerful 252 kW electric motor on the rear axle and for the 4WD version an additional 188 kW motor on the front axle. Currently, the battery sizes are unknown for the all-electric version however the electric range is 650 km for the single-motor version and 610 km for the dual-motor. All battery packs use lithium iron phosphate batteries supplied by CATL.
Prices are expected to be in the 250,000 to 350,000 yuan (34,400 – 48,150 USD) range.
Sources: Autohome, Fast Technology

 

[Yommie]

Hongqi HS7 PHEV will start pre-sale on July 11

The Hongqi HS7 PHEV will be offered in two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants, with a pure electric range of 92 km and 83 km, respectively.

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Hongqi HS7 PHEV will start pre-sale on July 11​

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Dong Yi Chen

July 4, 2024


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This is Hongqi’s upcoming HS7 PHEV SUV. Its pre-sale will start on July 11 in China, available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants as well as six- and seven-seater layouts. Currently, the gasoline-powered variant of the Hongqi HS7 is already on the market.

Gasoline-powered variant of the Hongqi HS7Hongqi HS7 PHEV
In the exterior design, the PHEV variant remains largely unchanged compared with the gasoline-powered variant. The front face retains the straight waterfall-style grille and chrome decorations. At the rear, the through-type taillights are forked on both sides, with red light strips on the black lower section inlaid with a chrome strip in the center. There are also dual exhaust outlets on both sides and a “PHEV” tail label.
The Hongqi HS7 PHEV (see spec here) measures 4995/1960/1760 mm, and the wheelbase is 2920 mm, positioned as a medium-to-large SUV. The side features a floating roof design, silver roof racks, chrome outlined windows, traditional door handles, a Hongqi logo under the A-pillar, 20-inch five-spoke rims, and a charging port on the left and right rear fenders, highlighting the car’s positioning as a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Inside, the overall layout is consistent with that of the gasoline-powered version. At first glance, the vertical large central control screen is eye-catching, coupled with a three-spoke steering wheel, an LCD instrument panel, and a bulky gear lever. The specific dimensions are subject to the official announcement. At the same time, the center console is equipped with a wireless charging panel and a hiddle cup holder.
Additionally, the seats are wrapped in leather materials. The front seats support multi-angle electric adjustment while both the front and rear seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Power comes from a plug-in hybrid power system consisting of a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor (model CA4GC20TDH-42), paired with CATL’s 20.14 kWh ternary lithium batteries. The engine has a maximum power of 163 hp and the top speed is 180 km/h. The two-wheel drive variant has a pure electric range of 92 km, and the four-wheel drive version has a pure electric range of 83 km (assuming it is CLTC). Furthermore, the two-wheel drive has a fuel consumption of 5.98L/100km while the four-wheel drive consumes 6.32L/100km.

Source: DongCheDi, AutoHome, CNFOL