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Recently, FAW-Audi debuted its impressive lineup at the Beijing Auto Show under the theme of “Breaking Through Technology, Enlightening the Future.” The all-new Audi Q6L e-tron, a pure electric luxury SUV based on the PPE platform, made its auto show debut. The Audi SQ6 e-tron also made its China debut, joining the Audi Q4 e-tron and Audi RS e-tron GT on display. PPE Platform Domestic Pure Electric SUVs As a domestically produced model based on the PPE platform, the all-new Audi Q6L e-tron’s overall design continues Audi’s electrification philosophy. It features a closed front grille with split headlights. The upper LED lights are highly recognizable when illuminated. The high and low beam headlights are integrated into the ventilation openings on both sides of the front bumper, creating a single design. The blackened front bumper accentuates the car’s sporty feel. The “lighting factory” retains the technological attributes of the headlights. Its digital daytime running lights utilize transparent 3D-effect LEDs (70 in total), comprising 61 individually controllable light units. The transparent 3D effect, combined with a sophisticated prismatic structure and metallic 3D frame, makes the vehicle’s “digital eyes” even more eye-catching. In terms of dimensions, the all-new Audi Q6L e-tron is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV, measuring 4884 mm long, 1965 mm wide, and 1687 mm high, with a wheelbase approaching 3 meters. In terms of range, the all-new Audi Q6L e-tron, built on Audi’s latest generation of high-end PPE pure electric platform, is equipped with a battery pack consisting of 12 modules and 192 prismatic cells, with a total capacity of 107 kWh and a CLTC range of over 700 km. Thanks to second-generation 800V electric drive technology, it can achieve a maximum charging power of 270 kW, maximizing the range. Charging for 10 minutes can increase the range by 260km. The new car will be mass-produced at Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. The localized mass production of core models is a key manifestation of Audi’s implementation of its “In China, for China” localization strategy. Lei Ping, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of China FAW Group Corporation, stated that in 2025, more new products, including the Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron family, will be launched based on the PPE platform, bringing customers high-quality new energy vehicles that represent the renewed development of the “century-old luxury brand.” FAW Audi Embarks on a New Electric Era In the new energy market, while traditional luxury brands still possess strong technical expertise in chassis and driving control, domestic brands and emerging brands have gradually established a new position in consumers’ perception of “luxury” through their radical styling, creating a futuristic feel, and intelligent in-car systems that bring a fresh feel. The launch of the Audi Q6L e-tron marks the official entry of the all-new PPE platform into the Chinese market, rivaling emerging competitors in terms of technology. Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., located in Changchun, Jilin Province, will begin localized mass production of PPE models by the end of 2024, with the first three models in the Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron series to go into production. In early 2024, pre-production successfully commenced at the new plant managed by Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. This plant is Audi’s first dedicated production base in China for pure electric vehicles and is committed to setting a benchmark in smart manufacturing in terms of digitalization, efficiency, and sustainability. According to FAW-Audi’s current plan, the all-new Audi Q6L e-tron will officially debut in the fourth quarter after its exterior display at the Beijing Auto Show. With the completion of the Changchun PPE plant this year, the all-new Audi Q6L e-tron will enter production by the end of the year, with deliveries commencing in 2025.

Founded in 2018, Jetour has rapidly emerged as a globally recognized force in the SUV segment. Driven by relentless innovation, uncompromising quality, and dynamic performance, the brand has solidified its position at the cutting edge of the automotive industry. Beginning with the successful launch of the X70 series, Jetour has expanded its lineup to include the X90, Dashing, and T2—each designed to meet the varied needs of modern drivers While rooted in China, Jetour’s vision is decidedly global. Through a strategic expansion initiative, the brand has successfully entered more than 45 markets worldwide, spanning the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, Asia-Pacific, and CIS regions. Today, Jetour stands as an influential and growing presence on the international automotive stage. Maybe you’d like to read:

The Iveco Daily is more than a van as, unlike its competitors, it employs a separate chassis and body construction, unlike the unibody construction of rivals like the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit. The result is a tough, heavy-duty van that almost moves into truck territory. With gross vehicle weights ranging from 3.5 to 7.2 tonnes, and body lengths that can run up to 6.75m, there are few jobs the Daily won’t be able to cope with, but that comes with compromises elsewhere. Chief amongst those is payload limits at the lower end of the range. Driving a 3.5-tonne vehicle on a car licence makes life easier for many businesses, but the heavy-duty nature of the Daily means that, while you can have load volumes as large as 19.3m3, the heaviest payload you’ll be able to carry (in a much smaller volume) is just 1,362kg — almost 300kg lighter than a Renault Master can cope with. Three wheelbases, five body lengths, three roof heights and countless gross vehicle weights all combine to leave you picking between an astonishing 8,000 potential models. The most compact model is just over 5m long, with a cargo bay measuring 2,610mm long and 1,450mm high, giving 7.2m3 of load volume. The longest model, at 7,540mm from bumper to bumper, offers 19.6m3 of volume in its 5,125mm by 2,000mm load box. You’ll also find chassis cabs, box vans and crew vans alongside the panel van, as well as a rugged and raised 4×4 model. Power comes from a wide range of engines, from a 2.3-litre diesel offering 116, 136 or 156hp, through a 3.0-litre option with 160, 176 and 207hp options, to another 3.0-litre model fuelled with compressed natural gas. There’s also a pure electric model, the eDaily, with multiple battery options and a range of up to 186 miles in some configurations, and as low as 75 miles in others. The 156hp 2.3-litre diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox delivers solid performance in town and on the motorway. There’s new electric power steering, added in the most recent facelift, which isn’t particularly communicative at high speeds but is a boon for urban driving. Ride quality is fine — and, as with all vans, improves with some cargo in the back — but it’s not as refined as the Mercedes Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter, even with ‘Air-Pro’ pneumatic suspension. The manual gearbox feels strong but lacks definition and is a little notchy, which makes the slick eight-speed automatic a better choice for most. Compared to the Dailys of old, the latest version’s cab is positively luxurious. Memory foam-covered seats, steering that’s adjustable for rake and reach, a DAB radio, and air conditioning are all fitted as standard. You’ll need to move from the entry-level Business spec to Evolution or top-spec Connect to gain access to potential essentials such as adaptive cruise control, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, and even the 7.0-inch infotainment centre that comes with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. More connectivity is offered with the Iveco On pack, which sees your Daily talking to Iveco’s HQ in Italy. A range of data options are available, but the full package will provide weekly reports on the vehicle’s and driver’s performance, safety on board, remote monitoring of fuel consumption and driving style to allow optimisation of your fleet’s performance, and planning and booking of service appointments to maximise uptime. A driver app allows the person behind the wheel to view the driving style evaluation, access the vehicle’s diagnostics info, and activate Iveco assistance when necessary. There’s also vehicle monitoring and remote assistance, with a proactive approach enabling remote diagnostics tools and over-the-air software updates to anticipate and resolve issues before they arise, reducing downtime. All of this comes at a cost, but Iveco is always cagey about revealing list prices. Don’t expect any change from £30,000 plus VAT at the lower end of the range and more than double that by the time you hit the top models. This makes it a rather expensive option, but one that will work very well if it suits your specific business needs. The Iveco Daily isn’t for everybody, but it is efficient, loaded with helpful tech for fleet managers, and can carry load volumes others can only dream of. Maybe you’d like to read:

Advanced Self-Driving PushBYD shares surged 4.5% in Hong Kong on Tuesday after announcing plans to deploy advanced autonomous driving systems across nearly all models—including budget options under $10,000—and integrate AI startup DeepSeek’s software, following peers like Geely and Great Wall Motors. As Tesla’s top rival globally, BYD’s move spurred analysts to warn of potential price wars. Tech Specs & PricingThe automaker will equip its “God’s Eye” autonomous system—featuring remote parking and highway navigation—in at least 21 models, including the Seagull hatchback starting at 69,800 yuan (9,550).Tesla offers similar features in its 32,000 EVs. “Autonomous driving is no longer a niche luxury—it’s a necessity,” declared BYD founder Wang Chuanfu during a Monday livestream, predicting the tech would soon become as essential as seatbelts. AI Integration & Market ImpactDeepSeek’s partnership aims to enhance self-driving capabilities and personalize user experiences. The AI firm made waves last month with a low-cost ChatGPT rival. BYD’s stock rally follows a 20% pre-announcement surge, reflecting investor optimism. China’s EV BattlegroundIn the world’s largest auto market, a prolonged EV price war intensified as 10.8 million electric/hybrid vehicles sold in 2023—up 40% year-on-year. BYD dominated with 4.2 million sales, surpassing Tesla’s revenue in Q3 2023. Maybe you’d like to read:

Over 70% of Saudi drivers intend to buy battery-electric vehicles (EVs) next, per an AlixPartners survey of 10,000 consumers across nine countries.Global Shift Accelerates, Regional Gaps RemainEV adoption is rising worldwide, but growth varies by region. While the U.S. (35%) and Europe (43%) show stable interest, China now dominates with 97% of consumers favoring EVs.China’s EV Boom Fuels DominanceThe surge in China stems from its rapidly expanding domestic EV sector, which delivers affordable, tech-driven models appealing to cost-conscious, style-focused buyers. “The US and Europe, traditional trendsetters in consumer preferences, are falling behind in EV adoption as charging infrastructure concerns persist among buyers, with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) increasingly viewed as viable alternatives to pure battery-electric vehicles,” noted Alessandro Missaglia, a UAE-based partner and managing director at consultancy AlixPartners. In Saudi Arabia, the sole Middle Eastern country analyzed, 70% of residents express strong or moderate interest in purchasing battery-electric vehicles. However, this figure is projected to climb to 85% by 2035, underscoring substantial growth opportunities for the EV sector in the region over the next decade. The China ConnectionThe AlixPartners study highlights rising Saudi consumer awareness of Chinese automotive brands, mirroring a global industry trend. “Notably, 93% of Saudi buyers open to battery-electric vehicles recognize at least one Chinese brand, with BYD leading in visibility. This far exceeds global averages, where awareness ranges between 47% and 71%,” Missaglia observed. Similar to Western markets, Saudi green vehicle adopters are increasingly opting for plug-in hybrids. “This pivot reflects a demand to balance practicality with eco-consciousness as consumers navigate charging and range limitations. Traditional industry players now face dual pressures: meeting current preferences while investing in future technologies,” he added. Maybe you’d like to read:

Jetour, a Chery Group subsidiary, plans to launch seven models in South Africa by 2026-2027, including two Shanhai sub-brand vehicles rebadged as Jetour: Jetour T5 (2026):Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV with 2.0L turbo engine + dual electric motors (claimed 560kW/795Nm).Targets adventure SUV segment, rivaling Nissan Patrol/Toyota LC300.5,400mm length; pre-production model showcased in Beijing (2024).Jetour P5 (2027):Mid-size PHEV pickup to compete with Ford Ranger/Toyota Hilux.Specs unconfirmed, but design cues likely from Zongheng F700 concept.Additional Notes:Jetour may rebadge Shanhai models (T5, P5) under its own brand, mirroring Omoda’s strategy with the C9.Shanhai’s L6 PHEV (based on Dashing SUV) could become SA’s most affordable PHEV (est. R600k-R800k vs. BMW X1 30e’s R1.05M).Other Jetour models (T0, T1, T2) will use non-hybrid turbo-petrol engines. Maybe you’d like to read:

Chinese automaker Denza, BYD’s luxury electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, is set to expand into Western markets, with South Africa likely included. Recent hints from BYD South Africa’s “Denza is coming” announcement and local trademark filings signal a potential launch.Background & Evolution Maybe you’d like to read:

GWM has introduced a 2.4L turbodiesel engine to its rugged Tank 300 SUV, targeting rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The move follows sluggish sales of its existing 2.0L turbo-petrol and hybrid variants, which failed to surpass 100 units year-to-date in South Africa. The new diesel unit delivers 135 kW and 480 N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and claims a combined fuel economy of 7.7 L/100 km—outperforming its petrol (9.5 L) and hybrid (8.4 L) counterparts. Retaining its off-road prowess, the Tank 300 boasts a 700 mm wading depth, 224 mm ground clearance, seven driving modes, tank-turn functionality, and advanced terrain cameras for obstacle visibility. Inside, the SUV features heated/ventilated Nappa leather seats, dual 12.3-inch screens, 64-color ambient lighting, and Level 2 autonomous driving tech backed by a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. GWM offers a 7-year/200,000 km warranty, 7-year unlimited roadside assistance, and a 7-year/75,000 km service plan. Maybe you’d like to read:

South Africa’s automotive sector is undergoing a significant shift as budget-conscious consumers increasingly favor affordable Asian brands like Chery, Mahindra, and Suzuki, while premium European marques struggle. According to TransUnion’s Q4 2024 Vehicle Price Index, new car prices rose 1.7% due to supply chain and production costs, while used vehicle prices dropped 2.8%, reflecting strong demand for cost-effective options. Financing trends underscore this shift: used car loans outpaced new vehicle financing 1.56-to-1, and Standard Bank reported a 9.3% quarterly surge in auto loan applications—the sharpest rise in two years. However, most buyers opted for second-hand cars amid strained household budgets. Asian brands thrived, with Mahindra, Chery, and Suzuki posting year-on-year sales growth of 37.4%, 23.7%, and 22%, respectively. Suzuki’s decade-long expansion—from 6,402 units sold in 2014 to 56,109 in 2024 (776% growth)—propelled it past Volkswagen in early 2025 to become South Africa’s second-best-selling brand behind Toyota. Its Swift model broke records with 2,628 units sold in a single month, briefly overtaking the Toyota Hilux as the top-selling vehicle. Chery also saw explosive growth (1,435% since 2014), aided by its sub-brands Omoda and JAECOO. In contrast, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and BMW faced declining sales. NADA attributes this trend to South Africa’s price-sensitive market, where most buyers target sub-R350,000 vehicles. Chinese brands, offering advanced tech and premium features at accessible prices, are now perceived as strong alternatives to traditional luxury marques. With affordability paramount amid high inflation and interest rates, Asian automakers are redefining the market’s landscape. Maybe you’d like to read:

After nearly a decade of effort, Apple abandoned its electric car project last year, canceling a venture that consumed $10 billion. In contrast, Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi successfully launched its first electric car, the SU7, in just three years. In 2024, Xiaomi delivered 135,000 vehicles and aims to double that number this year. While the SU7 accounts for only a fraction of sales compared to China’s top EV makers, it has positioned Xiaomi as a serious competitor in the premium car market, challenging foreign automakers’ dominance. For instance, Porsche’s deliveries in China dropped nearly 30% following the SU7’s launch. Recently, Xiaomi unveiled the high-end SU7 Ultra in Beijing, alongside a premium smartphone model. The company showcased the car’s performance by racing a prototype at Germany’s Nürburgring, claiming a record for the “fastest four-door sedan.” However, Xiaomi faces challenges, losing $9,200 per car delivered, while Apple continues to enjoy healthy profit margins, as seen in its Q4 results. Despite this, Xiaomi’s bold move into the EV market highlights its ambition to innovate and compete globally. Maybe you’d like to read:

BEIJING – BYD is set to enhance its highly popular range of affordable models with sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities, mirroring those of premium Tesla EVs, thereby stepping up the rivalry in the smart EV marketplace. Maybe you’d like to read:

Jetour officially released spy photos of its camouflaged new Shanhai L9 SUV on February 10th. Highlights from the cover include “zero gravity seats,” “immediate availability,” “500,000 yuan (approx. $68,400) luxury experience,” “cinema-style massage seats,” “270° queen co-pilot seat,” “6.6 kW external power supply,” and a “lifetime warranty.” The medium-sized, 7-seater Jetour Shanhai L9 PHEV, part of Jetour’s Shanhai series, debuted in November 2023 with prices ranging from 166,900 to 188,900 yuan (23,000−26,000). It measures 4862/1925/1784 mm and has a 2850 mm wheelbase. In 2024, only 12,909 units were sold. The updated model is expected to be 49 mm longer, with a revised front closed face and retained through-type headlights. The rear design will remain largely unchanged. According to Chinese MIIT data, the new Shanhai L9 will feature a 1.5T turbocharged engine (model SQRH4J15). With fast charging, it gains 200 km of range in 10 minutes. The current version combines dual front permanent magnet synchronous motors (199 kW/267 hp, 395 Nm) with a 115 kW (154 hp) engine for a total system power of 314 kW (421 hp). CLTC pure electric ranges are 55 km and 108 km. Additional powertrain details have not been disclosed. Stay tuned for updates. Maybe you’d like to read: