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On February 9th, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (including Dongfeng Motor Group and Dongfeng Honda) and China South Industries Group (CSGC, parent of Changan Motors) jointly announced ongoing discussions with other state-owned enterprises (SOEs) regarding restructuring. These announcements clarified that corporate ownership would remain unchanged, with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) continuing as the ultimate controlling shareholder. However, some controlling shareholders may change. Industry speculation has surged due to the timing of these announcements, hinting at a possible merger. A combined Dongfeng-Changan could achieve annual sales exceeding 4.5 million vehicles, surpassing BYD. SASAC’s recent drive to optimize SOEs aligns with this restructuring, aiming to reduce internal competition and promote specialization. However, a full merger faces challenges due to differing ownership structures and potential brand cannibalization. Integration of management structures and complex capital restructuring would also be required. A “alliance model” has been speculated as an alternative, allowing strategic cooperation in R&D, supply chains, and international expansion while preserving brand independence. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance serves as a relevant example. Maybe you’d like to read:

Surpower Technology Thailand Company Sets Sail | “Digital Marketing” Opens a New Chapter in Overseas Marketing of Chinese Auto Brands! On December 18, 2024, a new force was added to the brand marketing field of the Thai automotive industry. Zhuolixin Co., Ltd. (stock code 871003), an expert in the new marketing field of the Chinese market, and YouMeThaiBuy, a local Thai partner, held a signing ceremony to formally establish Surpower Technology Thailand. The joint venture is committed to becoming a one-stop solution service provider for Chinese auto brands going overseas. Representatives of auto brands in the Thai market, such as Nezha, SAIC Zhengda, Great Wall, Zeekr, etc., auto agency and sales group 14ATUO, new energy vehicle industry chain and service provider Tianlong Electronics Salom/JATO Thailand/SAWTEST, Thailand’s leading website in the Chinese community in Thailand/APLUS and other relevant leaders and guests attended the event to witness it, and the city lord was also fortunate to participate in and witness this event. Professionals and guests from all parties believe that this cooperation between the two sides is a strong combination of excellent service providers from China and Thailand. The two sides have been deeply engaged in their respective professional fields for decades and have achieved complementary advantages in the new marketing field between China and Thailand. I believe that this cooperation will definitely achieve the established goals of both parties and jointly commit to assisting the brand promotion and dissemination of Chinese new energy vehicles in overseas markets to achieve true internationalization, localization and compliance, and strive to establish a solid export alliance relationship between Thailand and Chinese brand cars. After the signing ceremony, the 2025 Thailand New Energy Vehicle Market Insight Salon was held. Guests from new energy vehicle brands, car agents and sellers, and industrial chains gave professional and wonderful debates from different angles. The guests elaborated on the troubles of new energy vehicles in 2024 and the outlook for 2025. Regarding integration into the Thai market, the guests proposed from the Buddhist culture that the relationship between people and brands needs to be cut from the heart, and good product dissemination needs to impress people; for brand value, the guests proposed that the price reduction of new energy vehicles and the low residual value will reduce the willingness of Thai customers to buy, as well as the problem of brand cultural symbol construction. The brand guests gave many suggestions on the marketing strategy of Chinese brands in the Thai market from a high-level perspective. Huang Xiaoxing, general manager of Surpower Technology, said that the Surpower Technology Thailand team is willing to listen to the demands of all parties in the industry chain, accurately understand the needs and wishes of Thai customers, and achieve effective communication, thereby assisting the outstanding Chinese new energy vehicle industry chain to obtain a larger market share in response to various internal and external competitions. Maybe you’d like to read:

Chery Jetour has achieved impressive sales performance in overseas markets. Especially in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, the Jetour Traveler 2.0T+8AT high-end version is popular among consumers and in short supply. This is mainly due to its excellent performance, smooth on-board system and exquisite interior design. In Qatar, the Jetour Traveler 2.0T version is priced at about US$35,100. However, due to limited production capacity and strong market demand, the model is in short supply locally, and the price of new cars has been hyped up to US$68,000. The dealer’s inventory was quickly sold out, and some customers had to turn to the black market to buy at a high price, or seek sources from neighboring countries. In addition, in the Russian market, the Jetour brand has also made significant breakthroughs. In March 2024, Jetour ranked among the Russian car sales list for the first time, selling 2,616 cars that month. As the first Chinese brand to enter the Russian market, Chery’s performance has always been remarkable. Its sub-brands such as Omenda and Xingtu have also achieved impressive results in the Russian market. Although in October 2023, the Haval brand once surpassed Chery to become the Chinese brand with the highest sales in Russia, Jetour’s sales growth momentum was rapid after its listing in the second half of the year. In summary, Chery Jetour has shown strong sales momentum in many overseas markets. Maybe you’d like to read:

These include Brazil in South America, which is one of BYD’s best-selling markets, with sales of 5,255 units in May and 27,226 units from January to May, an increase of more than 20 times year-on-year. Song PLUS DMi and Seagull are selling well, and the local electric passenger car factory has started production. Thailand is BYD’s second largest overseas market, with a total of 12,962 units sold from January to May. Dolphin, Seal, and Yuan PLUS performed well, and the local factory is about to start production. Israel and Australia are also important markets, with 9,033 and 7,805 units sold from January to May respectively. Europe is also a key market, with pure electric sales of 11,363 units from January to May, and it also sponsored events such as the European Cup. In addition, BYD is also actively expanding its market in Morocco, Rwanda, India, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Japan and other countries. Seal U DMi is already on the market in Morocco, and Atto 3 is already on the market in Rwanda, Africa. Seal started its commercial vehicle business in India in the early days, and has been involved in passenger vehicles in recent years. Seal delivers 200 units per day. The Shark pickup truck was first launched in Mexico, and the Dolphin and Song PLUS are already on the market and have received good responses. In Uzbekistan, the Song PLUS DMi Champion Edition officially rolled off the production line and went into production. Seal is already on the market in Japan, and Dolphin and Atto 3 have achieved certain results before. It is planned to open 100 stores in Japan by 2025 and sell 30,000 new cars a year. BYD has exported to 56 countries including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and has entered 77 countries and regions including Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Thailand. BYD has a complete layout in the Brazilian market, with a sales network covering 39 dealer groups, 100 existing stores and 135 designated outlets. It is planned that the number of dealer stores will reach 250 in 2024. Thailand’s first overseas passenger car factory is expected to be completed and put into production in the third quarter of 2024. About 78,000 vehicles were sold overseas in April and May, and the absolute value is increasing. The main export countries are Brazil, Thailand, Israel, Australia and Europe. Maybe you’d like to read:

According to him, consumers will be able to buy some electric vehicles from Chinese car manufacturers for $11,000. He is convinced that this affordable and high-quality electric car will be popular in any country. China plans to open a Chinese car market in Georgia. As Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian said at a press conference today, the China Motor Show is likely to open in Kutaisi. “The Chinese brand BYD has surpassed Tesla in global sales of new electric cars. Chinese consumers can buy a compact electric car from BYD for $11,000. Larger hybrid cars can also be purchased for the same price. I believe that such a high-quality product at such a low price will be very popular in any country. We are ready to facilitate the entry of Chinese brand electric cars into the Georgian market as soon as possible,” the ambassador noted. Maybe you’d like to read:

Armenia will maintain the preferential quota for the import of 8,000 electric vehicles in 2025, but will modify the allocation mechanism. Emma Movsisyan, director of the Trade and Integration Department of the Ministry of Economy, announced that 5,000 of the vehicles will be allocated to individuals, legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, and the remaining 3,000 vehicles will be reserved for companies with dealership and distribution agreements, according to the Armenian News Agency. Movsisyan pointed out that the exemption of import tariffs on electric vehicles has been in place for many years. However, according to the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union, the number of electric vehicles imported into Armenia under preferential policies cannot exceed 8,000 per year. The main suppliers of electric vehicles to Armenia are the UAE, the United States and China. It is worth noting that the share of Chinese electric vehicles in the Armenian market continues to increase steadily. Most of the imported vehicles were produced in 2022-2024, and since the batteries are relatively new, they have a longer service life. Maybe you’d like to read:

On December 20, Zhou Yan, the general manager of SAIC’s MG brand, revealed that MG is set to introduce two new models in 2025: a compact pure – electric sedan and a large 5 – seater plug – in hybrid SUV. According to Zhou, both vehicles will feature “less British style and more Chinese characteristics” with the goal of “enabling Chinese cars to go global”. At present, it remains uncertain whether these two models will be launched globally in addition to the Chinese market. Earlier this month, Zhou stated on social media that one of MG’s new models to be launched next year will be equipped with semi – solid – state batteries. This new model could be either the sedan or the SUV. Currently, MG’s model portfolio consists of the EXE181 electric hypercar, the Cyberster electric roadster, four sedans (MG5, MG6, MG5 Scorpio, and MG7), the MG4 EV hatchback, and three SUVs (MG One, MG ZS, and MG ES5). Moreover, according to overseas media reports, MG is expected to debut a 7 – seater SUV in the Australian market in 2025, named “MG QS”. This vehicle might be a sister model to the Roewe RX9 and is anticipated to adopt a 1.5T plug – in hybrid power system. MG was founded in the UK in 1924. In 2005, it was first acquired by China’s Nanjing Automobile Group. Subsequently, in 2007, SAIC acquired Nanjing Automobile, and MG was officially integrated into SAIC, becoming a domestic Chinese brand. Data indicates that MG’s sales in the global market are growing steadily. However, in contrast, its sales in the Chinese market are declining year by year. From 2019 to 2023, MG’s global annual sales were 298,000, 310,000, 470,000, 660,000, and 840,000 units respectively, ranking first in China’s single – brand automobile exports for five consecutive years, accounting for approximately 70% of SAIC’s overseas sales. Conversely, MG’s domestic sales were 159,000, 80,000, 110,000, 180,000, and 100,000 units respectively. Specifically, in 2019, domestic sales accounted for 53.3% of MG’s global sales, but by 2023, this proportion had dropped to merely 11.9%. Likewise, from 2019 to 2023, SAIC’s sales decreased from 6.238 million vehicles to 5.021 million vehicles. The sales in 2023 dropped by 28% compared to the peak of 7.052 million vehicles in 2018. In the Chinese domestic automobile market, joint – ventures and domestic brands are increasing their investment to compete for the limited market share, particularly in the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment. In 2023, SAIC released the “Three – Year Action Plan for the Development of NEVs”, aiming to achieve annual sales of 3.5 million NEVs by 2025. Will MG’s gradual electrification transformation help reverse the declining sales trend? Maybe you’d like to read:

China’s entry into the WTO was a turning point in economic development. With the convenience provided by the WTO, China’s economy took off. The export of Chery Automobile also occurred after China joined the WTO. In 2001, Chery Automobile began to export to Syria. The first batch of 10 Fengyun sedans became China’s first independent brand to export automobiles. In the early days, Chery realized that its strength was still relatively weak. The products produced domestically were concentrated in the middle and low end, and it did not have the energy and technology to break through. At that time, Chery realized that only by accumulating strength could it move forward. In the early stage, Chery Automobile continued to expand its overseas market and entered Russia, Brazil, Egypt, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries and regions. Initially, Chery Automobile’s export was simply to sell domestically produced cars overseas, but these cars were designed and produced according to Chinese habits and ideas, and did not fully meet the needs of local consumers. In order to solve these problems, Chery established 6 R&D centers in North America, Europe, Shanghai, etc., and 10 overseas production bases in Russia, Brazil, Egypt and other countries. These bases and R&D centers not only improved Chery Automobile’s global production capacity, but also provided strong support for its technological innovation and product development. Of course, in addition to product quality, after-sales service is also critical to the success of automobile exports. Chery Automobile has established more than 3,000 sales and service outlets around the world, providing consumers with convenient and efficient car purchase and after-sales services. Chery’s overseas expansion is different from most companies, and most of them have cooperative relationships with it. Establishing a production enterprise with sole investment and making all the money belong to oneself is certainly profitable, but it is not a win-win situation. Chery is well aware that developing together with partners, growing bigger and stronger together, and both sides making money is the way to long-term development. It is with this profound understanding that Chery Automobile’s exports continue to grow. In 2022, the export volume exceeded 450,000 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 67.7%, setting a new record for passenger car exports by Chinese automobile manufacturers. Chery Automobile’s performance in overseas markets has been widely recognized, and its product quality and brand image have been continuously improved. For example, in the Russian market, the proportion of Chery Automobile’s old customers exchanging for new cars reached 40%, and 20% of new car purchases came from referrals from friends. Chery’s products mainly include several series, such as Tiggo, Tiggo, and Xingtu. However, these brands of vehicles are produced in different regions, and the details have been improved to meet the needs of local consumers. It is understood that Chery Automobile will adjust its products in terms of design, configuration, pricing, and marketing to meet the needs of different markets. For example, in the Middle East, due to the rich oil resources and low demand for electric vehicles by consumers, Chery Automobile mainly focuses on fuel models; while in the European market, due to the high environmental protection requirements and high demand for new energy vehicles by consumers, Chery Automobile mainly focuses on new energy models. Maybe you’d like to read:

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under Geely, has unveiled teaser images of the much-anticipated 007 GT wagon. This new addition to the Zeekr lineup will be available in four distinct variants, with prices projected to start at 209,900 yuan (equivalent to 28,650 USD): The Zeekr 007 GT is a derivative of the 007 sedan. It inherits the same front-end design as its sedan counterpart, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across the range. When viewed from the side, the 007 GT showcases a more elongated body with a gently sloping roofline compared to the sedan. This design not only provides additional rear cargo space but also improves headroom for passengers in the second row. Key design elements of the wagon include a roof-mounted spoiler, full-width taillights, and stylish five-spoke wheels. The presence of roof rails suggests that the vehicle is equipped to accommodate various external storage solutions. Under the hood, or rather, beneath the sleek exterior, the 007 GT shares its platform and powertrain configurations with the 007 sedan. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version is powered by a single 310 kW motor, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. For those seeking even more performance, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant combines a 165 kW front motor with a 310 kW rear motor, delivering a total output of 375 kW. This powerful setup allows the AWD model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 2.84 seconds. Additionally, the AWD variant is equipped with an advanced braking system that can bring the vehicle to a stop from 100 to 0 km/h within a mere 34.4 meters. The Zeekr 007 GT operates on the brand’s state-of-the-art 800V electrical architecture, which supports rapid charging. Depending on the chosen configuration, the vehicle offers a choice of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery types, providing a range of between 616 km and 870 km under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Thanks to its fast-charging capabilities, the vehicle can add up to 500 km of range in just 15 minutes. Spy images of the 007 GT have also revealed some interesting details. Images of the body-in-white show a reinforced rear wheel arch, which is designed to absorb energy effectively. This feature not only enhances the safety of the battery pack but also provides an extra layer of protection for the passenger compartment. Zeekr’s CEO, Andy An, has recently outlined the company’s product roadmap for 2025. The plan includes the release of three new vehicles. The Zeekr 007 GT is scheduled for launch in the second quarter, to be followed by a full-size flagship SUV in the third quarter and a mid-to-large luxury SUV in the fourth quarter. As the 007 GT enters the increasingly competitive wagon segment, it is expected to go head-to-head with models like the Nio ET5 Touring. Maybe you’d like to read:

In November 2024, China made a remarkable mark in the global automotive landscape, accounting for 41% of the world’s automobile sales. As per Cui Dongshu, the Secretary General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), China sold 3.316 million vehicles during this month, reaching an all – time high. Globally, automobile sales stood at 8.18 million units, registering a 3% year – on – year increase and a 2% month – on – month rise. From January to November 2024, global automobile sales aggregated to 82.01 million units, with a 2% year – on – year growth. In this period, after China, the United States ranked second in terms of market share, holding 18.2% of the global market. India, Japan, and Germany followed, securing the 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions respectively. A retrospective look at China’s performance over the years reveals an interesting trend. From 2016 to 2018, Chinese automobiles held around 30% of the global market share. In 2019, this share dipped slightly to 29%, but it rebounded to 32% from 2020 to 2021. The share further climbed to 33% in 2022, remained at 33.8% in 2023, and reached 34.1% in the first 11 months of 2024. Notably, the Chinese market showed a strong recovery in March and April 2024, with China accounting for 33% of the global share in May and June. Among the top ten automakers globally this year, only three Chinese automakers—BYD, Geely, and Chery—have witnessed an expansion in their market share. As 2024 draws to a close, various organizations such as the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), the China EV100, and the CPCA predict that China’s automobile sales will range from 31 million to 31.3 million vehicles, marking a year – on – year growth rate of approximately 4%. Looking ahead to 2025, the growth rate is forecasted to increase by 3% year – on – year, reaching an estimated 32 million vehicles. Maybe you’d like to read:

BYD, a renowned automotive brand, has recently teased the Han L sedan under its mass-market lineup. This marks the first official mention of BYD’s new flagship sedan, although CarNewsChina had already published the first spy shots of the vehicle back in August last year. Alongside the Han L teaser, BYD also revealed a sneak peek of the Tang L SUV, yet without disclosing any further details or specifications. The released images showcase that both these electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with lidar on top of the windshield, a feature designed to support their advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). BYD currently offers the Han sedans and Tang SUVs with both all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. CarNewsChina anticipates that the Han L and Tang L will follow suit, offering the same range of options. In particular, the plug-in hybrid system is expected to be the latest iteration of BYD’s DM 5.0 PHEV technology. The existing Han and Tang models are available in fourth-generation DM-i and DM-p hybrid system variants. The term “DM” stands for dual motors. The DM-i variant, where “i” represents intelligent, is typically designed for front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, emphasizing fuel economy and efficiency. On the other hand, the DM-p variant (with “p” standing for performance) is generally used in all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, prioritizing high performance and a sporty driving experience. For the all-electric versions of the Han L and Tang L, they are expected to be equipped with the latest generation of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) blade battery 2.0. According to the Chinese automotive magazine IT Home, these batteries will offer a range of up to 1,000 km under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Let’s take a closer look at the current BYD models for reference. The BYD Han EV (with all its specifications detailed) is a five-seater vehicle with dimensions of 4995/1910/1495 mm (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. It has a curb weight of 2,250 kg, and the top trim is equipped with an 85.4 kWh battery pack, which provides a range of 610 km under CLTC conditions. This EV sedan can be configured as either FWD or AWD, with the top trim delivering a power output of 380 kW (equivalent to 510 horsepower) and a peak torque of 710 Nm. In the Chinese market, the BYD Han EV starts at 179,800 yuan (approximately 24,630 USD). The BYD Tang EV SUV (also with all its specifications available) is also a five-seater. It has dimensions of 4900/1950/1725 mm (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 2820 mm. The curb weight of this SUV is 2,560 kg, and the top trim comes with a 108.8 kWh battery, enabling a range of 635 km under CLTC. This electric SUV can be either AWD or FWD, and the top trim offers a total power of 380 kW (510 hp) and a peak torque of 700 Nm. In China, the BYD Tang EV starts at 219,800 yuan (around 30,110 USD). In 2024, the BYD Han sedan achieved global sales of 260,000 units, while the BYD Tang SUV sold 150,000 units. In December 2024 alone, BYD sold 514,809 vehicles, bringing the total annual sales for 2024 to 4,272,145 units. Among these, 41.5% (or 1,764,992 units) were battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Maybe you’d like to read:

On January 6, the five-door Wuling Hongguang Mini EV opened for pre-reservation, accompanied by a range of enticing incentives. What’s more significant is the emergence of new details about this vehicle, which, for some reason, is referred to as a four-door in China. One thing is clear: the second-generation Mini EV, especially in its five-door guise, is a far more practical and user-friendly car compared to its first-generation predecessor. The second-generation Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is available in both three-door and five-door versions, and it has grown considerably in size compared to the first generation. Both the 3-door and 5-door models share the same dimensions: 3256 mm in length, 1510 mm in width, and 1578 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2190 mm, and the minimum turning radius is a mere 4.5 meters. The first-generation car had a rather boxy appearance. In contrast, the second generation sports a much more curvaceous design, with a rounded front face and a closed front grille, giving it a more modern and aesthetically pleasing look. One of the most glaring issues with the first-generation car was the near-nonexistent trunk space. This meant that if you needed to carry any items, you had to fold down one or both of the rear seats. However, the new five-door version addresses this problem with a trunk space of 123 liters, providing enough room for a decent amount of shopping. When the rear seats are folded down, the storage capacity expands significantly to 745 liters. Additionally, the car is equipped with 19 storage compartments scattered throughout the interior, offering convenient storage solutions for various items. Buyers are presented with a choice of three so-called “fantasy Haute Couture” colors: Bubble Green, Puffed Blue, and Sweet Coffee. These colors are achieved through a meticulous 7-coat process, ensuring a high-quality and durable finish. Inside, the car features what Wuling calls a burnt cream interior color, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a delicious crème brûlée. The overall level of sophistication of this vehicle has been significantly enhanced. Inside the cabin, you’ll find an electronic parking brake with an auto hold function, adding convenience and ease of use. There’s also an 8-inch floating infotainment screen that comes with useful features such as a reversing camera and rear reversing radar, making parking and maneuvering a breeze. Moreover, the car is equipped with non-inductive entry and locking systems, as well as intelligent power on and off functionality, adding a touch of modernity and convenience. Wuling has also developed a mobile app for the car, which offers a range of features. Owners can check the vehicle’s status, remotely control the door locks, start the vehicle, and even remotely start the air conditioner. Additionally, they can schedule charging, all of which are a far cry from the basic nature of the first-generation car. In terms of safety, the first-generation Mini EV gradually improved from having no airbags to one, and then two airbags. It seems that the second-generation Mini EV will come with two airbags right from the start. The car features a ring-shaped cage body, and the proportion of high-strength steel used in its construction reaches an impressive 67%. It also comes equipped with an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system, enhancing the vehicle’s stability and safety on the road. The second-generation Mini EV is powered by Wuling’s self-developed Shenlian battery, which boasts a multifunctional integrated structure and non-igniting cell technology. The 16.2 kWh battery pack provides the car with a range of 205 km, measured according to the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). With fast charging capabilities, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 35 minutes. The vehicle rides on the new Tianyu S platform and is powered by a TZ155XZ230 electric motor, delivering a maximum output of 30 kW. The top speed of the car is limited to 100 km/h, making it suitable for urban and suburban driving. Maybe you’d like to read: