China's automakers bring tech edge to Australia's small but brutal market
In May, Hebei-headquartered GWM, formerly known as Great Wall Motor, brought three of its latest models to the Springs 4X4 Adventure Park in southeast Queensland. Owner and professional off-road driver Lucas Bree classifies the courses at the 1,700-acre (688-hectare) park as ranging "from easy to stupid."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Nikkei Asia
2 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
EV slump isn't stopping CATL's battery production buildup
CATL leads the world in automotive battery market share. (Photo by Shizuka Tanaka) SHIZUKA TANABE GUANGZHOU -- CATL, the world's largest supplier of electric-vehicle batteries, is maintaining a high pace of production investments in an effort to stay ahead of its biggest rivals. The Chinese company, formally Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., posted a record-high 30.4 billion yuan ($4.22 billion) net profit in January-June earnings out Wednesday. Revenue grew 17% in CATL's core EV battery segment.
Nikkei Asia
11 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Nippon Steel warns of more China dumping due to Trump tariffs
Nippon Steel Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori at a press conference on Aug. 1 in Tokyo. © Kyodo SHOTARO TANI TOKYO -- China's steel dumping may accelerate due to U.S. tariffs, as it could have an effect on Chinese manufacturing activity, Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel warned on Friday. Nippon Steel, which completed a $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel in June, is looking to the U.S. market to counter the impact.
Nikkei Asia
13 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Letter from Nikkei Asia's editor: Thailand and Cambodia step back from the brink
Hello from Tokyo. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following an escalation in clashes that began on Thursday last week, took effect at 0:00 a.m. on Tuesday. At Nikkei Asia, we provided continuous coverage throughout the weekend via live blogs and breaking news updates. When reports emerged that Thailand had deployed F-16 fighter jets against Cambodia, our newsroom braced for the worst: the possibility of full-scale war between the two nations. Fortunately, the conflict -- which claimed more than 40 lives and displaced around 300,000 people -- was halted through mediation by Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN. Although sporadic violence continued in places even after the ceasefire, the truce -- fragile as it may seem -- has taken hold. For a detailed look at the ceasefire and behind-the-scenes analysis of the two militaries, please read our coverage here. This episode has underscored the fragility of ties among some Southeast Asian nations. Had tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated further -- especially amid the ongoing civil war in Myanmar -- it would have delivered a serious blow to the region's economy and political stability. That the crisis was contained within the ASEAN framework is significant. Maintaining regional peace is essential for the bloc at a time when it faces challenges such as intensifying U.S.-China tensions and high tariffs from the Trump administration. Nikkei Asia has a major editorial bureau in Bangkok, and contributing writers in Cambodia helped drive our coverage of the recent events. As editor-in-chief, I am deeply concerned about rising tensions in the region. At the same time, I also take great pride in how our journalists continue to deliver timely, responsible and impartial reporting during crises -- one of our greatest strengths. I invite you to log in to Nikkei Asia and explore our reporting on the turbulent period that unfolded. Nikkei Forum in Melbourne Lastly, I have an announcement. On Aug. 18, Nikkei will host the Nikkei Forum in Melbourne, where experts and our Sydney-based reporters will explore the deepening business and economic ties between Japan and Australia. Online viewing is free, so please register to join the discussion! My suggested reads 1. Australia's auto market is one of the most competitive in the world, and Chinese makers want a bigger slice of it. Our reporter in Sydney visited the imposing off-road track known as Beer O'Clock Hill to see how companies like GWM aim to prove they have both the tech and toughness to muscle out rival brands. 2. Tourism-related stocks in Thailand -- from airlines to hotels and retailers -- have slumped amid falling foreign visitor numbers, particularly from China, making the country's equity market one of the region's worst performers. As our reporter in Bangkok notes, ongoing tensions with Cambodia, despite a ceasefire agreement, may further dampen travel demand and pressure the sector. 3. Faith-based businesses in Malaysia are staging events attracting thousands of people from across the region as demand rises for accessible spiritual inspiration. With tickets, sponsors, merch and vendor booths, these gatherings -- held for both Muslims and Christians -- could easily be mistaken for pop concerts or cultural festivals, just with a higher purpose. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Akito Tanaka Sign up for the weekly Editor-in-chief's picks newsletter here. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram
