Latest news with #SU7EV
Malay Mail
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Trade war tremors and tech crackdown jolt Shanghai auto show
SHANGHAI, April 24 — China's annual major auto shows have become a showcase for the rise of ever-cheaper, better-performing electric vehicles and more confident local brands in the world's biggest market for cars. But the Shanghai auto show opened on Wednesday amid deep industry-wide uncertainty over how the US-China trade war could dampen demand and scramble supply chains as 100 more models launch into an already crowded market with more losers than winners. In a further complication, Chinese regulators signalled more and tougher scrutiny for smart-driving features that many automakers had seen as the next big thing in setting apart their cars from competitors just a week ago. US President Donald Trump's move to impose a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese imports and Beijing's counter-tariffs and trade restrictions have pushed global growth forecasts lower and forced automakers and their suppliers to confront new risks. People look at the Porsche Taycan GTS electric vehicle (EV) during a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 23, 2025. — Reuters pic As the Shanghai show began on Wednesday, a coalition of US auto industry groups sent a combined letter to Trump urging him to roll back 25 per cent tariffs on all imported auto parts, warning the duties would cut vehicle sales and raise prices. The first blitz of presentations by automakers in Shanghai focused on safety and plans for a rapidly expanding portfolio of EVs from brands like Volkswagen and Nio without discussion of the economic uncertainty. Car demand in China has held up so far this year despite the trade war. Industry-wide auto sales through March were up 12.5 per cent, led by gains for BYD and Geely, China's two top automakers. The Shanghai auto show opened on Wednesday amid deep industry-wide uncertainty over how the US-China trade war could dampen demand and scramble supply chains as 100 more models launch into an already crowded market with more losers than winners. — Reuters pic But there are also signs of trouble. China is now the world's largest car exporter by volume. While the US market is essentially closed due to tariffs, analysts expect the Trump administration's trade policies to put pressure on Chinese automakers. That could come through weaker demand in China if its economy wobbles or pressure from Washington that could force other US trade partners to align their tariffs. China cracks down on 'smart driving' Chinese automakers, which had been preparing to heavily market their driver-assistance features to set their cars apart from competitors at the show, were forced at last minute to switch to a 'safety first' message. Regulators last week cracked down on the use of marketing terms like 'smart driving' and 'autonomous driving' after a fatal accident involving Xiaomi's best-selling SU7 EV in March that triggered concerns over how drivers were using systems not designed to be fully self-driving. Yangwang, a luxury brand under Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, showcases its U8L SUV during a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 23, 2025. — Reuters pic Chinese automakers, led by BYD, had previously been pushing advanced and autonomous driving systems, including on cheaper models, in a challenge to Tesla. Xpeng, a brand built on the appeal of its in-house technology, including an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, said it would launch a 'training camp' for drivers on how to use its systems safely. 'We will emphasise the capability boundaries of the driving assistance functions to ensure safety,' Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng told reporters on Wednesday. Geely said it would complete a global security testing centre, which it described as the world's largest standalone safety laboratory, in the second half of this year. A man sits inside an N9 SUV by Denza, a premium brand under Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, during a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 23, 2025. — Reuters pic Volkswagen stressed its rigorous German craftsmanship and strict testing standards. Lei Jun, the celebrity CEO of Xiaomi who stole the limelight with a crowd of cameras following his every move at last year's Beijing show, was absent from Shanghai as the show opened. China speed China's hyper-competitive local market remains a minefield for foreign brands. Sales for Honda and Nissan, for example, were down 34 per cent and 28 per cent respectively in the first quarter from a year earlier. Volkswagen, once China's top-selling passenger car brand, saw sales drop 6 per cent in the first quarter. Under an electronic banner with the motto 'CHINA SPEED,' the German automaker on Wednesday unveiled the first of five new models, including for its premium Audi brand. People look at a Xiaomi SU 7 Ultra model during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai on April 23, 2025. — AFP pic More than 70 Chinese and international auto brands will show off more than 100 new or refreshed models this week. Less than 10 per cent of the more than 160 auto brands competing in China have a market share higher than 2 per cent, according to data from Jato Dynamics. Most still lose money. Among the winners: BYD, Chery and Geely are profitable, along with EV-focused Leapmotor and Li Auto. Tesla, the only foreign automaker with a top-selling EV in China, said on Tuesday that it would have to reassess its growth forecast in three months because of the difficulty in predicting 'the impacts of shifting global trade policy on the automotive and energy supply chains.' The trade war has already hit Tesla. Its China sales were down 22 per cent through March from a year earlier. The company has suspended orders for the Model S and Model X because of China's counter-tariffs and paused some imports of China-sourced components. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday while announcing a 71 per cent plunge in first-quarter net profit that the EV maker's already-delayed production plans for its Optimus humanoid robot had been slowed by China's restrictions on the export of the rare earth magnets needed for the motor powering the robot's arms. Musk had earlier predicted the robot would be working in Tesla factories this year. — Reuters A GAC Group Trumpchi COVE flying car is displayed during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai on April 23, 2025. — AFP pic
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Shanghai Auto Show: Self-Driving Safety Concerns, Trade War Rule Stage
SHANGHAI: China's annual major auto shows have become a showcase for the rise of ever-cheaper, better-performing electric vehicles and more confident local brands in the world's biggest market for cars. But the Shanghai auto show opened on Wednesday amid deep industry-wide uncertainty over how the U.S.-China trade war could dampen demand and scramble supply chains as 100 more models launch into an already crowded market with more losers than winners. In a further complication, Chinese regulators signalled more and tougher scrutiny for smart-driving features that many automakers had seen as the next big thing in setting apart their cars from competitors just a week ago. U.S. President Donald Trump's move to impose a 145% tariff on Chinese imports and Beijing's counter-tariffs and trade restrictions have pushed global growth forecasts lower and forced automakers and their suppliers to confront new risks. As the Shanghai show began on Wednesday, a coalition of U.S. auto industry groups sent a combined letter to Trump urging him to roll back 25% tariffs on all imported auto parts, warning the duties would cut vehicle sales and raise prices. The first blitz of presentations by automakers in Shanghai focused on safety and plans for a rapidly expanding portfolio of EVs from brands like Volkswagen and Nio without discussion of the economic uncertainty. Car demand in China has held up so far this year despite the trade war. Industry-wide auto sales through March were up 12.5%, led by gains for BYD and Geely, China's two top automakers. But there are also signs of trouble. China is now the world's largest car exporter by volume. While the U.S. market is essentially closed due to tariffs, analysts expect the Trump administration's trade policies to put pressure on Chinese automakers. That could come through weaker demand in China if its economy wobbles or pressure from Washington that could force other U.S. trade partners to align their tariffs. CHINA CRACKS DOWN ON 'SMART DRIVING' Chinese automakers, which had been preparing to heavily market their driver-assistance features to set their cars apart from competitors at the show, were forced at last minute to switch to a "safety first" message. Regulators last week cracked down on the use of marketing terms like "smart driving" and "autonomous driving" after a fatal accident involving Xiaomi's best-selling SU7 EV in March that triggered concerns over how drivers were using systems not designed to be fully self-driving. Chinese automakers, led by BYD, had previously been pushing advanced and autonomous driving systems, including on cheaper models, in a challenge to Tesla. Xpeng, a brand built on the appeal of its in-house technology, including an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, said it would launch a "training camp" for drivers on how to use its systems safely. 'We will emphasise the capability boundaries of the driving assistance functions to ensure safety,' Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng told reporters on Wednesday. Geely said it would complete a global security testing center, which it described as the world's largest standalone safety laboratory, in the second half of this year. Volkswagen stressed its rigorous German craftsmanship and strict testing standards. Lei Jun, the celebrity CEO of Xiaomi who stole the limelight with a crowd of cameras following his every move at last year's Beijing show, was absent from Shanghai as the show opened. CHINA SPEED China's hyper-competitive local market remains a minefield for foreign brands. Sales for Honda and Nissan, for example, were down 34% and 28% respectively in the first quarter from a year earlier. Volkswagen, once China's top-selling passenger car brand, saw sales drop 6% in the first quarter. Under an electronic banner with the motto 'CHINA SPEED,' the German automaker on Wednesday unveiled the first of five new models, including for its premium Audi brand. More than 70 Chinese and international auto brands will show off more than 100 new or refreshed models this week. Less than 10% of the more than 160 auto brands competing in China have a market share higher than 2%, according to data from Jato Dynamics. Most still lose money. Among the winners: BYD, Chery and Geely are profitable, along with EV-focused Leapmotor and Li Auto. Tesla, the only foreign automaker with a top-selling EV in China, said on Tuesday that it would have to reassess its growth forecast in three months because of the difficulty in predicting 'the impacts of shifting global trade policy on the automotive and energy supply chains." The trade war has already hit Tesla. Its China sales were down 22% through March from a year earlier. The company has suspended orders for the Model S and Model X because of China's counter-tariffs and paused some imports of China-sourced components. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday while announcing a 71% plunge in first-quarter net profit that the EV maker's already-delayed production plans for its Optimus humanoid robot had been slowed by China's restrictions on the export of the rare earth magnets needed for the motor powering the robot's arms. Musk had earlier predicted the robot would be working in Tesla factories this year. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Reuters
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Trade war and safety concerns take centre stage at Shanghai auto show
SHANGHAI, April 23 (Reuters) - China's annual major auto shows have become a showcase for the rise of ever-cheaper, better-performing electric vehicles and more confident local brands in the world's biggest market for cars. But the Shanghai auto show opened on Wednesday amid deep industry-wide uncertainty over how the U.S.-China trade war could dampen demand and scramble supply chains as 100 more models launch into an already crowded market with more losers than winners. In a further complication, Chinese regulators signalled more and tougher scrutiny for smart-driving features that many automakers had seen as the next big thing in setting apart their cars from competitors just a week ago. U.S. President Donald Trump 's move to impose a 145% tariff on Chinese imports and Beijing's counter-tariffs and trade restrictions have pushed global growth forecasts lower and forced automakers and their suppliers to confront new risks. As the Shanghai show began on Wednesday, a coalition of U.S. auto industry groups sent a combined letter to Trump urging him to roll back 25% tariffs on all imported auto parts, warning the duties would cut vehicle sales and raise prices. The first blitz of presentations by automakers in Shanghai focused on safety and plans for a rapidly expanding portfolio of EVs from brands like Volkswagen ( opens new tab and Nio ( opens new tab without discussion of the economic uncertainty. Car demand in China has held up so far this year despite the trade war. Industry-wide auto sales through March were up 12.5%, led by gains for BYD ( opens new tab and Geely ( China's two top automakers. But there are also signs of trouble. China is now the world's largest car exporter by volume. While the U.S. market is essentially closed due to tariffs, analysts expect the Trump administration's trade policies to put pressure on Chinese automakers. That could come through weaker demand in China if its economy wobbles or pressure from Washington that could force other U.S. trade partners to align their tariffs. CHINA CRACKS DOWN ON 'SMART DRIVING' Chinese automakers, which had been preparing to heavily market their driver-assistance features to set their cars apart from competitors at the show, were forced at last minute to switch to a "safety first" message. Regulators last week cracked down on the use of marketing terms like "smart driving" and "autonomous driving" after a fatal accident involving Xiaomi's ( opens new tab best-selling SU7 EV in March that triggered concerns over how drivers were using systems not designed to be fully self-driving. Chinese automakers, led by BYD, had previously been pushing advanced and autonomous driving systems, including on cheaper models, in a challenge to Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab. Xpeng ( opens new tab, a brand built on the appeal of its in-house technology, including an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, said it would launch a "training camp" for drivers on how to use its systems safely. 'We will emphasise the capability boundaries of the driving assistance functions to ensure safety,' Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng told reporters on Wednesday. Geely said it would complete a global security testing center, which it described as the world's largest standalone safety laboratory, in the second half of this year. Volkswagen ( opens new tab stressed its rigorous German craftsmanship and strict testing standards. Lei Jun, the celebrity CEO of Xiaomi ( opens new tab who stole the limelight with a crowd of cameras following his every move at last year's Beijing show, was absent from Shanghai as the show opened. CHINA SPEED China's hyper-competitive local market remains a minefield for foreign brands. Sales for Honda (7267.T), opens new tab and Nissan (7201.T), opens new tab, for example, were down 34% and 28% respectively in the first quarter from a year earlier. Volkswagen, once China's top-selling passenger car brand, saw sales drop 6% in the first quarter. Under an electronic banner with the motto 'CHINA SPEED,' the German automaker on Wednesday unveiled the first of five new models, including for its premium Audi brand. More than 70 Chinese and international auto brands will show off more than 100 new or refreshed models this week. Less than 10% of the more than 160 auto brands competing in China have a market share higher than 2%, according to data from Jato Dynamics. Most still lose money. Among the winners: BYD, Chery and Geely are profitable, along with EV-focused Leapmotor ( opens new tab and Li Auto ( opens new tab. Tesla, the only foreign automaker with a top-selling EV in China, said on Tuesday that it would have to reassess its growth forecast in three months because of the difficulty in predicting 'the impacts of shifting global trade policy on the automotive and energy supply chains." The trade war has already hit Tesla. Its China sales were down 22% through March from a year earlier. The company has suspended orders for the Model S and Model X because of China's counter-tariffs and paused some imports of China-sourced components. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday while announcing a 71% plunge in first-quarter net profit that the EV maker's already-delayed production plans for its Optimus humanoid robot had been slowed by China's restrictions on the export of the rare earth magnets needed for the motor powering the robot's arms. Musk had earlier predicted the robot would be working in Tesla factories this year.
South China Morning Post
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Chinese EV makers urged to boost safety in self-driving systems after Xiaomi crash
An organisation representing China's biggest carmakers has urged its members to enhance driving safety and avoid exaggerating the capabilities of their self-navigating systems, following a fatal crash involving Xiaomi's SU7 electric vehicle (EV) last month. Advertisement Carmakers should improve product safety designs and develop effective warning systems to alert drivers, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said on Monday in a joint statement with the China Society of Automotive Engineers. The groups outlined several initiatives to guide carmakers in standardising the promotion and application of driver-assistance systems. The country's EV industry 'has developed rapidly and the combined driver assistance (level 2 driving automation) has entered a critical period of large-scale application', the statement said. The initiatives were aimed at 'building a healthy ecosystem and promoting the safe application of driver assistance products', it added. 02:17 Xiaomi to cooperate with police after fatal crash involving self-drive feature on SU7 EV Xiaomi to cooperate with police after fatal crash involving self-drive feature on SU7 EV The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) summoned officials from 60 companies to a meeting earlier this month, asking them to fully comply with regulations governing the development of self-driving technologies. The government also warned them not to overstate the role of the driver-assistance systems. The MIIT told the company representatives that the words 'smart driving', 'advanced smart driving' and 'autonomous driving' could not be used in promoting existing self-driving systems. In mainland China, most available self-driving systems are classified as either level 2 (L2) or L2+, both of which require drivers to keep their hands on the wheel at all times. Beijing has yet to legalise L3 – a 'hands-off' system based on standards set by US-based SAE International. All drivers are required to be fully alert, even with the system turned on. Advertisement A Xiaomi SU7 crashed in central Anhui province last month, claiming three lives. The car was travelling at 116km/h on a highway with the driver-assistance system engaged, adding that the system alerted the driver to take over the wheel two seconds before it hit a concrete barrier, the EV maker said.
South China Morning Post
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Xiaomi to cooperate with police after fatal crash involving SU7 EV's self-driving feature
Xiaomi will cooperate with the police after an accident involving the autonomous driving feature of its SU7 electric vehicle (EV) claimed three lives, sparking concern over the rapid proliferation of self-navigating systems on the mainland. Advertisement Shares of Xiaomi, a leading smartphone maker that launched its first EV last year, slumped 5.5 per cent to HK$46.50 on Tuesday after the Beijing-based company said the accident occurred when the car's self-driving system was turned on. 'We have submitted the driving data and relevant operational information that we collected to the police,' Xiaomi said in a statement on its Weibo social media account on Tuesday. 'We will fully cooperate with the police and ensure that the accident is handled openly and transparently based on the result of the investigations.' The company said it felt 'deeply regretful' over the tragedy, which took place in Tongling, in eastern Anhui province on Saturday. Xiaomi's SU7 EV became an instant hit following its launch year. Photo: Xinhua Xiaomi said the car was travelling at 116kph on a highway with the driver assistance system in operating mode, adding that the system alerted the driver to take over the vehicle two seconds before it hit a concrete barrier. Advertisement While Xiaomi did not mention the number of fatalities involved, the mother of the driver said in a social media post that three people – the driver and two passengers – died in the crash.
