In a letter addressed to Stella Li, who leads BYD’s American operations, and co-CEO Patrick Duan, the committee demanded detailed records about the company’s ownership structure, data handling practices, and presence in the US market. Lawmakers pointed to the company’s expanding role in the American electric bus sector as a source of “serious concerns about potential foreign influence, data exposure, and system vulnerabilities.”

BYD, a major electric vehicle manufacturer and supplier for companies like Apple, spun off its US bus business as RIDE in 2023. Although RIDE is incorporated in the US, it remains a wholly owned subsidiary of BYD and is thus subject to Chinese law, which lawmakers noted requires cooperation with state intelligence services in China.

“The Chinese Communist Party is our greatest adversary, and we must identify and mitigate threats posed by companies under its influence,” said Representative Carlos Gimenez of Florida, chair of the transportation and maritime security subcommittee. “This investigation is a necessary step toward decoupling from entities that compromise our national security,” he added.

BYD, in a statement released on May 20, said it had not yet received the committee’s letter and could not comment on the inquiry.

Founded as a battery manufacturer, BYD has grown into one of the world’s leading automakers, with operations in at least 10 countries. In late 2023, the company briefly overtook Tesla as the top global seller of electric vehicles. Besides its presence in cars and buses, BYD is also a significant supplier to technology giants, producing products such as Apple’s trackpad in Vietnam.

The House panel has requested that BYD submit comprehensive information, including:

• All contracts, grants, and subcontracts awarded in the US since 2018 at federal, state, and local levels
• Details of the company’s ownership structure
• Records of engagement with US or Chinese lobbying firms
• Cybersecurity audits, assessments, and data storage policies
• Full information about electric school buses under contract or operating in the US

BYD opened an electric bus manufacturing facility in Lancaster, California, in 2013 and has invested more than $1.7 million lobbying for clean-air incentives and policies. In 2023, the state of California awarded BYD a $30 million grant to expand the Lancaster facility for electric school bus production.

Despite attempts in Congress to exclude Chinese manufacturers through new legislation, BYD continues to supply electric buses to US cities and school districts. The company faces heightened scrutiny as lawmakers seek to block government procurement from Chinese suppliers, particularly those with links to the Chinese Communist Party.

Two recent bills passed in the House aim to reduce Chinese influence on the US supply chain. One measure bars government agencies from purchasing batteries from six Chinese companies, while another instructs the Department of Homeland Security to investigate and counter Chinese state-affiliated cyber operations and influence campaigns. Both bills are currently under consideration in the Senate.

BYD has until June 9 to provide a response to the committee’s request for documents.

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The turning point for Seres came in 2021 when the company previously called DFSK Motor partnered with technology giant Huawei to launch the Aito brand, focusing on high-end electric and hybrid SUVs. The move paid off: Seres has seen its annual sales triple, reaching approximately 427,000 vehicles in 2024, while its Shanghai-listed shares have soared by 120 percent over the same period.

The Aito M9, the brand’s flagship SUV, quickly captured the market’s attention after launching at the end of 2023. With features like Huawei’s Harmony operating system, a triple-screen dashboard, dual-zone refrigerator, and customizable ambient lighting, the M9 led the 500,000 yuan and above category in China, delivering around 151,000 units. The base battery EV version starts at 509,800 yuan, underscoring the company’s move into the luxury tier.

Seres Chairman Zhang Xinghai noted at the Shanghai auto show that Aito’s rise is “reshaping the luxury car market in China” by responding to evolving customer preferences. The M8, a slightly smaller SUV, has since joined the lineup, expanding Seres’ reach among high-end buyers.

Historically, China’s luxury car segment was seen as the last stronghold for legacy European brands, with consumers valuing tradition and prestige over new entrants. Aito’s success has challenged this assumption, reflecting changing luxury tastes among Chinese buyers and the growing influence of local tech companies like Huawei and Xiaomi. Despite a setback for Xiaomi after a high-profile accident involving its SU7 sedan, demand remains robust across both brands.

The path to success was not without skepticism. When Seres, then a budget carmaker, and Huawei, a newcomer to automotive manufacturing, announced their partnership, industry observers doubted their ability to compete in the luxury space. Yet the combination of advanced technology and fresh design has proven to be a winning formula.

However, 2024 has brought new challenges. The luxury car market in China declined by 23 percent amid a broader economic slowdown, according to ThinkerCar data. Seres’ own sales fell 42 percent in the first quarter of the year, and aggressive price competition has forced Aito to cut prices on its latest M9 models by 10,000 to 20,000 yuan. As a result, Mercedes and BMW overtook Aito in early 2024 sales, delivering 22,160 and 18,130 vehicles respectively versus Aito’s 17,190 units in January and February.

A unique challenge for Seres stems from Huawei’s expanding footprint in the automotive sector. The tech giant is replicating its successful in-car software partnerships with other automakers, such as Chery’s Luxeed and BAIC’s Stelato both targeting the same premium market. This has raised concerns over brand differentiation and internal competition, especially as even BMW has adopted Huawei technology for its own vehicles in China.

Despite the obstacles, Huawei’s Richard Yu, who leads the company’s consumer business, remains optimistic. “It’s hard work every time we build a brand, especially luxury brands. But we will not give up and will keep persisting,” he said during a recent launch event. Yu reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to making every one of its automotive partnerships, including Aito, a long-term success.

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Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, highlighted in a recent earnings call that one of the models launching this year will be tailored to suit the Greater China region, though he did not disclose specific details. “That will improve the picture,” Vigna said, referring to the company’s performance in China.

The luxury automaker’s move comes as Ferrari’s sales in China have been slipping, reflecting subdued demand for high-end vehicles. The landscape is further complicated by aggressive competition from local manufacturers like BYD, which are entering the premium segment with their own advanced electric models. In the first quarter of the year, Ferrari’s shipments to Greater China plummeted by 25 percent, marking the lowest figure in nearly four years.

China’s luxury car market as a whole has contracted significantly. In 2024, total sales in the 500,000 yuan ($69,200) and above segment dropped by about 20 percent compared to previous years, reaching around 677,000 units, according to Thinkercar. The broader decline is attributed to economic challenges and weakening consumer confidence.

Historically, Ferrari has limited its exposure in China, shipping only about 10 percent of its total global vehicles to the region. However, Vigna has hinted that this cap could be reconsidered as the company deepens its presence in the electric vehicle sector.

Chinese policy has long discouraged the influx of fuel-intensive combustion-engine vehicles, imposing a combined tariff and tax regime that can nearly quadruple the final cost of high-performance imports. For example, imported cars with engines over four liters face a 15 percent import tariff, a 40 percent consumption tax, and a minimum 13 percent VAT. In contrast, electric vehicles are exempt from the consumption tax—giving Ferrari’s Elettrica a competitive edge over its petrol-powered siblings.

The United States remains Ferrari’s largest single market, where the automaker is also considering price increases on certain models due to U.S. tariffs. As global trade tensions and local regulations reshape the landscape for luxury automakers, Ferrari’s pivot toward electrification could prove vital for reclaiming its footing in China’s evolving marketplace.

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Chinese Car Registrations Hit Record High in Europe

According to Dataforce, Chinese-brand car registrations in Europe surpassed 150,000 units in the first quarter of 2025 a new record with the monthly total peaking in March. However, EVs accounted for just 30 percent of those registrations, the lowest share since early 2020.

The shift marks a strategic pivot for Chinese automakers, which had previously focused on EVs to align with the EU’s carbon-reduction targets. But with the European Union raising import tariffs on Chinese EVs up to 45 percent in SAIC’s case companies are now turning to hybrids and traditional combustion-engine models to maintain their presence.

SAIC’s MG and BYD Drive Hybrid Surge

SAIC’s MG brand saw registrations of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles more than double in the EU during Q1, hitting nearly 47,000 units. In contrast, its EV sales dropped by half over the same period.

In specific markets:

• In Spain, MG’s non-EV sales more than doubled.
• In France, sales rose from negligible to over 5,500 units.
• In Italy, registrations increased by 57 percent.

Meanwhile, BYD, long known for its EVs, is now seeing increased demand for its plug-in hybrids across Europe. Speaking at an event in Stuttgart, BYD’s regional head Maria Grazia Davino confirmed the company is embracing a two-pronged strategy with both electric and hybrid models.

Tariffs, Market Trends Fuel the Pivot

Experts point to more than just tariffs behind the trend. Benjamin Kibies, senior automotive analyst at Dataforce, noted that European consumers themselves are increasingly favoring hybrids over pure EVs due to affordability, range concerns, and charging infrastructure gaps.

“The Chinese have accelerated and intensified their efforts to introduce other fuel types,” Kibies said. “Tariffs are part of the puzzle, but also a slower EV uptake.”

The policy shift by the EU, designed to address unfair advantages linked to Chinese EV subsidies, may have hindered China’s EV market ambitions, but it hasn’t stopped overall growth. In fact, Chinese brands reached a 5.2 percent share of the total European auto market in March their highest to date.

BYD Eyes Local Production to Bypass Tariffs

To offset the impact of import duties, BYD is building new factories in Hungary and Turkey for local EV production and is evaluating a third European site. The company is also expanding its dealer network but remains cautious on price strategy.

“We have no interest in destroying ourselves and the industry by initiating the pricing spiral that goes, goes down,” Davino said.

Hybrid Growth May Undermine EU Green Goals

While the EU’s tariffs may succeed in slowing Chinese EV dominance, they could also have the unintended consequence of stalling overall EV adoption. With consumers and manufacturers pivoting toward hybrids and ICEs, some analysts warn the region’s environmental goals may be harder to meet.

As Chinese automakers adapt, European competitors like Volkswagen Group and Stellantis must now defend their share across all drivetrain segments not just EVs.

The post BYD and SAIC Shift Strategy in Europe as Tariffs Slow EV Sales first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Autonomous Vehicle Expansion Anchored in Arizona

The Mesa plant represents a multimillion-dollar investment by Waymo and has already created hundreds of jobs. Described as the “epicenter of future growth” by Ryan McNamara, Waymo’s Vice President of Operations, the facility will play a critical role in scaling Waymo One, the company’s autonomous ride-hailing service.

Waymo One currently operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, delivering more than 250,000 paid rides per week. The company completed over 4 million paid rides in 2024 and plans to expand into Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C. by 2026.

Production Plans: Jaguar and Zeekr Models

The new facility will manufacture more than 2,000 autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles through 2025. Waymo will also begin integrating its driverless technology into the Zeekr RT, a new vehicle platform from Chinese EV brand Zeekr, starting later this year.

Magna, which previously built the Jaguar I-Pace at its Steyr plant in Austria from 2018 until production ended in December 2024, is once again joining forces with Waymo for advanced vehicle integration. The I-Pace sedan served as a key platform for Waymo’s first electric autonomous fleet.

Waymo’s Steady Climb in a Shifting Industry

Waymo, originally launched in 2009 as a Google project, has taken a cautious but consistent approach in the volatile autonomous vehicle space. Its steady progress contrasts with other AV startups that have folded due to high costs, slow regulatory approvals, and technical challenges.

By combining expertise in advanced manufacturing with global suppliers like Magna, Waymo aims to accelerate deployment of its next-generation vehicles and solidify its lead in the U.S. robotaxi market.

What’s Next for Waymo

The Mesa plant signals that Waymo is positioning itself for long-term dominance in autonomous mobility. With market expansion plans underway and strategic integration of both Western and Chinese EV platforms, the company is preparing to serve broader geographic and consumer segments over the next several years.

For now, the U.S.-based facility is the centerpiece of Waymo’s evolving manufacturing and deployment model one designed to deliver safer, scalable, and more efficient urban mobility without a driver behind the wheel.

The post Waymo and Magna Launch U.S. Plant to Build Jaguar and Zeekr Self-Driving Cars first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

At the Shanghai Auto Show, executives from Leapmotor and FAW confirmed to Reuters that a future Hongqi model will be built using Leapmotor’s technology. “We have finalized the partnership to jointly develop a model for overseas market,” Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming shared during an interview at the event. Production is set to commence in the latter half of 2026.

The collaboration was preceded by a memorandum of understanding signed between FAW and Leapmotor in early March. Although that agreement indicated potential for joint projects and capital investment, it did not specifically mention Hongqi at the time.

Platform Details and Future Models

Leapmotor showcased its B01 mid-size sedan at Auto Shanghai, based on the new LEAP 3.5 architecture. It also presented the larger C16 electric SUV, which uses the older LEAP 3.0 platform. Insiders suggest that the Hongqi model will likely be based on the SUV platform of the Leapmotor B10, a member of the LEAP 3.5 generation. Both a fully electric version and a range extender (EREV) variant are reportedly under development.

While the Leapmotor B10 is priced at around €12,000 in China, the Hongqi-branded model is expected to be significantly more expensive to align with its premium image.

A Milestone for Leapmotor

Founded in 2015, Leapmotor has quickly become a profitable competitor in China’s aggressive EV market. Its deal with Hongqi marks a major step forward – providing the platform for China’s oldest car brand. Historically, Hongqi – meaning “Red Flag” – produced limousines for the nation’s leadership but has recently rebranded itself as a premium marque under FAW’s guidance.

Challenges and Ambitions

Giles Taylor, Hongqi’s chief designer and former Rolls-Royce design head, stated that the new model would reflect Hongqi’s current aesthetic. “The challenge with taking a platform from Leapmotor is making it into a cool, relevant, trendy, but good-looking Hongqi. It has to be Hongqi,” Taylor explained. “I’ve got no problem taking the powertrain, but we apply a magic on top.”

Potential Expansion to Europe

Leapmotor’s collaboration with Hongqi could be just the beginning. According to Reuters, Leapmotor is also reportedly negotiating with Ferrari to develop a new model based on its EV platform. A Ferrari with a Chinese-developed understructure would mark a groundbreaking shift for the luxury brand.

Although Ferrari has yet to confirm these discussions, it is known that CEO Benedetto Vigna visited Leapmotor facilities in February, a visit that went largely unnoticed at the time. Ferrari’s own in-house EV project is progressing independently, with the first electric Ferrari expected to debut in Q4 2025, produced at the company’s Maranello headquarters.

The developments signal Leapmotor’s growing influence not just within China, but also on the global automotive stage.

The post Leapmotor to Provide EV Platform for Hongqi’s Global Expansion first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Awaiting Green Light

Responding to a public inquiry under Tesla Vice President Grace Tao’s Weibo account, the company’s customer support acknowledged the delay, assuring users that they are working to move the approval process forward.

Official Response

“All parties are actively advancing the relevant process and we will push it to you as soon as it is ready,” Tesla stated. “We are also looking forward to it, please wait patiently.”

About Full Self-Driving

FSD is Tesla’s most advanced suite of driver-assistance technologies. Powered by generative artificial intelligence, it is designed to manage complex traffic scenarios and enable near-autonomous driving. Tesla has already been trialing this software in the U.S., where the system performs without heavy reliance on high-precision maps thanks to localized AI training.

Challenges Unique to China

In China, however, data privacy regulations have hindered Tesla’s ability to train its AI using localized driving data from its fleet of over 2 million vehicles. This limitation puts the automaker at a disadvantage compared to its U.S. operations, where FSD capabilities are continuously refined using real-world data collected from customer vehicles.

Regulatory Hurdles

The delay comes shortly after the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology introduced new rules in February. Under these regulations, any over-the-air software updates involving autonomous driving features must receive regulatory approval before deployment. The rule aims to enhance oversight of smart vehicle technologies and ensure public safety.

Despite the pause, Tesla continues to collaborate with domestic tech giant Baidu to improve its FSD offering in China, focusing on compliance and technological adaptability.

Looking Ahead

While no new timeline has been provided for the relaunch of the FSD trial, Tesla remains committed to bringing its advanced driving features to Chinese consumers. The automaker is targeting a global rollout of FSD capabilities later this year, contingent on regulatory permissions and technological integration across key markets.

As the auto industry increasingly pivots toward autonomy, Tesla’s experience in China underscores the complexity of navigating varying regulatory landscapes while pushing the frontier of AI-powered transportation.

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Ambitious Plans for the European Market

Changan made its European ambitions clear during a March 21 event in Mainz, Germany, where it debuted the Deepal S07 a full-electric SUV slated to be the company’s first model sold in Europe. Priced from €45,000 (around $48,775), the S07 will begin rolling out in select countries this spring.

Initial Rollout Schedule

The Deepal S07 will be available starting in April in Germany, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In June, Changan plans to bring the model to the UK, with other markets to follow later in the year.

This EV marks just the beginning of Changan’s European expansion. The automaker has also confirmed plans to introduce the Deepal S05 later this year, with the Changan E07 arriving by early 2026. Hybrid vehicles will join the European portfolio in 2026 as well.

Building a European Footprint

In addition to launching new models, Changan is laying the groundwork for a robust sales and service infrastructure throughout Europe. The company aims to establish a network of more than 1,000 dealerships, though no timeline has been announced for this initiative.

Vehicles will initially be imported from Changan’s manufacturing plants in China and Thailand. Local production has not yet been confirmed.

Global Reach and Partnerships

Changan’s entry into Europe is backed by solid global credentials. In 2024, it ranked as the world’s 16th-largest automaker, with sales surpassing 2.2 million vehicles, according to automotive analyst Felipe Munoz.

While the company is known for its own Deepal and Changan-branded vehicles, it also operates joint ventures in China with international giants such as Ford and Mazda. These partnerships contribute to its global strength and experience.

Expanding Global Influence

Changan already exports vehicles to more than 60 countries and regions. With its upcoming European debut, the automaker is positioning itself to compete more directly with established brands on the global EV stage a move that could significantly reshape the continent’s electric vehicle landscape.

• First European EV: Deepal S07, starting at €45,000
• Markets in 2024: Germany, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, UK
• Future Models: Deepal S05 (2024), Changan E07 (early 2026)
• Hybrid Cars: Launch planned in 2026
• Dealership Goal: 1,000+ locations across Europe

As the automotive industry continues its shift toward electrification, Changan’s expansion into Europe represents a notable milestone both for the company and for the rapidly evolving EV market.

The post Changan, Ford’s China Partner, to Launch EV Sales in Europe first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

A Strategic Shift Toward Automotive Innovation

Best known as the world’s third-largest smartphone maker, Xiaomi only recently ventured into the EV space with the launch of its SU7 sedan. The shift marked a dramatic evolution for a company previously focused on consumer electronics and now, it’s setting its sights on disrupting the European car market.

From Smartphones to EV Market Disruptor

After just one year in the automotive game, Xiaomi has already made waves in China. Since December, its SU7 has consistently outsold Tesla’s Model 3, putting global competitors on notice. According to Xiaomi president Lu Weibing, the company plans to begin overseas car sales in 2027 with Europe clearly in its crosshairs.

BMW Veterans Join Xiaomi’s Ranks

LinkedIn updates and company posts reveal Xiaomi has hired at least five former BMW executives to join its European EV R&D efforts. Among the most notable recruits is Rudolf Dittrich a 15-year BMW veteran who now heads Xiaomi’s new research center.

Additional key hires include:

• Dusan Sarac — formerly a manager at BMW, now part of the new European team
• Jannis Hellwig — another BMW alumnus, serving as a senior engineer for performance development and integration

These appointments demonstrate Xiaomi’s commitment to blending tech innovation with deep automotive expertise especially from one of Europe’s most iconic carmakers.

Munich to Host R&D Operations

Though Xiaomi has not provided an official launch timeline, its EV R&D center is already “in the process of planning,” the company confirmed to Reuters. Job listings on LinkedIn suggest that the facility will be based in Munich a symbolic and strategic location at the heart of Germany’s auto industry.

Ongoing Recruitment in Key Areas

Current open positions for the Munich center include:

• Senior automotive designer
• Senior automotive exterior designer
• Vehicle dynamics engineers

With these hires, Xiaomi appears to be assembling a multidisciplinary team aimed at combining its consumer tech strengths with European engineering excellence.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond

While Lu Weibing has confirmed plans to launch Xiaomi EVs internationally by 2027, he has not yet revealed specific markets the company intends to target. However, with seasoned German engineers onboard and Munich as its operational hub, the European EV sector may be one of Xiaomi’s first major battlegrounds outside China.

As legacy automakers, tech companies, and startups alike compete for dominance in the electric mobility era, Xiaomi’s entry backed by experience from BMW and a proven ability to scale innovation adds a fresh and formidable player to the global EV race.

The post Xiaomi Taps BMW Talent to Drive European EV R&D Expansion first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

A New Identity for a New Market

This upcoming EV will be the first under a brand that breaks from Audi tradition by omitting the iconic four-ring logo. Designed in collaboration with long-time partner SAIC Motor, the new sub-brand is tailored specifically to younger, tech-forward Chinese consumers. A concept version the Audi E crossover was teased in 2023, showcasing a sleek, low-slung Sportback silhouette measuring 4,870 mm in length.

Targeting a Shifting Market

China’s automotive landscape has evolved rapidly, especially in the electric segment. Domestic automakers are dominating the EV race with competitive pricing, advanced technology, and quicker product rollouts. In response, Audi’s localized brand aims to regain relevance by focusing on digital innovation, design appeal, and agility key qualities in appealing to a younger, urban demographic.

Rollout Strategy and Upcoming Models

The first production model is expected to hit showrooms a few months after its Shanghai debut. Audi also revealed that two additional models will follow within the next three years under the same sub-brand. Although specific details about the market segment remain under wraps, the concept hints at a premium crossover with a strong focus on sportiness and design.

SAIC Partnership Plays a Central Role

The new electric marque strengthens Audi’s partnership with SAIC, which began in 2021. SAIC is already responsible for producing the Audi A7L sedan, Q6 Roadjet SUV, and the China-only Q5 E-tron all exclusively for the domestic market. Technology from SAIC is expected to be integral to the new EV lineup, further blending German engineering with local expertise.

Addressing Market Challenges

Audi’s Chinese sales declined 11 percent in 2023, with 653,016 units sold a reflection of reduced consumer spending and fierce price competition from local brands. The broader VW Group has also struggled to maintain pace in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market, where electric and plug-in hybrid models made up nearly half of all sales in 2024.

“E-mobility is developing faster there than anywhere else in the world,” Döllner acknowledged, reinforcing the urgency behind Audi’s intensified focus on localization and innovation in China.

China-Localized Premium Models on the Horizon

In addition to the new sub-brand, Audi will also begin selling two high-end models the A6 E-tron sedan and Q6 E-tron SUV built in partnership with FAW Group. These vehicles will be the first in China to utilize Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a next-generation EV architecture designed for luxury performance and extended range.

European Operations Benefit from China’s Speed

Interestingly, Audi’s accelerated development cycles in China are now influencing workflows in Germany. Döllner noted that some new projects at the company’s Ingolstadt headquarters are only “a few months behind” their Chinese counterparts a marked improvement in speed-to-market.

“It’s our clear goal to become faster,” he said, underscoring Audi’s intent to align its global operations with the agility required to compete in the EV era.

As the brand prepares for its Shanghai reveal, all eyes will be on how well this tailored approach resonates with China’s next generation of car buyers and whether it can help Audi reclaim its status as a premium leader in the world’s largest auto market.

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