1. After gaining EV sway, Chinese carmakers eye full hybrid market Chinese carmakers, already at the vanguard of electric vehicle (EV) technology and production, are looking to make a dent in international marques’ full-hybrid vehicle stronghold as they continue to disrupt the global car industry’s pecking order. 2. Chinese authorities tell carmakers to focus on quality, not tech offerings China’s shrinking car market has received another reality check as regulators step in to police the hi-tech offerings that carmakers use to drive sales. 3. BYD posts US$1.2 billion profit in second quarter on surging global demand Visitors inspect a BYD Atto 2 electric vehicle during the Big Motor Sale 2026 automotive showcase in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 21. Photo: EPA China’s electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD saw its earnings jump 30 per cent in the three months from April to June, ending a five-quarter losing streak as buoyant overseas sales and premium models enhanced its net margin and profitability. 4. Writing the rulebook? China to steer world’s first solid-state battery standards A Chinese-proposed international standard for automotive solid-state batteries has been approved as a new work item by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) – marking the first of its kind for the advanced power systems and the nation’s latest effort to shape rules in emerging industries. 5. Tesla forced to recall record 3 million cars in China over door-handle issue Tesla has issued the largest-ever product recall in mainland China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, as Elon Musk’s firm pledges to fix a door-handle issue affecting nearly 3 million cars. 6. China’s new traffic safety law set to clarify liability for fully automated cars Visitors view an autonomous-driving rental car during the 2025 World New Energy Vehicle Congress in Haikou, south China’s Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua Beijing could soon hold carmakers legally responsible for traffic violations when autonomous driving systems are in use, marking an important step towards clearing regulatory hurdles to wider commercialisation. 7. Parts shortage piles pressure on Chinese carmakers racing to boost intelligence Printed circuit boards are inspected at a factory in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China. Photo: Reuters Chinese smart vehicle makers have been hit by another setback as a global components shortage collides with surging prices of raw materials, driven by the artificial intelligence boom.