What were the major developments in the global automotive industry this week?Chery Inaugurates First Overseas Operations CenterOn April 8, Chery Automobile officially launched its European operations center in Barcelona, Spain, simultaneously establishing a local research institute. This marks Chery's first regional operational hub in Europe, serving as a central platform for operations, compliance, supply chain coordination, finance, and public affairs across the market.Image source: Chery AutomobileFunctionally, the center is far more than a sales or after-sales support office; it acts as a regional headquarters with comprehensive management authority. Its establishment signals that Chery's European operations have evolved from early market exploration and product introduction to systematic localized management. The move also points to a more centralized approach to resource allocation, decision-making, and compliance across the region.Launched concurrently, the Spain Research Institute will focus on electrification, smart mobility, and sustainability. Chery plans for the institute to handle data protection and environmental compliance aligned with European standards, while hiring locally for engineering, product development, and operations roles. This reflects Chery's effort to shore up its local R&D and adaptation capabilities, responding to growing European demands for localized products.Market data shows Chery now operates in 18 European countries, serving over 100,000 users to date. In the first two months of 2026, sales in the UK and EU climbed to 39,000 units — a 200% year-on-year surge. New energy vehicle exports reached 11,500 units during the same period, jumping 250%. Notably, one in every five new energy vehicles Chery exports is headed for Europe, underscoring the region's critical weight in its export portfolio.In the Spanish market, Chery's OMODA and JAECOO brands have sold over 40,000 units since their 2024 entry, with new energy models accounting for more than 80% of the total. By 2025, the brand duo cracked the top ten in private channel sales in Spain. This demonstrates that Chery has gained significant brand recognition and product acceptance among private consumers in parts of Europe, moving beyond a reliance on fleet or rental sales.Progress in localized production is equally noteworthy. In 2024, Chery partnered with Spain's EV MOTORS to restart a former Nissan plant in Barcelona for EBRO brand production. The facility's revival created over 1,000 local jobs and has been hailed by both governments as a model of cooperation. Industrially, the project gives Chery tangible manufacturing capacity and supply chain buffer space within the EU, helping to mitigate trade and tariff risks.Gasgoo Take: Chery is moving beyond simple exports by establishing an operations center and research institute in Europe, aiming to seize the high ground in the region's new energy market through deep localization.BYD Plans to Open 20 Dealerships in CanadaBYD plans to open approximately 20 dealerships in Canada this year with partners, Bloomberg reported, as the Canadian government considers welcoming investment from China's auto sector to reduce reliance on the U.S.Image source: BYDAlfredo Altavilla, a former Fiat Chrysler executive and current advisor to BYD Europe, said in an interview in Paris that Canada's overture is crucial. "We have moved quickly to build a sales network on the ground," he stated.Amid efforts to forge broader trade agreements with China, Canada has been actively courting Chinese investment to revitalize its auto industry. In January, the government approved the import of up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs annually—reversing a previous stance that had effectively blocked them with high tariffs.Last month, BYD revealed it is actively considering building a plant in Canada, while leaving open the possibility of acquiring an established international automaker.BYD continues to expand its footprint in Europe, driving sales growth alongside other Chinese brands by offering competitive pure electric and plug-in hybrid models.Gasgoo Take: BYD is rapidly building out its Canadian retail network to seize a policy window into the North American market. Prioritizing channels now paves the way for long-term localization.Bosch Plans Full Acquisition of Bosch Chassis Systems IndiaBosch Ltd. announced on April 8 that it plans to acquire 100% of Bosch Chassis Systems India, aiming to strengthen its Indian market portfolio by integrating vehicle motion control operations.Image source: Bosch Official WebsiteThe acquisition will be completed through a combination of cash payments and a preferential allotment of shares, according to a company statement. Post-deal, Bosch Chassis Systems India will continue to operate independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bosch Ltd., with governance led by the parent company.Bosch Chassis Systems India represents the Bosch Group's vehicle motion control business in the country and is a key player in local automotive safety. Its portfolio spans active safety technologies—such as anti-lock braking systems and electronic stability control—as well as passive safety products, including airbag electronic control units and sensors. The company also supplies brake actuation systems for passenger cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles.Bosch stated the transaction will enhance its ability to meet evolving customer demands in India, supporting further investment in safety and braking systems that complements its existing strength in powertrain solutions."Integrating future-oriented vehicle motion solutions into Bosch Ltd. reflects our strategy to drive growth through business diversification," said Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of Bosch Group India and Managing Director of Bosch Ltd.The boards of Bosch Group, Bosch Ltd., and Bosch Chassis Systems India have approved the transaction, which remains subject to shareholder clearance. Upon completion, Bosch Chassis Systems India will officially become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bosch Ltd.Gasgoo Take: Bosch's full integration of its Indian chassis business aims to unify resource allocation and better adapt to the upgrading demands of the local auto market.InfiMotion Completes Xuanfu Integration; Jiaxing Base UnveiledInfiMotion Technology (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. recently held an unveiling ceremony at its Jiaxing manufacturing base. The former Zhejiang Xuanfu Technology Co., Ltd. has completed its business registration changes and officially adopted the new name. With this addition, InfiMotion Technology now operates six smart manufacturing bases, establishing a production system covering the entire industrial chain.Image source: InfiMotion TechnologyThe new facility spans 57,758 square meters, with operations covering electric drive products, drones, and construction machinery range extenders. This layout expands InfiMotion's product portfolio and extends electric drive technology into diverse scenarios while boosting large-scale manufacturing capabilities. With the full integration of Xuanfu's industrial resources and expertise, the Jiaxing base has entered a new phase of capacity upgrades.InfiMotion Technology has further strengthened its smart manufacturing network in the Yangtze River Delta, creating efficient synergy between bases to support volume delivery of electric drive systems and related products to global clients.Gasgoo Take: By integrating Xuanfu and launching the Jiaxing base, InfiMotion Technology is expanding both capacity and application scenarios, marking another milestone in its electric drive industry layout.BTL's 2025 Revenue Tops 12 Billion Yuan, Up 21%Bethel Automotive Safety Systems Co., Ltd. (BTL) released its 2025 business report, showing revenue of 12.01 billion yuan—a 20.91% annual increase that officially pushes the company into the 10-billion-yuan club. The results highlight the significant impact of its core strategies.Image source: BTLDuring the period, sales of BTL's core products grew across the board. Smart electronic control products stood out, with sales reaching 7.03 million units—a 34.84% jump. Disc brakes, lightweight braking components, and mechanical steering products also posted year-on-year gains. The company expanded its client roster, adding Renault, Ford Europe, and FAW-Volkswagen. It now works with 8 of the world's top 10 automakers and 9 of China's top 10, marking a deep upgrade toward a more diversified and international client base. BTL also demonstrated strong project conversion capabilities, with 571 projects in R&D, 318 new mass-production projects, and 605 new designations. The newly designated projects are expected to generate 9.508 billion yuan in annualized revenue, up 45.4%.BTL accelerated its international push in 2025. Its overseas business notched major breakthroughs, with products like the Wire-Controlled Braking System (WCBS) and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) caliper assemblies securing multiple platform designations from top global automakers. The company is actively globalizing its R&D and manufacturing footprint, establishing a center in Frankfurt to work with its Detroit hub, enabling synchronized development and rapid technical support across Asia, North America, and Europe.On the delivery front, capacity utilization at the first phase of BTL's Mexico base continues to rise, efficiently serving General Motors, Stellantis, and a major North American EV client. Construction of the second phase is proceeding on schedule, which will further strengthen international delivery capabilities. In Europe, preparations have begun for a production base in Morocco, with capacity expected to come online in 2027 to serve European and North African markets.Notably, BTL is seizing the opportunities presented by industrial transformation. It has entered the ball screw and motor sectors through two joint ventures, invested in Chery Mojia Robotics, and established a 200 million yuan dedicated fund. These moves position BTL early in the core components supply chain for humanoid robots, laying the groundwork for a second growth curve.Gasgoo Take: Breaking the 10-billion-yuan revenue mark is just the start for BTL. With smart electronic controls scaling up and global expansion accelerating, its new business ventures hint at even greater growth ambitions.Baolong Automotive Secures Multiple Program DesignationsRecently, Baolong Automotive won program designations for air suspension reservoirs from two European luxury brands—one a global program and the other a localized Chinese program. The lifecycle value of these two programs totals 227 million yuan. Notably, the global program marks the fourth overseas designation for Baolong's reservoirs.Image source: Baolong AutomotiveSeparately, Baolong Automotive secured a program for electronically controlled dampers from a top-selling brand among leading new-energy vehicle startups. The four-year program has a total lifecycle value exceeding 180 million yuan, with mass production scheduled for 2027.Gasgoo Take: Baolong Automotive is racking up program designations, achieving simultaneous breakthroughs in local and overseas markets as the competitiveness of its chassis business continues to rise.
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