1. From Beijing to Berlin: Chinese EVs turn heads as brands eye European markets For German consumer Erik Böhme, a first visit to the Beijing auto show was an eye-opener – the world’s largest car exhibition showcased a vast array of electric vehicle (EV) brands, many already gaining traction in Europe. 2. BYD, Geely benefit from overseas orders amid Middle East energy shock Chinese EV makers – including BYD and Geely Automobile – saw their sales stabilise in April, as exports and new technologies continued to help offset weakening demand at home. 3. Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim touches the first locally made electric vehicle, Proton’s e.MAS 7, at its launch in Kuala Lumpur on December 16, 2024. Photo: AFP Malaysia’s nascent electric vehicle market may be decimated before it gets up to speed, as business experts warn of a sharp drop in demand and delay in the renewable energy transition if the government imposes strict price curbs on imported units from July, in a move to protect the country’s vehicle makers. 4. Geely joins Chery, BYD in profit slide as China car sales plunge Geely Automobile Holdings, Chery Automobile and BYD, the most profitable listed Chinese carmakers last year, all reported double-digit declines in net profit in the first quarter, highlighting a squeeze at home amid reduced purchase incentives. 5. Shifting gears: how foreign giants aim to catch up in China’s EV era Illustration: Henry Wong At the close of his presentation at this year’s Auto China show, Li Fenggang, president of Beijing Hyundai Motor, surprised the audience by asking them to lift LED boxes placed on their seats. 6. Lights, camera, traction: China’s EV race rolls out film-projecting headlights China’s latest EV innovations – from ultra-fast battery charging to headlights capable of projecting films – have drawn strong attention at Beijing’s Auto China show, underscoring how the country’s automotive technology is pulling ahead of global rivals. 7. Hong Kong to ban new EVs with only electronic door handles Hong Kong is set to ban EVs equipped solely with electronic door handles, as authorities seek to align with mainland China’s decision to mandate physical manual releases on all new cars from 2027 to mitigate safety hazards.
Liked by Sarah Harris, Jenna Gagnon
Liked by Sarah Harris, Jenna Gagnon
Liked by Sarah Harris, Jenna Gagnon