Gasgoo Munich- IM Motors delivered 40,087 vehicles in the first half of 2026, marking a 58% increase from a year earlier. That kind of growth stands out, especially as the broader new-energy market loses momentum and an intense price war continues to spread.Image source: IM MotorsThe LS8, hitting the market in April, drove the bulk of that growth. By packaging steer-by-wire technology, advanced autonomous-driving hardware, and full-domain 800V architecture into a price tag under 300,000 yuan, the model quickly carved out a niche in the large extended-range SUV segment. IM Motors brands these features as the "new three major components" — the technological moat it believes will define the next generation of intelligent EVs.On the global front, IM Motors expanded into Tunisia, the UAE, India, and Chile during the first half. Yet sales contributions from these regions remain negligible for now, and it will take time to see if the strategy actually pays off.The second half will see a series of new product launches. The LS9 Hyper is set to debut on July 16, targeting high-performance enthusiasts with its steer-by-wire chassis. Meanwhile, a pure-electric version of the LS8 has been filed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, creating a dual-power lineup alongside the extended-range model to broaden its appeal. It remains to be seen whether upcoming annual refreshes can deliver substantial leaps in product competitiveness.All told, IM Motors turned in a solid performance for the first half. But in a smart EV sector where competition is becoming increasingly cutthroat, the company's core challenge for the remainder of the year is clear: converting short-term interest into lasting, systemic advantages.