Automaker Trends | OEM TrendCLS: On May 8, Stellantis announced it is expanding its strategic partnership with Leapmotor. To boost capacity at its Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, the parties are evaluating adding a production line for a new all-electric Opel C-segment SUV. A timeline is under review, with production potentially starting as early as 2028. Leapmotor also plans to introduce its B10 C-segment SUV to the factory, with production possibly beginning as early as 2026. Furthermore, Stellantis and Leapmotor will collaborate on procurement through their joint venture—aiming to leverage China's NEV ecosystem for price competitiveness while using European supply chains to build resilience and accelerate model launches.Gasgoo: Addressing recent online rumors about "internal channel discounts" and "special offer used cars" for ZEEKR models, the company's legal department issued a safety warning on May 8. The statement targets unauthorized accounts that mislead consumers under false pretenses, disrupting market order. ZEEKR reiterated its policy of a unified national price and benefits under its direct-sales model. Any unofficial channel claiming "internal connections" or "abnormally low prices" is unauthorized and has no connection to the brand.Fast Tech: Li Auto recently released core powertrain specs for the Li Auto L9 Livis. The new model features a new 5C range-extender system with a CLTC comprehensive range of 1,650 km. Priced at 559,800 yuan, it officially launches and deliveries begin on May 15. On the power front, the L9 Livis packs a 72.7 kWh 5C range-extending battery paired with a new 1.5T range extender. WLTC fuel consumption drops to 6.3 L/100 km, nearly a 20% reduction from the current model.Fast Tech: Volkswagen Group CFO Arno Antlitz revealed on an earnings call that EV margins remain significantly lower than combustion-engine vehicles. True profitability parity likely won't arrive until the next-generation pure-electric platform is operational. Antlitz noted that margins won't align until the major platform architecture switch is complete. "We expect margins to become fully comparable only with the arrival of the future SSP platform," he said. According to VW's forecasts, EV profitability matching or surpassing internal combustion engines won't happen until after 2030, hinging on the full rollout of the next-gen SSP platform.Supply Chain NewsGasgoo: On May 8, NXP Semiconductors announced it signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2.0) with Shenzhen Hangsheng Electronics, marking a new phase of deep strategic collaboration. The partnership will focus on smart cockpits, intelligent driving, and secure connectivity, driving innovation in software-defined vehicles and AI applications.Gasgoo: Visteon released its first-quarter earnings report on May 8. Net sales hit $954 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $104 million and net income of $31 million. Stripping out currency and net pricing impacts, Visteon's sales growth outpaced the market by 3 percentage points year-on-year, driven by new product ramps and strong demand—particularly from launches for Lexus and Infiniti.Gasgoo: Zejing recently released its annual report, with full-year revenue surpassing 667 million yuan—a 15.4% year-on-year increase. Sales of its core HUD business climbed 34.5%, while high-value AR-HUD products saw explosive growth, accelerating the company's shift toward high-end and global markets.Gasgoo: Huawei Digital Energy and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) held an unveiling ceremony for their "Intelligent Electric Joint Innovation Center" in Hefei. This marks a milestone in their collaboration on core technologies for intelligent NEVs. It also signals a strategic upgrade for motion domain product solutions—shifting from "procurement and supply" to "joint definition and deep co-development."Gasgoo: Qianli Technology has resubmitted a main board listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming for a dual "A+H" share listing. Market sources suggest the Hong Kong IPO could be completed as early as the second quarter of this year. Insiders reveal the company has entered the HKEX inquiry phase; if all goes smoothly, roadshows and pricing will follow.Industrial Economy FocusCLS: According to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the window for domestic refined oil price adjustments opens at 24:00 on May 8. Monitoring data shows international oil prices rose then fell during the current cycle. Starting at midnight on May 8, domestic gasoline and diesel prices will increase by 320 yuan and 310 yuan per ton, respectively. On average nationwide, No. 92 gasoline, No. 95 gasoline, and No. 0 diesel will rise by 0.25 yuan, 0.27 yuan, and 0.27 yuan per liter. Filling a 50-liter tank with No. 92 gasoline will now cost an extra 12.5 yuan.Jiemian News: Preliminary data from the CPCA shows that from April 1 to 30, retail sales of new-energy passenger vehicles reached 883,000 units—down 5% year-on-year but up 4% month-on-month. Year-to-date retail sales totaled 2.79 million units, a 17% decline. On the wholesale side, NEV sales hit 1.22 million units for the month, up 7% from last year and last month. Cumulative wholesale volumes for the year reached 3.95 million units, slipping 1%.CLS: Driven by higher oil prices amid US-Iran tensions, US used-car prices fell in April for the first time since October, though EV demand picked up. Data from Cox Automotive shows the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index dropped 1.6% month-on-month in April, though it remains 1.8% higher year-on-year. Cox noted that affordability remains a core concern for consumers, fueling demand for used cars and pure EVs in the auction market.Policy UpdatesCLS: The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, alongside the Public Security and Transport Commissions, released the "Interim Measures for the Administration of Intelligent Connected Vehicle Highway Testing in Chongqing." The move addresses gaps in high-level autonomous driving testing regulations, standardizing the management of highway tests for Level 3 and above vehicles. The goal is to support the high-quality development of the local NEV industry and accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving tech. The rules tighten entry requirements for test entities, vehicles, and drivers to bolster safety.Personnel ChangesSina Tech: Xiaomi EV has made two key executive appointments. Vice President Song Gang now oversees manufacturing, smart manufacturing, and system operations, while continuing as Chief of Staff. He reports directly to Lei Jun. Additionally, Vice President Yu Liguo has taken on the role of head of the overseas business preparation team, reporting to both Lei Jun and Lu Weibing, to lead Xiaomi EV's international expansion efforts.Gasgoo: German sports car maker Porsche announced plans to reduce its Executive Board from eight to seven members as part of a strategic adjustment led by new CEO Michael Leiters. Following the restructuring, effective July 1, the R&D department will integrate in-car IT functions. Sajjad Khan, the board member responsible for in-car IT, software, and infotainment, will leave the board, and his position will not be filled.
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