OEM Dynamics | OEM Trend

• Gasgoo: Tesla officially announced on July 30 that its 10 millionth pure electric vehicle has rolled off the production line globally. The move makes Tesla the first automaker worldwide to surpass the 10-million-unit mark in pure EV production. Counting from the first Roadster prototype in 2006, Tesla achieved this production leap from zero to 10 million units over 20 years.

• Kuai Tech: A teaser clip for Luo Yonghao's interview program "Luo Yonghao's Crossroads" was released on July 30. In the interview, Leapmotor Chairman Zhu Jiangming stated that building cars requires at least 20 billion yuan, adding that he wouldn't have started if he had known how capital-intensive it would be. Zhu left Dahua Technology, a security firm he had worked at for years, in 2015 to venture into vehicle manufacturing. The journey over the past decade has been rocky, and Leapmotor only recently crossed the break-even point.

• Gasgoo: On July 30, Lu Tian, general manager of BYD's Dynasty Network sales division, revealed more details about the new flagship sedan, the "Da Han." Positioned in the D-class luxury segment, the model is the first sedan from BYD's Dynasty series to target this niche, carrying the internal development code "Series 9." According to the disclosed data, the Da Han measures 5,256 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,510 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm. In terms of performance, the four-wheel-drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 270 km/h.

• Kuai Tech: On July 30, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance's SAIC announced that cumulative deliveries of its Z7 and Z7T models have surpassed 20,000 units. The series was officially launched on April 22, meaning it took just three months to hit this milestone, with June deliveries alone exceeding 10,000 units. The lineup comes standard with five major Huawei technology foundations and eight comfort and tech features, offered in two body styles: a fastback coupe and a shooting brake.

• Cailian: BMW reported an earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin of 2.3% for its automotive business in the second quarter on July 30, beating market estimates of 2.22%. The automaker maintained its full-year forecast for an automotive EBIT margin of 1% to 3%, though this falls short of the market estimate of 2.71%.

• Jiemian: On July 30, Renault Group reported revenue of 30.3 billion euros for the first half of 2026, up 9.5% year-on-year, or 10.3% at constant exchange rates; net profit stood at 700 million euros, while free cash flow from the automotive business reached 653 million euros. The group confirmed its 2026 financial targets: an operating margin of approximately 5.5% of group revenue and automotive free cash flow of around 1 billion euros.

• Gasgoo: Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Lamborghini recently reported an operating profit of 395 million euros ($450 million) for the first half, a decline of over 8%, down from 431 million euros a year earlier. The operating profit margin slipped from 26.5% to 22.7%. U.S. tariff policies and military conflict in the Middle East have exposed vulnerabilities across the industry.

Components Sector | Supply Chain News

• Jiemian: LG Energy Solution released its second-quarter 2026 earnings report on July 30, showing consolidated revenue of 7.6 trillion won, up 15.3% quarter-over-quarter. Operating profit came in at 113.3 billion won, yielding a margin of 1.5%. For the first half of 2026, cumulative revenue reached 14.1 trillion won, a 10.5% year-on-year increase. Notably, energy storage system (ESS) revenue surged 4.6 times, with new orders exceeding 3 trillion won, accounting for over 20% of total revenue.

• Gasgoo: Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation recently released a forecast for its first-half 2026 earnings. Preliminary calculations by the finance department indicate net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company will range from 246 million yuan to 300 million yuan, an increase of 111 million yuan to 165 million yuan compared to the same period last year, or a rise of 82.56% to 122.64%.

• Gasgoo: Ningbo Jifeng Auto parts Co., ltd. recently disclosed a semi-annual performance forecast for 2026. The company expects first-half net profit attributable to parent company shareholders to be between 332 million yuan and 398 million yuan, an increase of 178 million yuan to 244 million yuan year-on-year, representing growth of 115.78% to 158.67%.

• Gasgoo: Ningbo Huaxiang Group Co., Ltd. (002048.SZ) recently released its first-half 2026 performance outlook. The announcement suggests net profit attributable to listed shareholders will reach 610 million yuan to 690 million yuan, swinging from a loss of 374 million yuan in the same period last year. This marks a turnaround to profitability, with growth ranging from 263.27% to 284.69%.

• Gasgoo: Volkswagen and its partner Gotion High-Tech are reportedly in deep discussions regarding the possibility of the Chinese battery maker taking a stake in VW's battery plant in Valencia, Spain. Industry sources indicate that Gotion Chairman Li Zhen has already visited the facility with senior executives to assess operations and related matters.

• Blue Whale News: Superfluid Lab, newly established by DeepRoute.ai, has begun recruiting, focusing on directions such as large model algorithms, simulation algorithms, and AI infrastructure. According to sources, the lab was set up internally in May and has completed preliminary work including infrastructure reconstruction. It is expected to be led by Ruan Chong, a former core member of DeepSeek and a key researcher in multimodal technology.

Industrial Focus | Industrial Economy

• Cailian: A July 30 briefing from the National Energy Administration revealed that rapid growth in high-tech industries like new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence drove strong power consumption in the first half. Electricity usage for charging and swapping services reached 81 billion kWh, up 56.9% year-on-year, while internet data services hit 49.4 billion kWh, a 44% increase. Together, these sectors lifted total social power consumption by 0.9 percentage points.

• Cailian: On July 30, reports highlighted the first half of 2026 as a period of stark divergence for the A-share auto parts sector, squeezed by volatile commodity prices and intensifying competition in the domestic auto market. Recent earnings previews suggest the industry split is turning into a sharp rupture rather than a gradual shift—companies deeply integrated into the top-tier new energy supply chain or those with global production footprints are breaking through with double-digit growth; conversely, smaller players reliant on traditional internal combustion engines and lacking pricing power are facing widespread losses, accelerating an industry shakeout. Under immense operational pressure, parts suppliers are not only hedging raw material inflation and stabilizing core operations but also leveraging strengths in precision manufacturing and thermal management to pivot into robotics and data center liquid cooling, striving to cultivate a second growth curve.

Gasgoo Munich- When discussing Chinese automakers' global expansion, a mature domestic supply chain is often cited as the core backbone. From top-tier component makers building overseas capacity early to the supporting armies landing alongside OEMs, tight upstream-downstream cooperation is bringing years of refined domestic efficiency abroad, underpinning the growth of exports.

Yet globalization is never a task for a single supply chain system alone. Chinese automakers are shifting from "product competition" to "system competition." Moving from early reliance on cost-effectiveness to now being forced by geopolitics and tariff barriers to build factories overseas, every step—R&D adaptation, local production, compliance, after-sales—determines long-term viability. Supporting this systemic capability requires more than just domestic suppliers.

Image source: Shetu Website

Chinese Automakers' Global Expansion Relies on More Than Just Domestic Supply Chains

The global extension of domestic supply chains has delivered significant results, providing strong support for this systemic capability. That is undeniable.

On one hand, many top domestic component companies started their global layout early, building capacity and service networks in key markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America. They completed localization before the automakers, with some even establishing compliance and production lines in Europe, capable of independently serving overseas projects.

On the other hand, as automakers accelerate their overseas pace, numerous core supporting companies are choosing to follow suit. This creates a cluster pattern of coordinated expansion, bringing the highly efficient collaboration model honed over years domestically to foreign markets.

Image source: Leapmotor

But this doesn't mean domestic supply chains can move without friction everywhere. Take Southeast Asia: Japanese automakers have operated there for decades, building a solid supply chain and policy influence. Chinese suppliers face similar challenges—local standards, industrial adaptation, cultural integration—meaning market penetration requires long-term cultivation.

When the target shifts to high-barrier mature markets like Europe, the challenges grow more complex: rules of origin, technical standard certification, carbon border mechanisms, and building comprehensive service networks arrive one after another. Even within Europe, market access rules and industrial maturity differ significantly between Western and Eastern Europe.

Domestic suppliers still have limited full-chain coverage in high-barrier markets. Relying on single-point layouts makes it difficult to clear all hurdles at once; perfecting the system will take a long cycle.

Objectively, this doesn't mean domestic suppliers are completely shut out of mature markets. Many top players have long been present in Europe, accumulating experience in compliance and localized manufacturing to support automaker projects. However, from a full-industry-chain perspective, if the goal is to connect technical standards, carbon accounting, and comprehensive after-sales in one go, relying solely on the single-point layouts of domestic firms reveals shortfalls. Completing overall capabilities will take more time.

Image source: Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation

It is precisely for this reason that the unique value of foreign supply chain enterprises—those that have cultivated the Chinese market for decades—begins to emerge.

Foreign Supply Chains Bring Unique Value Through a "Dual Identity"

The core value of foreign suppliers lies in their "dual identity": they are both highly localized partners in China and international service providers with vast global R&D and production networks. This duality solves two problems simultaneously: "collaborative efficiency" and "global coverage."

First, consider the localization dimension.

Over decades, companies like Bosch and Schaeffler have grown alongside the Chinese auto industry. From early technology introduction to local R&D and joint development, they have lived through the full transition from internal combustion engines to new energy vehicles. They have adapted to the fast pace, frequent iterations, and strict cost control of domestic automakers, shedding the stereotype of "high prices and rigid processes."

This tacit understanding, forged over long-term cooperation, is amplified during the expansion phase. Chinese automakers don't need to onboard unfamiliar overseas branches; they can rely on long-standing domestic teams to mobilize global resources. Communication costs, trust barriers, and collaboration rhythms all hold a distinct advantage.

With a solid foundation of local collaboration, the value of these foreign companies' global layouts becomes even clearer. The global business network built over decades serves as an efficient channel for automakers entering mature markets.

Compliance is the primary hurdle. European standards are strict, and certification processes are complex, making the industry view entry as a high-barrier scenario. Active safety, passive safety, power batteries, drivetrain systems—any deviation in adaptation can extend certification cycles and disrupt launch plans.

Image source: Bosch

Zhang Lianchong, Vice President of New Braking Systems for Bosch's Vehicle Motion Control division in China, noted at a recent forum that Bosch's production bases worldwide participate deeply in local standard discussions. They understand policies precisely. When automakers plan to enter a market, Bosch can offer localized compliance advice, clarifying differences between domestic and foreign standards to avoid costly trial and error.

R&D and localized manufacturing are equally critical. Bosch operates 13 professional test tracks across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia for vehicle calibration under various scenarios. Verifying performance on German autobahns is something domestic environments can't replicate. As Zhang admitted, hitting 180 km/h or more is common in Germany, while China's limit is 120 km/h. This difference requires export models to undergo specific, differential recalibration for chassis tuning and braking systems.

Schaeffler has operated in Europe for 80 years, with 20 R&D centers and 9 production bases, its technical systems long adapted to European regulations. At the forum, Chen Xiangbin, President of Schaeffler China's E-Mobility division, noted that Chinese automakers tend to minimize the number of overseas suppliers to manage costs. Schaeffler alone can cover the work of ten domestic suppliers; the automaker only deals with one team. Moreover, Schaeffler's processing depth is immense—from stamping and machining to motor winding and chip packaging. "In other words, when our domestic companies go there, they only need to handle assembly."

Image source: Schaeffler

Partnering with such firms allows automakers to plug directly into mature local supply systems. There's no need to search for suppliers from scratch, build factories, or push for certification. It meets hard requirements like rules of origin and localization rates while consolidating the interface work of dozens of suppliers into a few system service providers, effectively reducing management pressure.

The value of after-sales support cannot be ignored either. Going global isn't just about selling cars; the completeness of the after-sales system determines whether a brand can take root. Building a network from zero is costly and slow, a heavy burden for Chinese brands new to a market.

Bosch's after-sales network covers 130 countries with over 43,000 outlets and resident engineer teams. Before an automaker's own service system takes shape, they can rely on authorized partnerships for after-sales operations. Parts supply and repairs can be handled locally, drastically cutting consumer wait times.

In practice, this collaboration has yielded mature results. Public information shows Bosch has supported nearly 300 Chinese model entries overseas. Leveraging its global network for compliance and production, it helped the ZEEKR 7GT become among the first to pass Euro NCAP's 2026 five-star safety rating, aiding its launch across 16 European countries.

To be sure, leveraging foreign supply chains isn't the only path into mature markets. Companies can partner with local independent engineering firms or use Chinese-acquired European enterprises. But suppliers like Bosch and Schaeffler, with comprehensive service capabilities, offer the advantage of system maturity and coverage. They allow automakers to consolidate dozens of supplier interfaces into a few system providers, significantly lowering management burdens—a high-efficiency choice for quickly entering mainstream markets.

Systemic Expansion: The Core is Global Resource Integration

Of course, deep binding with foreign supply chains tests an automaker's grasp of technical sovereignty and supply chain leadership. A balance must be found between efficiency and autonomous control. Partner selection should also be rational, prioritizing suppliers with a China track record and mature target-market networks to match capabilities as needed, avoiding cost redundancy from blindly chasing top brands.

Overall, domestic and foreign suppliers shouldn't be viewed as mutually exclusive opponents. Instead, they should form a layered, collaborative model.

Image source: Shetu Website

In emerging markets, the domestic supply chain cluster model offers cost advantages and faster expansion, making it the main force for grabbing share and the current foundation. In mature markets, foreign supply chains' global networks help automakers clear hurdles like certification, local manufacturing, and after-sales that would otherwise take years to overcome, avoiding massive costs and trial and error. Of course, this isn't a binary choice but a flexible combination based on regional characteristics.

Looking at the global auto industry, leaders like Toyota, Volkswagen, and BMW all select premium resources worldwide to build supporting systems tailored to regional demands. The core of globalization isn't self-sufficiency in every link, but making global resources work for you.

Industry perception of expansion is moving from product and capacity export to systemic export. This isn't a simple copy of the domestic chain. Automakers need flexible supply systems adapted to different regions, allocating resources based on local conditions to find optimal implementation plans.

Schaeffler's Chen Xiangbin offered a metaphor at the forum: the globalization of the Chinese auto industry is a marathon. Running fast is important, but running steadily and running farther matters more. A marathon tests not just short-term sprinting ability, but long-term pacing and risk resilience.

The ultimate direction for Chinese automakers is to evolve from companies from China to companies for the world. The high-stakes game of globalization isn't about who owns all resources, but who can dispatch global resources most efficiently. On this path, the ability to integrate global resources determines the height a company can reach. Rational coordination of various resources to continuously push Chinese products and brands onto the global stage—that is the true value of automotive expansion.

Gasgoo Munich- July 2026 marked a flurry of activity for Chinese automakers going global. XPENG launched the MONA L03 globally in Munich, followed by the release of its long-term strategy for Australia in Melbourne. Within a single month, the EV maker made simultaneous moves in Europe and Australia, significantly accelerating its globalization pace.

Data shows XPENG's global cumulative sales have topped 1.2 million units. In 2025, overseas deliveries reached 45,000 — a 96% year-on-year jump. Entering 2026, monthly overseas sales are reportedly approaching 10,000 units. Chairman He Xiaopeng has set a target: doubling overseas sales to over 90,000 units in 2026, pushing the share of overseas revenue past 20%, and eventually deriving half of total sales from abroad within five years.

According to company insiders, XPENG's overseas sales growth accelerated notably in the first half of this year, climbing 154% in Europe and 144% in the Asia-Pacific region. Full-year overseas sales are on track to double. The company also stated it has formulated a detailed globalization strategy, aiming to achieve 1 million overseas sales by 2030.

Behind these figures lies a strategic shift: moving from merely selling vehicles to building a full ecosystem.

From Exporting Vehicles to Local Roots

Relying solely on exporting whole vehicles faces rising trade barriers. XPENG's chosen path is to establish overseas production bases and localized service networks.

Image Source: XPENG

On the production front, XPENG has already laid out three overseas manufacturing hubs. In July 2025, Indonesia became the first country to produce XPENGs locally, with the first locally built X9 delivered. That September, the Graz plant in Austria — a partnership with Magna — started mass production, rolling out the first G6 and G9 models; this marked the first time Magna assembled vehicles for a Chinese automaker. By June 2026, XPENG's Malacca plant in Malaysia officially went into operation, focusing on the right-hand drive G6.

These three factories target Southeast Asia's left-hand drive markets, Southeast Asia's right-hand drive markets, and Europe respectively, creating a differentiated production footprint. XPENG stated it is accelerating local production layouts, with new bases in Latin America and Europe also in the planning stages. The company further outlined its approach: "global models, local production, local R&D." Currently, it has established 8 R&D centers and 6 production bases worldwide.

On the sales and service front, XPENG's overseas network covers 65 countries and regions, boasting 467 stores. In Australia, for instance, the company plans to launch five new models within six months, alongside 3 flagship experience centers and 50 sales outlets. XPENG has also set up a factory parts warehouse in Melbourne managed by FedEx, enabling next-day delivery to major states.

Image Source: XPENG

This synchronized rollout of "product, channel, and spare parts" contrasts with XPENG's earlier channel turbulence. Shifting from reliance on a single distributor to a multi-model approach is a necessary rite of passage for a brand maturing in overseas markets.

Notably, XPENG is exploring deeper localization. In September 2025, it opened its first European R&D center in Munich — its ninth globally. He Xiaopeng recently revealed the company is studying the possibility of utilizing idle capacity at German automakers' plants for production.

From R&D to production and service, XPENG is attempting to build a complete industrial loop in Europe, rather than just shipping cars over to sell.

Smart Driving Abroad: The Toughest Card to Play

If production and service are the "hardware" of going global, then intelligent driving is the "software ace" in XPENG's hand — and arguably the most uncertain variable.

Image Source: XPENG

In July 2026, He Xiaopeng traveled to Munich to complete acceptance testing for the localized second-generation VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model. Trained on Chinese road conditions, the system demonstrated stable adaptability in European urban arterial roads, narrow alleys, and high-curvature turns. This makes XPENG the first Chinese automaker to connect China and Europe's intelligent driving systems using a "single model."

The underlying logic is to avoid relying on high-definition maps and preset rules, instead making driving decisions by perceiving scene semantics. Compared to traditional solutions, this route bypasses the long cycles required for map collection and compliance approval when entering new markets. Additionally, the model can support both L2 assisted driving and L4 autonomous driving simultaneously.

Image Source: XPENG

In terms of rollout, XPENG plans to open highway NGP functions in Europe by late 2026, followed by city NOA via OTA updates starting in 2027. The launch timeline for intelligent driving in Australia is also set for 2027.

But the challenges are equally distinct. Advancing high-level intelligent driving in right-hand drive markets still requires overcoming strict local regulatory approval barriers and completing deep semantic adaptation within unfamiliar traffic systems.

In June 2026, the UN WP.29 formally released the Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (ADS GTR), with new EU regulations set to take effect in 2027. The successful acceptance of XPENG's VLA model in Munich serves, in some sense, as a preliminary "stress test" for these new rules.

Conclusion

From Indonesia to Austria, Malaysia to Australia, XPENG is attempting to simultaneously build a complete chain of "R&D—production—sales—service—smart driving" across multiple markets. This is no longer just a story of a company selling more cars; it is a sample of how Chinese intelligent vehicles establish systematic competitiveness globally.

But the flip side of the coin is equally clear: XPENG's domestic deliveries slipped 33.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. The overseas expansion is both a proactive strategic breakout and a reflection of the intense pressure from competition at home. As a company spreads itself across multiple unfamiliar markets, the demands on capital, talent, management, and compliance capabilities rise exponentially. For XPENG, at a critical juncture in its global push, the real challenges may still lie ahead.

Gasgoo Munich- Gasgoo Embodied Intelligence has learned that AiMOGA announced on July 30 that its global cumulative deliveries have surpassed 2,000 units, with products and services now reaching more than 60 countries and regions. This milestone marks a critical step for the company as it shifts from simple product exports to large-scale, systematic global expansion.

Image Source: Chery Group

AiMOGA's global push began in 2025, with its first deployment in automotive marketing services in Malaysia. From that starting point, the company has expanded its footprint across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. This year, AiMOGA showcased its technology at Thailand's Automation Thailand 2026 expo and inaugurated its first AI experience center in Vietnam, signaling an accelerating overseas rollout.

Currently, AiMOGA are deployed across a diverse range of scenarios, including automotive marketing, public space guidance, smart policing, medical triage, and commercial reception. The company has secured international certifications such as the EU's CE mark and the U.S. FCC certification, laying the regulatory groundwork for further market expansion.

As a key pillar of Chery Group's intelligentization strategy, AiMOGA leverages Chery's industrial foundation built over nearly 30 years of global operations, tapping into shared resources in R&D, manufacturing, supply chains, and channel services. Zhang Guibing, executive vice president of Chery Automobile and general manager of AiMOGA, noted that global expansion for robotics hinges on full-chain capabilities—ranging from R&D and supply chains to delivery and localized operations. Long-term success, he added, depends on integrating into local markets.

Progress is also evident on the home front. In the first half of 2026, 110 AiMOGA smart police robots were deployed across multiple cities, providing routine services in traffic direction and crowd control. Meanwhile, applications in medical triage and smart exhibition halls continue to expand.

AiMOGA is charting a development path defined by "scenario-driven innovation, systemic support, and ecosystem collaboration." By evolving from exporting products to exporting capabilities, the company aims to provide a blueprint for the globalization of China's robotics industry.

Gasgoo Munich- FAW-Volkswagen kicked off blind bookings for its ID. AURA T6 during an exclusive preview event in Foshan on July 30. Positioned as a pure electric mid-size SUV, the T6 marks the first product of the automaker's "Smart Electric 2.0" era. While the company detailed reservation incentives, pricing and full specifications remain under wraps.

Image source: FAW-Volkswagen

The ID. AURA T6 is the debut model in the ID. AURA lineup, having first appeared globally at Volkswagen Group Night in April 2026 before making its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show.

Penned by former Bentley design director Andreas Mindt, the vehicle embraces a "Pragmatic Naturalism" design philosophy. It measures 4,811mm long, 1,879mm wide, and 1,648mm tall, with a 2,836mm wheelbase. Buyers can choose from six exterior colors—Lark Grey, First Snow White, Shell White, Galaxy Blue, Mountain Green, and Sunset Purple—while the interior comes in Cloud Shadow Grey, Velvet Beige, or Honey Orange. With an interior utilization rate of 85.3%, the cabin features a one-click reclining mode, a "queen's" passenger seat, and fold-out tables.

On the intelligence front, the T6 utilizes the CEA electronic and electrical architecture—a joint effort between Volkswagen and XPENG led by a local team—adopting a "central computing + regional control" design. It runs on a 4nm cockpit chip with roughly 20 TOPS of computing power, enabling stable deployment of on-device large language models.

This marks the first pure electric SUV from the Volkswagen brand to integrate LiDAR. It employs an autonomous driving solution from Carizon, a joint venture between Volkswagen and Horizon Robotics, featuring a 192-line LiDAR and a chip with 420 TOPS of computing power. The system supports highway NOA and full-scenario urban navigation assistance.

Inside, the cabin boasts a 15.6-inch 2.5K central control screen, a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, and a 25.8-inch AR-HUD. It introduces a multi-modal AI smart desktop designed to actively learn user habits and anticipate needs.

An AI vehicle assistant and travel butler cover a wide range of usage scenarios, offering features like an automotive encyclopedia Q&A, maintenance scheduling, charging planning, and smart route recommendations. The audio system packs 18 speakers with an external amplifier delivering up to 920W of power.

Under the hood, the T6 features a single motor with a peak output of 170kW, paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. CLTC range comes in two versions: 550km and 620km. Leveraging an 800V high-voltage fast-charging platform, it can recover 300km of range in just 10 minutes. The braking system comes standard with front and rear disc brakes and Bosch IPB 2.0 technology, marking a departure from the rear drum brakes used in previous ID. series models.

Gasgoo Munich- Xiaomi Auto unveiled its SkyNomad smart, space-efficient SUV series on the evening of July 30. Leading the lineup is the flagship seven-seater, the SkyNomad N90 Max, which features a rear-facing all-solid-state digital LiDAR exclusively supplied by RoboSense. This marks the first time a mass-produced Xiaomi model has been equipped with a rear solid-state LiDAR.

Built on RoboSense's automotive-grade E platform, the newly mass-produced rear LiDAR utilizes an all-solid-state digital architecture. It balances a wide field of view with close-range ground detection and automotive-grade reliability, effectively extending the vehicle's perception capabilities from the front mid-to-long range to the rear near-field.

Image Source: RoboSense

Acting as a complement to the roof-mounted primary LiDAR, this rear sensor focuses on enhancing 3D environmental perception at the rear and sides. In frequent scenarios—such as parking in garages, reversing on narrow roads, and exiting parking spaces—it generates 3D point cloud data on object distance, contours, and spatial position. By accurately identifying curbs, steps, overhead obstacles, and nearby pedestrians or vehicles, it works with cameras and ultrasonic sensors to fill the coverage gaps left by traditional front-facing perception systems.

The E platform is the industry's first mass-produced automotive-grade platform for all-solid-state digital LiDARs. It integrates RoboSense's proprietary SPAD-SoC and 2D VCSEL chips, delivering core advantages like an ultra-wide field of view, high precision, high reliability, and a compact form factor.

As of April 2026, cumulative deliveries of E platform products have surpassed 300,000 units, setting a new industry record for all-solid-state digital LiDAR shipments.

Historically, multi-LiDAR setups and near-field blind-spot detection were largely reserved for Level 4 autonomous vehicles like robotaxis. Now, as all-solid-state LiDAR technology matures in terms of size, reliability, integration, and mass production, these configurations are migrating to Level 2 mass-market passenger cars. The layouts are becoming increasingly refined, tailored to the specific dimensions, functions, and usage scenarios of different vehicle models.

Gasgoo Munich- On the evening of July 30, Xiaomi Auto formally unveiled its Kunlun technical architecture, designed specifically for extended-range SUVs. Debuting alongside it were two production models built on this platform: the SkyNomad N70 Max and N90 Max, both opening for pre-sale with prices set at 259,900 yuan and 299,900 yuan, respectively.

To many observers, Xiaomi's move appears not only late but also risks looking like a bandwagon play on the extended-range trend.

In reality, Xiaomi initiated the SkyNomad project in early 2023. With its pure electric lineup now firmly established, the project's official launch marks Xiaomi's formation of a dual-product strategy: a "Pure Electric Driving Series" and an "Extended-Range Space Series."

At the launch event, Xiaomi Group founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun defined the SkyNomad series as the "second chapter" of Xiaomi's automotive journey.

Lei Jun noted that if the past five years were the "first chapter"—focused on answering whether Xiaomi could build good cars at all—then the release of the Kunlun Architecture and SkyNomad series opens the "second chapter." This new phase, he said, aims to answer whether Xiaomi can build a wider variety of excellent cars for users with diverse needs.

Yet, a fact that cannot be ignored is that SkyNomad's entry coincides with a "red ocean" cycle: the domestic extended-range market is seeing consecutive declines, and the dominance of top players has solidified. Against this backdrop, can SkyNomad, entering against the current, become the disruptor that rewrites the rules?

Three Years in the Making: Kunlun Architecture Reshapes the Extended-Range SUV

Within Xiaomi's technological framework, the Modena architecture focuses on pure electric performance and driving dynamics. The Kunlun architecture, however, was anchored to "intelligent variable space" from its inception, developed specifically for family-oriented extended-range SUVs. It aims to resolve pain points in current large SUVs: rigid seating layouts, cramped second and third rows, and insufficient pure electric range.

To achieve this, Xiaomi abandoned the traditional development logic of "styling first, space allocation second." Instead, the Kunlun architecture reverses the engineering process, starting with spatial requirements to define the vehicle design. Its core comprises three technological modules: the vehicle platform, super range extension, and all-domain safety.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

At the vehicle platform level, the Kunlun architecture's most immediate breakthrough is the reconstruction of interior spatial possibilities.

Traditional extended-range SUV chassis must simultaneously house battery packs, fuel tanks, exhaust systems, rear electric drives, suspensions, and underbody protection. This often leads to rear floor humps and uneven floor heights, resulting in extremely poor spatial flexibility.

Addressing these issues, Kunlun architecture underwent deep integration and optimization across the X, Y, and Z axes: compressing front cabin length, optimizing wheel arch structures to release lateral space, and flattening the rear drive and suspension to reduce vertical height. Combined with a CTB (Cell-to-Body) battery cover integrated floor design, it achieves a completely flat floor stretching from the first row to the third row and through to the trunk, eliminating the stepped, fragmented feel of traditional SUVs.

Building on this, the Kunlun architecture lays six high-strength sliding rails up to 1,938 mm long inside the cabin. This allows for sliding strokes of up to 900 mm for both the second and third rows. Cabin components such as seats, sliding center consoles, and tray tables can all move freely and reconfigure along these rails.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

To accommodate spatial changes, officials have preset 18 space modes, including face-to-face meeting, lounge bed, and maximum cargo loading. Users can also customize layouts according to their needs. This directly breaks away from the traditional extended-range vehicle logic of "fixed cabin, fixed seats," returning the choice of space to the user.

In Lei Jun's words, it offers the exterior, drivability, and passability of an SUV, combined with the space and layout flexibility of a recreational vehicle (RV).

In terms of powertrain, Kunlun architecture adopts a "large battery + efficient range extender" technical route, emphasizing an "electricity for daily use, fuel for emergencies" experience. This creates a clear distinction from the industry's prevailing "small battery as backup" philosophy.

Specifically, the system features a 1.5T range extender customized by Dongan Power, with focused development on seven core components and optimization of 57 others. It is compatible with all grades of gasoline: 92, 95, and 98.

Two battery specifications are offered: an entry-level 52 kWh LFP battery and a higher-spec 76 kWh ternary lithium battery. The N70 Max high-spec version achieves a CLTC pure electric range of up to 505 km, with energy consumption as low as 15.85 kWh per 100 km. The N90 Max boasts a CLTC pure electric range of 464 km and a combined CLTC range of 1,705 km with a full tank and charge, while fuel consumption in depleted battery mode (WLTC) is as low as 6.26 L/100 km. Additionally, the entire SkyNomad series comes standard with an 800 V high-voltage fast-charging platform.

Regarding safety, the Kunlun architecture overhauled the vehicle safety system to address the characteristics of variable space, focusing on two core areas: body safety and battery safety.

For battery safety, Xiaomi Auto officially introduced the "Dragon Armor Battery" system at the conference—a systematic power battery solution defined, designed, and quality-controlled by Xiaomi throughout the entire process.

Beyond this, the vehicle is equipped with multiple emergency redundancy designs covering scenarios such as power-cut unlocking, tailgate escape, and emergency wading.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

Notably, the lineup of core component partners for the Kunlun architecture was also clarified during the launch. Covering key systems like chassis, intelligent driving, body, and powertrain, the list includes Bosch, ZF, Forvia, Top Group, RoboSense, Hesai Technology, Dongan Power, Huayu Saicoly Body, and CRRC. This mature supply chain provides industrial-level support for the subsequent production ramp-up and quality stability of the SkyNomad series.

Overall, the Kunlun architecture is not a patchwork of existing extended-range technologies but a ground-up reconstruction starting from the chassis. It moves beyond the simplistic idea that "extended range is just an EV plus an engine," positioning spatial flexibility, pure electric daily experience, and all-scenario safety as core goals. Essentially, it uses a new generation of technical standards to redefine the product DNA of the home-use extended-range SUV.

Two Models Hit the Road: Staking a Claim in the 200,000–450,000 Yuan Extended-Range Segment

Based on the Kunlun architecture, Xiaomi's SkyNomad series debuts with two distinctively positioned models: the SkyNomad N70 Max and N90 Max. Pre-sale prices were announced simultaneously at 259,900 yuan and 299,900 yuan, respectively. They target the medium-to-large five-seat SUV and full-size seven-seat SUV markets, forming a product matrix that covers both high and low ends.

The SkyNomad N90 Max serves as the series flagship, positioned as a large seven-seat flagship extended-range SUV. It directly competes with 400,000-yuan class family flagships like the Li Auto L9 and AITO M9.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

The vehicle measures 5,285 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,825 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,080 mm and a 2+2+3 seven-seat layout. Thanks to the flat floor and long sliding rails, second-row legroom can reach up to 1,550 mm. Even with seven passengers on board, the trunk can still accommodate seven 20-inch suitcases.

Power comes from a dual-motor four-wheel-drive system with a combined output of 310 kW, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.5 seconds. Paired with a 76 kWh ternary lithium battery, it achieves a combined range of 1,705 km and fuel consumption of 6.26 L/100 km in depleted battery mode.

The chassis features front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, standard with five-stage adjustable air springs and continuously variable damping shock absorbers. A turning radius of just 5.95 meters ensures this 5.3-meter giant remains agile to handle.

The cabin comes standard with a 9-liter compressor refrigerator, a 21.4-inch rear entertainment screen, and 95% soft-touch surfaces throughout. Higher trims feature a 25-speaker Xiaomi Star String audio system. First- and second-row seats offer heating, ventilation, massage, and zero-gravity modes. The vehicle is equipped with 12 airbags, including dual-chamber far-side airbags for the second row, providing comprehensive protection for all three rows.

For intelligent driving, the car comes standard with dual LiDAR sensors and a Thor chip with 700 TOPS of computing power, supporting advanced driver assistance on highways and urban roads. An additional rear-facing LiDAR is included to further optimize parking and blind-spot perception for this large SUV.

Beyond the standard version, the car can be fitted with a factory camping pop-top roof. An electric hydraulic lifting roof combined with built-in bed boards directly unlocks outdoor living scenarios.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

The SkyNomad N70 Max is the volume leader of the series, positioned as a medium-to-large five-seat extended-range SUV targeting the 250,000–300,000 yuan family market. Its core competitors include the Li Auto L6 and the entry-level AITO M7.

Measuring 4,960 mm long, 1,998 mm wide, and 1,765 mm high with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, the N70 Max uses a five-seat layout across the board. It highlights spacious rear seating and trunk cargo capacity. Power is standard dual-motor four-wheel drive, paired with a 76 kWh ternary lithium battery. The CLTC pure electric range reaches up to 505 km—the longest in its class—while the combined CLTC range hits 1,461 km.

As the volume driver, the N70 Max continues Xiaomi's strategy of "standard equals high-spec." The 800 V platform, LiDAR, advanced intelligent driving, and variable space are all standard across the line. The pre-sale price of 259,900 yuan directly lowers the entry barrier for high-spec extended-range SUVs.

From a product positioning perspective, the pure electric SU7 and YU7 focus on performance, handling, and technology, appealing to users who prioritize driving experience and city commuting. The SkyNomad series emphasizes spatial flexibility and all-scenario adaptability, better suiting large family travel, long-distance road trips, and outdoor leisure.

With significantly different core usage scenarios and user profiles, the two are unlikely to create significant internal competition. Instead, they will jointly broaden the boundaries of Xiaomi Auto's user coverage.

The Extended-Range Market Slumps: Why Is Xiaomi Only Arriving Now?

The extended-range market of 2026 is no longer the growth hotspot it once was.

Image Source: Gasgoo Automotive Industry Big Data Platform

Data from Gasgoo Automotive Industry Big Data shows that wholesale sales of domestic extended-range models totaled 467,519 units in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year decline of 20.03%. June sales alone hit 88,603 units, a staggering 29% annual drop. Specifically in the extended-range SUV segment, first-half sales reached only 405,749 units, down 21.4% year-on-year.

Behind these figures lies a saturated market: 85 extended-range model lines were on sale in the first half, spread across 38 brands—a 70% year-on-year increase. Average sales per model have been halved, signaling that market competition has reached a fever pitch. So, what is the logic behind Xiaomi Auto's decision to enter against the tide?

Xiaomi Auto actually provided its answer to this question back on July 9, when the SkyNomad series was officially announced.

In an official post, Lei Jun defined the SkyNomad series as Xiaomi's second answer sheet, running parallel to the "driver's car" concept of the SU7 and YU7. While the former focuses on driving pleasure, the latter addresses the scenario demand for an "intelligent, variable large-space SUV."

In Xiaomi's view, the domestic market is not short on products with stacked features. "Refrigerators, color TVs, and big sofas" and "large six- or seven-seaters" have become standard in family SUVs. However, user needs have fundamentally shifted—many people are no longer satisfied just with large space and comfortable seats; they care more about whether they feel truly at ease inside the car.

"How to make a car truly comfortable?" This was the core question Xiaomi repeatedly asked when the SkyNomad series was initiated in early 2023.

The answer they arrived at was "defining space with intelligence, creating a living space." The interior should not be fixed but should change freely according to the user's needs and whims.

"To do this well requires simultaneous possession of 'AI technology + smart ecosystem + smart manufacturing capabilities.' Xiaomi happens to have all three, and the foundation is solid." Thus, the SkyNomad series was born.

Regarding user positioning, SkyNomad deliberately avoided the industry-standard labels of "dad car" or "business van." Officials stated clearly that SkyNomad is not built for a single identity group, but for all users with diverse life roles who pursue composure and freedom. They don't need a car to signal their status, but they will pay for truly innovative experiences.

If user value is the original intention behind Xiaomi's SkyNomad, then realistic considerations at the market and strategic levels are the core driving force for the project's launch at this time.

"Xiaomi's launch of the SkyNomad series is a strategic layout moving from 'breaking through with a single hit product' to 'systematic, all-scenario competition,'" an analyst at the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute believes. "It will provide strong supplements in product categories, user demographics, technical routes, and scale."

Focusing only on pure electric means Xiaomi Auto would voluntarily give up a significant portion of potential users.

Currently, over 60% of domestic car owners lack fixed charging piles. Range attenuation in northern winters and charging congestion during holidays remain real pain points that pure electric models cannot fully overcome in the short term. In this context, for users without private chargers, multi-child families, or those traveling frequently between cities, extended-range vehicles remain an attractive compromise due to their "fuel or electric" flexibility.

Abandoning the extended-range track would undoubtedly mean losing this segment of the market to some extent.

Moreover, with just two existing pure electric models, Xiaomi Auto would find it difficult to achieve true scale effects in the short term, let alone support its grand layout of a "full-scenario smart mobility ecosystem."

Image Source: Gasgoo Automotive Industry Big Data Platform

In the first half of 2026, Xiaomi Auto delivered 185,000 new vehicles via retail, a year-on-year increase of 17.2%, ranking tenth among domestic new energy manufacturers in retail sales. This result is commendable given it only has two models.

However, it is worth noting that Xiaomi's annual sales target for this year is 550,000 units. By this calculation, the completion rate for the first half was only 33.6%. This means Xiaomi Auto needs to deliver at least 60,000 units per month in the second half to meet the target. Since the monthly sales volume of its existing pure electric models is nearing a phased ceiling, relying solely on the pure electric route will be difficult to sustain rapid sales growth.

In the long run, running dual architectures in parallel is also the necessary path for Xiaomi Auto to move from "single-product breakthrough" to "systematic competition."

Over the past five years, Xiaomi used the Modena architecture to prove its manufacturing capability and built market reputation with the SU7 series. Now, with the landing of the Kunlun architecture, it is replicating its technical prowess into a new track, forming a complete layout of "pure electric + extended-range" dual technical routes and "driving + family" dual product series.

The two architectures share smart cockpits, driver assistance systems, supply chains, and channel service systems. This not only amortizes R&D and operational costs but also allows for deep optimization for specific scenarios.

Furthermore, in the future, Xiaomi Auto can derive more sub-categories based on the Kunlun architecture, continuously filling price bands and product gaps to provide sustained growth momentum for scaling up sales.

Breaking Out of the Red Ocean: Latecomer Advantages and Real-World Challenges

As a latecomer to the extended-range track, SkyNomad does not hold absolute advantages, but it is certainly not without opportunity.

"This point in time is certainly not the best first-mover window, but it represents a relatively safe, second-best entry timing," an analyst at the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute believes. "There are three core reasons: First, user education for the extended-range track is complete. Second, there is still demand space in the current market, and top extended-range automakers are generally facing significant pressure due to product strategy adjustments, so the competitive landscape has not yet fully solidified. Third, Xiaomi's full-ecosystem advantage offers room for differentiated breakout."

Specifically, the first card in Xiaomi Auto's hand is the technological generation gap brought by its latecomer advantage.

Most mainstream extended-range SUVs in the 200,000–400,000 yuan class were launched between 2023 and 2024. Volume models still rely largely on 400 V platforms, have relatively low pure electric range, and adhere to traditional SUV design logic with fixed cabins and seats.

In comparison, the Kunlun architecture starts by making the 800 V high-voltage platform standard across the line, with high-spec models breaking the 500 km pure electric range barrier. Combined with a variable space design featuring flat floors and long rails, it effectively performs a spec upgrade on the industry's standard configuration baseline, stepping out of the homogenized involution of "sofas, color TVs, and fridges."

The second card is the differentiated competitiveness of Xiaomi's full ecosystem.

Xiaomi's strength lies in its massive user base of consumer electronics and AIoT devices. The Mijia ecosystem connects over a thousand device categories, covering the daily home scenarios of the vast majority of ordinary households.

For existing Xiaomi phone and smart home users, seamless integration and scenario linkage between the vehicle and their existing devices will be a significant purchasing plus. This kind of ecosystem stickiness is difficult for other brands to replicate quickly.

The third card is Xiaomi's consistent strategy of high specs at an affordable price.

Judging by the market performance of the SU7 series, Xiaomi Auto excels at using superior hardware specifications and stronger performance at the same price point to lower category barriers, creating a powerful value-for-money impact.

The pre-sale pricing of the SkyNomad series continues this line of thinking. The 259,900 yuan price tag for the N70 Max brings an 800 V platform, large battery, and LiDAR smart driving down to the 250,000 yuan level. The starting price of 299,900 yuan for the N90 Max is also a notch lower than flagship extended-range SUVs in the same class.

This pricing strategy is likely to quickly break through user decision thresholds, replicating the breakout path seen in the pure electric market.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

But there is another side to the coin. To tear open a gap in this red ocean, the SkyNomad series faces no shortage of real-world hurdles.

The first hurdle is the cruelty of zero-sum market games.

Currently, the Matthew effect in the extended-range market is stark. The 85 model lines on sale in the first half of 2026 shared a wholesale volume of 468,000 units, meaning the average sales volume per model line was less than 6,000 units.

Moreover, the leadership structure of the extended-range market is extremely stable.

Data from Gasgoo Automotive Industry Big Data shows that in the first half, just three brands—AITO, Li Auto, and Leapmotor—accounted for 47% of the market share combined. The top 10 brands held 73% collectively.

This means the remaining twenty-plus brands must fight for less than 30% of the market. Many tail-end models sell fewer than 1,000 units a month, with their survival space severely compressed. Entering now, Xiaomi must steal existing users from top brands—a task far harder than during a period of high industry growth.

The second hurdle is the solidification of user mindsets.

Breaking user mindsets is harder than gaining market share. Li Auto has cultivated the "dad car" perception for years, making it deeply rooted. AITO, meanwhile, has firmly occupied the high ground of high-end smart extended-range vehicles through Huawei's intelligent driving and HarmonyOS ecosystem. When choosing a 200,000–400,000 yuan family extended-range SUV, these two brands are often the first-tier choices.

Although Xiaomi enjoys extremely high awareness in consumer electronics, its mindshare regarding family extended-range SUV scenarios is almost a blank slate. Breaking users' inherent selection inertia requires both solid product strength and sustained word-of-mouth accumulation—it cannot be achieved overnight.

The third hurdle is the long-term ceiling of the technical route.

Objectively, the long-term ceiling for extended-range technology always exists. Particularly as ultra-fast charging networks continue to spread and pure electric vehicles improve in range and charging efficiency, the market space for extended-range as a transitional technology may gradually shrink in the long run.

This means Xiaomi needs to scale up volume quickly within the window while the market still has capacity, recouping R&D and production investment. Simultaneously, it must continue to solidify its pure electric core technology to avoid forming a path dependency on the extended-range route.

Conclusion

For Xiaomi Auto, SkyNomad is not a deviation from the pure electric route, but an inevitable step toward a full-scenario layout. From "driver's car" to "family space car," Xiaomi's automotive blueprint is becoming increasingly complete.

However, while the official debut of the SkyNomad series showcases the technological depth of the Kunlun architecture and demonstrates Xiaomi's determination to enter the family extended-range SUV market, the real test lies ahead.

The final pricing upon official launch, the delivery pace of production ramp-up, and the genuine word-of-mouth in the terminal market—these are the core keys that will determine how far the SkyNomad series can go and whether it can carve out incremental space in the extended-range red ocean.

Gasgoo Munich- On July 30, GAC Group and the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University signed a cooperation agreement in Guangzhou focused on anti-motion sickness technology. The partnership aims to foster long-term collaboration in mechanistic research, technology transfer, and the establishment of industry standards.

Image Source: GAC Group

On the technical front, GAC is focusing on vehicle dynamics control, smart cabins, and the engineering of multimodal human-machine interaction. The hospital, meanwhile, brings expertise in clinical medicine, vestibular physiology, and neuroscience. Together, they aim to bridge medical science and engineering to build a complete technical chain—from physiological signal modeling to full vehicle system integration.

Combating motion sickness has emerged as a priority in vehicle comfort R&D over the past two years. Because electric motors deliver instant torque and regenerative braking creates drag, EVs often trigger "visual-vestibular" conflicts—a phenomenon that makes motion sickness roughly 17% more likely in EVs than in internal combustion engine vehicles, according to industry estimates. To address this pain point, mainstream solutions are converging on three fronts: recalibrating power output curves and braking maps to smooth out acceleration and deceleration; using electromagnetic suspension or continuous damping control (CDC) to manage pitch, roll, and vertical acceleration; and leveraging cockpit domain controllers to coordinate airflow, fragrance, audio, and ambient lighting for multi-sensory intervention.

GAC has already assembled a cross-functional team of engineers specializing in chassis, powertrain, NVH, body, and climate control for its pre-research efforts. Partnering with universities like the Beijing Institute of Technology and the preparatory Guangzhou Jiaotong University, the automaker established a human factors evaluation system for motion sickness. These efforts yielded several control strategies now deployed in the Trumpchi M8 PHEV L, which features a full-sensory intelligent anti-motion sickness system designed to reduce dizziness by smoothing power delivery, optimizing braking, and utilizing dual-valve SDC electromagnetic suspension.

Despite these advancements, the industry faces a common bottleneck: a lack of unified evaluation standards and scientific verification methods. Because subjective experiences vary so widely, it is difficult to objectively compare different technical solutions or adapt them for large-scale, platform-wide use. By including "industry standard formulation" in their scope, GAC and the hospital's partnership aims to directly address this gap.

Gasgoo Munich- Seres issued an update on July 31 regarding the capital expansion of its subsidiary, Saidou Technology.

The filing reveals that on April 22, 2024, Seres Group's board approved a proposal to increase the registered capital of its unit, Chongqing Saidou Technology.

Saidou Technology, Seres Automotive (Hubei), and a consortium of investors—including Chongqing Shaci Zhiyuan New Energy Technology Partnership, Chongqing Yuexing Jiasheng Enterprise Management Partnership, Ningbo Meishan Bonded Port Wending Investment, Jiangsu Bojun Industrial Technology, and Changzhou Xingyu Automotive Lighting—inked capital increase and shareholder agreements.

Image Source: Seres Announcement

As of July 31, the transactions stipulated in these agreements have been finalized, removing Saidou Technology from Seres Group's consolidated financial statements.

Seres will switch its accounting method for Saidou Technology from the cost method to the equity method. The deal is projected to lift investment income, though the precise impact will depend on audit findings.

Formerly known as Landian Technology, Saidou completed a roughly 6.67 billion yuan capital increase in May. Post-expansion, state-backed investors in Chongqing hold a 34.5% stake, making them the largest shareholder, while Seres holds 32.96%.

In June, Saidou rolled out AIVA, an AI-driven mobility brand, and teamed up with Volcano Engine to co-develop the in-car AI experience. Unveiling its logo and the AIVA Origin Concept, the company declared that "AI defines the car" and announced its first mass-production model, the AIVA ME7, will launch in 2026, targeting the mainstream market above 200,000 yuan.

Image Source: Saidou Technology

Analysts note that Seres' deep partnership with Huawei has fueled strong sales for its AITO series. Whether this deconsolidation signals a strategic retreat or a move to maximize value through strategic investors remains a key focus for the market.

Gasgoo Munich- The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently issued the "Announcement on Abolishing and Revising Relevant Policy Standards for 'Cascade Utilization' of Waste Power Batteries for New Energy Vehicles and Regulating Relevant Industry Activities" (hereinafter referred to as the "Announcement"). The directive redeploys the framework for recycling used power batteries, aiming to eliminate the market inertia surrounding the concept of "cascade utilization." The move is designed to stop companies from simply dismantling and repackaging aging batteries to pass them off as new or high-quality products for profit, thereby standardizing market order and safeguarding public safety.

According to the MIIT, the rapid expansion of the new energy vehicle sector has driven a yearly surge in retired power batteries, pushing the industry into a phase of large-scale decommissioning. In recent years, some firms have processed these used units—through testing, sorting, dismantling, and reassembly—into battery products for backup power in telecom base stations. This practice is what the industry has known as "cascade utilization."

Yet, used batteries often suffer from inconsistent performance and varying residual capacity. Without rigorous quality control, simple dismantling and reassembly can lead to thermal runaway caused by overcharging, short circuits, or impact—posing serious safety hazards. To mitigate these risks and restore order, the MIIT and other agencies have rolled out a series of regulations governing "cascade utilization," covering everything from product design and testing to labeling and certification.

The MIIT noted that in practice, some companies have exploited the "cascade utilization" label to produce substandard batteries. This has blurred the lines for downstream businesses and consumers, making it difficult to distinguish safe from unsafe products and creating confusion that endangers public safety.

What signals does this announcement send? According to the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization at the MIIT, there are four key takeaways:

First, the "cascade utilization" concept is being formally scrapped. Under the "Interim Measures for the Management of Recycling and Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries for New Energy Vehicles," dated December 31, 2025, "comprehensive utilization" is redefined strictly as resource recovery—processes like dismantling, crushing, sorting, and smelting. The definition of "cascade utilization" is being removed entirely.

Second, the rules for remanufacturing batteries from used cells are tightening. The announcement establishes a clear benchmark: any used power battery seeking re-entry to the market must fully meet the quality and safety standards of its intended application.

Crucially, the announcement draws a hard safety line: it explicitly bans these products from applications restricted by law or mandatory standards. The prohibited list currently includes electric bicycles, balance bikes, scooters, energy storage systems over 100 kWh, power banks, and toys—categories directly tied to consumer safety.

Third, a top-down cleanup is underway to unify industry management standards.

Fourth, while the announcement delists 100 companies previously recognized under "cascade utilization" guidelines, it does not halt their legal operations. Firms that continue to meet regulatory and quality standards can proceed with business as usual.

Gasgoo Munich- Gasgoo Embodied Intelligence reports, citing the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone's official WeChat account, that Siasun Co., Ltd. has officially established a presence in the zone. A leading player in intelligent composite and collaborative robots domestically, the company is anchoring its core business operations in what is known as the "Auto Valley."

Image Source: Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone Media Convergence Center

The Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone is accelerating the deep integration of its automotive sector with advanced manufacturing, fueling a surge in demand for intelligent and flexible production solutions. Siasun's arrival was facilitated by the Hubei High-Quality Development Industrial Investment Fund, under the Jingchan Investment Group, which acted as a capital bridge. By precisely aligning the company's technical strengths in semiconductors, smart welding, and intelligent assembly with the region's solid industrial foundation and rich application scenarios, the fund helped secure the project.

The zone has pledged comprehensive support for the project's operations, ranging from policy incentives and industrial space to professional talent and supply chain coordination.

Known as "China's Auto Valley," the zone currently hosts 10 automakers and more than 1,000 parts suppliers. The rapid expansion of new energy vehicles and smart logistics is steadily driving demand for high-performance industrial robots. With Siasun on board, the region's local supply capabilities for complete robot units and core components—such as speed reducers and controllers—are set to strengthen. Furthermore, the company's technological resources hold the potential to synergize with existing industrial clusters in parts manufacturing and electronic information. Through technology spillover and demonstration applications, Siasun could help upgrade traditional production lines to intelligent systems, leveraging the magnet effect of a leading enterprise to cultivate the broader supply chain.

A representative from the Jingchan Investment Group revealed that the group will maintain its focus on long-term and strategic investments. Moving forward, it plans to deepen a mechanism that combines capital operations with industry introduction and corporate cultivation. By leveraging financial tools to attract more innovative resources, the group aims to support the overall construction of the "Auto Valley Industrial Innovation Corridor" and promote the deep integration of regional technological innovation with the real economy.

Gasgoo Munich- On the evening of July 30, Unitree Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. unveiled its prospectus and issuance plan for an initial public offering on the STAR Market, officially kicking off its A-share listing process.

A successful listing would make Unitree the first humanoid robotics stock on the A-share market.

According to the filing, preliminary pricing inquiries will take place on August 5, 2026. Offline and online subscriptions are set to begin simultaneously on August 10, with payment due by August 12. CITIC Securities is serving as the sponsor and lead underwriter.

Image Source: Unitree Robotics

Unitree plans to issue 40.45 million shares in this IPO, representing 10% of the post-offering capital, bringing total shares to about 404 million. The offering consists entirely of new shares, with no sale of existing holdings. It combines strategic placement, offline inquiry-based allocation, and online fixed-price issuance.

The prospectus shows that Unitree's senior management and core employees plan to participate in the strategic placement through two asset management plans. Their combined subscription cap is 271.5 million yuan, or up to 10% of the offering. Chairman Wang Xingxing is personally subscribing for 15 million yuan.

Proceeds will be funneled into four key projects: intelligent robot model R&D, robot body development, new product creation, and a smart robot manufacturing base. Notably, nearly half the capital is earmarked for tackling core technologies in embodied intelligence models.

In 2025, Unitree shipped over 5,500 humanoid robots — more than any other company globally. Cumulative sales of quadruped robots topped 33,000 units, with overseas revenue consistently exceeding 40%. Annual revenue reached 1.699 billion yuan, with a gross margin of 60.13% on core businesses. Unitree is among the few hardware manufacturers achieving scalable profitability, serving sectors from industrial inspection to emergency rescue.

Looking ahead, Unitree forecast revenue for the first half of 2026 between 1.052 billion yuan and 1.128 billion yuan, up 35.62% to 45.41% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to range from 258 million yuan to 306 million yuan. After excluding non-recurring items, net profit is estimated at 236 million yuan to 283 million yuan — a year-on-year decline of roughly 21.97% to 6.43%, though this marks a significant recovery from the first quarter's drop.

The filing also warned that as the revenue base expands and competition heats up, future growth rates may decelerate.

Gasgoo Munich- According to "Invest Jiading," Union Semiconductor (Hefei) Co., Ltd. (Union Semiconductor, USC) held a signing ceremony on July 30 for its HITS advanced packaging R&D and industrialization project in Shanghai's Jiading District. The facility is now officially set to be based in Nanxiang Town.

The project involves a total investment expected to reach at least 7.5 billion yuan. It aims to build and operate an HITS advanced packaging process platform alongside an R&D headquarters. Focusing on five core technical bottlenecks, the initiative targets ultra-narrow pitch bump bonding, high-speed chip-to-memory interconnects, high-density interposer integration, large-size multi-chip packaging, and efficient thermal management. By solving engineering challenges from basic connectivity to high-speed data transfer and heat dissipation, the project seeks to solidify the packaging and interconnect foundation for high-performance computing chips.

Image source: Invest Jiading

Union Semiconductor's Chairman Zheng Ruijun stated that the team is already in place. The next phase involves recruiting more talent to bolster the technical force, ensuring solid progress in R&D and mass production to deliver self-controlled, high-quality products as quickly as possible. The initiative is expected to significantly boost Jiading's capacity for high-end advanced packaging and testing, strengthen collaborative innovation across the regional integrated circuit supply chain, and help attract top-tier talent.

In terms of industrial impact, the project will bridge critical gaps in the integrated circuit supply chain. By breaking through technical barriers and capacity constraints, it aims to drive the local packaging and testing sector toward high-end customization and high-value foundry services. Furthermore, the project supports the development of a self-controlled domestic IC ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign advanced packaging and testing capabilities for high-end chips—essential support for strategic emerging industries like artificial intelligence.

As the northern core of Shanghai's "one body, two wings" integrated circuit layout, Jiading continues to see its industrial clustering effect grow. Data shows the district's IC industry scale is projected to reach 105.8 billion yuan in 2025, with output from designated-sized enterprises nearing 80 billion yuan. The district has already gathered over 700 IC-related firms, including 122 designated-sized enterprises, and established multiple key innovation centers, professional platforms, and core production lines. With ample space for development and a comprehensive supporting system, Jiading is intensifying efforts in industry cultivation and talent attraction while optimizing its business environment to ensure a solid foundation for high-quality projects.

Gasgoo Munich- SiEngine has closed a new strategic funding round exceeding $200 million in the first half of this year. New backers include Shandong Hi-speed Group, Longding Investment, Zhuoyuan Asia, Weihua Group, Qingdao City Investment, Haifa Group, and the Wuhan Jiangcheng Fund, alongside continued support from several existing investors.

Image Source: SiEngine

The investor roster spans five sectors: automotive semiconductors, smart transportation, industrial manufacturing, regional industry, and AI chips. Shandong Hi-speed Group is set to open its provincial road network, offering real-world test scenarios for SiEngine's vehicle-to-infrastructure and autonomous driving technologies. Meanwhile, Weihua Group—leveraging its global strength in industrial lifting equipment—could accelerate the deployment of SiEngine's industrial AIoT chips. Longding Investment and Zhuoyuan Asia are providing support from the perspectives of the broader vehicle ecosystem and AI technology, respectively.

The Wuhan Jiangcheng Fund doubled down, reinforcing SiEngine's status as a local "chain leader" in the industry. The addition of Qingdao City Investment and Haifa Group will help SiEngine tap into industrial resources and talent in the Bohai Rim region, paving the way for its northern market expansion. Existing investors—including Shengshi Investment, Jingming Capital, and Huiyou Capital—increased their stakes, largely driven by the market performance of SiEngine's mass-produced "Longying-1" cockpit chip.

Image Source: SiEngine

SiEngine ranks first among Chinese automotive SoC suppliers for cockpit domain controller shipments in 2025, according to Frost & Sullivan. The chip has been integrated into dozens of models, including those from Lynk & Co, Galaxy, FAW Hongqi, Changan Qiyuan, and Volkswagen's overseas lineup, with cumulative shipments exceeding 1 million units.

Image Source: SiEngine

During the Beijing Auto Show, SiEngine unveiled the 5-nanometer "Longying-2," a cockpit-and-driving fusion chip with 200 TOPS of AI computing power, scheduled for adaptation in the first quarter of 2027. The move is viewed as a critical step in SiEngine's pivot from in-vehicle computing to edge intelligence. The technical expertise accumulated in automotive-grade chips—specifically in high computing power, bandwidth, and safety—holds reusable value for scenarios like industrial robotics and embodied AI.

Wang Kai, CEO of SiEngine, noted that continued investor trust is vital as the company scales up. Moving forward, the focus will be on accelerating the delivery of automotive chips while advancing the commercialization of industrial intelligent chips.

Gasgoo Munich- Tactile sensing is emerging as the key to shaking off the "clumsy" label that has long plagued robots. Historically, whether plugging, assembling, screw-driving, or handling soft objects, machines have relied solely on vision and motion trajectories. They struggled to determine if contact was stable or if an object was slipping and deforming—making tactile feedback essential.

On July 31, Gasgoo Embodied Intelligence learned that Lightwheel AI and ViTai Robotics have announced a strategic partnership to integrate tactile modalities into the data infrastructure of physical AI. Lightwheel AI focuses on data and simulation evaluation, while ViTai Robotics specializes in visuotactile sensing and end-effectors. Their collaboration marks the entry of tactile sensing into industrial-grade data production chains.

Image Source: Lightwheel AI

In practice, the partners are integrating ViTai Robotics' visuotactile sensors into Lightwheel AI's open human-data platform. Past human demonstrations only recorded action trajectories and visual outcomes; now, the system can synchronously capture contact points, micron-level deformations, slippage status, and estimated force. This allows robots to not only see how a task is done but also perceive the subtle nuances of human touch. The companies will also collaborate on time synchronization, equipment calibration, and data quality control to enhance the utility of tactile data.

The duo also aims to tackle the complexities of tactile simulation. Modeling parameters like friction and deformation in physical simulations is notoriously difficult. Their plan involves using real-world tactile data to calibrate simulation environments, gradually aligning simulated feedback with reality through extensive real-simulation pairing experiments. By comparing discrepancies between real sensors and simulation outputs in controlled contact tests, they will continuously fine-tune physical parameters—lowering training costs and boosting generalization capabilities.

Crucially, the partnership focuses on closing the deployment loop. Centering on typical industrial scenarios such as precision assembly and flexible object manipulation, the companies are conducting joint validations and connecting failure cases and anomalous feedback from real-world deployments. Through the RoboStack platform, this data flows back into the data and simulation systems to identify capability boundaries and calibrate simulations—creating a continuous cycle of iteration from data collection and simulation verification to deployment optimization.

A standout feature of this collaboration is its horizontal synergy—linking data infrastructure with specialized hardware manufacturers. Lightwheel AI provides the open platform, while ViTai Robotics supplies the critical sensors and end-effectors. Their jointly developed tactile data solution has reportedly already entered use in mass-production-grade real-world scenarios.

The shift of tactile modalities from academic exploration to industrial scale may signal the maturing of physical AI infrastructure. Once robots truly possess "fingertip sensitivity," those delicate operations that once posed such headaches might not be so far out of reach after all.

Gasgoo Munich-  SAIC-GM-Wuling recently announced that the total user base for its full lineup of commuter vehicles is expected to exceed the 3 million mark. The brand has set August 7 for a "Colorful Life, Unleash the Fun" themed event, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the Hongguang MINIEV's launch. Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Hongguang MINIEV has made its debut in Indonesia, officially marking the start of large-scale exports of this popular domestic micro commuter.

Image source: SAIC-GM-Wuling

Wuling's entry into the short-distance mobility segment dates back to 2017. Over the years, it has launched models including the Baojun E100, E200, Hongguang MINIEV, and the Bingo series, establishing a comprehensive product matrix for urban commuting. Its cumulative user base is now approaching the 3 million threshold.

Two core models account for the majority of sales. The Hongguang MINIEV has attracted over 1.95 million owners, due to its ease of driving and parking, low operating costs, and versatile styling. It has led the domestic A00-segment battery-electric vehicle sales ranking for 71 consecutive months and leads the global market in cumulative sales of micro NEVs. The Bingo series, focused on refined aesthetics, has also garnered market interest with more than 750,000 owners. Together, these two product lines address diverse consumer preferences in the commuter segment.

As it strengthens its domestic position, Wuling is accelerating the overseas rollout of its commuter models. On July 29, the fifth-generation Hongguang MINIEV launched under the name Wuling Aira ev at the GIIAS auto show in Indonesia, with a starting price of 155 million Indonesian rupiah, or approximately 59,615 yuan. To connect with younger demographics, the new model features a crossover collaboration with Disney-Pixar's "Toy Story 5," leveraging a youth-focused IP to enhance local appeal and advance the brand's vision of accessible mobility worldwide.

Gasgoo Munich- The State Council recently issued the "15th Five-Year Plan Carbon Peaking Action Plan," designating the period as a pivotal phase for peaking carbon emissions and setting hard quantitative targets for low-carbon development in the transportation sector. The document explicitly aims for new energy vehicles (NEVs) to account for 30% of total vehicle ownership by 2030, while requiring commercial NEVs to reach a 25% share.

Data from the Ministry of Public Security as of June 2026 puts total motor vehicle ownership at 476 million units, including 371 million cars. Domestic NEV ownership stands at 48.97 million, representing just 13.19% of the total car stock — a shortfall of nearly 17 percentage points compared to the 30% long-term target.

While the penetration rate of new NEV sales is nearing 50% — signaling rapid electrification among new models — vast numbers of legacy gasoline vehicles remain in daily use. The transition of the existing fleet is lagging significantly, meaning that relying solely on new NEV additions will make it difficult to meet the overall ownership targets on time.

Industry consensus suggests the logic for automotive decarbonization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period will shift fundamentally. Historically, the sector focused on boosting NEV sales to lift overall low-carbon performance; moving forward, it must balance expanding the new vehicle market with phasing out legacy internal combustion engine vehicles. High-intensity, high-emission commercial vehicles — including urban heavy-duty trucks, taxis, and buses — are the primary targets for replacement. Given their high mileage and substantial carbon footprint, accelerating the electrification of these fleets can significantly shorten the path to meeting carbon targets.

To ensure implementation, policy planning is deploying multiple support mechanisms in parallel. On one hand, targeted fiscal subsidies will incentivize owners and logistics companies to replace older vehicles. On the other, the government is pushing for the advancement of diverse powertrain technologies — including pure electric and hydrogen — while simultaneously building out a comprehensive infrastructure network for charging, battery swapping, and hydrogen refueling to resolve operational bottlenecks. The broader automotive supply chain must now shoulder the primary burden of reducing transportation emissions, ensuring the steady realization of national carbon peaking goals.

Gasgoo Munich- On July 31, Volcengine officially unveiled Seedance 2.5, its next-generation AI video generation model. To streamline integration for businesses, the company plans to open the model's enterprise API access in the near future.

Seven companies—including XPENG Motors, AgiBot, XCMG Group, PsiBot, Differential Robotics (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., Noematrix, and Xspark AI—have confirmed partnerships, becoming the first batch of domestic clients to deploy the model.

Image source: Volcengine

Developed in-house by ByteDance and commercialized through Volcengine, the Seedance series sees its latest version extend single-generation video length from 15 to 30 seconds. It also enhances multi-material referencing and precise editing capabilities. This balances creative completeness with control, catering to the demand for high-volume commercial video production across various industries.

While AI video tools were previously used mostly for short-form entertainment and advertising, this batch of partners spans automotive, construction machinery, robotics, and intelligent aviation. The shift signals that video generation AI is breaking out of the media and entertainment bubble, penetrating into industrial R&D and corporate operations.

Clients across sectors have distinct deployment plans. XPENG Motors, for instance, plans to integrate Seedance 2.5 into its internal design system. The automaker will use it to rapidly generate vehicle visualization assets and multilingual explainer videos, cutting production timelines for new model launches and overseas marketing materials.

Embodied intelligence firms like AgiBot and Noematrix can use the AI to mass-generate robot motion scenarios, supplementing the video data needed for algorithm training without relying on repeated physical filming. Meanwhile, manufacturers like XCMG are targeting industrial training, using the tech to produce equipment operation tutorials and lower the costs of live-action shooting and 3D animation.

For enterprises, the open API model allows AI video capabilities to be embedded directly into internal office, R&D, and design systems. This eliminates the need to switch platforms, suiting the demand for high-volume, high-frequency video production. Covering mobility, heavy industry, and robotics, these pioneering partners demonstrate that the application scenarios for general-purpose video models are widening—moving well beyond new media content creation.

Gasgoo Munich- Hesai announced that its ETX — an automotive-grade, ultra-long-range LiDAR platform featuring over 1,000 lines — has secured a new designation from Great Wall Motors. The product is slated to enter mass production and begin deliveries by the end of 2026.

Image Source: Hesai

This latest deal extends a long-standing strategic partnership between the two automakers. Great Wall's WEY, TANK, ORA, and HAVAL brands already integrate Hesai's LiDAR across scenarios ranging from urban commuting and family travel to off-road driving. Hesai said it will leverage its technology and production capacity to support Great Wall's intelligent driving upgrade.

Great Wall has recently pushed a "more efficient, longer range, safer" development philosophy for new energy vehicles, viewing LiDAR as essential hardware for meeting safety demands. The ETX, designed for high-performance needs, offers configuration options including 1,080, 2,160, and 4,320 lines.

In terms of detection range, the device can spot objects up to 600 meters away, maintaining a 400-meter range at 10% reflectivity. For smaller targets, the ETX can identify water barriers (roughly 120×60 cm) at 300 meters, small animals (about 60×40 cm) at 280 meters, and wood blocks (approximately 15×25 cm) within 150 meters.

According to Hesai, the ETX incorporates proprietary photon isolation technology and a waveform decoding engine. These features aim to minimize false positives and missed detections, thereby enhancing perception reliability and safety for autonomous driving systems in complex environments.

Hesai plans to continue working with Great Wall to bring spatial perception capabilities to mass-produced models, supporting safer smart mobility experiences. While specific models or volumes for this designation have not been disclosed, the timeline for mass delivery is set for the end of 2026.