Gasgoo Munich- China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), alongside the Ministry of Commerce and the State Administration for Market Regulation, has jointly released the "Artificial Intelligence Terminal Intelligence Grading" (GB/Z 177—2026) series of national standards. Smart vehicle cockpits are now officially part of the first batch of seven standardized categories — a move that signals the country's automotive intelligence drive is entering a new phase of regulated development.

The framework introduces an innovative "2+N" architecture. The "2" represents the "Reference Framework" and "General Requirements," defining an evolution path from Level 1 response to Level 4 collaboration. The "N" covers evaluation dimensions tailored to specific devices. Notably, the Level 3 "auxiliary" standard for smart cockpits — representative of high-computing terminals — has become an industry focal point. Cockpits hitting this mark must demonstrate complex multimodal intent understanding, chain-of-thought reasoning, dynamic task planning, and adaptive contextual learning, effectively bridging the gap from "passive command response" to "active intelligent collaboration."

Industry experts point out that the smart cockpit sector has long lacked a unified yardstick. The introduction of this standard offers automakers a clear R&D baseline while optimizing the supply-side structure through market selection. For consumers, it provides an authoritative reference when shopping, enabling them to accurately gauge the true intelligence of a vehicle's cockpit and make more informed decisions.

Image Source: MIIT Department of Electronic Information

Gasgoo Munich- Xiaomi EV is preparing to launch a new standalone sub-brand named "Xuntian." Its first extended-range SUV, internally codenamed Kunlun N3, will drop the previously rumored "YU9" moniker. Slated for a market debut in the second half of 2026, the vehicle will not feature the main Xiaomi badge.

Trademark filings reveal that Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd. applied for the "Xuntian" trademark as early as April 3, 2023, followed by an English-language "SKYNOMAD" application on November 15, 2024. Both filings fall under the transportation category, directly linking them to the company's automotive operations.

Image source: Xiaomi EV

Gasgoo reached out to Xiaomi's public relations department regarding the branding and model plans, but had received no response by the time of publication.

Available information suggests the Xuntian brand will target the family, long-distance travel, and outdoor markets — a move that differentiates it from the Xiaomi main brand's focus on pure electric, high-performance vehicles.

Positioned as the flagship of the new brand, the Kunlun N3 will be followed by additional extended-range SUVs — including the Kunlun 10, Kunlun 20, and Kunlun 30 — to flesh out the product lineup. Furthermore, reports indicate the brand is planning a pop-up roof outdoor recreational vehicle codenamed "Isle of Man." Positioned above the Kunlun series, this model aims to expand into high-end outdoor travel scenarios.

Details regarding the Xuntian brand and the Kunlun N3 remain under wraps, though online discussions have floated alternative names like "Wujie" (Boundless) or "Wujiang" (Frontier). As competition in the extended-range vehicle segment intensifies, Xiaomi's strategy of entering the fray through a standalone sub-brand helps prevent brand dilution while allowing it to target family users specifically. Once the new model hits the market, it could reshape the current landscape for extended-range SUVs.

Gasgoo Munich- China's large six-seat SUV market is booming, yet its pricing structure has settled into a rigid hierarchy. The 200,000 yuan mark serves as the entry barrier for "true" three-row vehicles, while the 250,000 to 300,000 yuan bracket is crowded with mainstream family flagships. Models featuring standard high-end driver-assist systems and smart cockpits, meanwhile, are almost universally priced above 300,000 yuan.

That's why the crowd erupted at the launch event when the Huajing S— a flagship large six-seater equipped with standard Huawei Qiankun ADS Pro and the HarmonySpace 5 cockpit — announced a starting price of 149,800 yuan (including trade-in subsidies). This combination signifies more than just a low-priced entry; it creates a value anchor in the 150,000 yuan market where none existed before. Amid the chaotic battle among "Series 8 and Series 9" flagships, it marks the first time the labels "large six-seater" and "standard Huawei Qiankun" have converged at the 150,000 yuan price point.

Image Source: Gasgoo

How to Rewrite the Logic of Product Definition?

The spatial implications of Huajing S's pricing strategy are worth exploring far more than the surface numbers suggest.

Profit margins in the compact SUV market are razor-thin, with the price war compressed to its limit. In contrast, large SUVs command unit prices two to three times higher, offering far more significant per-vehicle gross margins. This margin gap is the fundamental reason why numerous domestic brands are leveraging electrification and intelligence to break into the high-end family market.

With a price range of 149,800 to 193,800 yuan, the Huajing S sits squarely in the pricing void between the high-end segment and the mass market for large SUVs. By standardizing the full suite of Huawei Qiankun technologies, it effectively anchors high-end specs to a low price point, making the pricing structures of class competitors appear rigid by comparison. This vehicle not only lowers the entry barrier for Huawei's advanced driving systems and Harmony cockpits but also sets a new pricing benchmark through its flagship positioning. Given similar dimensions and core configurations, it is currently difficult to find a rival model that can compete horizontally at this price point.

Image Source: Gasgoo

From a macro perspective, sales in China's large SUV market have been doubling since 2026, with the segment expanding rapidly. Yet, the number of players is also increasing. The recent Beijing Auto Show witnessed a "surge" in large SUV debuts, with dozens of new models unveiled. The intensity of competition in this market going forward is easy to imagine.

When a new segment shifts rapidly from a booming blue ocean to a battle for market share, new entrants must anchor themselves in a definite, realistic core price band and continuously deliver user value that meets those expectations. Only then can they secure a foothold in the zero-sum game.

Huajing S's insight into this trend is clear: rather than getting bogged down in trivial configurations and brand premiums in the 300,000 to 400,000 yuan flagship market, it chose to dive straight into the 150,000 to 200,000 yuan range, aiming to make this the mainstream price benchmark for large six-seat SUVs. Its chosen path — standardizing the full Huawei Qiankun suite — essentially creates a pricing model where the upper limit of intelligence in its class supports the lower limit of price. The core of this model lies in allowing users to own a product that satisfies the smart mobility needs of families of four or more without a high budget. The appeal to the terminal market is immense.

The trend of "trickling down" Huawei Qiankun intelligent driving was already visible in 2025. Products like the Shangjie H5 and Deepal L07 previously brought the basic version of Huawei Qiankun ADS into the 150,000 yuan market. However, the fundamental difference with Huajing S is that it isn't just a 150,000 yuan model *offering* Huawei driving; it is a 150,000 yuan flagship large six-seat SUV that makes it standard across the entire lineup.

Intelligent driving has shifted from an optional configuration to a baseline requirement — a first for SUVs in this price range.

Moreover, the ADS Pro Enhanced version equipped on the Huajing S features Huawei Qiankun's in-cabin LiDAR vision, Limera, at the hardware level. Functionally, it supports city navigation assistance right out of the gate, covering daily commutes in complex traffic environments and highway driving scenarios. In other words, this represents the full delivery of a high-end driver-assist experience.

Running parallel to this is the standard inclusion of the HarmonySpace 5 cockpit. Features like Super Desktop, seamless phone-to-vehicle integration, and four-zone voice interaction are now available immediately, making the smart cockpit no longer an exclusive option for top trims but a core component of the base configuration. The significance of this shift lies in the current focus of smart car competition on cockpit experience differentiation. By achieving "Huawei-level" cockpit democratization in the 150,000 yuan market, Huajing S exerts reverse pressure on product differentiation: any competitor in this class that fails to offer Huawei-level cockpit capabilities will naturally be at a disadvantage in terms of consumer attention, especially among buyers for whom intelligence is a core purchase driver.

Image Source: Gasgoo

Beyond Huawei's support, large space and comprehensive safety are also core highlights of the Huajing S's product strength. In terms of space, a 5,235 mm length combined with a 3,105 mm wheelbase delivers a class-leading "space utilization rate" of 87.4%.

On the safety front, in addition to the active safety provided by the Huawei Qiankun CAS 4.0 collision avoidance system, the Huajing S's passive safety credentials are equally robust. The vehicle uses Baosteel's 2,000 MPa nuclear submarine-grade ultra-high-strength steel, paired with a globally debuted one-piece hot-stamped front floor structure and one-piece hot-stamped double door rings. This constructs a "five-longitudinal, eleven-transverse" bottom structure and a cage-style six-ring body frame. Even more notably, the Huajing S completed the industry's first "80 km/h side impact plus 15-meter rollover drop" collision challenge, providing a real-world validation of the vehicle's safety.

Is the Domestic Large Six-Seat SUV Landscape About to Be Reshaped?

The launch of the Huajing S lands in a large six-seat SUV market that is currently undergoing structural change.

From the demand side, the growth logic for large six-seat SUVs remains clear. The rising proportion of two- and three-child families is driving differentiated space needs. The 2+2+2 layout of large six-seaters adapts perfectly to the high-frequency scenario of "two adults, two children, and two elders," making it an inevitable choice for multi-generational households. On the supply side, electric drive systems enable short overhangs and long wheelbases, significantly improving third-row comfort. Meanwhile, the popularity of range-extended (EREV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technologies allows large SUVs to balance pure-electric commuting with the convenience of long-distance refueling.

However, as mentioned above, a divergence has emerged between the rate of demand growth and supply expansion. The industry is launching an increasing number of similar products, yet it struggles to create equally dense customized matches within the total consuming population capable of affording them. Homogenization follows: wheelbases exceeding three meters, rear entertainment screens, and zero-gravity seats (or equivalent specs) have become standard, while powertrains are concentrated in EREV or PHEV options.

With prices plummeting, configurations converging, and slogans overlapping, the concept of the "mobile home" is suffering from consumer fatigue.

In this market environment, the biggest variable introduced by the Huajing S is undoubtedly its pricing. It lands precisely in a price void — a gap where first-tier new forces cannot expand downward due to brand premiums, and second-tier brands cannot climb upward due to cost structures. Compared to Li Auto, which relies on refined user service to build brand pricing power in the 200,000 to 300,000 yuan market, Huajing S offers richer standard configurations at a lower price and uses Huawei's full suite to directly challenge competitors' intelligent moats. Compared to Leapmotor's products in the same price range — which lead various segments through cost efficiency and a broad multi-product portfolio — Huajing S focuses on a clearer high-value anchor: the six-seat flagship SUV. This means it may not generate the highest absolute sales volume across the entire SUV market, but within the specific niche of large six-seaters, it could secure an irreplaceable position.

Looking ahead at the future trajectory of the large six-seat SUV market, rapid capacity release and stabilized shares for leading brands suggest a shift from incremental expansion to a battle for existing market share and structural reshuffling. This will accelerate the survival of the fittest. Whether seizing market share through cost-based pricing or solidifying core users through brand recognition, every model is attempting to capture a larger slice of the market in its own way.

Huajing S's core strength lies in fusing Huawei's intelligent capabilities with SAIC-GM-Wuling's manufacturing scale and aggressively competitive pricing. This opens a new entry point for consumption at the bottom of the large six-seat market price range. This implies that consumers' budget ceiling for family SUVs may stop expanding. Even if other large six-seat products offer significant capability, if their prices are notably higher than the Huajing S, they will still face the "price deviation dilemma" from rational consumers at the point of purchase.

Image Source: Gasgoo

This anchoring effect on price perception could have a long-term impact on the segment that far exceeds the Huajing S's own sales figures.

Reviewing the broader landscape of China's auto industry, the launch of the Huajing S reveals a more fundamental shift: competition in the Chinese market is moving from the stacking of homogenized configurations to more intense price-level confrontation. This conflict is driving a new round of deepened consumer insight. For the core large six-seat demographic — families of four or more — the brand premium is being recalculated. When a six-seat SUV with a starting price under 150,000 yuan can simultaneously offer Huawei intelligent driving, class-leading space, and comprehensive safety, this is no longer just a price promotion. It is the birth of an entirely new value standard.

In summary: For the domestic large six-seat SUV market, the Huajing S provides a direct yet hard-to-ignore answer: price and technology can be rematched around what consumers truly need. This answer may force the entire market's pricing system to start over.

In the family segment — where the decision-making chain is most complex and sensitivity to value is highest — whoever breaks the implicit logic that "high price equals good quality" the fastest will seize a long-term advantage in user preference. The Huajing S has already marked the official starting line for this new round of competition.

Gasgoo Munich- Qianli Technology is accelerating its push for a Hong Kong listing.

The company recently resubmitted its application for a main board listing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming for a dual listing on the A-share and Hong Kong markets. Market sources suggest it could complete its Hong Kong IPO as early as the second quarter of this year. People close to the project reveal that Qianli Technology has entered the HKEX inquiry phase; if all goes smoothly, it will move forward with roadshows and pricing.

Unlike a typical automaker IPO, Qianli Technology's Hong Kong debut is drawing extra scrutiny—largely due to the strategic pivot it has undertaken over the past two years.

The company's predecessor was Lifan shares. In 2020, after a debt crisis and a stalled transition to new energy vehicles, Lifan entered bankruptcy reorganization, followed by a takeover by Geely and capital from Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area. Post-restructuring, Geely gradually introduced battery-swapping models, platforms, and supply chain resources, steering Lifan's business toward new energy vehicles.

In 2024, Megvii founder Yin Qi joined the company as chairman. Then, in February 2025, Lifan Technology officially rebranded as "Qianli Technology," unveiling an "AI + Auto" strategy that extends its business into intelligent driving, smart cockpits, and Robotaxis.

Over the past year, driven by the rebranding and AI strategy, Qianli Technology has captured the capital market's attention. Its stock surged from a low of 2.2 yuan at the start of 2024 to 13.9 yuan—a gain of over 400% at its peak. Currently, the company's market capitalization exceeds 50 billion yuan, with shares trading at 11.3 yuan.

Q2 Hong Kong Debut on the Horizon

According to the prospectus, the $1 billion raised from the Hong Kong listing will primarily fuel Qianli Technology's AI-driven strategy, bolster R&D capabilities, upgrade products and technical solutions, and expand its sales and service networks.

This reflects the company's sustained R&D investment over the last two years. In 2025, R&D expenses hit 822 million yuan—more than double the previous year. The headcount for research staff jumped from 791 to 2,456, now accounting for over a third of the total workforce. The increased spending is focused heavily on intelligent driving algorithms, smart cockpits, and Robotaxis.

Currently, Qianli Technology's operations split into two main pillars: manufacturing and technology. Manufacturing remains the revenue engine, covering new energy vehicles, motorcycles, and related components. The technology segment encompasses intelligent driving, smart cockpits, and Robotaxis.

Image Source: Qianli Technology

Financial data shows that traditional manufacturing still drives the bulk of Qianli Technology's revenue. In 2025, the manufacturing sector generated 9.32 billion yuan—over 90% of total revenue. Passenger vehicles and parts contributed 6.44 billion yuan, up 52.7% year-on-year, while motorcycles and parts brought in 2.48 billion yuan, a 15.9% increase.

Overall gross margins are also recovering. In 2025, the company's gross margin stood at 10.2%, up roughly 1.2 percentage points from the prior year. Specifically, the margin for passenger vehicles and parts was 6.1%, while motorcycles and parts came in at 12.2%.

That same year, Qianli Technology disclosed revenue from intelligent driving technical solutions for the first time. According to its financial report and prospectus, this segment generated about 350 million yuan annually, derived mainly from non-recurring engineering services.

Image Source: Qianli Technology

For now, the technology business remains a small slice of the pie. Qianli Technology's data shows that intelligent driving-related revenue accounts for less than 4% of total revenue.

Profitability remains under pressure. From 2023 to 2025, the company recorded net losses of 262 million yuan, 329 million yuan, and 321 million yuan, respectively.

Rising R&D spend is a key factor weighing on profits. Qianli Technology noted that the expansion of new tech businesses, a larger research workforce, increased R&D investment, and higher asset impairment losses have all impacted the bottom line.

For Qianli Technology, a Hong Kong listing opens wider financing channels. Over the past year, companies like Seres have completed their "A+H" dual listings. At the same time, intelligent driving, Robotaxis, and AI-related businesses are becoming focal points for Hong Kong investors.

Backed by Geely, Pushing Into AI

Geely has been a central player in Qianli Technology's business restructuring over the past few years.

Following the 2020 restructuring, Geely gradually transferred vehicle platforms, battery-swapping systems, and supply chain resources to Qianli Technology. Livan Auto has since become a core component of its new energy vehicle business.

As the intelligent driving business advanced, Geely further consolidated internal resources. Public records indicate that Geely merged the ZEEKR intelligent driving team, parts of the Geely Research Institute, and Megvii's autonomous driving unit to form Chongqing Qianli Intelligent Driving. The combined workforce now totals nearly 3,000 people.

Image Source: Qianli Technology

Currently, Qianli Technology is supplying Level 2 to Level 4 intelligent driving solutions to the Geely ecosystem through Qianli Intelligent Driving. The company's goal for 2026 is to achieve mass production and delivery of 1 million intelligent driving vehicles, covering Geely models priced over 200,000 yuan, while striving to break even within the year.

Beyond Geely, Qianli Technology has recruited several executives with backgrounds in AI, consumer electronics, and the auto sector over the past year. In February, former Honor CEO Zhao Ming joined as co-chairman. Subsequently, Chen Ting from Mercedes-Benz China's investment and M&A division, along with Liu Yunhao—an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and professor at Tsinghua University—joined as non-executive and independent directors, respectively.

Image Source: Qianli Technology

Meanwhile, Yin Qi recently took the helm as chairman of StepFun. According to company disclosures, Qianli Technology plans to collaborate with StepFun and Geely to develop the next-generation Agent OS for smart cockpits.

Yet, despite the rapid transformation, Qianli Technology remains heavily reliant on the Geely ecosystem. The prospectus reveals that revenue from the Geely Group accounted for 33.6%, 30.8%, and 29.6% of total revenue from 2023 to 2025, respectively. Clearly, the company's business activities are still largely concentrated within Geely's orbit.

At this stage, Qianli Technology is still running traditional manufacturing and AI businesses in parallel. As it pushes forward with its Hong Kong IPO, the market will be watching closely to see how its intelligent driving, smart cockpit, and Robotaxi operations progress toward mass production and commercialization.

Gasgoo Munich- According to Gasgoo Global Auto Industry Big Data, Hebei's automotive sector has developed a multi-layered, collaborative ecosystem. Anchored by hubs like Baoding, Cangzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Xingtai, the province has built a cluster defined by distinct roles, complementary strengths, and tight integration. Spanning traditional components, high-end smart manufacturing, and new-energy technologies, the industry's overall resilience is steadily climbing.

Baoding leverages Great Wall Motor's position as a chain leader to forge a complete ecosystem ranging from R&D and core components to vehicle assembly. The region has gathered local heavyweights like SVOLT Group, Nobo Auto, and Mande Electronics, creating a self-reliant system of research and production. It has also drawn top-tier global suppliers like Bosch, Denso, and Magna to deepen their presence, helping Baoding stay ahead in R&D and high-end component manufacturing.

Cangzhou, driven by Beijing Hyundai's manufacturing base, has achieved scale in key supporting sectors like automotive electronics and interior/exterior trim. A group of parts makers—including Faurecia, AESC, and Tianqi Mold—have established a comprehensive supply chain network there.

Shijiazhuang is capitalizing on Chery New Energy's manufacturing capabilities to accelerate a synchronized development of vehicles and core components. Companies like Sentek, Jing-Jin Electric, and Hebei Youkong provide strong support in areas like driver assistance and electrification. This "vehicle-led, component-supported" ecosystem is injecting strong momentum into Hebei's race in the new-energy sector.

Xingtai, drawing on deep industrial roots and strategic transport links, has cultivated a "comprehensive yet specialized" cluster for basic components. With deep expertise in precision parts, rubber and plastics, and lightweight materials, firms like Hebei Xino, Elit Technology, and Guihang Hongtu are deeply integrated into the supply chain for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the nation at large. Their specialized, refined capabilities continue to solidify Xingtai's unique competitive edge upstream in the chain.

Looking at production capacity, Hebei is targeting roughly 1.73 million vehicles by 2026. Great Wall Motor dominates with about 1.13 million units, followed by Beijing Hyundai at 300,000, Geely at 200,000, and Chery New Energy at 100,000. This multi-tiered capacity structure will reinforce the ability of chain leaders to integrate upstream and downstream resources, pushing the province's auto industry to a higher level.

Overall, Hebei's auto cluster is pivoting from isolated layouts to ecosystem collaboration, anchored by chain leaders. By leveraging complementary roles, the province is upgrading the entire supply chain and building a high-quality industrial system. Still, the province must improve resource allocation across regions and deepen vertical integration. Promoting the efficient flow of resources and joint innovation is essential to bolster the industry's resilience against risk.

Gasgoo Munich- Schaeffler has announced a management reshuffle, appointing Zhao Chengmiao as Head of Key Account Management in China, effective May 1, 2026. In this capacity, Zhao will oversee key account operations for automotive OEMs and coordinate cross-business unit strategies at the corporate level. He will also join the company's China Management Committee, reporting directly to CEO Dr. Zhang Yilin.

Image Source: Schaeffler

A 2002 graduate of Anhui Polytechnic University, Zhao joined Schaeffler China in 2008. He has spent years deepening his expertise in key automotive accounts, managing relationships with major domestic players like SAIC-GM, Changan Automobile, BYD, FAW Group, Great Wall Motor, and Qingshan Industry. His track record in relationship management, business expansion, and strategic cooperation has been instrumental in driving the steady growth of Schaeffler's core operations in the region.

With over three decades of presence in China, Schaeffler has established a comprehensive network spanning R&D, production, and sales. The company maintains a customer-centric approach, fostering long-term strategic partnerships with the country's leading automakers.

Dr. Zhang Yilin, CEO of Schaeffler China, framed the appointment as a strategic move to anchor the company's long-term growth in the market. The goal is to elevate customer service capabilities by leveraging Zhao's extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the local landscape, ultimately aiming to deepen customer value and drive synergistic development across the industry.

Gasgoo Munich- BWI Group has officially launched mass production of its iDBC1 integrated brake control system (1-Box) in Europe, equipping models from a leading global automaker. Separately, a next-generation brake-by-wire product is slated for mass production in North America in June. Together, these systems will power nine models on the automaker's new platform in a deal worth approximately 2.1 billion yuan.

BWI Group's iDBC1 integrated brake control system (1-Box). Image Source: BWI Group

Brake-by-wire technology is widely regarded as the final frontier for intelligent electric vehicles — a critical hurdle that must be cleared to enable advanced autonomous driving.

Following the shift to electrification and intelligent computing, the true bottleneck lies in the chassis execution layer. Within this domain, brake-by-wire systems represent the most technically challenging and strategically vital component, with exceptionally high barriers to entry. As core safety parts requiring the highest Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL-D) and allowing for almost zero margin for error, these systems were historically dominated by European giants in overseas markets.

Leveraging its deep technical expertise in braking, BWI Group has shattered this long-standing European dominance, achieving a significant independent breakthrough in brake-by-wire systems.

Image Source: BWI Group

As early as 2020, the company's iDBC2 control braking system (2-Box) was successfully integrated into the Rimac Nevera, a top-tier European electric hypercar. It continues to power the upgraded Rimac Nevera R, marking a return to mainstream European and American markets. These two hypercars set dozens of world records between May 2023 and July 2025, including a braking distance of 28.96 meters from 100 km/h and a 0-100-0 km/h time of 3.32 seconds.

Back in 2023, BWI Group made further inroads into North America by supplying its DBC1280 Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for a project with a leading regional automaker.

With the mass production of these two brake-by-wire products in Europe and the U.S., BWI Group has become the first — and only — Chinese company to establish a firm foothold in both markets. This marks a critical leap for Chinese chassis technology in the global supply chain, poised to reshape the competitive landscape of the worldwide chassis industry.

Beyond its deep R&D foundation, the company boasts world-class project coordination capabilities. The 1-Box system currently in production, along with the upcoming brake-by-wire product, were jointly developed by teams across China, Europe, North America, and Brazil to directly serve top-tier global automakers.

Spanning three time zones with 24-hour seamless connectivity, this global collaborative R&D and project management model has surpassed the capabilities of Japanese and Korean peers. Underpinned by a strategy of "Designed in China, Applied Globally, Covered Across Time Zones," BWI Group has demonstrated the comprehensive strength to meet the complex technical demands and rigorous development standards of global clients.

Gasgoo Munich- Export data for April 2026 has once again sent shockwaves through the Chinese auto industry.

Chery Group exported 177,600 units in a single month, while BYD moved 134,500 and SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle topped 125,000. Combined, overseas sales from just these three top automakers exceeded 430,000 vehicles. Factoring in exports from Geely, Changan, Great Wall Motor, and emerging startups, total passenger vehicle exports by Chinese brands in April are poised to firmly breach the 700,000 mark.

From a 53% year-on-year growth rate in the first quarter to multiple automakers shattering historical records in April, China's auto exports are undergoing a critical shift from quantitative accumulation to qualitative transformation. By synthesizing official automaker announcements, industry association data, and the Gasgoo Institute export database, Gasgoo Auto aims to dissect the underlying logic driving this overseas surge.

The Resonance of Oil Prices, Product Competitiveness, and Channel Dividends

Judging by the April report cards of leading automakers, both the scale and structure of exports have shifted significantly.

Image Source: Chery Group

Chery Group sold 251,400 vehicles in April, up 25.2% year-on-year. Of these, exports accounted for 177,600 units—a staggering 102.4% surge—making up 70.6% of total sales. This implies Chery has fully transitioned to an "export-led" growth model. After breaking records with nearly 150,000 units in March, April saw it clear two successive 10,000-unit hurdles, marking the twelfth consecutive month of exports exceeding 100,000. From January to April, cumulative exports reached 570,900 units, a 66.3% increase, securing Chery's position at the top of China's auto export rankings.

BYD's overseas sales in April hit 134,500 vehicles, jumping 70.9% year-on-year to set a new monthly record for the brand. The share of exports in total sales rose to 42%, with cumulative overseas sales for the first four months exceeding 450,000 units. Notably, BYD has already raised its full-year export target for 2026 from 1.3 million to 1.5 million vehicles, positioning overseas markets as a critical buffer against the pressures of the domestic price war.

SAIC Motor's overseas sales in April stood at approximately 125,000 units (including exports and overseas production bases). The MG brand was the primary contributor, with the MG4 exceeding 10,000 monthly sales for seven consecutive months. Meanwhile, SAIC-GM-Wuling's overseas exports broke the 30,000-unit mark for the first time.

Geely Group exported 83,200 vehicles in April, soaring 245% year-on-year. This marks the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year doubling, placing Geely's growth rate at the top of the five major domestic brands.

Changan Automobile delivered 72,700 units overseas in April, up 69.9% from the previous year. Great Wall Motor sold 50,500 vehicles abroad, a 56.93% increase, with exports accounting for 47.6% of its total monthly sales.

Among emerging startups, Leapmotor exported over 40,000 units in the first quarter, surging 430% year-on-year. Leveraging Stellantis's overseas distribution network, it rapidly opened up markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, becoming a benchmark for new players going global.

Regarding model structure, data from the CPCA shows that new energy passenger vehicle exports exceeded 50% for the first time in January 2026—a historic milestone. This share was likely further consolidated in April. Internal combustion engine vehicles continue to play a "foundational role," relying on mature after-sales networks and consumer habits; mature SUVs like the Chery Tiggo, Changan CS series, and Great Wall Haval remain export mainstays. However, the incremental contribution of new energy vehicles can no longer be ignored. BYD's pure electric and plug-in hybrid lineups, Geely's new energy products, and Leapmotor's explosive growth together constitute a second growth curve.

Analysis suggests that this export explosion is driven by the powerful convergence of three factors at the same point in time. First is the surge in oil prices. Since March, ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed Brent crude from around $60 a barrel to nearly $120. The global operating cost of internal combustion vehicles has risen sharply, directly driving overseas demand for new energy vehicles—especially pure electrics and hybrids with low fuel consumption.

Second is the tipping point in product competitiveness and cost advantages across the entire industrial chain. In core dimensions such as battery range, energy density, smart cockpit experience, ADAS maturity, and vehicle reliability, leading Chinese brands have closed the gap with global mainstream joint ventures—and even surpassed them in some areas. The hyper-competitive domestic market has forced automakers to accelerate technology iteration and cost optimization. The early rollout of 800V high-voltage platforms, urban NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), and semi-solid-state batteries serves as proof of Chinese brands leading the tech race.

Third is the harvest period for overseas channels and localized layouts. Chery has cultivated the Middle East, South America, and Africa for years, establishing dealer networks and after-sales systems as far back as the internal combustion era. BYD continues to open direct stores in Southeast Asia and Latin America while partnering with leading local dealer groups. Geely has accelerated channel expansion in Southeast Asia and Europe through acquisitions like Proton and joint ventures with local partners. These early investments are now efficiently converting the "oil price window" into actual sales. When overseas consumers shift to new energy vehicles due to rising fuel costs, they find that Chinese brands not only offer impressive products but are also accessible, visible, and serviceable. This accumulation of infrastructure provides the "last mile" support for the export surge.

From "Casting a Wide Net" to "Intensive Cultivation"

However, the surge in April exports was not driven by uniform progress across all markets. To better understand the structural characteristics of Chinese automakers' global expansion, the Gasgoo Institute analyzed the regional distribution of exports in March 2026, revealing the distinct strategic paths chosen by the three top automakers.

The results show that for BYD passenger vehicle exports in March 2026, the top five regions were: Central & South America (41,037 units), EU + UK + EFTA (27,039 units), Other Asia (8,707 units), Southeast Asia (8,614 units), and the Middle East (5,745 units). This highlights BYD's global layout: high regional concentration, prominent advantages in core markets, and clear stratification across sectors. Notably, BYD's export volumes to other parts of Europe and North America are extremely low. "Affected by multiple uncertainties regarding the geopolitical situation, trade environment, and policy, BYD remains cautious in its layout."

Chery Holdings' exports present a pattern of "dual-core markets leading with multi-polar support," featuring clear regional tiers and strong resilience. According to Gasgoo Institute data, Chery's top five export destinations in March were: EU + UK + EFTA (38,111 units), CIS countries (34,154 units), Central & South America (21,149 units), Middle East (11,714 units), and Africa (10,686 units). The Institute believes that "this broad, multi-point export structure not only guarantees stable export volumes for Chery but also effectively hedges against risks from policy changes and exchange rate fluctuations in single markets, fully demonstrating the resilience of its global layout."

Geely Holdings' export landscape exhibits a typical "balanced multi-point" characteristic. Data shows Geely's top five export markets in March were: CIS countries (17,037 units), Southeast Asia (11,353 units), EU + UK + EFTA (10,682 units), Central & South America (10,054 units), and Africa (7,863 units). The Institute notes: "With 17,037 units, the CIS region remains Geely's core export market, reflecting the solid market barriers built through long-term product adaptation, channel construction, and localized operations in the area."

Synthesizing the regional patterns of these three automakers, it is evident that Chinese passenger vehicle exports are shifting from "volume growth" to "structural deepening." BYD is pivoting on Central & South America as a growth pole, Geely is leveraging a balanced push across the CIS and Southeast Asia, while Chery leads from the front with its dual-core strategy in Europe and the CIS. Each automaker is leveraging its strengths in different global regions, jointly outlining a competitive landscape where Chinese automotive globalization moves from "casting a wide net" to "intensive cultivation."

In the global market, a structural window in Europe is opening wider. First, the China-EU electric vehicle case has achieved a "soft landing." In January, both sides reached a significant consensus on the anti-subsidy investigation, allowing companies to sell pure electric vehicles at or above the minimum price set by the EU, potentially avoiding additional tariffs. Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the CPCA, projects that from 2026 to 2028, Chinese electric vehicle exports to the EU will maintain an annual growth rate of around 20%.

Second, demand for electric vehicles in Europe is recovering beyond expectations. Data from China Securities shows that EV sales in nine European countries reached 413,100 units in March, a 43% year-on-year surge, with a penetration rate of 32.9%—up 7.4 percentage points from last year. The institution has raised its 2026 European EV sales forecast to 5.42 million units, representing 35% growth.

Third, Chinese brands are rapidly gaining market share. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association shows that BYD sold 37,600 vehicles in Europe (EU, UK, and EFTA) in March, soaring 147.6% year-on-year, with its first-quarter market share jumping from 0.9% to 2.1%. Chery exported over 90,000 units to Europe in the first quarter, up 170%, entering 18 European markets. In the UK, the Chery JAECOO 7 became the best-selling new car in March with 10,064 units sold—the first time a Chinese brand model has topped the monthly sales chart. SAIC MG sold over 90,000 units in Europe in the first quarter, while Leapmotor's European EV sales reached 18,246 units, an 846% surge, capturing a 33.5% share of Italy's pure electric market.

From "Product Export" to "Ecosystem Rooting"

It must be noted that the skyrocketing export figures do not equate to the full establishment of global competitiveness. Currently, Chinese automakers still face two core challenges: overseas operations that are "unprofitable or low-margin," and the building of brand power.

Image Source: BYD

At present, the overseas operations of the vast majority of Chinese automakers remain in a state of low margins or even losses. Capital expenditures for building plants, developing channels, brand marketing, and establishing after-sales networks are enormous, while external costs such as tariffs, shipping, and exchange rate fluctuations continue to rise. The commissioning of overseas production capacity—such as BYD's Hungary plant, Leapmotor's Spain factory, and Chery's Spanish base—means capital expenditure pressure will remain high for the next 2 to 3 years. Before achieving economies of scale and increased localization rates, the contribution of overseas business to consolidated profits will be very limited.

Regarding brand power, although Chinese brands are rapidly gaining share in markets like Europe, the perception of "Chinese cars" among most overseas consumers remains stuck at the "high specs, good price" value-for-money level. There is still a significant gap in brand premium capability compared to Volkswagen, Toyota, and even traditional German luxury brands.

"Forced by price constraints, the high-end transformation of Chinese automakers is in a critical stage of product upward movement, technological foundation building, and brand climbing," Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the CPCA, said in a media interview. "While high-end price ranges and configuration levels have been achieved, brand premium, global recognition, and systemic capabilities remain insufficient, and a true high-end brand barrier has not yet been formed."

He further pointed out that the future high-end breakthrough of Chinese brands overseas will focus on three directions: building irreplaceable core technology barriers such as 800V high-voltage systems, solid-state batteries, and high-level autonomous driving; shedding the value-for-money label to shape independent high-end brand images and win over global users; and perfecting compliance systems, localized supply chains, and service networks to upgrade from simple product export to full value chain globalization.

Recognizing these challenges, leading Chinese automakers are shifting their global strategy from a 1.0 era of "trade orientation" to a 2.0 era of "industrial rooting." Localized production has become the prevailing narrative. BYD's Hungary plant is scheduled for mass production in the second quarter of 2026, forming a manufacturing network covering Asia, Europe, and Latin America alongside its Thailand, Brazil, and Indonesia plants. Chery has launched its first overseas regional operations center and research institute in Barcelona, Spain, and initiated a localization project in South Africa. Through the "Leapmotor International" joint venture, Leapmotor is establishing about 900 sales outlets globally, with its Spain B10 plant planned for mass production in October 2026. The localization of supply chains and talent is proceeding in sync. Local employees account for 85% of Chery's international talent, while Chinese supply chain companies in power batteries, thermal management, and smart cockpits are following automakers abroad, creating synergistic effects locally.

In summary, the export explosion in April was no accident. It is the inevitable result of years of technological accumulation and cost optimization in the Chinese automotive supply chain, as well as a historic window of opportunity spawned by shifts in the international geopolitical landscape. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) estimates 2026 auto exports will reach approximately 7.4 million units, while the China EV 100 predicts a potential assault on the 8 million mark. However, in the long run, the true test of Chinese automotive globalization lies in the ability to build a global industrial system that is resilient to severe geopolitical disruptions, possesses sustainable profitability, and commands high-end brand recognition. This awaits further refinement by Chinese automakers in technology, capital, management, and strategy.

Gasgoo Munich- Gasgoo has learned that PIA Automation officially opened its new headquarters campus on May 8. This relocation marks more than just an upgrade in space and collaboration; it signals a new phase in the company's drive to integrate AI with smart manufacturing.

Image source: PIA Automation

The company has already completed the relocation of its Ningbo factory. The new headquarters, located at No. 98 Qingyi Road in the Ningbo High-tech Zone, spans 68,000 square meters and integrates office, R&D, exhibition, and collaboration functions. Designed around the demands of smart manufacturing, the campus is built to boost efficiency while strengthening capabilities in industrial AI—laying the groundwork for future global expansion and technical innovation.

Zhu Xuesong—president of Joyson Group, vice chairman of Joyson Electronics, and a director at PIA Automation—said the company will use its global headquarters as a new anchor point. From there, it aims to deepen its focus on smart manufacturing and actively embrace the era of embodied intelligence.

Notably, the company's self-developed humanoid robot, "Jarvis," made an appearance at the opening ceremony. It handled hosting and greeting duties, interacting with the emcee through voice commands and synchronized movements.

Gasgoo Munich- As the U.S. and Europe impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to keep out "low-priced Chinese cars," a more intriguing phenomenon is taking shape. The force truly capable of disrupting the global auto landscape isn't coming from an external offensive by Chinese domestic brands, but from an "internal choice" by multinational automakers themselves. They are actively shipping Chinese-made models to markets around the world.

Recently, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said the company is "very seriously evaluating the possibility of using China as an export base." The plan is to push models developed and produced in China into markets including Southeast Asia, Mexico, North Africa, and South America.

This is no isolated case. Yueda Kia has already transformed its Yancheng plant into a global export hub, shipping more than 568,000 vehicles worth over $6.18 billion. The SAIC-GM Buick Envision has long been re-exported to the North American market, while the BMW Brilliance iX3 has been shipped to Europe in bulk.

More recently, a batch of new models from SAIC Volkswagen — including the Tiguan L Pro, Passat Pro, and Teramont Pro — departed for Uzbekistan via the China-Europe Railway Express.

Joint Venture Export Boom Arrives

A survey of the current export landscape reveals that nearly every mainstream brand has joined the push, targeting a wide array of markets.

Korean automakers were the earliest and most aggressive movers. Since launching its export business in 2018, Yueda Kia has built an export portfolio that includes the EV5 and Sportage, spanning both internal combustion and pure electric technologies. Its export markets cover the Middle East, ASEAN, South America, and Australia.

Data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute shows that Yueda Kia's export sales exceeded 170,000 units for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, firmly placing it among the top three joint venture exporters.

Beijing Hyundai, under the same group, is also accelerating its catch-up efforts. In 2025, it exported 82,000 vehicles — a 48.67% year-on-year increase — primarily targeting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

Image Source: Kia

In the German camp, SAIC Volkswagen is the latest entrant. The models shipped to Uzbekistan are all the latest generation of mainstream internal combustion vehicles. As the most populous nation in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has a weak automotive industrial base; local production focuses on economy models, while mid-to-high-end vehicles rely on imports. By laying stakes here, SAIC Volkswagen is carving a path into Central Asia — steering clear of a European market already saturated with Chinese electric vehicles and a Southeast Asian market dominated by Japanese and Korean brands.

BMW Brilliance and Mercedes-Benz are also making moves. The BMW Brilliance iX3 has been exported to Europe in bulk for some time. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA features the MB.OS architecture, led in development by the Mercedes China team, and is equipped with an assisted driving system from Chinese smart driving brand Momenta, along with batteries from Chinese suppliers. Since its launch, cumulative registrations of the electric CLA in Europe have surpassed 25,500 units.

In the American camp, the SAIC-GM Buick Envision has long been re-exported to North America, while Changan Ford's export sales exceeded 50,000 units in 2025.

Nissan presents a different export model. At the Japan Mobility Show in October 2025, a joint venture model led by a Chinese development team debuted on the Tokyo stage for the first time. Nissan's new CEO explicitly stated that the "key to Nissan's transformation lies in China," with the N7 set to be exported first to Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Image Source: Zhengzhou Nissan

On April 1, Zhengzhou Nissan began exporting the Frontier Pro. The vehicle's entire process — from design and development to production — was led by a Chinese team, with native adaptations for different regional markets worldwide.

Furthermore, newer joint ventures are also pushing into exports. Electric models produced by the smart-Geely joint venture were designed for global markets from the R&D stage, primarily targeting Europe. Similarly, electric MINI models produced by Spotlight Automotive — a joint venture between Great Wall Motor and BMW — are built for global sales.

Statistics from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute indicate that in 2025, exports of foreign and joint venture brand passenger vehicles from China are approaching the 1 million mark.

China Is Becoming a Global Production Base

Why are multinational automakers accelerating the shift to position their Chinese factories as global export hubs?

The most direct driver is the brutal competition at home. As domestic brands continue to expand their share — leveraging their first-mover advantages in electrification and intelligence — the traditional strongholds of joint ventures are being steadily squeezed.

Sales data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute shows that the market share of domestic passenger vehicle brands climbed to 68.5% in 2025, while joint ventures saw their share slip from a peak of 60 or 70% to around 30%. Sliding sales have left vast amounts of capacity idle.

Image Source: Beijing Hyundai

Rather than fighting an endless price war at home, it makes sense to redirect that capacity overseas — where there are still plenty of markets hungry for German, American, and Korean brands but lacking sufficient local supply.

A second driver is the cost and efficiency advantage of manufacturing in China. The same German vehicle costs far less to produce in China than in Germany, with no compromise on quality. The completeness of China's automotive supply chain and its cost control capabilities offer significant competitive advantages on a global scale.

Joint venture factories in China can leverage local supply chains for low-cost production while tapping into the foreign partner's overseas distribution networks and after-sales systems. This combination of "foreign brand + Chinese manufacturing + overseas channels" is a potent formula in price-sensitive emerging markets.

A third, deeper driver involves the reverse export of technological capabilities. The business model of joint ventures in China is upgrading from the past four decades of "market for technology" to a comprehensive "export of Chinese automotive infrastructure capabilities." This infrastructure encompasses not just manufacturing capacity, but the entire industrial ecosystem — including supply chains, product development, and electrification and intelligent technologies.

For instance, the MB.OS architecture in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA was led by a Chinese team, the intelligent driving system comes from Chinese firm Momenta, and the battery supplier is a Chinese company.

Porsche established its first overseas comprehensive R&D center in Shanghai, where an entertainment screen developed by the center is set to go into mass production later this year. Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, recently emphasized: "The Chinese R&D team has more or less full autonomy. The better approach is to leverage what we develop here — innovating in China to empower the world."

Image Source: SAIC Volkswagen

The SAIC Volkswagen ID.ERA 9X is also led by the Chinese development team. The company defines it as a landmark product for the "Joint Venture 2.0 era," with development already planned for right-hand-drive models targeting markets like Southeast Asia and Australia.

This implies that by exporting Chinese-made models globally, joint ventures are essentially exporting the quality standards, technological content, and cost competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing to overseas markets. This is no longer merely a transfer of capacity, but an export of capabilities and a reshaping of roles.

Of course, this path is not without challenges. Profit distribution and benefit coordination between Chinese and foreign partners are the primary hurdles: the Chinese side wants export business to maximize the amortization of fixed costs, while the foreign side worries about cannibalizing production bases in other regions. Entry standards, emissions regulations, safety certifications, and tariff policies vary wildly across countries, requiring joint ventures to navigate hundreds of different regulatory systems.

After-sales services — such as parts supply, maintenance, complaint handling, and recall management — also rely on the foreign parent company's global dealer network. However, it remains uncertain whether these dealers are willing to devote resources to selling and maintaining "Made in China" models. Additionally, joint venture brands face competitive pressure from domestic brands expanding abroad. If they cannot differentiate themselves on price from domestic brands, yet lack strong support from their foreign partners, they risk being caught in an awkward position of "falling between two stools."

Yet, from a macro perspective, the strategic shift toward exports by joint ventures appears irreversible. In the coming years, the market share of domestic brands will likely continue to climb, further compressing the space for joint ventures in the domestic market.

Without finding growth through exports, most joint ventures face a future of persistently low capacity utilization, operating losses, or even forced withdrawal. The export transition offers them a dignified and sustainable path forward — allowing them to be reintegrated as participants in the global allocation of resources.

Gasgoo Munich- Xiaoyubot secured hundreds of millions of yuan in a B+ funding round, Gasgoo reported. BAIC Industrial Investment, Fosun RZ Capital, and C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investmentg led the round. Existing shareholders Huaye Tiancheng and the Guizhou Sci-Tech Innovation Angel Fund participated. Didi and Xiaomi co-founder Li Wanqiang increased their investment. Gengxin Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor and investor.

With this backing, Xiaoyubot's investors now span four major sectors. These include consumer electronics, automotive, shipping, and construction. This covers core scenarios where industrial embodied intelligence has the greatest scaling potential.

Founded in 2023, the company draws its founding talent largely from tech giants. These include Xiaomi, Huawei, Microsoft, and ByteDance.

Image source: Xiaoyubot

Founder Qiao Zhongliang was among Xiaomi's earliest employees. He formerly led MIUI research and development. He oversaw versions 9 through 12 before departing in January 2023. Co-founder and CTO Wang Wenlin previously served as general manager of Xiaomi's software platform division. He spearheaded the development of the "Xiaomi Brain." Partner Shi Jiangtong was the first manager of the structural engineering department at Xiaomi's mobile division. He later managed ecosystem chain R&D. He oversaw the manufacturing and mass production of over 100 million handsets.

As of the first quarter of 2026, the Xiaoyubot team has roughly 120 people. About half focus on model algorithms.

The company is dedicated to building a universal "one-brain, multiple-form" robotics platform for industries. It initially focuses on intelligent welding. Its mission is to leverage general embodied intelligence. This aims to liberate workers from hazardous, arduous, and repetitive labor. It ensures technology creates tangible value.

Image source: Xiaoyubot

In Qiao's view, the path to general embodied intelligence must be paved through frontline production scenarios. "This is a blue ocean market capable of closing the business loop," he argues. "It is a vast data mine that drives the data flywheel. It is the ideal breeding ground for products that lead the industry."

Its products are already in use by multiple strategic clients. They have reached the stage of mass deliveries.

Recently, Xiaoyubot signed a strategic cooperation agreement with CCSS Smart Technology (Shenzhen). The partners plan to deploy 1,000 embodied intelligence welding robots over the next year. The focus is on "embodied intelligence plus steel structure welding." The goal is to establish a benchmark for the intelligent upgrade of the construction steel structure industry.

Looking ahead, Qiao believes that shipping 5,000 to 10,000 units annually is a prerequisite for entering the first tier. Shipping 100,000 units essentially secures a spot in the final round. That is the baseline for a leading product.

About "Seeds Discovery":

Gasgoo's "Seeds Discovery" column builds a service platform. It connects startups, ecosystem partners, investors, and local governments. It deeply empowers the upstream and downstream supply chain. Since its inception, the column has uncovered standout companies, technologies, and business models. These offer inspiration and leadership during the wave of intelligent transformation. This drives the growth of industrial innovation. According to Gasgoo statistics, nearly every startup featured in "Seeds Discovery" has successfully connected with industrial ecosystem resources.

Gasgoo Munich- Shenzhen Yingkan Zhiyi Technology Co., Ltd., a startup focused on embodied intelligent bionic flapping-wing robots, has closed a Pre-A funding round worth tens of millions of yuan. Led by Oriza Origin, the capital will primarily drive core technology R&D, iterate its fluid simulation engine, refine its consumer and industrial product matrix, and accelerate commercialization.

Prior to this round, Yingkan Zhiyi had secured two consecutive funding rounds, bringing its total raised capital to tens of millions of yuan. The seed round featured a strategic investment exclusively from MiraclePlus, while the angel round was led by Qigao Capital with continued support from existing shareholder MiraclePlus and participation from Hanyuan Assets, the mother fund of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Image Source: Yingkan Zhiyi

Established in March 2025, Yingkan Zhiyi's core team comprises more than a dozen members from Shanghai Jiao Tong University—spanning undergraduates to PhD candidates—all born after the year 2000. Among them, founder and CEO Chen Hao, along with co-founders Chu Shixuan, Fu Hang, and Wang Mingxuan, are currently doctoral students at the university.

On the technical front, the team boasts deep academic expertise in cutting-edge fields such as robotics, bionics and cable-driven mechanisms, reinforcement learning motion control, and human-machine interaction. Having led numerous robot design, manufacturing, and technical competition projects, they possess solid experience spanning the full spectrum of independent hardware and software R&D through to actual deployment.

Currently, the startup is developing Vortrix, the world's first fluid-control integrated simulation training platform designed for robotics. As AI reshapes fluid dynamics, this engine generates specialized embodied intelligence controllers for various flying machines—from pterosaurs and birds to butterflies—enabling true autonomous flight capabilities in complex airflow environments.

Yingkan Zhiyi plans to launch its first consumer-grade flapping-wing drone, initially targeting markets worth billions of yuan in the geek, education, and research sectors. This move aims to build core technology reserves and cultivate a highly sticky user base.

The company will then move into a full-scenario expansion phase. Leveraging the high transferability of its flapping-wing transmission and control technology, it plans to flexibly expand its product family based on payload and wingspan. This strategy aims to extend embodied intelligent flapping-wing robots into global markets worth trillions of yuan—covering urban low-altitude inspection, ecological photography, and scientific research—ultimately forming a matrix of solutions for diverse scenarios.

About "Seeds Discovery":

Gasgoo's "Seeds Discovery" column aims to build a service platform connecting startups, industrial chain ecosystem partners, investment firms, and local governments to deeply empower the upstream and downstream supply chain. Since its inception, the column has been dedicated to identifying high-quality companies, technologies, and business models that offer significant inspiration and leadership during the wave of intelligent transformation, thereby driving the growth of industrial innovation. According to Gasgoo statistics, nearly all startups featured in "Seeds Discovery" have successfully connected with resources across the industrial ecosystem.

Gasgoo Munich- OYMotion has officially announced a strategic partnership and signed a memorandum of understanding with True Corporation, a leading Thai telecommunications giant. Moving forward, the two companies will leverage their respective core strengths to jointly develop neuro-rehabilitation solutions tailored for the Southeast Asian market, aiming to accelerate the rollout of cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies in Thailand and the broader region.

Since its founding in 2015, OYMotion has established four core technology pillars: brain-computer interfaces, electromyography (EMG) sensing, smart rehabilitation robots, and bionic dexterous hands. Its product portfolio includes smart bionic hands, rehabilitation exoskeletons, and EMG armbands. Having secured both US FDA and CE certifications, the company exports to numerous countries and regions, amassing deep technical expertise and clinical experience in the neuro-rehabilitation sector.

Image Source: OYMotion

Through this collaboration, OYMotion will bring its core capabilities in brain-computer interface neural signal decoding, precise EMG sensing interaction, and smart rehabilitation device R&D. These will be combined with True Corporation's distinct strengths in Thailand and Southeast Asia—including comprehensive 5G network coverage, a robust digital services ecosystem, and extensive local medical channel resources. Together, they aim to build a localized, intelligent, and accessible neuro-rehabilitation product and service system. The partnership will focus on three key areas:

First, the joint development of customized rehabilitation solutions. Addressing the high incidence of stroke, movement disorders, and disabilities in Southeast Asia, the partners will use 5G and AI technologies to optimize neural signal decoding efficiency. The goal is to create smart rehabilitation training systems adapted to the physiological characteristics and usage habits of local patients.

Second, launching clinical pilot validations. Leveraging True Corporation's medical partnership network, the initiative will conduct clinical trials at several top-tier hospitals in Thailand. This will accelerate the localization of products and the accumulation of clinical data, laying the groundwork for subsequent widespread rollout.

Third, driving adoption in regional markets. Using Thailand as a central hub, the partnership will gradually expand across the entire Southeast Asian region. Through technology transfer, product deployment, and supporting services, the collaboration aims to assist the digital and intelligent transformation of the Southeast Asian healthcare industry, bringing advanced rehabilitation technology to a wider population in need.

Gasgoo Munich- Xiaomi Auto is taking its first global step in the toughest market possible: Germany in 2027.

It is the pinnacle of global automotive technology—and the starting line for Xiaomi to earn trust abroad.

Stringent regulations, unfamiliar customers, and no turning back. This "German exam" is the decisive battle for Xiaomi's transformation from a Chinese upstart to a global brand.

The global hand has been revealed.

At the recent Auto China 2026, Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun stood at the center of the company's booth with a clear message: Xiaomi Auto is going global.

He publicly outlined plans for a European R&D center for the first time. Xiaomi has already begun preparations. It aims to blend the efficiency of "Made in China" with the heritage of "German engineering" to develop smart EVs tailored to European consumers.

Image Source: Xiaomi Auto

The initiative marks a strategic leap for Xiaomi Auto from a domestic Chinese automaker to a global smart EV brand.

In reality, the groundwork for this expansion was laid long ago. In November 2025, Xiaomi Group President Lu Weibing traveled to Germany specifically to test drive the SU7. He publicly declared a "full-scale effort" for the 2027 European entry. That same year, Xiaomi recruited Dieter, Tesla's former senior manager for delivery operations in Central Europe, to build a talent pool for overseas business.

These quiet maneuvers converged at the Beijing Auto Show into a clear roadmap: Germany in 2027.

The timing of this offensive is no accident. Since deliveries of the SU7 began in April 2024, Xiaomi Auto has delivered more than 650,000 vehicles. Its lineup has expanded from the SU7 to the YU7, with the new YU7 GT set to debut in May. With domestic production capacity, supply chains, and the product matrix now fully validated, the moment to go abroad is ripe.

At the show, Xiaomi also disclosed the specific location of its European R&D hub: Munich. According to Xiaomi Auto Vice President Hu Zhengnan, the center is positioned as a "design capability hub for high-performance, luxury, and high-performance luxury vehicles." It will handle five core tasks. These include R&D and styling design, high-performance vehicle development, luxury definition, European user experience and product definition, and forward-looking research with European suppliers and universities.

"Munich has the world's highest density of talent and experience in high-performance and luxury vehicles," Hu said. The center aims to attract top-tier engineers and work closely with the domestic team to develop high-performance cars that meet global quality standards.

Personnel Moves, Battle Orders Issued

If the Beijing Auto Show was the declaration, the subsequent organizational reshuffle is the call to action.

Recently, Xiaomi Auto announced an internal restructuring: Vice President Yu Liguo will now double as head of the overseas business preparation group, reporting directly to both Lei Jun and Lu Weibing. Simultaneously, Vice President Song Gang took charge of production and intelligent manufacturing.

The division of labor signals Xiaomi Auto's internal strategic priorities: Song Gang will hold the fort on domestic manufacturing, while Yu Liguo leads the charge into overseas markets.

Yu has a deep track record at Xiaomi Auto, having previously spearheaded key business initiatives. His appointment to lead the overseas preparation group signals that international expansion has become the company's top priority. The dual-reporting structure ensures the overseas business has sufficient resource allocation and decision-making efficiency at the group level. This is not a departmental task, but a company-wide campaign.

Behind these maneuvers lies a clear timeline and roadmap. At Xiaomi's Investor Day on April 27, Lu Weibing unveiled the globalization plan. The company aims to secure 550,000 deliveries in China in 2026. It will officially enter Europe in the second half of 2027, starting with Germany. It plans to move into right-hand drive markets in the first half of 2028, progressively covering the UK, Japan, Australia, India, and other regions.

Lu emphasized that the overseas strategy is "steady and city-by-city," not an aggressive sprawl. The choice of Germany as the first stop has a clear strategic intent: Germany is the heart of Europe's auto industry and a bellwether for global automotive technology standards and consumer trends. Establishing a foothold in Germany would provide a global endorsement of the brand's premium positioning and technical strength.

The market has responded positively to Xiaomi Auto's expansion plans. Several institutions issued "buy" or "overweight" ratings following the personnel announcements, viewing Xiaomi's globalization path as clear and well-resourced. Analysts note that Xiaomi's smartphone business covers over 100 countries and regions. This means its overseas sales channels, after-sales networks, and localized teams are already mature. These are assets that can be directly leveraged for its automotive expansion.

Of course, the road abroad is fraught with challenges. Regulatory requirements for smart connected vehicles in Europe differ significantly from those in China. Issues such as adapting to charging infrastructure, complying with data localization rules, and building brand awareness from scratch must all be overcome one by one.

From the blueprint unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show to the execution led by Yu Liguo, Xiaomi Auto is advancing its globalization with its characteristic rhythm. The firm 2027 deadline for entering Europe marks a critical milestone. In this critical window of reshaping for the global new-energy vehicle landscape, this "German exam" has only just begun.

OEM Trends | OEM Trend

IT Home: On May 7, Richard Yu—Huawei's Executive Director and Chairman of the Consumer BG—announced that the Luxeed V9 will officially launch this month (May). The new vehicle opened for pre-orders on April 22 during the HarmonyOS Mobility spring product launch, with a starting pre-sale price of 398,000 yuan.

IT Home: On May 7, Dongfeng eπ announced that its eπ M8 will debut this month. The new model is positioned as a "large six-seater SUV featuring Huawei Qiankun technology" and boasts a completely new flagship-level design.

IT Home: On May 7, Li Auto CEO Li Xiang wrote on Weibo that a 5C range-extended system without supporting 5C supercharging stations is soulless—rendering "charging to 80% in 10 minutes" an empty promise. He called on all EREV peers to jointly promote 5C technology and improve the layout of 5C supercharging stations and piles to solve the difficulty of finding a charger during holiday highway travel. He believes the current shortage stems largely from the high volume of hybrid and EREV models on the market. Limited by older technology, these vehicles have shorter pure-electric ranges and longer charging times, drastically increasing charging frequency and occupying already scarce chargers for extended periods.

Gasgoo: On May 7, NIO officially announced that the Hexi Corridor battery swap route will be fully operational on May 10. As of May 7, NIO has built 8,849 battery swap and charging stations nationwide, comprising 3,839 swap stations and 5,010 charging stations, with cumulative swap services exceeding 100 million.

Gasgoo: On May 7, Faraday Future (FF) announced that, based on strategic consensus with bridging partners, it plans to upgrade the FX Super One model to an 800V electric version or accelerate the AIHER hybrid project, while pausing cooperation on the original 400V vehicle. FF stated this adjustment is an active optimization of strategic execution. Compared to the originally planned 400V architecture, the 800V architecture is expected to improve range, charging speed, and powertrain efficiency through a "high voltage, low current" strategy—better aligning with the long-distance travel needs of U.S. users.

Jiemian News: Addressing recent market rumors that "LG Energy Solution is about to secure a 10 trillion won order for BMW's 46-series large cylindrical batteries," BMW stated it does not comment on media speculation. The automaker emphasized that to ensure global supply chain resilience, it continuously evaluates its supplier lineup based on its own needs—a principle that applies equally to the rapidly evolving EV sector and related battery cell supply.

Gasgoo: Ferrari recently reported that its first-quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 4% year-on-year to 722 million euros (approximately $844 million), while revenue climbed 3% to 1.85 billion euros. The automaker's overall profitability was driven by rising demand for personalized vehicle customization and strong sales of high-priced models like the F80 supercar.

Kuai Technology: Reports suggest Xiaomi EV's first range-extended SUV will belong to a new independent sub-brand named "Xuntian" (SKYNOMAD). The vehicle will not carry the main Xiaomi logo and is slated for official launch in the second half of 2026. The model carries the internal code name Kunlun N3, and the previously rumored "YU9" name has been scrapped. Positioned below the main Xiaomi brand, Xuntian focuses on family, long-distance, and outdoor travel markets. It plans three EREV SUVs—Kunlun 10, 20, and 30—with the Kunlun N3 serving as the highest-spec debut model.

Supply Chain News | Supply Chain News

Gasgoo: On May 7, it was officially learned that Contemporary Amperex Intelligence Technology (Shanghai) Limited (CAIT-SH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CATL has signed an agreement with Turkish EV manufacturer Togg to jointly develop three models on Togg's new B-segment platform, based on CATL Bedrock Chassis. The first mass-produced model is scheduled to hit the market in 2027.

Cailian Press: On May 7, Shenzhen Longhorn Automotive Electronic Equipment announced it recently received a nomination letter for an intelligent driving radar perception system (APA) product from a leading new energy vehicle brand. The project has a lifecycle of five years with an estimated total revenue of 275 million yuan, and mass production is expected to begin in March 2027. The customer is in sound financial condition with strong ability to fulfill the contract.

Gasgoo: Recently, Aptiv and Comau announced a partnership to jointly develop a new generation of intelligent automation solutions, aiming to achieve safer, more efficient, and more autonomous operational modes. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding, laying the framework for evaluating joint development in key areas such as advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and automated warehousing and logistics.

Industrial Economy | Industrial Economy

Cailian Press: On May 7, gains in Hong Kong-listed chip stocks expanded during trading hours. Biren Technology surged over 10.5%, Hua Hong Semiconductor rose more than 6%, and Iluvatar CoreX jumped over 5.5%. Epiworld, Montage Technology, Guangdong Tianyu Semiconductor, and others also climbed more than 3%.

Cailian Press: On May 7, based on preliminary monthly data from the CPCA: National passenger car makers' new energy wholesale volumes are estimated at 1.22 million units in April 2026, up 7% year-on-year and 7% month-on-month.

Jiemian News: According to data from the General Administration of Customs compiled by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, auto parts imports reached $1.52 billion in March 2026, a 3.4% month-on-month increase and a 2.1% year-on-year decline. In the first quarter of 2026, auto parts imports totaled $4.83 billion, up 4.5% from the previous year.

Gasgoo: Ouye Semiconductor recently announced the completion of a C-round financing worth hundreds of millions of yuan. The round was jointly participated in by SDIC Capital, the Shenzhen "20+8" new energy vehicle fund managed by Toukong Cornerstone, Nanshan Strategic Emerging Industry Investment, and Binfu Capital. The funds will be used to strengthen technology R&D, drive product mass production, and expand into multi-industry markets.

Gasgoo Munich- According to Gasgoo Global Automotive Industry Big Data, Hunan's automotive sector is defined by a "core agglomeration with axis-belt extension" spatial feature. Centered on the Chang-Zhu-Tan region, it radiates outward to cities like Yueyang, Changde, and Hengyang, establishing a clear hierarchy of industrial layers and collaboration. The region features both leading OEMs and a supporting cast of components and emerging tech firms, driving a steady improvement in supply chain completeness.

Changsha (1,000+) is the core of Hunan's auto industry, leading the province in both supplier count and industrial concentration, and has formeda complete vehiclemanufacturing and intelligent technologyparalleldevelopment pattern. On the OEM front, a cluster has formed around BYD, SAIC Volkswagen, and GAC AION (transitioning from the former GAC Mitsubishi). The supply chain side spans smart cockpits and electric drive systems, with players like Bosch, Omowi, and Desai Battery accelerating their shift toward new energy and intelligence. Overall, Changsha is evolving beyond a mere manufacturing hub into a highland for intelligent and new energy technologies.

Leveraging its deep roots in equipment manufacturing and rail transit, Zhuzhou (201–500) is rising rapidly in the new energy vehicle and key components sectors. The local industry focuses on power systems, electric drives, and materials, backed by a robust industrial foundation. Representative companies like CRRC Times and Zhuzhou Gear hold strong competitive positions in electric drive and transmission fields. Zhuzhou is steadily transforming from a traditional manufacturing base into a stronghold for core new energy components.

Within the integrated Chang-Zhu-Tan framework, Xiangtan (151–200) serves a critical supporting role, hosting a component cluster centered around OEMs with strong collaborative capabilities. Local enterprises specialize in chassis systems, structural components, and general parts. Companies like Magna and Beijing West Industries bring a foundation in chassis and construction machinery technology that extends into the automotive sector. Xiangtan's strengths lie in its location and cost efficiency, making it well-suited for absorbing industrial transfers and scaling up production.

In 2026 complete vehicleplant planned capacity terms, Hunan has established a distinct tiered structure. BYD leads with roughly 950,000 units of planned capacity; as a global new energy leader, its Changsha base has achieved a closed-loop industrial chain. Geely (748,400 units) and BAIC (500,000 units) form a crucial second tier, while SAIC Volkswagen (approx. 300,000 units) and GAC AION (approx. 200,000 units) comprise the third. Overall, capacity allocation is tilting heavily toward new energy, with a significant "head enterprise" driving effect. As NEV models gain volume and the supply chain matures, Hunan is poised to boost capacity utilization and secure a more prominent spot on the national new energy map.

In summary, Hunan's automotive industry has established a pattern where core cities lead and surrounding cities collaborate, building a solid foundation in vehicle manufacturing, new energy, and key components. However, viewed through the lens of national competition, the province must still push for breakthroughs in high-end technology and strengthen supply chain integration to elevate its overall competitive standing.

Gasgoo Munich- If 100-million-yuan funding rounds were the norm for embodied AI last year, that bar has been raised significantly this year. Now, 1 billion yuan is becoming the new entry ticket for top-tier players vying for a spot in the race.

According to statistics from Gasgoo, April alone saw 32 disclosed funding rounds in the embodied robotics and core components sector. Of these, 10 rounds hit the 1-billion-yuan mark—including two at 2 billion yuan and one at 3 billion yuan—marking a further climb in the density of mega-deals compared to previous months.

That brings the total for the first four months of 2026 to 26 funding rounds of at least 1 billion yuan in the embodied intelligence and core components space, involving 21 companies and totaling nearly 40 billion yuan. Nine of those rounds exceeded 2 billion yuan, with several companies securing more than one 1-billion-yuan deal in recent months.

Where capital flows, certainty follows. As funding continues to concentrate on a handful of leading projects, the embodied intelligence sector is entering a new phase defined by "oligopoly preparation."

Billion-Yuan Rounds Become the New Normal

In April, the largest funding round in the embodied intelligence space went to TARS—roughly $455 million, or about 3.1 billion yuan. It stands as the largest single-round fundraising record on record in China's embodied AI sector.

Even more notable is that this round was at the Pre-A stage. In other words, as a startup just one year old, TARS secured a capital haul that many established companies fail to raise even by their Series C or IPO—before it had even completed its Series A.

Behind this lies a shift in the capital market's valuation logic: it is no longer merely about betting on the sector's direction, but a full endorsement of TARS's core team and technological path.

Image Source: TARS

TARS's core team is a veritable "all-star team" of autonomous driving veterans. Founder and CEO Chen Yilun formerly served as CTO of Huawei's autonomous driving unit and chief scientist at its Intelligent Automotive Solutions BU. Chairman Li Zhenyu, previously president of Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group, spearheaded the creation of the Apollo open platform and the Apollo Go robotaxi service. Co-founder and Chief Scientist Ding Wenchao, one of Huawei's first "Genius Youth" recruits, not only led Huawei's autonomous driving decision-making networks but also spearheaded the development of the first humanoid robot at Fudan University.

This means TARS is not merely a "promising startup," but a battle-hardened "army" that has won the grueling fight for autonomous driving mass production and possesses mature deployment experience.

Against this backdrop, capital investment in TARS is not a bet on a concept or hypothesis, but a recognition of its proven capabilities and track record.

Given that autonomous driving and embodied intelligence share a deep commonality in underlying logic and technical architecture, Tashi's core team can systematically transfer the perception, planning, and control capabilities accumulated in autonomous driving to the embodied intelligence arena, creating a natural competitive edge.

Chen Yilun has noted on multiple occasions that autonomous driving and embodied intelligence are technologically of the same lineage. Autonomous driving is essentially a key sub-task of embodied intelligence, handling the movement and navigation of agents in complex, dynamic physical environments. The mature end-to-end systems in autonomous driving unify perception, decision-making, and planning within spatiotemporal coordinates—a paradigm that provides the fundamental underlying framework for robots to understand and act in the physical world.

The other two 2-billion-yuan rounds in April were secured by X Square Robot and Xinghai Tu (Beijing) Artificial Intelligence Technology. Prior to this, both companies had already closed 1-billion-yuan rounds in January and February, respectively. This means that in 2026 alone, X Square Robot and Xinghai Tu (Beijing) Artificial Intelligence Technology have each raised approximately 3 billion yuan.

Additionally, Spirit AI, D-Robotics, Gigaai, ENGINEAI, Booster Robotics, ROBOTERA, and Pudu Robotics all successfully secured new 1-billion-yuan funding rounds in April. Among them, Spirit AI, Gigaai, and ROBOTERA each landed their second mega-round of the year.

This intensive, large-scale capital deployment underscores continued confidence in these companies, while also serving as indirect confirmation that they are collectively crossing a critical watershed: the ability to convert technology into real-world productivity.

In other words, the high-value follow-on investments are not merely a repetitive expression of confidence, but a continued bet on the developmental certainty that these top players are progressively delivering.

Image Source: Spirit AI

Take Spirit AI's Moz robot, for instance. It has already officially "gone on duty" at JD MALL offline stores, handling high-precision coffee preparation and service tasks. Future plans include expanding into retail scenarios such as JD pharmacies, inspection and guidance, and automated cleaning.

Gigaai's general-purpose robot, the Maker H01, partnered with FAW Die & Mold and Alibaba Cloud to implement a full-process solution for embodied intelligence robots in real-world industrial manufacturing settings, with plans to sprint toward 1,000 unit deliveries this year.

Viewed from this angle, the intense funding secured by leading companies reflects a fundamental shift in the competitive logic of the embodied intelligence track. It has evolved from "storytelling and concept battles" into a ruthless contest of "execution and tangible results."

Looking at the composition of investors, April's financing market sent another clear signal: Super-industry giants are entering the fray, shifting from "bystanders" to "heavy-weight backers."

For example, Spirit AI's latest round was co-led by Shunwei Capital (backed by Lei Jun) and Yunfeng Capital (backed by Jack Ma). ROBOTERA's latest round was led by SF Group. X Square Robot's new funding was co-led by Xiaomi's strategic investment arm and Sequoia China. TARS is backed by Meituan and TCL, while Gigaai counts the Yili Group among its supporters.

It is clear that cross-sector forces—from tech giants and logistics leaders to consumer industry capital—are rushing in, pouring significant resources into staking their claims in the embodied intelligence sector.

Behind this phenomenon lies both a definitive bet by industrial giants on the vast prospects of embodied intelligence and an inevitable strategic move to bolster their own business ecosystems and seize the future high ground.

However, the higher the resource density of top players, the narrower the window becomes for those chasing behind.

With competitive barriers raised significantly, these companies must comprehensively catch up across every dimension—from financial reserves and talent density to data accumulation, production ramp-up, and client relations—just to remain at the "table."

Ability to Work Is the "Real Ticket"

From the perspective of industry development, while 1-billion-yuan funding rounds can rapidly help top players build competitive barriers in technology, production capacity, and deployment scenarios, they ultimately represent only a "mid-race refuel" in a long marathon.

What truly creates a gap between companies is the efficiency with which they convert capital into actual delivery capabilities—and the intense wave of commercialization signals since April is making that efficiency measurable.

At APC 2026, AgiBot founder, chairman, and CEO Deng Taihua outlined a clear framework for the stages of the embodied intelligence industry: 2022-2025 is the "development and trial period," where robots move from prototype to mass production and learn to "move"; 2026-2030 is the "deployment and growth period," where robots begin to "work" and become true productive forces in the physical AI world; and post-2030 marks the "deployment and ubiquity period," where the "GPT moment" for embodied intelligence arrives, creating reliable productivity units capable of cross-industry scaling and full-scenario deployment.

Deng defines 2026 specifically as the "first year of deployment." Notably, this aligns with a broad industry consensus on the pace of embodied intelligence adoption.

Previously, the industry competed on prototype capabilities and technology narratives. Starting in 2026, the market's core metrics will shift toward scaled deployment and real-world scenario delivery. The ability to produce mature products that "can work," create quantifiable value in specific scenarios, and even secure stable repeat orders from customers will become the core standard for remaining in the game.

Behind this judgment lies AgiBot's initially closed commercialization loop.

According to data disclosed by AgiBot, revenue was a mere 300,000 yuan in 2023, but surged to exceed 60 million yuan in 2024, and in 2025, it vaulted past the 1 billion yuan mark. Correspondingly, shipments of its humanoid robots alone exceeded 5,100 units in 2025.

Image Source: AgiBot

In March of this year, AgiBot'ss 10,000th general-purpose embodied robot officially rolled off the production line, just one quarter after the 5,000-unit milestone. At this growth rate, the company's overall revenue and production scale are set to hit new highs this year.

Particularly in recent months, while cultivating the domestic market, AgiBot has also accelerated its overseas expansion, which is expected to further speed up its commercialization. Currently, 30% of AgiBot'ss revenue comes from overseas, a figure it plans to lift to 50%. To that end, the company will begin building local manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe, and other regions this year.

For this reason, AgiBot co-founder, president, and CTO Peng Zhihui stated bluntly in a media interview, "We are not short of money right now." That confidence stems from the company's rapid commercialization progress. "Our commercialization pace allows us to achieve self-sufficiency, so we are not as desperate for external primary market capital," he explained.

Even so, it is undeniable that even AgiBot remains a long way from the true "GPT moment" for embodied intelligence.

In Peng's view, the inflection point for embodied intelligence will not come from a breakthrough in a single technology, but rather requires the simultaneous maturation of multiple key conditions within the same time window. These include large models significantly improving their understanding of the world, robot hardware crossing the threshold of reliable execution, and the continuous generation of high-quality data feedback through real-world deployment. Only through the convergence of these three can AI truly possess the capability to enter real production systems.

To this end, AgiBot is strengthening its systemic capabilities across multiple dimensions.

On the model front, AgiBot plans to release six AI models this year, including a whole-body motion control foundation model supporting sensory-control fusion, a generative motion control foundation model, the end-to-end embodied multimodal interaction large model WITA Omni 1.0, and the GO-3 model.

Image Source: AgiBot

On the hardware front, in addition to the flagship Yuanzheng A3 released in April, AgiBot will launch two new product lines this year: the Lingxi X3 and the Kutuo D2 series.

On the data front, AgiBot has launched the "Honeycomb Data Co-creation Initiative," a physical AI data network. Built on three pillars—systematic collection, standardized pipelines, and scalable supply—it aims to construct a multi-dimensional, extensible data ecosystem, with a target capacity of tens of millions of data hours within the year.

Furthermore, AgiBot plans to invest over 2 billion yuan over the next five years to build the embodied intelligence ecosystem, with the goal of helping thousands of partners grow.

Around the same time, Chery's AiMOGA held a global launch event in Wuhu, unveiling a series of major initiatives aimed at aggressively driving the scaled deployment of robots.

According to Zhang Guibing, general manager of Chery AiMOGA, the company plans to advance industrial implementation in three stages: the first involves creating price-friendly robots for child companionship; the second focuses on scenario-based robots for public and enterprise services; and the third aims to bring robots into households as intelligent assistants for daily life.

However, he also noted that true commercialization in the robotics industry cannot rely solely on single-product capabilities. It requires forming a complete closed loop that includes clear application scenarios, talent teams familiar with both robots and scenario requirements, sufficient technological reserves, a competitive supply chain, stable sales channels, financial leasing platforms, after-sales service systems, and data collection and feedback centers. Only by connecting the entire chain—from R&D and manufacturing to delivery, operations, service, and data feedback—can robots continuously evolve in real-world scenarios.

Notably, these happen to be Chery's core strengths. During the event, the AiMOGA Smart Police Robot successfully secured contracts for 1,000 units and completed a centralized delivery of 100 units—a feat backed by Chery's accumulated expertise in manufacturing systems, supply chain capabilities, global layout, and intelligent technology.

Image Source: AiMOGA

To further advance the scaled mass production of embodied intelligence, AiMOGA also established the "Qizhi Jiatianxia Robot Leasing Platform." It aims to accelerate the promotion and application of robots across more industries and scenarios through innovative models such as leasing, financial services, and operational support.

Additionally, AiMOGA is actively promoting the overseas expansion of its products. In early April, it signed a cooperation agreement with Vietnam's Geleximco Group, confirming plans to use a joint venture model to comprehensively advance robot R&D, manufacturing, and application deployment in Vietnam.

From this, it is evident that competition in the current embodied intelligence track has long since moved beyond comparing single technologies or products. It has officially entered a stage of systemic competition involving full-industry-chain layout and the construction of end-to-end capabilities. In particular, the data loop—drawing lessons from the autonomous driving sector—is becoming a long-term moat for players in embodied intelligence and a core advantage that other companies cannot quickly replicate or catch up to.

This also explains, from another dimension, why large-scale financing in the embodied intelligence sector is becoming increasingly dense: it is not that capital has become more generous, but rather that the arena has expanded and the entry tickets have become more expensive.

Some industry insiders even believe that the table for embodied intelligence is set at a minimum buy-in of $1 billion in funding. Viewed from this perspective, even the current top players have not yet reached a truly safe position.

Conclusion

Looking back from May, the embodied intelligence industry stands at a juncture where two tracks are advancing in parallel.

On the financing front, 1-billion-yuan rounds are no longer news; the real suspense lies in who will be the first to successfully close the loop on the data flywheel and scaled delivery. On the industry front, "deployment" is no longer a conceptual plan, but a reality that is unfolding.

According to Gasgoo Research Institute, BYD's passenger vehicle exports from January to March 2026 showed clear characteristics of "high concentration in leading markets, diversified regional structure, and differentiated powertrain strategies." Brazil emerged as the core growth engine with a significant volume advantage, while multiple European markets recorded simultaneous growth, providing stable support for overall exports.

Meanwhile, the Middle East and several emerging markets achieved structural breakthroughs driven by plug-in hybrid models. Overall, BYD continues to strengthen its global market penetration through a dual-track strategy of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), combined with differentiated regional market strategies, maintaining solid export growth momentum.

Here are the top 10 destination countries by BYD passenger vehicle exports from January to March 2026, with detailed data:

NO.1 Brazil: 53,355 battery electric passenger vehicles and 36,282 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 89,637 units.

NO.2 United Kingdom: 5,120 battery electric passenger vehicles and 12,283 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 17,403 units.

NO.3 United Arab Emirates: 553 battery electric passenger vehicles and 14,332 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 14,885 units.

NO.4 Belgium: 6,840 battery electric passenger vehicles and 7,693 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 14,533 units.

NO.5 Australia: 9,558 battery electric passenger vehicles and 4,419 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 13,977 units.

NO.6 Germany: 6,320 battery electric passenger vehicles and 4,329 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 10,649 units.

NO.7 Spain: 4,170 battery electric passenger vehicles and 4,022 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 8,192 units.

NO.8 Hong Kong, China: 7,329 battery electric passenger vehicles and 21 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 7,350 units.

NO.9 Israel: 275 battery electric passenger vehicles and 5,668 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 5,943 units.

NO.10 Slovenia: 3,673 battery electric passenger vehicles and 2,070 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles were exported from January to March 2026, totaling 5,743 units.

From the distribution of BYD's passenger vehicle export destinations in January–March 2026, Brazil ranked far ahead with 89,637 exported units, significantly outperforming the second-largest market and becoming BYD's most important overseas market at present. In terms of product mix, the Brazilian market demonstrated a typical "BEV + PHEV dual-drive" structure, with BEVs (53,355 units) accounting for a larger share, while PHEVs (36,282 units) also reached a considerable scale. This reflects the strong acceptance of multiple powertrain routes in response to local mobility needs that combine both urban commuting and long-distance travel. Such a dual-track structure has become a key driver supporting BYD's rapid volume growth in emerging markets.

The European market, meanwhile, showed characteristics of "multi-market growth and balanced structure." The UK (17,403 units), Belgium (14,533 units), Germany (10,649 units), and Spain (8,192 units) all ranked among BYD's top export destinations, with relatively balanced overall distribution across the region. Among them, the UK market was mainly driven by plug-in hybrid vehicles (12,283 units), while Germany and Spain showed a relatively balanced mix between BEVs and PHEVs. Belgium also demonstrated a balanced structure, reflecting the broad acceptance of both technology routes across the European market.

In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (14,885 units) and Israel (5,943 units) were both primarily driven by plug-in hybrid vehicles, with PHEV volumes significantly exceeding those of BEVs. This is closely related to local long-distance travel scenarios, charging infrastructure conditions, and consumer demand for stable driving range, highlighting the adaptability advantages of plug-in hybrid models across diverse energy-use environments. Meanwhile, Oceania also delivered strong performance. Australia (13,977 units) was mainly driven by BEVs, reflecting the continued improvement in local acceptance of NEVs.

Overall, BYD has established a global strategy characterized by "regional differentiation + dual technology routes": scale-driven expansion in Latin America, balanced penetration in Europe, plug-in hybrid breakthroughs in the Middle East, and steady growth across other regions. The precise alignment between different markets and powertrain strategies is becoming a key pillar supporting BYD's continued global expansion and export growth.