Gasgoo Daily: BYD completes testing of São Paulo monorail

With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

BYD completes testing of São Paulo monorail, delivers city's first 22-meter electric bus

On October 8, 2025, BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu visited São Paulo to inspect the company's SkyRail project on the city's Metro Line 17 (the "Gold Line"), which has now completed its testing phase. On the same day, BYD officially handed over São Paulo's first 22-meter pure electric articulated bus—powered by BYD's signature Blade Battery—to Mayor Ricardo Nunes.

The 6.7-kilometer-long Line 17 monorail adopts BYD's SkyRail system and core technologies. Once completed, it will connect with two other metro lines, enhancing the city's public transit network. The project will feature 14 five-car trains with a maximum passenger capacity of 616, including designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. The line is scheduled to begin service in 2026, with a daily ridership forecast of around 100,000 passengers.

HSAE, Autoliv form joint venture to advance automotive safety electronics in China

On October 9, Shenzhen Hangsheng Electronics Co., Ltd. ("HSAE") and global automotive safety leader Autoliv signed a joint venture agreement to establish a new company in China focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of automotive safety electronic systems. The move represents a major step forward in the partnership that began in 2024 when the two sides signed a strategic cooperation memorandum.

The joint venture, expected to be formally established in the first quarter of 2026, will be headquartered in the Yangtze River Delta region, near the existing production facilities of both companies. The new entity will focus on key product areas including hands-off detection (HOD) systems, Pre-pretensioner mechatronic integration (PPMI), and electronic safety belt applications—critical components in next-generation automotive safety.

XPENG accelerates expansion in Africa with new partnerships in Morocco, Tunisia

Chinese smart EV maker XPENG has announced new strategic cooperation agreements with leading dealer groups in Morocco and Tunisia, marking a significant step in the company's expansion across Africa.

In Morocco, XPENG will partner with SMEIA, a top luxury car dealership group with over four decades of experience representing global premium brands. In Tunisia, XPENG will collaborate with XP CARS Tunisia, one of the country's leading auto distributors with an established sales and service network.

XPENG's entry into Africa began in June 2024, when it launched in Egypt through a partnership with RAYA Auto, introducing the G9 and P7 models to the market. With the addition of Morocco and Tunisia, XPENG is now building a solid presence in North Africa as part of its broader global growth strategy.

WeRide launches Robotaxi, Robobus trial operations in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide has expanded its operations to Ras Al Khaimah, becoming the first to deploy both Robotaxi and Robobus services in the emirate. Partnering with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), the company launched trial operations on October 2, marking its third deployment in the UAE after Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

As part of the pilot program, WeRide's Robobus service is now running on Al Marjan Island, a major tourism and residential area, covering nine stops that connect popular hotels and attractions including the Mövenpick Resort, Hampton by Hilton, and Pullman Hotel. The route will later extend to Mina Island.

Meanwhile, the WeRide Robotaxi GXR has begun operating in downtown Ras Al Khaimah, integrating autonomous mobility services into the city’s public transport system and everyday urban life.