OEM Moves | OEM Trend
IT Home: On April 19, FAW Hongqi posed the question "H+H=?" on social media. An official post on Weibo revealed that Huawei's Qiankun will partner with FAW Hongqi, touting the collaboration as "Classic x Tech: Two heavyweights joining forces."
IT Home: Faraday Future announced recently that it has secured $45 million in new financing from a U.S. institutional investor. The move underscores the company's long-term growth trajectory and its commitment to protecting shareholder interests, even as it channels funds into expanding its EAI EV business — including the phased delivery of the FX Super One — and its EAI robotics operations.
Mydrivers: At the launch of Great Wall Motor's GWM ONE S platform technology, Chairman Wei Jianjun was blunt: "Dedicated EV platforms are purely a false proposition," he said. "The ones watching today's launch aren't end consumers, but our rivals. They'll be learning from GWM ONE immediately." Wei's view is rooted in the automaker's new GWM ONE S all-power platform, which breaks the limits of single powertrain types. It supports five forms — ICE, plug-in hybrid, oil-electric hybrid, pure electric, and hydrogen energy. With a modular architecture described as "hardware detachable, software configurable, and AI-native," the platform is designed to meet diverse global market demands.
Mydrivers: Recently, NIO released a detailed explanation regarding the hidden door handles on its ES9 intelligent executive flagship SUV. The design integrates auto-pop, welcome sensing, and drag reduction functions. For safety, the ES9 automatically unlocks and pops the handles upon collision. If they fail to deploy, the door can still be opened by pulling the mechanical structure at the front or rear of the handle. Emergency mechanical handles with fluorescent markers are located under the floor mats inside each door, backed by a dual low-voltage battery redundancy system to ensure power stability. To address winter icing, the handles feature a de-icing capability and can be forced open via the mobile app or exterior NOMI. Furthermore, NIO stated that the model fully complies with current national standards, noting that new standard restrictions apply only to models announced after December 31, 2027.
CLS: AITO has officially joined Ionchi, a supercharging joint venture founded by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with the three companies each holding a 33.3% stake. BMW, AITO, and Mercedes-Benz will collaborate to build a luxury supercharging network in China. Under the agreement, AITO owners will enjoy the same exclusive charging privileges as BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners.
Gasgoo: Audi and SAIC Motor have formally signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will deepen collaboration in smart electrification to jointly develop Audi's next-generation pure electric models. They will also establish an innovation technology center in Shanghai to advance the "In China, for China" strategy, further refining Audi's electric layout in the country. According to the agreement, the joint development will be based on a next-generation smart digital platform for future AUDI models. The first batch plans for four models covering the B- and C-segment markets, slated for launch in the coming years.
IT Home: BYD's FANGCHENGBAO brand recently announced a new series, releasing a series of teaser posters, though specific names and models remain unclear for now.
CLS: Geely Auto Group CEO Gan Jiayue revealed recently that the company is accelerating the global development of the ZEEKR 9X and 8X, with an overseas launch expected as early as the third quarter.
CLS: Addressing reports that Honda plans to close a joint venture factory with Dongfeng Motor Group next year, Dongfeng Honda stated that operations are normal and there are currently no plans to shut down factories. Previous reports suggested Honda would close a factory operated with GAC Group this June and another joint venture factory with Dongfeng next year. GAC Honda also responded, stating that amidst changing market conditions, it is continuously integrating resources, optimizing its strategic layout, and improving operational efficiency.
Supply Chain News | Supply Chain News
Gasgoo: At its 2026 Technology Open Day, Hesai Technology unveiled the Picasso SPAD-SoC, the world's first 6D full-color LiDAR hypersensitive chip. Simultaneously, Hesai's ETX series LiDAR will be upgraded with the Picasso SPAD-SoC, supporting up to 4,320 lines of full-color 4K ultra-high-definition perception. It boasts a maximum detection range of 600 meters and can identify a small wooden block measuring 15 cm by 25 cm within 150 meters. Mass production and delivery are expected in the second half of this year.
Gasgoo: Recently, officials from the Wuhan Economic Development Zone visited Valeo Group headquarters to promote cooperation matters such as expanding production at the Valeo Wuhan lighting factory. The two sides reached a consensus to expand investment in Wuhan and drive the landing of more new products and technologies. It is reported that Valeo's Wuhan R&D center gathers smart systems, vision systems, and a global technology center, employing over 1,500 R&D personnel — one-third of Valeo's R&D team in China. The Wuhan team's independently developed ultra-thin high/low beam module stands just 15 mm tall and has been successfully exported to the European market.
Gasgoo: AUMOVIO and embodied intelligence robotics firm Anyverse Dynamics jointly announced that they have officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen collaboration on the application of embodied intelligence in advanced manufacturing scenarios. According to the partnership, the two will focus on Anyverse Dynamics's embodied intelligence large model to drive the large-scale application and iterative upgrading of general embodied large models in automotive electronics manufacturing lines. At the same time, leveraging Omow's technical accumulation in automotive-grade sensors and precision mechatronic systems, they will jointly develop core robot hardware to enhance the reliability, integration, and operational performance of perception and execution components.
Industrial Economy Focus | Industrial Economy
CCTV News: Recent tensions in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have caused sustained volatility in global energy markets. Rising oil prices are not only driving up fuel costs in Europe but are also reshaping local consumer behavior and industrial structures. In Denmark, demand for electric vehicles is clearly heating up, yet this "growth" also reflects Europe's passive position in energy and geopolitics. The deputy CEO of the Danish Transport Federation stated that sales in the first quarter of this year show that electric vehicles accounted for approximately 95% of new cars purchased by private consumers.
Gasgoo: Embodied intelligence company Booster announced recently that it has completed nearly 1 billion yuan in financing.
Personnel Changes | Executive Moves
36Kr: Xiaomi Group recently announced two key executive appointments via internal email: Hu Zhengnan has been appointed Vice President of Xiaomi Group and CTO of the Automotive Department, while Song Gang has been appointed Vice President of Xiaomi Group's Automotive Department and Chief of Staff. This marks the first time Xiaomi EV has established a CTO position since announcing its entry into car manufacturing in 2021. Hu, the newly appointed CTO, is a veteran of the automotive industry.
