Gasgoo Daily: BYD joins global auto standard body IATF

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 joins global auto standard body IATF
Recently, BYD Company Limited officially joined the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), a global automotive quality management organization, marking a milestone for Chinese automakers participating in international automotive standard-setting.
Founded in 1999, the IATF develops globally recognized automotive quality management standards that serve as a common language across the international automotive supply chain. Its founding members include major automotive industry associations such as the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Italy's ANFIA, France's FIEV, the UK's SMMT, and Germany's VDA, along with leading automakers including Volkswagen and General Motors.
BYD was nominated by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and approved by all IATF members through a voting process before becoming a new member of the organization.
Key implications:
✅ Participation in the development of global automotive quality standards
✅ Recognition of BYD's technology capabilities and quality management system
✅ Greater integration of China's new energy vehicle practices into global standards
BYD said it will leverage its experience in electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies to collaborate with IATF members and the International Automotive Oversight Bureau (IAOB), contributing to the evolution of global automotive standards as the industry undergoes transformation.

Hesai LiDAR wins BAIC designations, mass production set for H2 2026
Recently, Hesai Technology announced a partnership with BAIC Group, under which its ATX upgraded LiDAR has secured design wins across multiple BAIC vehicle models. Mass production and deliveries are expected to begin as early as the second half of 2026.
The ATX upgraded version is a compact long-range LiDAR developed by Hesai for advanced driver assistance systems. Since entering large-scale production in the first quarter of 2025, the product has already been deployed across multiple vehicle models, with cumulative deliveries exceeding one million units.
Product and business highlights:
✅ ATX upgraded LiDAR launched in November 2025
✅ Over 4 million units in orders from global automakers
✅ Mass production deliveries scheduled to begin in April 2026
Hesai has secured mass-production designations from more than 40 automotive brands across over 160 vehicle models. The company also supplies all of China's top ten automakers by sales and has obtained design wins for the full 2026 model lineups of its two largest ADAS customers.
The partnership further validates Hesai's technological competitiveness in automotive LiDAR and is expected to support the advancement of intelligent mobility applications.

Dongfeng Forthing officially enters Thailand market
On March 11, Dongfeng Forthing held a brand launch event in Bangkok, officially announcing its entry into the Thai market
At the event, the company unveiled two models for local consumers: the new energy SUV FRIDAY designed for right-hand-drive markets and the brand's core new energy vehicle V9.
FRIDAY is positioned as a strategic model tailored specifically for right-hand-drive markets. According to the company, the vehicle has been optimized for Thailand's local conditions.
Key localization features:
✅ Range-extended powertrain with over 200 km pure electric range
✅ Optimized ADAS functions tailored to local driving habits
✅ Enhanced water resistance and wading capability for Thailand's rainy climate
Technology platform highlights:
📌 EMA modular vehicle platform covering SUV, MPV, and sedan segments
📌 Wheelbase range from 2,615 mm to 3,000 mm
📌 Compatibility with BEV, PHEV, and range-extended powertrains
📌 ASEAN-NCAP five-star safety certification
The brand's technology portfolio also includes the Mach hybrid engine with a thermal efficiency of 45.18%, an 800V high-voltage platform supporting 220 kW ultra-fast charging, and long-life "Armor Battery" technology tested under more than 500 rigorous evaluations.
The Thailand launch represents a key step in Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's global expansion strategy under its "Chengfeng Dual Engine (2030)" overseas plan, which aims to further strengthen the company's localized presence in Southeast Asia and expand its international market footprint.