Gasgoo Daily presents a selection of the latest developments from China's automotive industry. Here are the key stories in this edition.
BYD Sales Hit 2026 High in October
BYD sold 490,168 vehicles in October, coming close to the 500,000 mark. Passenger vehicles accounted for 483,125 units, while exports of passenger cars and pickups reached 169,564 units, up 103% year on year.
The Dynasty and Ocean series remained the group's main volume drivers, with combined sales of 423,843 units. Its premium and specialty brands also contributed, with Fangchengbao selling 43,872 vehicles, Denza 15,152 and Yangwang 258.
From January to October, BYD's total sales reached 3.62 million vehicles. Overseas exports surpassed 1.5 million units over the same period, underscoring the growing importance of international markets to the automaker's business.
CATL Partners with Blue Vector on eVTOL Batteries
CATL has partnered with Chinese eVTOL developer Blue Vector Intelligent Technology to develop a customized aviation battery for the company's SKYLA V30 electric aircraft. Under agreements signed on November 2, CATL will become the aircraft's exclusive battery supplier, extending its battery business into the emerging electric aviation sector.
The SKYLA V30 is a six-seat, two-ton-class, all-electric tiltrotor aircraft designed for low-altitude intercity passenger transport. The battery system will be tailored to meet the aircraft's range and safety requirements.
Beyond battery development, the two companies will also work together on technology development, research, industry standards, market expansion and operational applications. Blue Vector has raised approximately RMB 200 million over the past two months as it advances its eVTOL development.
ECARX, Arm to Explore Next-Gen AI Computing Platforms
Chinese automotive technology supplier ECARX has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Arm to explore next-generation high-performance AI computing platforms for mobility and other industries. The planned collaboration will cover both automotive applications and emerging fields such as physical AI.
The two companies intend to work on advanced computing architectures, performance optimization, software adaptation, functional safety and cybersecurity. Their goal is to develop customized solutions for China and global markets, addressing the growing demand for computing power and energy efficiency in complex AI applications.
The agreement builds on their existing collaboration through SiEngine, ECARX's automotive semiconductor joint venture. SiEngine's 7nm SE1000 smart cockpit chip is already in mass production, with cumulative shipments exceeding one million units. It is also developing a 5nm automotive-grade AI chip integrating cockpit and driving functions.
