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.
Geely Holding posts record sales in the first quarter
Geely Holding Group reported first-quarter sales of 937,927 vehicles across its portfolio, marking a record for the period.
New energy vehicles (NEVs) accounted for 491,006 units, up 5.8% year-on-year, with the penetration rate climbing to 52.4%—meaning more than one in every two vehicles sold by the group was electrified.
Exports surged 126% year-on-year to 203,024 units, setting a new quarterly record as well. Moreover, the proportion of NEVs in the exported vehicles was 64%.
At the subsidiary and brand level, Geely Automobile sold 709,358 vehicles in the quarter, also a record for the period. Its NEV sales reached 369,059 units, up 9% year-on-year, with penetration hitting 52%.
Volvo Cars sold 153,000 vehicles globally in Q1, with NEV models accounting for 47.3% of sales, while PROTON recorded 49,000 units—its strongest first-quarter result since 2004.
SAIC-GM-Wuling, CATL expand alliance to scale NEV ecosystem
On April 14th, SAIC-GM-Wuling has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with battery giant CATL in Ningde, Fujian province, deepening ties across four key areas: industrial scale-up, battery swapping for both passenger and commercial vehicles, joint overseas expansion, and broader ecosystem integration.
On the supply side, more than 15 new energy models across SAIC-GM-Wuling's lineup will adopt CATL batteries as a core power solution, while the two companies jointly explore overseas market opportunities.
The partners are also working on next-generation fast-charging technology capable of boosting battery levels from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes.
In parallel, SAIC-GM-Wuling's battery-swapping models will be gradually integrated into CATL's nationwide swapping network, which is expected to exceed 3,000 battery swap stations by the end of the year.
Beyond passenger vehicles, both sides plan to expand collaboration into emerging applications such as autonomous mobility, further extending industrial synergies.
GAC launches AION UT in Milan, advancing Europe localization strategy
GAC Group officially launched its AION UT all-electric model to the European market on April 13 at Garage Italia Milano in Milan, Italy. Designed in Milan and manufactured in Austria, the model represents a key step forward in the company's "in Europe, for Europe" localization push, marking another milestone in its broader European expansion plan.
Positioned around the theme "Expect More," the AION UT targets urban commuting needs in Europe, with upgrades spanning design, driving range, interior space, intelligent features, safety, comfort, and overall value. Its compact and agile proportions are designed for narrow streets and frequent parking, while the interior adopts a minimalist aesthetic and incorporates sustainable materials, aligning with local expectations for both quality and environmental responsibility.
