Automaker News
CLS (Cailian Press): Following the establishment of the HYPTEC and AION Business Units (BUs), the Trumpchi BU was officially launched recently. By integrating resources across R&D, manufacturing, and sales, the move aims to streamline operations and decision-making, sharpening the focus on the MPV segment. This marks the completion of GAC's organizational overhaul for its proprietary brands, establishing a "Dual BU + Independent Brand" structure. Leadership is now in place, with Huang Jian serving as president of the Trumpchi BU, and Li An and Wang Yu as vice presidents.
CLS (Cailian Press): Addressing recent rumors that "Ford is in talks with BYD," Ford China stated: "We engage in discussions with various companies across many business sectors. We do not comment on rumors or unfounded speculation." The report suggests Ford is interested in purchasing BYD batteries for several plug-in hybrid models. While negotiations are ongoing, one potential scenario involves importing BYD battery packs directly to overseas factories located outside the United States.
IT Home: Great Wall Motor recently unveiled its "Guiyuan" platform globally, touting it as the "world's first native AI full-power automotive platform." The company revealed that the platform will span seven major categories—sedans, urban SUVs, off-road SUVs, pickups, MPVs, and sports cars—enabled by a "multi-powertrain, multi-segment, multi-configuration" architecture. Plans are in place to roll out more than 50 global models featuring five distinct powertrain types.
IT Home: Lynk & Co announced that the 300,000th unit of the 06 model recently rolled off the assembly line at its Chengdu smart manufacturing plant, with delivery completed.
Gasgoo: VOYAH has officially launched a capacity upgrade project for 2026, targeting a comprehensive overhaul of the core production lines at its Yunfeng plant. The objective is to boost the production rate to 60 units per hour (60 JPH). Once finished, the combined capacity of the Golden Factory and Yunfeng plant will climb to 90 JPH, meaning a new vehicle will roll off the line every 40 seconds on average.
Jiemian News: Data from Tianyancha shows that Tesla Limited has recently applied to register two "Tesla smart" trademarks. The international classifications cover scientific instruments and website services, with both trademarks currently awaiting substantive examination.
IT Home: smart has severed charging partnerships with several major operators, including Star Charge, TELD, and Xiaoju Charging. Station resources from these companies have been removed from the charging map within the smart app. Insiders suggest the cut is likely driven by financial pressure, with no plans to renew contracts. smart customer service confirmed that access to these networks has been suspended due to partnership issues and removed from the map, adding that there is no timeline for restoration. "We are actively expanding partnerships with other operators to ensure charging convenience for our users and apologize for the inconvenience."
IT Home: Other brands under the Stellantis umbrella are expected to adopt Leapmotor's extended-range powertrain technology in Europe, a move aimed at boosting group synergy. The extended-range system uses a small-displacement gasoline engine to generate electricity, continuously charging the battery to significantly extend driving range. According to reports, the Leapmotor C10 extended-range version boasts a combined range of nearly 949 km under official testing conditions, while keeping carbon dioxide emissions at just 10 g/km.
Components Industry | Supply Chain News
Kuai Technology: At the Huawei Qiankun Media Day, Jin Yuzhi, CEO of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solutions BU, addressed the topic of automotive chips and components. He emphasized that all components used in Huawei's autonomous driving, HarmonyOS cockpits, and vehicle control systems are automotive-grade, adhering to extremely high standards. "Huawei will not use non-automotive-grade chips, nor will we use low-quality components," he stated.
Gasgoo: Valeo has officially announced that its core battery cooling plate product has secured a major order from a leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) startup. The project is slated for mass production in 2026. This order not only underscores Valeo's technological leadership in NEV thermal management but also signals strong recognition of its product capabilities by top-tier domestic automakers.
Gasgoo: CATL Changan Power Battery has signed a cooperation agreement with the management committee of the Chuanqing Gaozhu New Area, announcing a 5.5 billion yuan investment to build a 25 GWh power battery production base. The project, backed by the CATL-Changan joint venture, will be located in the Beibei section of the Chuanqing Gaozhu New Area, covering approximately 1,000 mu.
Industry Focus | Industrial Economy
CLS (Cailian Press): Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), recently noted that the structure of China's auto exporters has optimized significantly in 2025. He highlighted increased concentration among top players, the rise of indigenous passenger car brands, and the growing prominence of the supply chain integration advantage. While exports are poised for continued growth—driven by expanding overseas capacity, deeper R&D, and market diversification—Cui warned of challenges such as trade barriers, supply chain risks, and intensifying global competition. He recommended that companies boost investment in core technology, optimize export products, and strengthen localization and services to gain more leverage in the global supply chain; furthermore, he called for greater industry synergy to navigate external risks and drive high-quality export growth.
CLS (Cailian Press): According to the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance, China's cumulative output of power and storage batteries from January to December 2025 reached 1,755.6 GWh, a year-on-year increase of 60.1%. Over the same period, cumulative sales hit 1,700.5 GWh, up 63.6%. Power batteries accounted for the majority, with sales of 1,200.9 GWh—70.6% of the total—rising 51.8% annually. Meanwhile, storage battery sales surged 101.3% to 499.6 GWh, representing 29.4% of the total.
Policy Updates
IT Home: An official from the Ministry of Commerce's Department of American and Oceanian Affairs outlined the results of recent trade consultations with Canada. Noting that Canada's 100% surtax on Chinese EVs in 2024 significantly impacted exports, the official detailed a new adjustment: Canada will establish an annual quota of 49,000 units for Chinese electric vehicles. Within this quota, vehicles will receive a 6.1% most-favored-nation tariff rate and be exempt from the 100% surtax. The quota volume is set to grow annually on a proportional basis. China views this as a positive step in the right direction and a welcome development for Chinese EVs seeking to enter the Canadian market.
CLS (Cailian Press): The Jilin Provincial Department of Commerce announced that the subsidy application system for the 2026 vehicle replacement program will launch at midnight on January 17, opening this year's subsidy applications. Individual consumers who sell a passenger vehicle registered in their name and purchase a qualifying new energy vehicle within the province will receive a subsidy equal to 8% of the new car's price, capped at 15,000 yuan. For internal combustion engine vehicles of 2.0 liters or less, the subsidy is 6% of the price, capped at 13,000 yuan. Applicants must meet specific requirements regarding the registration, invoicing, and dates of their old vehicles, and the subsidy is limited to one claim per person.
Personnel Changes
Jiemian News: The "FAW-Volkswagen" official WeChat account announced several executive appointments following a decision by the Party Committee of China FAW Group. Wang Shengli has been appointed deputy general manager (commercial) of FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd., concurrently serving as Party secretary and general manager of FAW-Volkswagen Sales Co., Ltd.; Zhang Yan was named deputy Party secretary and head of the labor union at FAW-Volkswagen; Wu Yingkai will no longer serve as deputy general manager (commercial) or as Party secretary and general manager of the sales company.
