Automaker News
On March 3, Lu Tian, general manager of BYD's Dynasty Network sales division, announced that the network's first D-segment flagship SUV, the BYD Datang, will be launched on March 5.
On March 3, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance's Stelato released its latest delivery figures: February 2026 deliveries hit 4,627 units, pushing the cumulative total for the first two months past the 10,000-unit mark.
News on March 3 indicates that SAIC Volkswagen's first EA211 Gold range extender has officially rolled off the production line. It will debut on the ID. ERA 9X model, with pre-sales opening at the end of March.
Chongqing Changan Automobile recently released its production and sales flash report for February 2026. According to the announcement, Changan's sales in February reached 151,922 units — a 5.89% drop from 161,435 units a year earlier, but a 12.8% increase from January. On the production side, the company manufactured 104,335 vehicles, down 34.19% year-on-year. While annual figures show pressure, the 12.8% monthly sales gain highlights a solid recovery momentum.
During MWC 202, Xiaomi Group partner and president Lu Weibing discussed the company's automotive overseas expansion in an interview. Lu noted that Xiaomi vehicles are now a common sight on European roads. Even without official imports, many European users have purchased cars domestically and handled customs clearance to register them locally. Interestingly, these vehicles are instantly recognizable to passersby. So, while Xiaomi has not formally entered Europe, its brand awareness and recognition are already remarkably high.
Reports suggest that the second model under Dreame Technology's "Dreame Starry Sky Project" — an ultra-luxury flagship SUV — will debut on March 12 at the 2026 China Home Appliances and Consumer Electronics Expo. The vehicle is reportedly positioned to rival the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and is slated for an official market launch in 2027.
Components Industry
On March 3, battery maker Great Power stated on an investor interaction platform that its solid-state battery products are currently in the pilot testing phase.
Reports indicate that orders for mature processes at Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) have surged recently, positioning the company as an alternative amid supply disruptions in the Middle East. Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) also noted a significant rebound in orders and is closely monitoring market shifts. Behind this trend, Israel's Tower Semiconductor — a top-10 global foundry — faces shipment blockages, prompting its downstream clients to shift orders. Tower specializes in high-voltage and specialty mature processes, including power management ICs, power components, CIS sensors, RF, MEMS, and analog signal ICs, sharing a technological profile with VIS and PSMC. Notably, Tower's client roster includes power semiconductor giants like onsemi and Vishay, as well as major players such as Intel, Samsung, Broadcom, and Skyworks.
Industry Focus
On March 3, rare-earth permanent magnet stocks continued to slide. Northern Rare Earth hit the daily limit down, while China Rare Earth Nonferrous and Shenghe Resources had already hit the limit earlier. Sinomine Resource, China Rare Earth, Jiuling Technology, JL Mag, and Daxiong followed the decline.
On March 3, the lithium carbonate futures contract once again hit the lower limit, plunging 12.99% to trade at 150,860 yuan per ton.
According to the latest survey by TrendForce, global sales of new energy vehicles — including BEVs, PHEVs, and hydrogen fuel cell cars — reached 20.53 million units in 2025, a 26% year-on-year increase. Global sales are projected at 23.4 million units in 2026, with growth slowing to 14%. Regionally, China accounted for roughly 66% of the global NEV market in 2025. Due to a higher base, its growth rate of 24% slightly lagged the average. Meanwhile, Western Europe saw nearly 30% annual growth, the highest pace since 2022.
A recent report from France's national statistics office reveals that the country's automotive sector workforce shrank by one-third between 2010 and 2023. This decline spans automakers, parts producers, and other suppliers. Automakers bore the brunt of the cuts, shedding 46,000 jobs over the 13-year period.
Policy Situation
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has officially published the "Road Vehicles — Front Lighting Beam Aiming Measurement Procedure." This marks the first international standard systematically covering intelligent headlight beam aiming to be led by China.
The Shenzhen Municipal Commerce Bureau has issued the "2026 Shenzhen Vehicle Replacement Subsidy Implementation Guidelines." The policy offers a one-time subsidy to individual consumers who sell a registered passenger vehicle under their name and purchase a new energy vehicle listed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's tax-exemption catalog, or a fuel-powered vehicle with a displacement of 2.0 liters or less. Buyers of qualifying new energy vehicles will receive a subsidy equal to 8% of the new car's sales price, capped at 15,000 yuan. Those purchasing qualifying fuel-powered vehicles receive 6% of the sales price, capped at 13,000 yuan.
