OEM Trend
CLS: On May 17, addressing reports that it would adopt Qianli Technology's intelligent driving solution, a Changan Auto insider stated that the company has no such plans. "Our proprietary Tianshu Intelligence is yielding results; we won't switch solutions." Recent rumors suggested Qianli Technology was in discussions with Changan, Audi, and Chery regarding intelligent collaboration. Changan was reportedly interested in integrating Qianli's assisted driving system and taking a stake. Equity changes were originally slated for early this year.
Sina Tech: At the recent 18th Xuan Yuan Automotive Blue Book Forum in Guangzhou, GAC Group Party Secretary and Chairman Feng Xingya addressed the label "Ride-Hailing King" often attached to the Aion brand. Feng argued that many consumers overlook a fundamental fact: ride-hailing vehicles are "capital goods." As tools for generating income, they demand exceptional quality. Only vehicles that maximize profit are embraced by drivers and buyers. Thus, the "Ride-Hailing King" title serves as the ultimate validation of quality. Without high standards, these cars would never win the favor of ride-hailing drivers.
Interface News: Faraday Future (NASDAQ: FFAI) announced a $25 million stock purchase agreement with institutional investors. Investors subscribed to convertible promissory notes totaling $25 million in principal. The common stock associated with this financing remains unregistered. It is subject to trading restrictions and cannot be immediately circulated. $12.5 million will be deposited into the company's operating account. The remaining $12.5 million will be held in an escrow account controlled by investors. It is subject to release upon fulfilling specific conditions.
CLS: Addressing rumors of a price increase, Tesla China issued a denial: "The Model Y has not seen a price hike in China." The company urged consumers to check the official Tesla China website for pricing details.
CLS: Starry Sky Plan, an affiliate of Dreame Technology, clarified that a recent equity freeze stemmed from a dispute with a supplier. The dispute is resolved, with no economic liabilities remaining. The Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court lifted all preservation measures, including the equity freeze. Some platforms like Tianyancha still show frozen records due to a lag in system updates. The discussion's factual basis no longer exists. The company and its "Starry Sky Plan" vehicle project are operating normally.
Fast Tech: The 500,000th vehicle rolled off the line at Denza. The milestone vehicle was a Denza N9 flagship SUV with fast-charging capabilities. This marks a production milestone and a new model debut. Retaining the classic design language, the SUV has 22-inch forged wheels. It uses a second-generation Blade Battery with a pure electric range of 420 km. It comes standard with the God's Eye 5.0 system and a new AI smart cockpit. It incorporates the e³ technology platform, supporting functions like intelligent crab walking and tank turns.
Interface News: Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) announced cumulative pre-orders for the new AITO M9 series surpassed 50,000 units. The new model is priced from 499,800 yuan.
CLS: Leapmotor released its financial report for the first quarter of 2026. Global deliveries reached 110,155 units, including 40,901 overseas exports. Both figures lead among Chinese EV startups. Revenue hit 10.82 billion yuan, a first-quarter record. Leapmotor has been active in sales and products. In April, global deliveries climbed to 71,387 units, a monthly record. Overseas exports accounted for 14,225 units, or nearly 20%. Regarding new models, the Leapmotor A10 secured over 40,000 firm orders in its first month. Daily capacity exceeds 1,000 units as deliveries accelerate. The Leapmotor D19 garnered over 15,000 orders in 15 days. It stands out in the 250,000-yuan full-size SUV segment, reflecting market recognition.
Supply Chain News
CLS: Longhorn Auto Electronics announced a designation letter for intelligent driving visual perception products. The letter came from a German luxury automaker. The project lifecycle is seven years with estimated revenue of 780 million yuan. Mass production begins in September 2027.
Gasgoo: NSK Ltd. signed an MOU with Delta Electronics to deepen cooperation on next-generation robot actuators. The partnership focuses on rotary and linear actuators. These components act as robot joints. The goal is to advance technology integration and prototyping. NSK will contribute expertise in bearings and ball screws from the automotive sector. Delta Electronics will provide servo drives and motor control tech. The integrated solution aims to improve power density and response. This could shorten deployment cycles for robots in welding and assembly.
Gasgoo: A ceremony was held in Ningbo for the CAERI-Geely-Autoliv Joint Innovation Laboratory. The parties signed a strategic technical cooperation agreement. This represents a deepening of strategic ties. The three parties will build an innovation platform. Geely and Autoliv launched the second phase of their partnership. This addresses the wave of intelligent mobility transformation. The phase focuses on occupant protection gaps. It targets research and improvement of industry standards. The aim is to address safety shortcomings and guide industry development.
Gasgoo: Qichacha data shows Huizhou Jinyuan Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. changed its business registration. Registered capital increased from 3 million yuan to 33 million yuan. The company states Huizhou Jinyuan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVE Energy Co., Ltd. It was established on December 17, 2010.
Industrial Economy
CLS: On May 17, the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) released the "Automotive Industry Intellectual Property Ten-Year Development Report." IP related to electrification and intelligence has become a key driver for China's auto industry. China's volume of published auto patents has led globally for ten years. This surpasses the US, Japan, and Europe. Published patents in the new energy vehicle sector grew from 50,000 in 2016 to 110,000 in 2025. This represents a 17.1% annual growth rate. Patents for intelligent connected vehicles rose from 44,000 to 93,000. The annual growth rate was 11.6%. Chinese automakers have filed overseas patents in over 50 countries.
Personnel Changes | Personnel Moves
Interface News: GAC Group announced the board received a resignation letter from Vice General Manager Huang Yongqiang on May 14, 2026. Citing organizational arrangements, Huang applied to resign. He will not hold further posts in the company. The resignation is effective immediately.
