OEM Trends | Automaker News
Keji Technology: Wuling Auto announced on August 18 that its six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, the Starlight L, has topped 10,000 sales in its first month on the market, securing the No. 2 spot in July's large SUV rankings. Launched on July 16, the vehicle offers three trim levels with limited-time pricing ranging from 109,800 to 132,800 yuan, featuring a six-seat layout aimed at family use. Standard across the lineup are a host of practical features, including a 37.9 kWh battery that delivers 260 km of CLTC pure-electric range and 1,260 km of combined range, along with support for 3C DC fast charging and vehicle-to-load functionality. While the three trims offer distinct configuration upgrades, the mid-spec version at 122,800 yuan offers the best value.
Keji Technology: Denza Auto announced on August 18 that the upcoming N8 will feature second-generation Blade Battery technology and flash charging, enabling a pure-electric range of 1,003 km. The powertrain will be offered in three versions: two single-motor variants (320 kW and 370 kW) and a tri-motor version with a combined output of up to 890 kW. All models come standard with a panoramic sunroof and support various optional configurations. The accompanying flash charging technology allows for a quick five-minute boost or a near-full charge in nine minutes; even in frigid conditions of -30°C, charging time increases by just three minutes. Measuring 5,150 x 1,999 x 1,820 mm with a 3,075 mm wheelbase, the N8 adopts a large five-seat layout and a minimalist pure-electric aesthetic.
Keji Technology: According to an August 18 report, shifting U.S. trade policies mean that American-brand vehicles produced in China will face a combined import tariff of 52.5% when entering the U.S. market. Under the dual pressure of these steep tariffs and regulatory constraints, Ford has adjusted its production roadmap: it plans to relocate production of the Lincoln Nautilus from China back to the U.S. starting in 2030. As a core seller for Lincoln in the U.S., the SUV was previously shifted to the Hangzhou plant. Despite the clear cost and efficiency advantages of China's industrial cluster—from parts processing to final assembly—Ford is making the strategic shift to navigate the trade landscape.
Gasgoo: Leapmotor recently launched its B10 and C10 global models in Argentina, both available as range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs). This move marks a new phase in the brand's South American expansion. Given Argentina's current charging infrastructure, Leapmotor is leveraging EREV technology to alleviate range anxiety and reduce dependence on charging networks. The company notes its range-extended system is developed through in-house R&D covering electric drive, electronic-electrical architecture, smart cockpits, and driver assistance—making this launch a concrete example of its proprietary technology reaching international markets.
Keji Technology: Great Wall Motor Chairman Wei Jianjun took to Weibo recently to announce that the company's Xushui smart driving test field in Baoding has completed its upgrade—and he has personally tested it. He emphasized that Great Wall has not built a single "fast-tracked car" in its 36-year history. The automaker has launched a 520 million yuan intelligent upgrade project, adding nine new functional zones dedicated to verifying smart driving algorithms and vehicle-road coordination. As the first test field owned a Chinese brand to possess official inspection qualifications, the 1 billion yuan, 1.14 million square meter facility features 13 test modules and over 100 typical road surfaces spanning 50 kilometers. Every Great Wall model must complete at least 7,000 kilometers here before delivery. Wei has repeatedly spoken out against the industry's recent trend of rushing development cycles, insisting that all models undergo full verification before release.
Jiemian News: Data from Tianyancha App shows the recent establishment of Shenlong Auto Technology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd., with Huang Yong as legal representative and a registered capital of approximately 8.195 billion yuan. Its business scope includes R&D for auto parts, sales of new energy vehicles, and investment activities. Shareholder information reveals the company is jointly held by Dongfeng Peugeot‑Citroën Automobile Co., Ltd., Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Science and Technology Industry Development Co., Ltd., Wuhan Yangluo Development Co., Ltd., Stellantis Auto SAS, Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd., and Changjiang Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd.
Supply Chain News
Keji Technology: Tesla is offloading surplus parts for the Model S and Model X via bulk auctions on the B-Stock platform, with bidding starting at $100 to $175 per pallet, according to an August 18 report. The retail value of the parts involved exceeds $1.3 million. These brand-new, unused components—ranging from interior trim and body closures to suspension parts—are sold in mixed pallets where buyers cannot see the specific item list beforehand. The auction is restricted to repair businesses and dealers, excluding individual owners. This clearance addresses supply chain surplus rather than service parts stock. Tesla has previously dismantled the production lines for these models to support its Optimus humanoid robot project, though the company reaffirmed that the hundreds of thousands of Model S and X vehicles currently on the road will continue to receive service, parts, and software updates.
IT Home: YASA, an Oxford University spinout under Mercedes-Benz, recently announced it has secured a grant from the UK government's DRIVE35 zero-emission vehicle innovation program. The company will lead "Project Resilience." The initiative aims to reduce the electric motor industry's dependence on rare-earth magnetic materials and bolster supply chain security, while ensuring motors can meet future demands for quality, size, and efficiency.
Cailian Press: The National New Energy Vehicle Technology Innovation Center (NEVC) recently completed in-depth performance testing on a new edge-side AI inference chip developed by Yuanli (Beijing) Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd. This marks a key breakthrough for NEVC in building an edge-application evaluation system and laying the groundwork for next-generation AI and AI infrastructure, accelerating the deployment of AI and robotics chips in real-world scenarios.
Industrial Economy
Jiemian News: Hong Kong stocks were down at midday on August 18, with the Hang Seng Index falling 0.65% and the Hang Seng Tech Index dropping 1.99%. Large model concept stocks took a hit, with Zhipu sliding over 16% and MINIMAX-W down more than 12%; chip makers also weakened, with Montage Technology falling over 6% and GigaDevice dropping more than 5%, while Hua Hong Semiconductor declined nearly 4%.
Jiemian News: According to an analysis by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), exports continued their rapid growth in July 2026, with monthly volumes exceeding 1 million units for the second consecutive month. New energy vehicle exports accounted for over 50% of the total for the second straight month. In July 2026, automobile exports reached 1.043 million units, up 0.6% month-over-month and 81.3% year-over-year. For the first seven months of 2026, exports totaled 6.14 million units, an increase of 66.8% from the previous year.
Cailian Press: Data from the China Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance shows that domestic power battery installations totaled 74.6 GWh in July—a 2.5% decline from June but a 33.5% rise from a year ago. Ternary (NCM) batteries accounted for 11.1 GWh, or 14.9% of the total, slipping 12.1% month-over-month while edging up 1.8% annually; lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries dominated with 63.1 GWh, representing 84.6% of the market. LFP installations fell 1.0% from the previous month but surged 40.5% year-over-year.
Science and Technology Innovation Board Daily: Power semiconductor manufacturers in Taiwan are preparing for a third wave of price adjustments, planning to raise prices on non-contract products by 10% to 15% starting in October. The industry expects companies like Taiwan Semiconductor, Strong, and De-Micro to see both volume and price growth in the second half of the year.
Policy Situation
Cailian Press: As China's sodium-ion battery industry accelerates, the sector has seen rapid development in recent years. With battery safety standards continuously evolving, the nail penetration test—used to simulate mechanical abuse and verify internal short-circuit risks—has become a critical metric for safety assessment. As sodium-ion technology matures toward higher energy density and integration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's working group on lithium-ion and similar product standards has launched a special assessment campaign for sodium-ion battery nail penetration. This systematic safety verification covers products of varying energy densities, helping enterprises identify potential risks early, optimize designs, and support the unified implementation of industry standards.
