OEM Trends | Auto Mover News
Jiemian: Scout Motors is set to establish itself as an independent brand in the U.S. A potential initial public offering is on the horizon, according to Scott Keogh. He is the chief executive of Volkswagen Group's Scout brand. Keogh noted that Scout models will leverage Rivian's software technology as part of the joint venture between the two automakers. Additionally, the range-extended versions of Scout vehicles will utilize engines produced at Volkswagen's Mexican plant.
IT Home: Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume suggested in a recent interview with German media that the German automotive industry could learn from China's rigorous and orderly approach to industrial planning. The comments come as Volkswagen pushes ahead with a deep restructuring to maintain its competitive edge.
IT Home: XPENG is accelerating its global push, aiming to double overseas sales this year and lift the contribution of international markets to total revenue to 20%. The automaker is set to launch its G6 and G9 models in Mexico on March 25.
IT Home: Leapmotor has officially opened its European Innovation Center in Munich, marking the launch of its first overseas hub dedicated to design iteration and concept development. The company plans to leverage a network spanning Munich, Hangzhou, and Shanghai to build a global design infrastructure. This move accelerates Leapmotor's design export strategy and advances its global layout, aiming to produce breakthrough, classically designed products for the world market.
CLS: When a netizen recently asked why Xiaomi did not disclose "firm order" figures on the night of the new-generation SU7 launch, the company offered an explanation. Xiaomi EV stated that the progress of "locked orders" for the new SU7 has outperformed the first generation since sales began. Instead of releasing "firm order" data on launch night, the company went straight to "locked order" figures. In fact, since the day after the YU7 launch last June, Xiaomi EV has opted to report "locked orders"—which are non-refundable—rather than "firm orders." The company argues that non-refundable locked orders provide a more authentic and objective reflection of user choice and recognition.
Gasgoo: Data from Tianyancha shows that Deepal Auto Technology, a subsidiary of Changan Automobile, has recently completed a business registration change. Its registered capital increased from approximately 330 million yuan to 470 million yuan, a rise of about 42%. Alongside this capital expansion, the equity structure was adjusted, adding two new shareholders: Chongqing Yufu Holding Group and CMB Financial Asset Investment.
Gasgoo: Tesla is planning to purchase $2.9 billion worth of solar panel and battery production equipment from Chinese suppliers, including Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, according to people familiar with the matter. The move is aimed at achieving CEO Elon Musk's goal of adding 100 GW of solar power generation capacity in the United States.
Supply Chain News
Gasgoo: BorgWarner's Power Drive Systems Wuhu plant has officially commenced operations. Serving as a crucial pivot in BorgWarner's new energy layout in China, the facility will primarily supply drive motors to Chery. The plant leverages BorgWarner's globally leading product platforms and core technical capabilities. These cover hairpin motor R&D, process design, and production line construction. It is set to produce high-quality, technologically advanced motor products.
CLS: Shougang and China FAW have successfully partnered to complete the material development and application verification of 2.4 GPa (2400 MPa) grade hot-formed steel. This breakthrough marks China's entry into the global leading tier in the application of high-performance automotive steel. The 2.4 GPa grade hot-formed steel is set to be first used in key safety structural components of Hongqi models.
Jiemian: German automotive semiconductor company Elmos Semiconductor is exploring a sale, with its founder planning to exit the business, according to reports. Elmos, which has a market capitalization of approximately 2.3 billion euros ($2.5 billion), has engaged Morgan Stanley as an advisor for the transaction.
Industrial Economy
CLS: Global sales for Japanese automakers edged down to approximately 25 million units in 2025, marking the first time the nation has lost the top spot since 2000. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers sold nearly 27 million vehicles globally last year, overtaking Japan to claim the world's number one position for the first time.
CLS: The National Energy Administration has released data on China's electric vehicle charging infrastructure for February 2026. Data from the national monitoring platform shows that by the end of February, the total number of charging connectors reached 21.01 million, a 47.8% year-on-year increase. Of these, public charging connectors totaled 4.834 million, up 28.8%. Their combined rated power was 229 million kilowatts, averaging 47.41 kilowatts. Private charging connectors numbered 16.176 million, surging 54.6%. They had an installed electricity capacity of 141 million kilovolt-amperes.
Gasgoo: Xynova has recently closed a Pre-A financing round worth hundreds of millions of yuan. The round was led by a major internet giant.
Policy Situation
Jiemian: According to the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Commerce, various districts in Nanjing—including development zones and streets—have already launched subsidy programs for new car purchases this year to stimulate consumption. In line with a provincial notice regarding new car purchase promotions, the city is unifying subsidy standards. Adjustments to subsidy policies across all Nanjing districts will take effect from March 21, aligning with provincial regulations. Any subsequent policies introduced during the campaign period will follow these adjusted standards; vehicles purchased before March 20 that meet application criteria will remain subject to the original policies.
