With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.
Auto China 2026 to kick off soon
Event Overview:
The Auto China 2026 will be held from April 24 to May 3, 2026 in Beijing.
Theme: "Future of Intelligence."
Record-breaking Scale:
Total exhibition area reaches 380,000 square meters, making it the largest auto show globally.
First time using dual venues:
China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi)
Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center
Exhibits & Debuts:
1,451 vehicles on display
Including 181 world premieres and 71 concept cars
Global Participation & Industry Focus:
Companies from 21 countries and regions participating
Key themes: electrification, intelligence, and digitalization
Full industry chain showcased—from core hardware to software systems
Pony.ai expands driverless Robotaxi testing in Dubai
Major Milestone:
On April 20, Pony.ai announced it has launched fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Dubai
Strategic Significance:
Marks a key breakthrough in the Middle East market
Deepens collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Commercialization Timeline:
Plans to launch public Robotaxi services in the second half of 2026
Expected fleet size: hundreds of vehicles
Policy Alignment & Progress:
Supports Dubai's 2030 Smart City Vision, targeting: 25% of transportation to be autonomous by 2030
Pony.ai has held a public-road testing permit since September 2025 in the city.
AITO joins BMW–Mercedes supercharging JV
Who / What: AITO, backed by Seres Group and Huawei, has joined Beijing Ionchi New Energy Technology Company Limited (Ionchi), a premium ultra-fast charging joint venture originally established by BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
When: The announcement was made on April 17 by Seres Group Vice President Kang Bo.
Equity Structure Change: Following AITO's entry, the joint venture shifts from a 50:50 BMW–Mercedes-Benz partnership to a three-party structure, with each holding 33.3% equity.
Company Background: Ionchi was founded in 2024, focusing on high-end ultra-fast charging services, including high-power liquid-cooled charging technology, premium station operations, and tailored charging experiences.
Where / Deployment Strategy: Charging stations are primarily located in urban core business districts and major transportation corridors, targeting users of luxury vehicle brands.
Why / Strategic Significance: AITO's participation upgrades the joint venture from a dual-brand luxury collaboration to a cross-brand, multi-party alliance, aiming to accelerate the development of a high-power charging network in China.
User Benefits (How): AITO vehicle owners will receive the same premium charging privileges as BMW and Mercedes-Benz users, including equal access, service standards, and usage rights across the Ionchi network.
Future Plans:
AITO will pursue a dual strategy of self-built and cooperative charging networks.
The three partners will deepen collaboration in site deployment, technical standards, and service experience.
The joint venture aims to expand network coverage, improve operational efficiency, and enhance overall service quality for new energy vehicle users.
