Gasgoo Daily presents a selection of the latest developments from China's automotive industry. Here are the key stories in this edition.
Li Auto Expands Across Five More Asian Markets with New Partnerships
Li Auto is accelerating its expansion in Asia-Pacific, having signed partnership agreements with local automotive groups in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. The move brings the Chinese automaker's planned regional footprint to nine markets in 2026, following earlier agreements in Macau, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Li Auto launched its brand in Macau in June, while the five newly added markets are now preparing for market entry.
The company has adopted different partnership models across the region. Mercedes-Benz dealer group Zung Fu will serve as its master distributor in Hong Kong, while Wearnes Automotive will operate its business in Singapore. In Thailand, Li Auto will work through its local subsidiary alongside dealers Evante and Infinite Automobile Company. Dangdang New Energy Auto Service and Neera Motors will handle operations in the Philippines and Vietnam, respectively.
To address demand in right-hand-drive markets, Li Auto has developed a right-hand-drive version of its flagship MEGA, featuring an 800V electrical architecture, rear-wheel steering and an 11kW charging system with a CCS Type 2 connector. The company has also adapted the vehicle to local requirements, including language and connectivity services, charging standards and other market-specific specifications.
The right-hand-drive MEGA will make its debut at the Thailand International Motor Expo in December, followed by a brand launch and vehicle launch in Hong Kong. Li Auto plans to introduce more right-hand-drive models over the next year as it builds out its presence across the region.
BYD hits production milestone of 19 million NEVs
BYD rolled its 19 millionth new energy vehicle off the production line on November 9, marking another major milestone in its production expansion. The vehicle was a FANGCHENGBAO TAI 9, a flagship SUV from its premium sub-brand.
The milestone comes as BYD continues to expand its overseas business. From January to October 2026, the automaker sold 3.62 million vehicles, including 1.51 million passenger vehicles and pickups in overseas markets, up 92% year on year. Overseas markets accounted for 41.6% of BYD's total sales in the third quarter, 25.9 percentage points higher than a year earlier.
Its premium brands are also gaining momentum. Combined sales of FANGCHENGBAO, DENZA and YANGWANG reached 410,000 units in the first three quarters, up 75% year on year. FANGCHENGBAO alone sold 126,000 vehicles in the third quarter, accounting for around 70% of the three brands' combined sales.
BYD reported R&D spending of RMB 36.3 billion in the first three quarters, bringing its cumulative investment to more than RMB 280 billion. Its recent technology initiatives include a second-generation Blade Battery, flash-charging technology and the rollout of its charging network, with its 10,000th flash-charging station completed in August.
FORVIA HELLA Begins Mass Production of Next-Gen Angle Sensors in China
FORVIA HELLA has started mass production of its next-generation angle sensors in China and begun supplying several leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. The sensors are primarily designed for steer-by-wire systems, which replace traditional mechanical connections between the steering wheel and the wheels with electronic controls.
The product was jointly developed by engineering teams at the company's global headquarters in Lippstadt, Germany, and its R&D team in Shanghai. It is designed to improve steering response, precision and stability, addressing latency issues in early steer-by-wire systems and enabling faster responses to both driver inputs and commands from driver-assistance systems.
The sensor can also support active safety functions such as lane keeping assist and emergency steering assist by providing precise position data. Its enhanced resistance to low-frequency magnetic interference is designed to maintain stable steering control under complex driving conditions.
Featuring a modular hardware and software architecture, the sensor can be configured to meet different automakers' requirements for performance, cost and delivery schedules. The standardized platform is also intended to reduce R&D and manufacturing costs, making the technology easier to deploy across different vehicle programs.
