Gasgoo Daily: China Baowu, FAW Group cement cooperation in new materials, low-carbon tech field

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.

China Baowu, FAW Group cement cooperation in new materials, low-carbon tech field

On January 17, China Baowu Steel Group ("China Baowu") and FAW Group signed an agreement in Changchun city, Jilin province to deepen strategic cooperation. Based on their existing collaboration in advanced carbon steel sheet and strip materials, both parties plan to expand cooperation into new materials and low-carbon technology domains. In addition, the duo is set to innovate in business models and foster collaborative innovation across the industrial and supply chains, enhancing their core competition capacity.

BYD unveils interior images of Han L, Tang L models

On January 19, BYD revealed official interior images of its Han L and Tang L models. The interiors of the two models feature a two-tone design with matte gray metallic trim, creating a high-tech ambiance. The cockpit adopts a warp-around center console which integrates a fully digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen. The two models also support the AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Heads-up Display) function. Additionally, they feature hidden air conditioning vents and an electronic column-mounted gear shifter design, further enhancing the practicality.

DENZA Z9GT's cumulative deliveries hit 10,000 units

On January 20, DENZA, a premium electric vehicle brand under BYD, announced that it has reached a delivery milestone of 10,000 DENZA Z9GT vehicles.

Hitting the market on September 20, 2024, the model is available in seven trim levels across PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and BEV (battery electric vehicle) variants, including two limited-edition models. Its prices range from 334,800 yuan to 414,800 yuan.

EHang's pilotless eVTOL aircraft EH216-S completes debut flight in Shanghai

On January 16, EHang, a Chinese urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company, announced that its flagship pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, the EH216-S, has completed the inaugural flight in downtown Shanghai. Besides, the company plans to launch the regular pilot operation for the eVTOL aircraft sightseeing route along the Huangpu River at Longhua Airport in Shanghai.

Geely delivers 1,500 methanol-powered ride-hailing vehicles to Harbin Traffic Group

On January 16, Geely Holding Group conducted a ceremony to deliver the first batch of 1,500 ride-hailing vehicles to Harbin Traffic Group, according to a post on Geely's WeChat account.

BYD posts 13.79% YoY jump in 2024 full-year bus exports

In 2024, BYD exported 3,582 new energy buses in the overseas market, representing a 13.79% year-on-year (YoY) jump and raising its market share to 23.19% in China's corresponding segment, according to a post on BYD Commercial Vehicle's WeChat account. 

China launches new ocean satellite, involving efforts of Geely's GEESPACE

On January 17, China successfully launched the "Lantan-1" satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March-2D carrier rocket. The satellite entered its designated orbit, marking the mission as a success.

China's passenger vehicle retail sales estimated at 1.75 million units in January 2025: CPCA

Preliminary estimates from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) indicate that China's passenger vehicle retail sales are expected to reach approximately 1.75 million units in the first month of 2025, marking a 14.6% year-on-year decline and a 33.6% drop compared to December 2024.

Hyperview, Aramco jointly showcase hydrogen electric heavy-duty truck at Saudi's FMF

From January 14 to 16, 2025, the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) was held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hyperview-Aramco's next-generation zero-carbon hydrogen-powered smart heavy-duty truck debuted at the event.  

ARCFOX partners with NIO Power to enhance charging network accessibility

On January 17, 2025, BAIC Group's premium electric vehicle brand ARCFOX announced a collaboration with NIO Power to integrate their charging networks, offering ARCFOX owners a more extensive, efficient, and user-friendly charging service across China.  

Masdar chooses CATL as supplier for battery storage system in UAE

Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development, has selected Chinese battery giant CATL as the battery storage system supplier for its UAE Round-the-Clock (RTC) project, according to CATL's WeChat post on Jan. 19.  

Geely's first CKD plant in Egypt begins operation

On January 15, 2025, Chinese automaker Geely officially commenced operation at its BAMC plant in 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt. The facility is Geely's first CKD plant in the Middle East and Africa, with the two popular Geely models, the Coolray and Emgrand, began rolling off the production line.

Valeo inaugurates new energy lighting facility in Changshu, Jiangsu Province

On January 16, 2025, Valeo, a global supplier of smart cabin and lighting solutions, held a grand opening ceremony for Valeo New Energy Lighting (Changshu) Co., Ltd. This marks a significant milestone in the localization of Valeo's special lighting R&D and production capabilities in China.

BYD launches SEALION 7 all-electric SUV in Mexico

On January 10-11, 2025, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship officially kicked off in Mexico. During the event, BYD showcased several new energy vehicle models and launched its key midsize electric SUV, the BYD SEALION 7 (named Sealion 07 EV in China), for the Mexican market.

NETA Auto opens first overseas dealership of 2025 in Indonesia

On January 15, 2025, Chinese new energy vehicle NETA Auto officially opened its new dealership in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia, according to a post on its WeChat account. This marks the company's first overseas dealership launch of the year.

SAIC Motor, Beijing Institute of Technology to co-boost innovation in vehicle electrification, intelligence

On Jan. 19, SAIC Motor and Beijing Institute of Technology ("BIT") signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance innovation in electrification, intelligence, and automation, according to a post on SAIC Motor's WeChat account.

Schaeffler, XPENG AEROHT ink deal for volume production of flying cars' core parts

On January 8, 2025, Schaeffler and XPENG AEROHT, a flying car (also eVTOL aircraft) company under XPENG, signed an agreement in Guangzhou to collaborate on the volume production of stator and rotor assemblies for the flight e-drive system of the latter's flying cars, according to Schaeffler's press release.

Li Auto inaugurates German R&D center

On January 17, 2025, Li Auto officially inaugurated its German R&D Center in Munich. As the company's first overseas R&D hub, the center represents a significant milestone in Li Auto's global R&D strategy implementation.