China Auto Dealers' Inventory Rises 31.8% MoM in February 2026

Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will invest $250 million in its German factory to increase EV battery cell production capacity. As sales recover in the European market, Tesla is using this investment to further boost its overall output in the region. The Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory is Tesla's first manufacturing base in Europe. The "Gigafactory," which began production in March 2022, produces hundreds of thousands of Model Y vehicles as well as millions of battery cells — the energy storage units that power electric vehicles.

After a prolonged wave of price cuts, the automotive market has entered a rare price-hike cycle in the fiercely competitive year of 2026. Changan Automobile and BYD have both recently announced price increases on select models. Changan's Qiyuan Q07 Tianshu Intelligent Laser Edition has seen its official suggested retail price raised by 3,000 yuan, while BYD's optional add-on price for the assisted-driving laser edition on certain models will increase from 9,900 yuan to 12,000 yuan — a rise of 2,100 yuan. The announcements have sent shockwaves through the industry.

On May 14, the Equipment Industry Division I of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Quality Development Bureau of the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Fire Supervision Department of the National Fire and Rescue Administration jointly held a video conference on strengthening NEV safety management. The meeting required vehicle and power battery manufacturers to take primary responsibility for product quality and safety, treat safety management as a top-priority initiative, strengthen risk prevention, and strictly fulfill disclosure obligations. The three departments will enhance coordination to conduct safety hazard inspections and defect investigations, implement a product consistency special action, and strictly investigate and penalize violations.