Gasgoo Daily: Baidu Maps launches V21 map, introducing intelligent driving-level navigation

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.

Baidu Maps launches V21 map, introducing intelligent driving-level navigation

On April 15, Baidu officially released the version 21 (V21) of Baidu Maps, upgrading the platform to what it calls "intelligent driving-level navigation." This next-generation navigation experience is available to all drivers, regardless of vehicle type, via in-car systems or smartphones. The V21 is powered by Baidu's advanced intelligent navigation data foundation, which spans 12 million kilometers of road networks and 3 million refined intersections, and features daily static and minute-level dynamic updates. Baidu also revealed partnerships with automakers including BYD and Leapmotor to integrate these capabilities into their vehicles.

AVATR 07 Explorer Edition hits market, priced from 259,900 yuan

On April 12, AVATR Technology officially put the AVATR 07 Explorer Edition onto the market. The new model is offered in two variants, with prices ranging from 259,900 yuan to 269,900 yuan.

BASF Cellasto® invests 500 million yuan to expand production in China

On April 14, BASF's Cellasto® business announced a 500-million-yuan investment to build a second production facility in Shanghai, significantly expanding its local manufacturing footprint. As a global leader in NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) solutions, Cellasto aims to capitalize on the rapid growth of China's electric vehicle market. The new plant, equipped with modernized tooling lines, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027 and is expected to boost the company's production capacity in China by nearly 70%.

Changan Automobile forecasts up to 20.89% YoY growth in Q1 2025 net profit

On April 11, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. ("Changan Automobile") released its earnings forecast for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, projecting a net profit attributable to shareholders of between 1.3 billion yuan and 1.4 billion yuan, which represented a year-on-year increase of 12.26% to 20.89%.

CATL unveils TENER Smart Storage platform to elevate energy storage station safety, efficiency

On April 10, at the 13th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE 2025), CATL introduced its new intelligent energy storage management platform, TENER Smart Storage (天恒·智储). Designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry, the platform offers a full life-cycle solution encompassing safety alerts, performance optimization, and intelligent operations and maintenance (O&M).

CATL scores 32.85% YoY jump in Q1 2025 revenue

On April 14, CATL released its financial results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, reporting revenue of 84.705 billion yuan, which climbed 6.18% over the previous year. During the quarter, CATL's net profit attributable to shareholders reached 13.963 billion yuan, a jump of 32.85% year-on-year.

China's power battery installations in March 2025 surge over 60% both YoY, MoM

In March 2025, China's power battery installation volume reached 56.6 GWh, marking a 62.3% surge from the previous month and a 61.8% soar year-on-year, according to the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance ("CAPBIIA").

Great Wall Motor partners with TÜV Rheinland to enhance in-vehicle eye comfort through cabin display collaboration

On April 11, 2025, Great Wall Motor (GWM) and Germany's TÜV Rheinland officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement focused on enhancing eye comfort in intelligent vehicle cabins, according to a post on GWM's WeChat account.