[7.29 Lithium Battery News] MIIT will consolidate the achievements of comprehensive rectification of "rat race" competition in the NEV industry

[MIIT: To Consolidate the Comprehensive Remediation Results of "Rat Race" Competition in the NEV Industry and Strengthen Governance in Key Industries Such as PV]The National Conference of Heads of Industrial and Information Technology Departments was held in Beijing on July 28. It was mentioned that further comprehensive deepening of reforms will be pursued to enhance the modernization level of industry governance. Efforts will be accelerated to implement reform tasks and advance the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The comprehensive remediation results of "rat race" competition in the NEV industry will be consolidated, governance in key industries such as PV will be strengthened, and outdated capacity will be phased out through standard upgrades. The construction of mandatory national standard systems in the industrial and information technology sectors will be reinforced. The development of cadre and talent teams will be enhanced, and the national outstanding engineer practice bases will be optimized and strengthened. Focus will be placed on creating "big ideological and political courses" with MIIT characteristics, and the "Double First-Class" initiative in affiliated universities will be elevated to new heights.

[Nissan Considers Shutting Down Two Factories in Mexico]According to reports, Nissan Motor Co.'s plan to close seven factories globally as part of its business revitalization measures includes two factories in Mexico under consideration for shutdown. These are the first overseas factory established by Nissan in 1966 and a joint venture factory with Germany's Mercedes-Benz Group, both located in central Mexico. Declining sales have made resolving overcapacity an urgent priority for Nissan, and even symbolic factories are being considered for closure. (Cailian Press)

[XPeng Motors VP Denies Rumors of "Reintroducing LiDAR" in Public Post]Rumors suggested that XPeng Motors was considering product line integration and might reintroduce LiDAR in future models. In response, XPeng Motors Vice President @Thomas_Electric_Train stated, "Regarding such rumor-mongering media, regardless of their intentions, we will handle them seriously through legal and government channels, including the one from a few days ago. Spreading rumors and forcing companies to clarify through denials is not a viable model. Based on experience, someone will eventually pay a heavy price and serve as a warning." (Cailian Press)

[US Ends 14-Month Investigation into Waymo's Autonomous Vehicles]The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday that it has concluded a 14-month investigation into a series of minor collisions and unexpected behaviors involving Alphabet's Waymo autonomous vehicles, taking no further action. The US auto safety regulator initiated the investigation in May 2024 after receiving 22 reports that Waymo's autonomous taxis exhibited driving behaviors potentially violating traffic safety laws or other "unexpected behaviors," including 17 collisions. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mentioned two recalls filed by Waymo and its analysis of existing data when concluding the investigation.

[Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization: Aiming for Full Autonomous Driving Zone Opening in Pudong This Year, Excluding Lujiazui and Other Areas]The recently concluded 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference drew widespread attention to Shanghai's intelligent connected vehicle demonstration operations. On July 28, Han Dadong, Deputy Director-General of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization and Director of the Automotive Industry Department, revealed in an interview that Shanghai will gradually expand autonomous driving open zones, striving to achieve full opening of autonomous driving test roads in Pudong New Area within this year while simultaneously promoting openings in Fengxian and Minhang districts.

[UK Government Plans Intervention to Rescue Auto Lenders, Potentially Avoiding Billions in Compensation]Under lobbying from major UK financial institutions, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is considering overturning a Supreme Court ruling regarding the £44 billion auto loan commission scandal. According to contingency plans under discussion at the Treasury, if judges uphold last October's landmark Court of Appeal decision—which ruled consumers might be entitled to billions in compensation—the government will introduce retrospective legislation to reduce lenders' liabilities. Insiders disclosed that officials from the Ministry of Justice and Department for Business and Trade have discussed the feasibility of replacing the Supreme Court verdict (widely expected next week). This would mark significant Treasury intervention, as Reeves controversially attempted to intervene in the case as early as January this year.