Zhiji R7 Achieves World's Lowest Drag Coefficient, Officially Certified; HiPhi Auto May Undergo Restructuring and Relaunch

On January 22, Zhao Changjiang, Executive Vice President of Zhiji Auto, responded to skepticism regarding claims that the Zhiji R7 has the world's lowest drag coefficient. He emphasized that its drag coefficient of 0.217 was measured under China’s national standard test conditions in a wind tunnel operated by China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC), representing the lowest verified figure globally for any mass-produced SUV to date. On the same day, IM Motors announced that cumulative deliveries of its LS6 model have reached 100,000 units. Meanwhile, Human Horizons, the parent company of HiPhi, has released a draft restructuring plan outlining clear paths for creditor repayment and production resumption, potentially positioning it as the first automaker to successfully restructure and restart operations by 2026. BYD reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against malicious online smear campaigns, offering a reward of RMB 5 million for actionable leads. Other developments include Dongfeng Motor’s launch of a 16,000-ton integrated die-casting production line and Changan Automobile deepening its collaboration with Midea on vehicle-to-home connectivity solutions.