SAMR Cracks Down on "Involutionary" Competition; Binli Auto Reportedly Halts Operations

On March 30, China's State Administration for Market Regulation issued a notice calling for comprehensive rectification of "cutthroat" competition in key sectors such as new energy vehicles (NEVs), and pledged strict investigations into market-disrupting practices like platform-mandated ultra-low pricing. On the same day, Binli Auto was reported to have completely halted operations. Over 100 employees jointly released an open letter alleging that the company had long failed to pay salaries, social insurance contributions, and housing provident funds, and that management had gone incommunicado. They urged the company to promptly settle outstanding payments and provide a written resolution plan. Additionally, Leapmotor’s D19 model is set to launch on April 16. On March 31, Chery and Jaguar Land Rover unveiled their joint brand “FREELANDER,” with its new vehicle featuring Huawei’s 896-line LiDAR. Changan Automobile has been granted a license to test Level 4 autonomous Robotaxis. Meanwhile, Zeekr has established a new sales company in the Beijing-Tianjin region. Amid simultaneous policy interventions and market adjustments, industry consolidation is accelerating.