Multiple Automakers and Suppliers Announce Key Updates: Aito M7 Deliveries Top 450,000, Xiaomi’s “Xuntian” Taps New Battery Supplier, Ford and Stellantis Unveil European EV Strategies

Harmony Intelligent Mobility announced that cumulative deliveries of the Aito M7 have exceeded 450,000 units. The model is officially priced between RMB 279,800 and RMB 379,800, offering both extended-range and battery-electric powertrains, with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants available, as well as optional five- or six-seat configurations. Xun Tian (SKY NOMAD), Xiaomi’s independent extended-range vehicle brand, will no longer use CATL batteries for its debut model, the Kunlun N3, and will instead adopt a new battery supply system. Sunwoda will serve as the primary supplier with a 60% share, while CALB will be the secondary supplier with a 40% share. Ford Motor Company announced a comprehensive product and technology strategy for Europe over the next three years. Its Ford Pro division will transform into a productivity partner focused on software and services. Ford plans to launch five new passenger vehicles in Europe by the end of 2029, all manufactured locally. Stellantis Group has launched the “E-Car” project—a compact, affordable electric vehicle initiative—with the first models expected to roll off the production line in 2028, aiming to address the ongoing contraction in this segment across Europe in recent years. XPeng Group’s first mass-produced Robotaxi rolled off the production line in Guangzhou, marking China’s first Robotaxi model fully developed in-house by an OEM from end to end. Demonstration operations are expected to commence in the second half of 2024. Tesla has officially abandoned its plan to build a factory in India, confirmed by India’s Minister of Heavy Industries. Analysts cite insufficient local supply chains and industrial support as the primary reasons. Nidec (formerly Japan Electric Motor) is dissolving its joint venture with GAC Group focused on the electric drive unit “e-Axle,” a move seen as part of its strategic transformation. SVOLT Energy plans to begin mass production of its hybrid solid-liquid batteries in September 2024, with costs comparable to conventional liquid batteries but enhanced safety. The 100 kWh version will also enter large-scale production simultaneously. Additionally, its ternary 3.6 kWh HEV battery will start mass production in August, making SVOLT the first domestic manufacturer to mass-produce high-capacity HEV batteries. Volkswagen International Finance Co., Ltd. has launched the subscription period for its first tranche of medium-term notes for 2026, with a total issuance amount not exceeding RMB 3 billion. The notes are divided into two tranches: a three-year tranche (RMB 2 billion, coupon rate 1.70%–2.50%) and a five-year tranche (RMB 1 billion, coupon rate 1.85%–2.65%). In capital markets, Hong Kong-listed auto stocks generally declined on May 19, with NIO dropping over 4% and XPeng Group falling more than 3%. On the same day, RoboParty, a fully open-source bipedal humanoid robotics company, completed a tens-of-millions-of-dollars Series Angel+ round led by Shunwei Capital, with follow-on investment from Xiaomi’s strategic investment arm. Dexterity Robotics, a developer of robotic dexterous hands, secured hundreds of millions of RMB in funding, achieving a valuation exceeding USD 1 billion and entering unicorn status. On the policy front, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a meeting of its Employment Promotion Working Group, emphasizing the need to stabilize employment in traditional manufacturing through steady growth and expanded capacity, while tapping into job creation potential in emerging sectors such as intelligent connected new energy vehicles and high-end equipment.