Multiple Automakers and Suppliers Unveil New Products, Partnerships, and Market Moves

On May 7, Yu Chengdong, Executive Director of Huawei, announced that the Zhijie V9 will officially launch in May. The model opened for small-scale reservations on April 22, with a starting pre-sale price of RMB 399,800. On the same day, Dongfeng Yipai announced that its six-seat SUV, the Yipai M8—equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun technology—will debut this month. Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, stated that 5C extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology cannot deliver its full potential without supporting 5C ultra-fast charging infrastructure. He called on the industry to jointly accelerate the development of 5C ultra-fast charging networks to alleviate highway charging congestion during holidays. NIO announced that its Hexi Corridor battery swap route will be fully operational by May 10. As of May 7, NIO has built a total of 8,849 charging and battery swap stations nationwide, including 3,839 battery swap stations and 5,010 charging stations, having delivered over 100 million battery swaps cumulatively. Faraday Future announced it will upgrade the FX Super One model to an 800V all-electric version or accelerate its AIHER hybrid-extended range project, while suspending collaboration on the original 400V model. The company described this move as a proactive strategic optimization aimed at better meeting long-distance travel demands of U.S. consumers. In response to market rumors that LG Energy Solution would secure BMW’s 46-series large cylindrical battery order, BMW declined to comment on media speculation and emphasized that it will continue evaluating its global supplier network based on its own needs. Ferrari reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of €1.85 billion, up 3% year-over-year, with EBITDA reaching €722 million, a 4% increase, primarily driven by rising demand for personalization and strong sales of high-priced models like the F80. Xiaomi Auto plans to launch its first extended-range SUV in the second half of 2026 under a new sub-brand named “SKYNOMAD,” which will no longer carry the main Xiaomi logo. Internally codenamed Kunlun N3, the vehicle is the highest-positioned among three extended-range SUVs in the Kunlun series. CATL subsidiary Times Intelligent signed an agreement with Turkish EV maker Togg to co-develop three new models based on the Panshi skateboard chassis for Togg’s upcoming B-segment platform, with the first mass-produced vehicle scheduled for launch in 2027. Horn Auto Electronics announced it recently secured定点 (nomination) from a leading NEV manufacturer for its Advanced Parking Assist (APA) radar perception system, with a five-year project cycle and an estimated total value of approximately RMB 275 million. Mass production is set to begin in March 2027. Aptiv and Comau signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and automated warehouse logistics solutions. Hong Kong-listed semiconductor stocks rose collectively on May 7, with Biren Technology surging over 10.5%, and multiple stocks including Hua Hong Semiconductor and Tiandu Zhixin gaining more than 3%. According to preliminary data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), nationwide wholesale sales of new energy passenger vehicles by automakers in April 2026 are estimated at 1.22 million units, up 7% year-over-year and 7% month-over-month. Based on customs data compiled by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China’s auto parts imports totaled USD 1.52 billion in March 2026, up 3.4% month-over-month but down 2.1% year-over-year. Total imports for Q1 reached USD 4.83 billion, an increase of 4.5% year-over-year. Ouye Semiconductor completed a Series C financing round of several hundred million RMB, jointly invested by SDIC Capital, Shenzhen’s “20+8” New Energy Vehicle Fund, Nanshan Strategic Emerging Industries Investment, and BinFu Capital. The funds will be used for technology R&D, product mass production, and market expansion.