Categories
Autos Brief Energy & Environment

Geely chairman proposes methanol trucks to cut emissions

Li Shufu, chairman of vehicle manufacturer Geely, has proposed that China promote methanol-powered trucks for medium- and long-distance freight, reports Caixin. He argues they offer a practical way to decarbonize a sector where electric and hydrogen options have struggled to gain traction. Li, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), submitted the […]

Categories
Autos Brief Economics & Trade Politics & Society

China’s auto exports see Iran war disruption

The escalating conflict in Iran has disrupted Chinese car shipments to the Middle East, reports Caixin. The situation is paralyzing Chinese business operations in Iran and threatening the viability of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a crucial transshipment hub. A source at a Chinese state-owned automaker told Caixin that his company’s business in Iran has […]

Categories
Autos Brief Consumer Markets

Low sales see return of automobile price war

Major carmakers in China have launched a new wave of price cuts and financing incentives immediately after the Spring Festival holiday, reports Caixin. Manufacturers aim to clear excess inventories as sales slow in the world’s largest auto market. SAIC General Motors’ Buick brand said Thursday that it would lower prices on multiple models by RMB 5,000 […]

Categories
Autos Brief Tech, Media & Telecom

Chinese robotaxi manufacturer WeRide cuts R&D costs by “millions”

WeRide, one of China’s big three robotaxi companies, has cut research and development (R&D) costs by “millions” of US dollars by using artificial intelligence to train its fleet in virtual worlds, reports the South China Morning Post citing the company’s CEO. While rivals have also developed AI models simulating the physical world, WeRide’s efforts stood out as […]

Categories
Autos Brief

Chinese EV maker Geely to focus on product function over price cuts

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) producer Geely Auto said it is betting on longer-range and faster-charging technologies, rather than price cuts, to consolidate its leading position in the world’s largest car market, reports the South China Morning Post. Jerry Gan Jiayue, CEO of the firm’s car subsidiary, pledged that the carmaker, as a bellwether player, would “oppose involution”, […]