News
The Hongguang Mini EV has shot to the top of the electric car sales charts in no time at all. With a clever concept and unbeatable price, the joint venture between General Motors and SAIC Motors is tapping into new customer groups in urban and rural areas. If it manages to increase production and pass the crash test, the Hongguang Mini EV could become a blockbuster across Asia.
By Frank Sieren
The US electric car pioneer Tesla seemed to be the darling of Chinese authorities for a long time. But after a number of mishaps, the company is now being scolded by the media and lectured by regulators. The message is clear: China first. Anyone who wants to earn money in the People's Republic should treat Chinese consumers like royalty. A lesson for foreign investors.
By Marcel Grzanna
LFP as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries once marked the beginning of an emerging Chinese battery industry. Now, first Tesla boss Elon Musk and then Volkswagen have announced their intention to rely more on LFP in the future. The main reasons for this are cost pressure, raw material availability, and expiring patents. And once again, Chinese companies could benefit from the trend.
By Amelie Richter
With the new brand Zeekr, the car company Geely wants to roll up the premium segment for EVs. The first model, which is to be launched in China in September, was presented at the Shanghai auto show. And there are big plans: International expansion, including to Europe, is planned for the coming year, as is its own IPO. In 2015, the manufacturer had already failed once with Geely Blue. Can Geely now implement its plans with Zeekr?
By Frank Sieren
Wolfgang Egger is one of the world's leading car designers. He has developed the Q7 SUV for Audi, the R8 sports car, and the first Audi E-tron concept. At Alfa Romeo, he was responsible for the design of the 8C Competizione, among other things. That could have been enough – but it wasn't enough for him. Now, in his late fifties, Egger is "in the middle of by far the most exciting task of my life," as he says. Since 2016, he has been chief designer at the southern Chinese manufacturer BYD. At the Shanghai auto show, Egger unveiled BYD's new EA-1 compact car, which is designed to rival Volkswagen's ID3, for example. A conversation about iconic compact cars, Chinese design, and what makes working in the People's Republic different from working in Europe.
By Frank Sieren
A flying taxi can be seen at Auto Shanghai for the first time. And it is, of all things, a German product from the company Volocopter. The vehicle is presented by the Chinese car company Geely, which has invested in the German start-up. It may well be that people will soon get used to seeing air taxis at car shows. Because last week, the Chinese aviation regulator began the approval process for the everyday operation of flying taxis.
By Frank Sieren