Daily Automotive News: Global Roundup – May 14, 2025 | Key Developments in Electrification, Intelligence, and Regional Expansion
Part 1: Dynamics in the Chinese Market
Qingdao International Automobile Exhibition Kicks Off
The 24th Qingdao International Automobile Exhibition opened on May 14 at the Qingdao International Convention and Exhibition Center, attracting over 90 global automotive brands with nearly 1,000 models on display, of which over 60% are New energy car. On the first day, 29 new models were launched, including the BYD Han L, Fangchengbao Titanium 3, and FAW-Volkswagen Car all-new Tiguan L. An "Intelligent Zone" showcased cutting-edge technologies such as in-vehicle drones and full-scenario parking. Qingdao also introduced a subsidy policy for trading in old cars, which has driven 5.213 billion CNY in consumption as of May 12.
Chinese Automakers Accelerate Global Expansion
Geely Enters the Polish Market: Geely signed an agreement with Al-Futtaim Motors to sell NEVs in Poland by Q3 2025, targeting a market with a 41% pure EV sales growth rate.
GAC Deepens Presence in Brazil: GAC Group announced the establishment of a R&D center in Brazil, collaborating with local universities to promote localized production, with a brand launch event scheduled for May 23.
Changan Automobile’s Thai Factory Starts Production: Changan’s Rayong plant, with an annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles, will launch seven new models including the S07 and E07, receiving high praise from Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
Technological Breakthroughs and Strategic Partnerships
Hongqi E702 Project Milestone: The first vehicle on Hongqi’s E702 platform rolled off the production line, completed in 15 days with high-voltage power-up and engine ignition achieved within 24 hours, setting multiple records.
BYD Collaborates with Sanlorenzo: The two companies will jointly develop yacht-specific batteries to drive the zero-carbon transformation of the yacht industry.
Mass Production of Solid-State Batteries: CATL’s global first solid-state battery production line started operation, with an energy density exceeding 500Wh/kg and an 800-km range after 10 minutes of charging.
Industry Data and Trends
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts global EV sales will exceed 20 million in 2025, accounting for over 25% of new vehicle sales, with China contributing more than half of the share. According to the China Passenger Car Association, nationwide passenger vehicle retail sales reached 574,000 units from May 1-11, a 12% year-on-year increase.
Part 2: Challenges and Transformation in Europe
Strike at Ford’s German Factory
Workers at Ford’s Cologne plant went on strike over plans to cut 2,900 jobs, reflecting labor conflicts in European automakers’ electrification transitions. Ford’s EV sales in Europe have been sluggish, with only 11,000 units of the Explorer and Capri sold in Q1 2025.
Volvo’s Super Hybrid Strategy
Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson revealed plans to introduce the XC70 plug-in hybrid model with a 190-km pure electric range to Europe, addressing lagging charging infrastructure in some regions.
EU Tariff Policy Adjustments
In response to the U.S. 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts, the EU introduced a temporary tariff reduction mechanism via the "Import Adjustment Offset," allowing a 3.75% MSRP deduction in 2025.
The U.S. Congress proposed four bills to overturn California’s 2035 gasoline car sales ban, causing industry shock. California’s EV penetration rate has reached 25%, but charging infrastructure shortages persist in rural areas.
New Product Moves by Toyota and Tesla
Toyota Unveils U.S.-Spec New C-HR: The all-electric version starts at $45,000, equipped with a dual-motor AWD system, 450-km range, and Tesla’s NACS charging port.
Tesla Shanghai Factory’s Export Surge: Nearly 30,000 Model Y units were exported in April, a 12-month high, with sales in South Korea surging 80% year-on-year.
Hyundai-Kia’s EV Acceleration
The Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025, focusing on EV production. The first locally produced model, the IONIQ 6, will launch in 2026.
Part 4: Restructuring of Japanese and Korean Automakers and Chinese Brands’ Impact
Crisis Facing Japanese Automakers
Honda Delays EV Investment: Due to tariffs and weak demand, Honda postponed the construction of its Canadian EV factory by two years, with net profit plummeting 87% in FY2024.
Nissan Global Layoffs of 20,000: Nissan plans to cut 15% of its workforce and close seven factories by FY2027, reporting a net loss of ¥670.9 billion in FY2024.
BYD Enters the Japanese Market
BYD launched a micro EV for Japan’s "K-Car" market, priced at ¥2.5 million ($17,000), standard with L2 ADAS and heat pump air conditioning, directly competing with Nissan’s Sakura.
Hydrogen Energy Breakthrough
EVE Hydrogen unveiled the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell sedan with a 1,000-km range, costing only ¥0.1 per km, using graphene bipolar plate technology and reducing -30°C cold start time to 8 seconds.
Part 5: Global Technology and Supply Chain Dynamics
Intelligentization and Autonomous Driving
WeRide’s Guangzhou Operations: Eight 24-hour autonomous driving demonstration routes were launched in Guangzhou’s core urban areas, covering supercity hubs.
Huawei Hongmeng Smart Travel Showcase: Brands like AITO and IM showed high-level ADAS and smart cockpit technologies at the Qingdao Auto Show.
Supply Chain Innovation
SAIC Hydrogen Patent: SAIC applied for a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain patent to address space and safety issues in high-pressure hydrogen storage systems.
Full-Procedure Traceability for Car Exports: Shandong Guolian Tong applied for a patent for an auto export service system to trace quality issues.
Industry Restructuring and Risks
Neta Auto faced bankruptcy applications over hundreds of millions in unpaid supplier debts, reflecting new energy startups’ survival challenges amid price wars.
India will launch 70 new models in 2025, including the Tata Sierra and MG Cyberster, with 18 models scheduled for the next three months.
International Conferences and Cooperation
The 2025 International Conference on Key Technologies of New Energy Vehicles and Low-Carbon New Materials opened in Huai’an, promoting lightweight technology and low-carbon industrial chain collaboration.
Conclusion
May 14 highlighted a multi-dimensional global automotive industry: Chinese automakers accelerated globalization and technological breakthroughs, Europe grappled with electrification pains, North America saw intense policy debates, Japanese and Korean automakers adjusted strategies, and emerging markets balanced growth and challenges. Intelligence, electrification, and low-carbon transformation remain core trends, while supply chain resilience and policy adaptability are critical for survival.
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