[local production] News & Updates

China's Commerce Ministry Opposes EU Request for Voluntary Limits on Hybrid Vehicle Exports

On September 18, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce responded to the China-EU hybrid vehicle trade dispute, explicitly opposing the voluntary export restraints proposed by the EU and saying they seriously violate WTO rules. Previously, the EU asked China to voluntarily limit hybrid vehicle exports to Europe, otherwise it might impose higher tariffs. Data show that EU imports of hybrid vehicles from China rose from 3,800 units in October 2024 to 50,000 units in July 2026. The EU hopes to limit this share to about 15%, but it has already exceeded one third. In the same period, China's August vehicle exports reached 1.01 million units, up 65.3% year on year, of which new energy vehicle exports were 526,000 units, up about 130% year on year. Overseas markets have become an important growth support, and China-EU trade issues have also extended from pure electric vehicles to hybrids and localized production.

46427 days ago

Thailand Plans About 30% Excise Tax on Imported EVs, Sets Three-Tier Rates

Thailand's finance minister said Thailand is finalizing an excise tax of about 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, compared with the current rate of about 10%. The new plan sets three excise tax tiers: fully imported vehicles at the highest rate, locally produced vehicles at the lowest, and locally assembled vehicles in the middle. Constrained by free trade agreements, Thailand cannot directly raise tariffs, so it is turning to excise taxes to encourage local investment and supply chain localization. Currently, nine electric vehicle manufacturers produce in Thailand, and some Chinese and European automakers plan to invest in Thailand to enjoy lower tax rates. The final rates are expected to be decided this month.

48129 days ago

Arcfox Alpha T7 Launches, Galaxy Cruiser 700 Opens Pre-Sales

From September 15 to 16, Geely Galaxy's hardcore off-road SUV Zhanjian 700 opened presales, while BAIC Arcfox's mid-to-large SUV Alpha T7 was officially launched. The Alpha T7 is priced from 137,800 to 174,800 yuan after subsidies, with over 30,000 orders in the first 72 hours of presales, a maximum pure electric range of 715 km, and a combined extended-range range of 1,315 km. The Zhanjian 700 uses a tri-motor four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid system, with a combined output of 830 kW and a pure electric range of 165 to 185 km. The two vehicles show that Chinese brands are increasing their bets on the mid-to-large SUV and hardcore off-road markets with 800V platforms, lidar, and electrified off-road features. Overseas sales arrangements have not yet been disclosed.

29132 days ago

Leapmotor Enters Indonesia, Establishing Dual ASEAN Production Bases

Leapmotor officially entered Indonesia on July 31, unveiling the B10 and C10 at GIIAS 2026. The company partnered with Indomobil Group for local KD assembly, creating a dual production base layout in ASEAN alongside its Malaysia facility.

44374 days ago

Chinese Brands Capture 16% UK Market Share, 1 in 6 New Cars Chinese

In H1 2026, Chinese brands captured approximately 16% of the UK new car market, surpassing Japanese (~12%) and Korean (~10%) brands. ACEA data shows that in May 2026, Chinese automakers' monthly new car registrations in 31 European countries exceeded Japanese automakers for the first time. BYD, Chery, Geely, and SAIC MG are leading the charge.

66579 days ago

Chinese Automakers Entering Europe: Facing More Than a Market—An Entire Social System

At the 2026 International Symposium on Automotive and Powertrain Technology in Stuttgart, a panel on combining China's automotive momentum with German engineering precision revealed the deep challenges Chinese automakers face entering Europe—companies racing to transform, governments preserving stability, and ordinary people fearing job losses.

48188 days ago

EU Targets PHEV Loophole: Chinese Automakers' 1.3M Europe Goal Faces New Hurdles

The EU is considering imposing anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese-made PHEVs. Some automakers without local European production capacity are still engaged in technical consultations on price undertakings. Chinese automakers' European registrations are expected to exceed 1.3 million in 2026.

44091 days ago

Chinese Auto Exports Target Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa as Top Growth Markets

In 2026, Chinese auto exports entered a precision-layout phase. Middle East markets offer zero tariffs and purchase subsidies, making them ideal for premium NEV SUVs with 30%+ price premiums over domestic markets. Southeast Asia benefits from RCEP tariff reductions, with Indonesia BEV import duties down to 8%. Africa presents SKD/CKD opportunities as South Africa and Egypt introduce EV incentives. Jan-Feb 2026 China-Russia vehicle exports reached 111,914 units. Europe remains the strategic high ground despite higher barriers.

700112 days ago

Four Shifts in China's Auto Exports: Russia Declines, Emerging Markets Fill the Gap

China's auto export landscape is undergoing deep restructuring in 2026. The Russian market has visibly declined due to scrappage tax hikes and tariff barriers, while Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are accelerating to fill the gap. Export product mix is shifting from low-end ICE to premium NEV, with local production ratio surpassing 35%. This article maps four major shifts for overseas buyers.

551146 days ago

Russia's Scrappage Tax + Tariffs Escalate: Chinese Automakers Push Local Production

Since October 2025, Russia raised vehicle scrappage tax by 70-85%, pushing combined tax burden past 50% for some models. This policy combo is reshaping China's auto export landscape to Russia. This article breaks down the policy impact chain, analyzes localization breakthrough paths by Great Wall, Chery, and Geely, and evaluates supply chain risks and opportunities for overseas buyers tracking the Russian market.

929146 days ago

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