The Xpeng P7 is making waves with the introduction of three fresh exterior color options, enhanced by second-generation VLA technology. It also rolls out two significant trims: Max and Ultra SE. Officially, the starting price is set at a competitive 203,800 yuan. Delving into the specifics, the 702 Max trim is available for 203,800 yuan, the 820 Max trim for 223,800 yuan, the 750 four-wheel-drive Max trim for 243,800 yuan, and the top-tier 750 four-wheel-drive Pengyi Ultra trim for 301,800 yuan.

On March 18, in response to investor inquiries regarding the sharp rise in raw material prices, notably lithium carbonate, and the potential impact of adverse factors—such as the cancellation or reduction of state subsidies for electric vehicles and battery export tax rebates—on its operations, CATL clarified on its interactive platform that the company has established a robust upstream resource layout. Furthermore, it has implemented a range of measures to safeguard the stability of its supply chain and secure cost advantages. Concurrently, with the progressive rollout of products like sodium-ion batteries, CATL aims to diminish its dependence on resources such as lithium. Additionally, the current subsidy policy for electric vehicles leans towards mid-to-high-end models, a trend that is expected to enhance the market performance of CATL's premium offerings. Moreover, adjustments in export tax rebate policies are anticipated to foster the long-term, high-quality development of the industry and its leading players.

At the launch event held tonight, Chery formally introduced its cutting-edge Rhino Battery, which highlights three remarkable features. Firstly, it offers rapid charging capabilities, with a maximum charging power of 1200kW, allowing the vehicle to achieve a 500km driving range after just an 8-minute charge. Secondly, it boasts a long service life, with a cycle life of up to 5000 times. Thirdly, it ensures high safety standards, featuring a comprehensive protection system that has been rigorously validated across multiple scenarios. At present, the Rhino Battery has developed a diverse product lineup, covering both iron-lithium and ternary systems.

Meanwhile, Chery also unveiled its 'Xunlong Second Charging' technology, which redefines the charging experience by enhancing user experience, intelligence, and efficiency. Furthermore, Chery initiated the 'Ten Cities, Hundred Stations' Vehicle-to-Grid Interaction Plan, aiming to explore innovative business models. Looking ahead, Chery has outlined ambitious plans to complete its core network layout by 2029, establishing over 20,000 Xunlong Second Charging Stations to construct a comprehensive global charging network.

On March 18, during the pre-market trading session in the U.S. stock market, a significant portion of the highly sought-after Chinese concept stocks witnessed a downturn. Notably, Li Auto's stock price plummeted by more than 5%. Weibo's shares also took a hit, declining by over 4%, while Bilibili's stock decreased by more than 2%. XPeng and NIO experienced more modest drops, with their shares falling by 0.63% and 0.5%, respectively. In contrast, Alibaba and Baidu bucked the trend, with their stock prices rising by more than 1%. NetEase also saw a slight uptick, with its shares increasing by 0.68%.

XGIMI (688696.SH) has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Yibin XGIMI, has recently been awarded a designated development project by a renowned domestic automaker. Under this agreement, Yibin XGIMI will serve as the exclusive vehicle-mounted projection supplier for a specific model of this automaker. According to the customer's order requirements, Yibin XGIMI is tasked with completing product development, rigorous testing and verification, production preparation, and timely delivery within the stipulated timeframe. This designated development project represents a high-caliber commercialization endeavor for XGIMI's vehicle-mounted business sector, perfectly in line with the company's long-term strategic planning. While it is anticipated to yield a positive impact on the company's overall performance throughout the project's lifecycle, it is not expected to significantly influence this year's operational results.

The highly anticipated ARCFOX Alpha S5 has officially made its market debut, presenting consumers with a choice between Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) variants, all starting at a subsidized price of just RMB 99,800. The vehicle's exterior design embodies the 'Wind-Sculpted Aesthetics' philosophy, showcasing three fresh exterior hues and an eye-catching exposed active air intake grille. In terms of dimensions, the Alpha S5 measures 4,820 (or 4,886) mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, with a spacious wheelbase of 2,900 mm.

Inside, the cabin offers three distinct color schemes, complemented by a mesmerizing 256-color panoramic aurora ambient light and a premium 19-speaker sound system. For added comfort, the front passenger seat is designed as a zero-gravity seat, complete with an integrated leg rest. The intelligent driving system leverages the advanced Zhuoyu cockpit-driving integration solution, with the infotainment system powered by a Qualcomm 8775 chip, ensuring seamless urban and highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) capabilities.

When it comes to performance, the entry-level BEV variant boasts an impressive range of 630 km, with the top-tier model extending this to 720 km. The four-wheel-drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds, showcasing its remarkable power. On the other hand, the REEV variant offers a CLTC pure electric range of 230 km and an extended combined range of 1,450 km, providing versatility for various driving needs.

Additionally, the Alpha S5 is equipped with the sophisticated Lingyun chassis, featuring a front MacPherson and rear H-arm multi-link independent suspension, along with a four-stage shock absorber for a smooth and comfortable ride.

IM Motors has announced that the presale of its latest model, the IM LS8, will commence on March 26. This vehicle will be the first to feature the groundbreaking "IM Ultra Agent" super intelligence, which is built upon Alibaba's Qianwen large language model. This advanced intelligence system incorporates a three-tier technological framework: a drive-by-wire chassis, an L4-level assisted driving model, and an AI Qianwen large model tailored for the smart cabin.
In terms of design, the new IM LS8 continues the family's aesthetic, boasting a circular through-light strip and a through-type tail light (Note: Specific terminology retained for accuracy, but translated contextually). The vehicle's dimensions are 5085mm in length, 2000mm in width, and 1817(1807)mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3060mm. It offers both 5-seat and 6-seat layout options to cater to diverse customer needs.
The standout feature of the IM LS8 is its Lingxi digital chassis, which supports drive-by-wire steering and rear-wheel steering capabilities. Regarding powertrain, the new model adopts a 1.5T range-extended hybrid system, providing two power configurations: single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive. Battery capacity options include 52.1 kWh and 65.9 kWh, with a maximum CLTC pure electric driving range extending up to 335 kilometers.

Recently, Raffi Krikorian, Chief Technology Officer at Mozilla and the former head of Uber's autonomous driving unit, penned a detailed account in The Atlantic about a harrowing car accident. The incident unfolded as he was driving a Tesla Model X, with the FSD (Full Self-Driving) feature activated, on a residential street in the Bay Area. As the vehicle approached a curve, the FSD system abruptly malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to jerk violently. Despite attempts to decelerate, the car crashed into a concrete wall, leaving the vehicle completely wrecked. Krikorian sustained a concussion and neck injuries, while his child, seated in the back, emerged unscathed. He emphasized that FSD is categorized as a Level 2 driver-assistance system, placing full accountability for any mishaps squarely on the driver. He also highlighted Tesla's tendency to use in-car data to deflect blame. Moreover, he argued that 'supervised' autonomous driving systems are inherently flawed, as consistent, reliable performance over time can lead to 'vigilance decay,' lulling drivers into a false sense of security and causing them to lower their guard.

On March 18, BMW proudly unveiled its brand-new BMW i3 to the world. As the inaugural pure electric variant of the eighth-generation 3 Series, this model is ingeniously crafted on the advanced Neue Klasse architecture. It showcases a completely overhauled three-electric system and cutting-edge intelligent chassis technology, heralding a significant stride for BMW sedans in embracing a native pure electric platform.

At the 2026 Chery Battery Night event, Chairman Yin Tongyue revealed that Chery’s pilot production line for solid-state batteries has successfully developed cells with a range of energy density levels. These cells are currently undergoing rigorous testing to ensure their performance and reliability. Vice President Gu Chunshan emphasized that the mass production and broad application of all-solid-state batteries are on the horizon, with Chery pledging to make unlimited future investments to support this initiative. According to reports, Chery’s Rhino Battery S-series includes 60Ah solid-state batteries with energy densities of 400Wh/kg and 600Wh/kg, capable of delivering a driving range exceeding 1,500km. The company plans to conduct on-vehicle verification of these batteries in 2027.

On March 18, during Geely Automobile's fiscal year 2025 results briefing, Yang Xueliang, the Senior Vice President of Geely Group, addressed the issue regarding Dong Mingzhu's vehicle purchases. He stated that Dong Mingzhu herself ordered 3 Zeekr 009 vehicles. When combined with the orders placed by her subordinate employees, the total number of vehicles ordered reached 9. These vehicles were procured under the preferential policies designated for major clients, and no extra discounts were applied. Prior to this, Dong Mingzhu had officially taken delivery of the Zeekr 009 Glorious model and commended its premium luxury features.

Xiaomi is set to officially unveil its latest SU7 model on the evening of March 19, with the company teasing its features in advance. This new generation vehicle boasts the addition of 9 magnetic attachment points strategically placed throughout its interior. Moreover, it introduces an innovative NFC-enabled version of magnetic plush toys, allowing users to effortlessly switch the car's infotainment system to a delightful 'cute pet' theme with just a single tap. Notable attachment points include the wireless phone charging area and the rear section of the central armrest. Previously, Xiaomi had also introduced magnetic physical buttons that can be affixed to the side of the front passenger seat and the B-pillar, facilitating quick and easy access to various vehicle functions.

The new generation SU7 comes equipped with 12 standard core configurations across all its models. These include an impressive long-range capability (with the Pro version boasting a CLTC range of 902 kilometers), rapid charging, a powerful V6s Plus super motor, LiDAR technology, comprehensive assisted driving features, 2200MPa Xiaomi ultra-strong steel for enhanced safety, and a robust setup of 9 airbags.

On March 17th, Lei Jun, the visionary founder of Xiaomi, unveiled that the latest iteration of the Xiaomi SU7 will be the pioneering model to incorporate the high-performance intelligent chassis system, dubbed the "Jiaolong Chassis". This cutting-edge system is meticulously designed to provide an unparalleled driving experience marked by precision, stability, and safety. In terms of hardware, it boasts a sophisticated combination of front double-wishbone and rear five-link independent suspensions, complemented by closed dual-chamber air springs, CDC variable damping shock absorbers, and other advanced components. At the software and tuning stages, it achieves seamless integration of hardware and software, integrating features such as anti-skid collaborative control systems, AI multi-modal monitoring for wet road conditions, intelligent chassis preview and elevation, as well as a motion sickness alleviation mode. The AiQicha App indicates that Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd. has successfully registered several trademarks incorporating the Chinese character for 'dragon', including 'Xiaomi Dragon Bone' and 'Xiaomi Dragon Scale'. These trademarks fall under international classifications encompassing scientific instruments, metal materials, and beyond. Furthermore, the new-generation Xiaomi SU7 is set to make its official debut on March 19th, available in three distinct versions with a starting pre-sale price of RMB 229,900.

The latest iteration of the Xiaomi SU7 is poised for its market debut on March 19, and Lei Jun, the visionary behind Xiaomi, has already begun generating buzz around it. This new model features built-in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) as a standard offering across all its variants, with the activation service being provided at no extra cost. Previously, Xiaomi vehicle owners had to pay a 50-yuan fee to activate the built-in ETC system. However, starting from November 1, 2025, this service will transition to a complimentary model. To acknowledge the early adopters who paid for the activation prior to this date, Xiaomi will award them with 500 loyalty points, which hold a value equivalent to 50 yuan.

Activating the Xiaomi ETC is a breeze: users can simply navigate through the central control screen, scan a QR code, and upload the necessary documents. Upon approval, the service is ready for immediate use. Moreover, the new generation of the SU7 has been enhanced with nine magnetic attachment points strategically placed throughout the vehicle. It also comes pre-installed with a magnetic doll NFC version, allowing users to effortlessly switch up the vehicle's adorable pet theme on the infotainment system, adding a touch of personalization and fun to their driving experience.

Zotye Automobile has made an announcement that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhejiang Shenkang Automobile Body Mould Co., Ltd., officially kicked off work and production again on March 18. This resumption of operations is set to bolster the company's component supply framework, offering crucial supply chain backing for the research and development of new platforms as well as the manufacturing of new vehicle models. Nevertheless, as Shenkang Auto Body is just in the initial phase of resuming work, it will require some time to ramp up production capacity and attain seamless supply chain coordination. The long-term stability of its production and operations is yet to be tested. Moreover, Zotye Automobile is currently grappling with substantial financial strain and a hefty debt load, and there is an element of uncertainty regarding the complete revival of its vehicle business.

On March 18, the China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) reported that the Chinese auto market is set to confront a multifaceted scenario in 2025. In response, the government has rolled out a series of policies aimed at bolstering and stabilizing auto consumption. Notably, the 'Two News' policies have significantly spurred the release of pent-up automotive demand. Nevertheless, in the distribution landscape, auto dealers have largely fallen short of their annual sales objectives. Persistent price inversions have exacerbated losses in the new car segment, with the loss margin expanding while profit margins contract.

Specifically, throughout the entirety of 2025, over half of the dealers were unable to attain their annual sales targets. Only 44.3% of dealers managed to meet these targets, marking a deterioration in performance compared to 2024. There were pronounced disparities in target completion rates across different brands. Luxury and imported brands, along with joint venture brands, witnessed over 50% of their dealers achieving their annual targets. Conversely, domestic brands recorded the lowest completion rates, a consequence of more ambitious annual target-setting.

At the 2026 Che Baihui Research Institute Expert Media Exchange Meeting, Ouyang Minggao, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated that new energy vehicles (NEVs) represent the essential route for China's transition from a major automotive player to a global automotive powerhouse. He highlighted that electrification, intelligence, and low-carbonization are the core strategies for building a technologically advanced nation. Ouyang Minggao underscored that the automotive industry is poised to enter a new cycle of innovation-driven, high-quality development in 2026, with pure electric propulsion emerging as the dominant force. However, he noted that the widespread adoption of all-solid-state batteries is still expected to take 3-5 years. During this transitional phase, lithium iron phosphate batteries will continue to serve as the 'cornerstone' of industrial development. Over the next five years, the industry should concentrate on seven key technological areas, including full-process safety, all-weather ultra-fast charging, and fully autonomous driving. Ouyang Minggao further predicted that by 2035, the market share of new energy passenger vehicles in China will reach 75%-85%, with pure electric vehicles accounting for over 70% of that share.

On March 18, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially issued the 28th batch of the 'Catalog of New Energy Vehicle Models Qualified for Vehicle Purchase Tax Reduction and Exemption'. This catalog encompasses a diverse range of vehicle models, prominently featuring the Xiaomi YU7, Xiaopeng GX, Wenjie M6 EV, and several other notable options.

As reported by Huashang Daily on March 18, Mr. Li, the owner of a Mercedes - Benz E300, found himself in a highway accident because he relied too heavily on the vehicle's assisted driving capabilities. During the incident, Mr. Li had turned on the intelligent driving mode. Suddenly, a truck made an illegal lane change. He wrongly assumed that the car would automatically brake and thus didn't hit the brakes in a timely manner. Consequently, his car collided with the truck. The accident left Mr. Li's car severely damaged. The estimated depreciation value of the vehicle reached nearly 110,000 yuan. The traffic police concluded that the truck driver bore full responsibility for the accident. However, the 4S dealership claimed that the accident was a result of Mr. Li's improper handling of the vehicle and that the intelligent driving system was operating as it should. (In English, “places excessive trust” is a bit of a literal translation. “Puts over - reliance on” is a more natural and commonly used expression in English to convey the idea of relying too much on something. Also, “assumes automatic deceleration” is changed to “assumes automatic braking” as “braking” is a more specific and commonly used term in the context of vehicle accidents. The overall sentence structure is adjusted to make it flow more smoothly in English while maintaining the original meaning.)

On March 17, SAIC-GM’s Buick brand introduced its inaugural all-electric MPV, the ‘Electra E5 Avenir Premier Edition’. This exclusive luxury all-electric model is priced at an official recommended retail price (MSRP) of RMB 489,900. The launch of this vehicle finalizes the Electra E5’s dual-powertrain strategy, which combines “plug-in hybrid and all-electric” options, thus providing comprehensive energy solutions.

The new model is outfitted with Ultium batteries, incorporating a 9-longitudinal and 5-lateral protective framework along with advanced multi-faceted liquid cooling technology. Constructed in accordance with General Motors’ North American 5-star rollover prevention standards, the vehicle features a composition of 78% high-strength steel. For charging capabilities, it is equipped with a 900V 6C ultra-fast-charging battery, capable of replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in a mere 11.5 minutes.

In terms of assisted driving, the vehicle is fitted with the Xiaoyao Intelligent Driving advanced driver-assistance system. This system leverages Momenta’s R6 reinforcement learning large model to enable “seamless” urban NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) piloted assistance, enhancing the driving experience with intelligent automation.