+++ The Chinese auto market experienced the sale of 1.894 million new cars in June, according to the data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This figure represents an 8% increase compared to May 2023 but a 2% decrease from June 2022. Among the total sales, 448.000 vehicles were electric vehicles (EVs), while 217.000 were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), collectively known as new energy vehicles (NEVs). NEVs accounted for 35% of the overall sales. Regarding market share, BYD emerged as the top-selling auto brand in China, selling 220.600 vehicles and capturing an 11.65% market share. Volkswagen secured the second position, selling 192.070 cars and holding a market share of 10.14%. Toyota claimed the third spot with 157.140 cars sold, accounting for an 8.30% market share. Honda followed closely in 4th place, selling 112.867 vehicles and possessing a market share of 5.96%. Changan rounded out the top-5, selling 85.248 cars and holding a market share of 4.50%. Among them, Tesla carried out large-scale deliveries at the end of the quarter, which made Tesla’s sales rise to 6th place in the Chinese market.
Within the Chinese New Energy Vehicles market, BYD established a strong presence in both the EV and PHEV segments. BYD maintained its leadership position in the pure EV market, selling 110.219 vehicles and holding a substantial 24.60% market share. Tesla ranked second with 74.212 cars sold, accounting for a market share of 16.57%. GAC Aion secured the third position with 45.013 vehicles sold, capturing a market share of 10.05%. Wuling and Changan took the fourth and fifth spots as the best-selling pure electric brands.
Analyzing the most popular models in the Chinese market, the top 3 vehicles were the Tesla Model Y, with 51.471 cars sold, the BYD Qin Plus, with 38.197 units sold and the Nissan Sylphy, with 31.054 vehicles sold. These models showcased strong sales performance and consumer demand in the market. +++
+++ CHINA ’s auto sales rose 8.8% over a year earlier in the first half of 2023 as electric vehicle purchases surged, but growth is fading as an economic rebound following the end of anti-virus controls cools, an industry group reported Tuesday. Sales of SUVs, sedans and minivans rose to 11.3 million, decelerating from 2022’s 9.5% growth, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales including trucks and buses rose 9.8% to 13.2 million. CAAC earlier forecast this year’s annual sales growth might fall to as low as 3%. Global automakers look to China to propel sales growth as U.S. and European demand flattens and are pouring billions of dollars into developing electrics to meet government sales quotas. They face growing competition from Chinese brands that are developing rapidly, taking market share and starting to compete with global majors in their home markets by exporting to Europe and Japan. China’s economic growth rebounded to 4.5% over a year earlier in the first 3 months of 2023 from last year’s 3%, the second-lowest annual level in decades. But that recovery faded faster than expected as factory and consumer activity weakened. The ruling Communist Party’s growth target this year is “about 5%”, but some private sector forecasters expect as little as 4%. Growth in auto sales fell to just 2.1% over a year earlier in June for a total of 2.3 million. Total vehicle sales decelerated to 4.8% for a total of 2.6 million. Sales of gasoline-electric hybrid and pure-electric vehicles rose 44.1% in the first 6 months of 2023 to 3.7 million, less than half of 2022’s annual growth of 93.4%, according to CAAM. Their share of total sales rose to a record 28.3% from last year’s 25.6%. Electrics sales growth slowed to 35.2% over a year earlier in June for a total of 806.000. China’s leaders have made it the biggest market for electrics by investing billions of dollars in subsidies to get an early lead in what is seen as a promising industry. Beijing has shifted the burden to automakers by requiring them to earn credits for selling electrics, which requires them to develop models buyers want without subsidies. They are forming partnerships to share multibillion-dollar development costs. Electric vehicle makers including BYD Auto and Geely Group’s Zeekr unit began sales this year in Japan and Europe. Geely also owns Sweden’s Volvo Cars and its all-electric luxury brand, Polestar. Sales by Chinese brands rose 19.7% over a year earlier to 2 million, down from 2022’s 22.8% growth, according to CAAM. Exports rose 75.7% over a year earlier in the first half to 2.1 million. Growth in June downshifted to a still-robust 53.2% for a total of 382.000. +++
+++ The Puma has been a huge success story for FORD since it came back as a small cross-over in 2019 and soon we’ll see it gain a mid-life update. I’ve spotted this facelifted Puma undergoing testing for the first time, revealing plenty of the new car’s exterior design in the process. With the Fiesta going out of production, a greater onus has been placed on the Puma: Ford’s most popular car in Europe. We’ll soon see it being offered as a full EV and alongside that model will be a facelifted version of the internal-combustion engined (ICE) Puma. The Ford badge will be relocated within the grille, just as it was on the recent Fiesta and Focus facelifts. The overall shape of the front bumper and grille will be retained, as are the LED headlights, although I expect to see a new light signature here. Not much is given away thanks to the camouflage but the car’s chunky off-road presence will remain with short overhangs and wheel arch cladding. As with the front lights we should see a new design for the rear lights too. The interior of the updated Puma could take inspiration from larger models, to give it a more upmarket appeal. The current car comes with an eight-inch central screen and in higher-spec models a 12.3-inch driver’s display. The dash layout of this prototype looks different however, which could hint at the use of the Focus’ 13.2-inch touchscreen. We should see the same selection of mild-hybrid 1.0-litre 3-cylinder powertrains with figures ranging from 125 hp to 155 hp. With no Fiesta ST anymore, cheap thrills will hopefully be provided by the turbocharged 1.5-litre, cylinder Puma ST with 200 hp. The Puma currently costs from 32.840 euro in the Netherlands which will most likely increase with this facelift to over 33.000 euro. Looking to make more upmarket vehicles, a spokesman recently told: “Ford cannot continue to be a volume manufacturer making okay products”. +++
+++ HYUNDAI has unveiled the IONIQ 5 N in the United Kingdom, a high-performance version its popular electric vehicle Ioniq 5, Thursday. The Korean carmaker made the global debut of the Ioniq 5 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the U.K.’s largest motor event, marking the arrival of a new model for drivers who love the eco-friendliness and high performance of electric vehicle (EV). “The Ioniq 5 N is the first high-performance EV from the N brand that incorporates Hyundai’s advanced electrification technology to take driving performance to the extreme”, the company said. Backed by a high-performance all-wheel drive system, the Ioniq 5 N delivers a combined 650 hp from its front and rear motors. The company said the Ioniq 5 N will offer higher performance and added that it is confident that the new model will solidify its leadership position in the EV market. The N brand was launched in 2015 and has been providing customers with driving pleasure since 2017 with the launch of the first N brand model, the i30 N. With the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has taken its first step into the high-performance EV scene. Hyundai has been developing suspension and braking systems for high-performance vehicles based on its experience in participating in numerous motorsports competitions. It also developed various electrification technologies such as battery management system, thermal management and regenerative braking. Hyundai added the new model has all the elements of a corner rascal, race track capability and everyday sports car, which are the three core elements the N brand strives for. “The high-performance brand N is the centerpiece of Hyundai’s technological prowess, enhancing the competitiveness of the entire company”, Chang Jae-hoon, CEO of the company, said. “The Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance EV developed based on the N brand’s technology and motorsports experience. This will inherit Hyundai’s legacy and change the game in the EV market”. +++
+++ The HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP became the second-largest car manufacturer in terms of sales in the US electric vehicles market in the first quarter of this year, data showed. Following Tesla’s 336.892 units, Hyundai and its smaller affiliate, Kia, sold 38.457 units in the first half of this year; up by 11 percent compared to 2022, according to auto market tracker Motor Intelligence. Hyundai-Kia outpaced General Motors, which was second in EV sales during the January – June period last year. The number of electric cars and trucks sold by the US automaker more than tripled to 36.322 units. Volkswagen and Ford came in at fourth and fifth place after selling 26.538 units and 25.709 units, respectively. Industry insiders say Hyundai has taken advantage of the loophole in the US’ Inflation Reduction Act by collecting EV consumer tax credits of up to $7.500 on their leased cars. The law is meant to offer a tax credit for purchases of EVs assembled in North America and that consist of critical materials extracted or processed from the US or in a country that has a free trade agreement with the US, or are recycled in North America. But following several automakers’ requests (including Hyundai’s) the US Treasury issued its approval for the tax credit to extend to leased cars in the IRA guidance in December 2022. Hyundai has ramped up its EV leasing from around 2 percent early this year to more than 30 percent, according to Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker. The data, however, showed the sales gap between the No. 1 EV maker, Tesla, and Hyundai recorded 298.435 units, which has widened to more than double the gap between last year’s No. 1, Tesla, and No 2., General Motors. “Hyundai’s EV plant in Georgia will start operations as early as next year. We believe more Hyundai cars will be eligible for IRA incentives, closing the sales gap with Tesla”, said an official from the Hyundai Motor Group. In a move to accelerate EV production in the US, the carmaker is setting up two joint battery manufacturing plants each with LG Energy Solution and SK On. The combined annual production capacity is projected at 65-gigawatt-hours, enough to supply approximately 600.000 units of electric cars. +++
+++ KIA ’s Indian factory achieved the cumulative production of 1 million units in just 4 years, according to the company, Friday. In celebration, the company held an event at their Indian factory in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Thursday (local time) attended by 150 people, including government officials and Kia employees. Since the inauguration of the Indian factory in 2019, Kia has produced a total of 532.450 Seltos; 332.450 Sonets; 125.160 Sportages and 14.584 Carnivals, thereby achieving the cumulative production of 1 million vehicles Thursday, marking four years of operations. The 1 millionth vehicle produced was the new Seltos, an improved model iteration. Kia’s Indian factory, spanning approximately 2.16 million square meters, consists of press, body, paint, assembly and engine plants, with an annual production capacity of up to 350.000 completed vehicles. In April 2017, Kia signed an investment agreement with the government of Andhra Pradesh to establish the Korean company’s factory in India. Construction began in October of the same year. In July 2019, Kia started production of the Seltos and entered full-scale operations. Additionally, Kia held a declaration ceremony for Kia India’s vision. At the event, Kia announced its Kia 2.0 strategy for the Indian market, aiming to increase its market share from 6.7 percent in the first half of this year to 10 percent in the future. Kia plans to expand its production lineup further and increase the number of dealerships, which currently stands at 300 in 215 cities nationwide as of last month, to more than double the current number. “Kia will continue to evolve into a more beloved brand in the Indian market through various marketing efforts and specialized vehicles”, a Kia official said. +++
+++ On July 6, TESLA ‘s Shanghai Gigafactory reached a significant milestone, with the production of its 1 millionth Model Y. A photo shows both domestic and foreign employees of the factory gathered around a red Model Y, with a banner in the background proclaiming, “A hundred battles will never end, all people are united”. The banner also highlights the achievement of the Shanghai factory in reaching this production milestone and continuing to lead the industry. The Tesla Shanghai plant has been highly productive, with projections indicating that it will manufacture 206.000 Model Y vehicles in 2021 and 464.000 in 2022. As of July 5, 2023, the cumulative production of Model Y at the Shanghai plant has reached the impressive mark of 1 million units. Notably, this means that the factory has produced 330.000 Model Y vehicles in the current year alone, surpassing the production figures for both 2021 H1 and 2022 H1. Tesla Shanghai achieved another notable accomplishment by delivering a total of 93.680 vehicles. This figure represents a 19% increase compared to the 78.906 vehicles delivered in June of the previous year, setting a new record for the factory’s deliveries in 2023. Out of the total deliveries, the sales volume in China reached 74.212 vehicles. Specifically, the Model Y played a significant role in Tesla Shanghai’s success, accounting for a substantial portion of the deliveries. In June, the factory delivered 63.043 Model Y vehicles, with the Chinese market alone accounting for 51.471 units. The demand for Model Y demand contributed significantly to Tesla’s overall performance in the country. After Tesla cut prices in China in January this year, Model Y sales in China increased by more than 50% in the first half of the year. However, with the increase in production capacity of the Tesla Berlin plant, the number of Model Y exported by Tesla is showing a downward trend. How to allocate the proportion of local sales and exports is a problem that Tesla Shanghai needs to decide. +++
+++ As it was disclosed earlier this year, VOLVO is now working on their first ever electric MPV that will make its debut in the third quarter this year. And the market launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter. As the date of debut is getting closer day by day, the Volvo’s MPV was spied in one of Chinese car parks. The car in the spy shot is heavily covered with camouflage, but I still can highlight some of its exterior features. First, the body of this vehicle stays close to the Zeekr 009 MPV from Geely. Even their glass areas look similar. It isn’t a surprise since they share the same SEA (Sustainable Experience Platform) platform made by Geely. It means that their dimensions are also close. Here, we will remind you that the 009’s size is 5.209 x 2.024 x 1.858 mm with a wheelbase of 3.205 mm. So, the Volvo’s More information about the Volvo electric MPV has chances to become the biggest passenger vehicle from the Sweden brand. Back to the Volvo MPV, it has slanted front pillars, a high bonnet line, sliding rear doors, and a single taillight unit. We can also see that the front end of this MPV got signature running lights that can be seen in Volvo EX90 and EX30. But mind the difference: blocks of headlights aren’t hidden behind the running lights. Instead, they sit in the front bumper. So, the actual test car slightly differs from previous fan render images. Inside, we can see that the seats of the electric MPV look quite similar to the Zeekr 009. Inside, it has 7 seats with 2-2-3 layout. I will remind you that the second row of seats in the 009 got leg supports. They are also heated, ventilated, and massage you. There is no information about the powertrain yet. But we may guess that it will be also similar to the Zeekr 009. I will remind you that it has 2 ternary (NMC) battery options: for 116 kWh (702 km of range) and for 140 kWh (822 km of range). As for the electric motors, there are 2 of them with a combined power output of 544 hp and 686 Nm. All in all, we can see that the Volvo’s MPV looks like a rebadged Zeekr 009 with a slightly different exterior styling. Of course, I should highlight that it is just a test car at the moment. But we can clearly see that this car will be really close to the Zeekr 009. Speaking about the price, it is clear that Volvo will cost more than Zeekr in China, mainly because of the brand power. We will remind you that the 009 costs the equivalent of 93.000 – 109.000 euro (Dutch pricing) in the domestic market. It seems that the price tag of the Volvo MPV can reach even 135.000 euro. The Zeekr 009 won’t hit the European market. It means that the Volvo MPV has all chances to become a hot seller outside China. +++
