+++ CHINA will implement a new mandatory national standard governing energy consumption for pure-electric passenger vehicles, effective January 1, 2026. The regulation is the world’s first mandatory standard for electric-vehicle energy consumption and replaces China’s previous recommended framework, giving it direct legal force over newly produced models. The standard is formally titled Energy Consumption Limits for Electric Vehicles Part 1 Passenger Cars. It establishes binding electricity consumption thresholds differentiated by vehicle curb weight and technical characteristics. Regulators stated that the limits were set after assessing the current energy consumption of pure-electric passenger cars, the potential of energy-saving technologies, cost-control considerations, and the performance characteristics of special-vehicle categories. Compared with the previous recommended version, the new mandatory standard tightens energy consumption requirements by approximately 11 percent. It also introduces differentiated indicators that reflect variations in vehicle usage scenarios and technical solutions, to accommodate diverse product development pathways and to guide future research and application of efficiency technologies. Once the standard takes effect, manufacturers will be required to carry out technical upgrades on newly produced vehicles to ensure compliance. For pure electric passenger cars with a curb weight of around 2 tonnes, the new requirement sets a maximum electricity consumption of 15.1 kWh per 100 kilometers. Authorities stated that, following technical upgrades, vehicles with the same battery capacity are expected to see an average increase of about 7 percent in driving range due to reduced energy consumption. The regulation applies specifically to pure electric passenger vehicles and does not cover plug-in hybrid or extended-range models. The efficiency gains reported in official documents are attributed to system-level improvements rather than to increases in battery capacity. Additional policy measures will link the new energy consumption standard directly to financial incentives. Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Taxation Administration, have issued updated technical requirements for new energy vehicles to qualify for purchase tax exemptions in 2026 and 2027. Under these rules, pure electric passenger cars must meet the new mandatory energy consumption limits to remain eligible for tax exemptions, aligning fiscal policy with regulatory efficiency targets. Vehicles already listed in the purchase tax exemption catalogue by the end of 2025 that comply with the updated requirements will transition into the 2026 catalogue, while non-compliant models may be removed. The same policy package also raises technical thresholds for plug-in hybrid and extended-range vehicles, including higher minimum pure electric driving range requirements for incentive eligibility. In July this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly emphasized accelerating the introduction of energy consumption and battery recycling standards during a new energy vehicle industry symposium. The mandatory energy consumption standard will take effect nationwide on January 1, 2026. For major Chinese automakers such as BYD and Geely, the new regulation formalizes efficiency thresholds that many of their newer pure electric passenger models already meet. Compliant vehicles can continue production with minimal changes, while non-compliant models may require technical upgrades or be removed from production and from purchase tax exemption eligibility. The standard primarily affects two-tonne-class vehicles and other heavier models, prompting automakers to prioritize energy-efficiency improvements across platforms and trim levels to remain competitive under the new regulatory and fiscal framework. +++
+++ HONDA will suspend or reduce production at its automobile plants in Japan and China this month and in January, due to a shortage of chips manufactured by Nexperia. The automobile manufacturer will suspend production at its plant in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, and another in Yorii, Saitama Prefecture, on January 5 and 6, and reduce production at the 2 plants between January 7 and 9. In China, production at 3 joint venture plants with Guangzhou Automobile Group will be halted from December 29 through January 2. Nexperia is a Netherlands-based chipmaker owned by a Chinese parent company. Between October and November, the Chinese government introduced export restrictions on Nexperia chips manufactured in China. Due to those restrictions, Honda suspended production at a plant in Mexico and reduced production at plants in the United States and Canada. Although operations at these plants returned to normal after a while, shortages of chips have continued, according to Honda. +++
+++ The HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP said that it secured the most accolades in the latest US vehicle safety evaluations for the second year in a row, reinforcing its standing as a global leader in automotive safety. The South Korean automotive giant said 21 models across its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands earned awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Of those, 18 models received the institute’s highest honour, the Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), while 3 models earned the next Top Safety Pick (TSP) designation. This year’s results marked a notable improvement, with the number of TSP+ winners rising from 12 last year to 18, underscoring the group’s continued focus on safety performance and build quality. The TSP+ recipients included 8 Hyundai models (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Elantra and Sonata), 5 Kia models (EV9, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride and K4) and 5 Genesis models (including the GV60, GV70 and GV80). 3 models (the Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Cruz and Genesis G90) earned the TSP rating. The automaker highlighted the strong performance of its dedicated electric vehicles, noting that the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 achieved the highest possible scores across all evaluation categories. The Hyundai Motor Group said the results validate the safety performance of its Electric-Global Modular Platform. The achievement comes despite tightened IIHS standards this year, which include more rigorous rear-seat passenger safety assessments. To qualify for a TSP+ or TSP rating, vehicles must earn a “Good” rating in small overlap front and updated side crash tests, as well as an “Acceptable” or higher rating in pedestrian crash prevention. Headlights must also be rated “Acceptable” or higher across all trim levels. Despite the stricter criteria, the group’s internal combustion and hybrid models (including the Elantra, Sportage and Santa Fe) also secured top ratings. The Hyundai Motor Group said the results demonstrate its competitiveness amid the industry’s electrification transition and its ability to meet growing global demand for safer hybrid and electric vehicles. “Our unwavering commitment to customer safety has been recognized for 2 consecutive years”, a group official said. “We will continue to deliver vehicles that meet the highest global safety standards”. +++
+++ In recent years, NEW ENERGY VEHICLES IN CHINA (NEVs) in China are experiencing homogenization, adopting highly similar designs and configurations including through-type headlight strip or sharp headlights, roof lidar, hidden door handles, and a cockpit layout using the “3 piece” combination: small instrument panel, large central control screen, and flat-bottom steering wheel. And in 2025, Huawei’s Qiankun ADS (advanced driving system) technology is almost becoming a standard feature across all new models, even extending to joint venture models such as the Audi A5L and Q5L. Chen Zheng, vice president and Global Head of Design at Geely, criticized that the Chinese automotive industry is plagued by a trend of blindly following trends, with popular design elements being applied indiscriminately. This practice makes it difficult for consumers to distinguish between brands and models based on appearance alone. Lu Fang, Chairman of Voyah, also asserted that it may look like fierce competition among companies on the surface, but actually reveals a lack of innovation within the industry. Interestingly, Dongfeng, Voyah’s parent company, itself has been involved in plagiarism controversies. Previously, when the Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai S7 was just announced, the design director of IM Motors directly questioned the originality of the car’s design because it looks so similar to the IM L7. Why is plagiarism so rampant in the Chinese auto industry? The obvious answer is that developing a car is expensive, requires managing a supply chain of thousands of parts and meeting technical requirements such as safety. Industry insiders revealed that the ‘parts lists’ among NEV automakers are highly similar. “These cars may seem to have rich features, but in reality, they are just imitations with a different exterior but the same underlying technology”. “Many companies pursue short-term profits, often resorting to copying and imitation rather than engaging in original innovation based on user needs. This low-level competition leads to products competing primarily on price and specifications, ultimately resulting in a market flooded with ‘pseudo-innovations’ that fail to truly meet user needs”, according to Lu. Furthermore, protecting intellectual property rights is extremely difficult in China. Determining infringement of exterior design is inherently subjective, and many lawsuits end in settlements or are simply dropped, which only encourages some automakers to act even more recklessly. +++
+++ PORSCHE dealerships in central and southwestern China have reported operational abnormalities, according to official statements. Affected locations include Zhengzhou Zhongyuan Porsche and Guiyang Mengguan Porsche. Reports indicate that the Beijing Shijingshan Porsche Center’s sales business is expected to cease in the near term. Videos and consumer reports show empty showrooms at some locations, with vehicles removed overnight in some instances. Customers have indicated that vehicle deposits and prepaid maintenance package deposits remain unresolved. Porsche China issued a public apology, acknowledging operational anomalies at its Zhengzhou and Guiyang dealerships and confirming that it is cooperating with the police and relevant authorities to verify the situation and protect consumer rights. Dong’an Holdings, the parent group operating the affected dealerships, stated that all employees at these locations have been placed on leave, and that customer deposits and prepaid maintenance packages will be addressed in batches. No confirmed timetable for resuming operations has been provided. Local authorities have established working groups to hear consumer complaints and facilitate consultations between the dealer group and affected customers. Civil disputes or financial claims should be pursued through the courts or police channels. The reported suspension coincides with broader pressures in the Chinese luxury vehicle market. Porsche deliveries in China declined 26 percent year-on-year to 32.200 units in the first 3 quarters of 2025, compared with a peak of 95.000 vehicles in 2021. Globally, Porsche deliveries fell 6 percent to 212.500 units during the same period. Operating profit for the first 3 quarters of 2025 was reported at 40 million euros, a 99 percent year-on-year decline, with China cited as a key contributor. Porsche China CEO Pan Liqi confirmed plans to adjust the dealer network in response to market conditions. The number of authorized Porsche sales outlets, previously around 150, is expected to decline to 120 by the end of 2025 and to approximately 80 by the end of 2026, to balance market coverage with operational efficiency. Current official listings indicate 116 authorized Porsche Centres in China. +++
+++ RENAULT KOREA is seeking to capitalize on a recovery forecast for the domestic car market in 2026 by extending its momentum from the strong performance of the Grand Koleos with the launch of the Aurora 2 next year. The domestic automobile market is expected to show gradual recovery in 2026, with sales projected to reach 1.69 million vehicles next year, up 0.8 percent from this year, driven by expanded subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and the scheduled launch of new models. Carmakers are set to roll out 16 new models next year, expanding their line-ups with a focus on EVs and hybrid vehicles. As both premium and mass-market brands accelerate their line-up expansions, industry officials expect consumer sentiment to recover gradually. Renault Korea is looking to capitalize on the expected momentum through its Aurora project. The initiative is part of Renault Group’s mid-term strategy, under which Renault Korea will take the lead in developing 3 new models and pursue a phased transition from an internal combustion engine-focused line-up to hybrids and EVs. Renault launched the Grand Koleos last year as the first vehicle of the project. The midsize SUV marked a clear turning point for the company in the domestic market, surpassing cumulative sales of 50.000 vehicles in Korea within a year of its debut. The model has since been exported to 24 countries. The Grand Koleos gained a favorable market response for its hybrid powertrain, which delivers 242 horsepower while achieving fuel efficiency of 15.7 kilometers per liter. By covering a significant portion of urban driving in electric mode, it enhanced drivers’ views on the efficiency of electric driving. Building on that success will be the Aurora 2, which is expected to make its domestic debut next year. While its official name and detailed specifications have yet to be disclosed, teaser photos suggest the model will be a large, coupe-style SUV equipped with a hybrid powertrain. “As the domestic car market is expected to show a gradual recovery next year, brands that can expand their lineups based on market-proven models are expected to be at a relative advantage”, an industry official said. “Based on the product planning capabilities and market responsiveness demonstrated by the Grand Koleos, Renault Korea is expected to secure a meaningful share in the domestic market with the Aurora 2”. +++
+++ Erin Geter’s toddler son became trapped inside her TESLA in May when the electric doors lost power. A few weeks later, she was at a Honda dealership buying a new family car. “I was very traumatized”, said the 39-year-old from Huntersville, North Carolina. These days, she prefers to transport her kids in the CR-V, which has standard door handles. Geter’s case is a particularly extreme example of the lengths Tesla owners are now going to deal with a problem most had never imagined: being unable to open malfunctioning doors. Some are buying glass breakers in case they need to escape through the windows. Rideshare drivers are proactively showing passengers where to find Tesla’s built-in manual door releases, which vary substantially by model. Sellers on Amazon and Etsy are listing emergency pull cords and other third-party accessories to make the releases easier to use, and Reddit boards and YouTube videos have cropped up to provide step-by-step installation instructions. Nearly 35.000 people have signed a Consumer Reports online petition calling on automakers to fix their electronic doors. The matter has gained urgency after numerous incidents in which people were severely injured or died when they were unable to escape vehicles. Currently, there are more than 140 consumer complaints to U.S. auto safety regulators related to door handles on various Tesla models getting stuck, not opening or otherwise malfunctioning, particularly after crashes, since 2018. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a safety probe into whether the doors on certain Model Ys are defective, and Tesla’s chief designer said the company is working on a redesign of the mechanism behind the hallmark flush handles. Tesla was a pioneer of electrically controlled doors and flush handles, which have proliferated in the auto industry in recent years and have become a symbol of cool, futuristic car design. But when power is lost, Tesla’s doors lose function. Manual releases inside the company’s vehicles can be unmarked, hidden under mats or in door pockets, or available in only one row. As owners learn of the potential hazards, many say they want better guidance. “Tesla does not educate its consumers about how to fully operate the car”, said David Ward, a San Diego-area resident who bought his Model 3 in 2021, adding that he’s otherwise happy with the car. “I had to learn how to operate everything on YouTube”. Tesla didn’t respond to a request for comment for this article, but board chair Robyn Denholm said in a recent interview that the company takes any questions about safety seriously. Many people know where the manual release is, she said, but Tesla is working to raise awareness about where they’re located and examining the design of the backup mechanism. “We are continuing to look at, is there a better way?” Denholm said during the October interview. It’s not just owners who are worried. Because Teslas make up a notable portion of rideshare and rental car fleets, the doors have become a concern among passengers, too. Chad Lincoln, a Tennessee-based Uber driver, recently rented a 2022 Model 3 from Hertz after his car was involved in an accident. During the 2 weeks that he drove the Tesla, he said riders asked him on 3 occasions how to escape if needed. “We went over my flight attendant’s pitch on how to get out, and the strap to pull”, he said. Although Lincoln, 47, likes the sophisticated technology in the Model 3, he said he is not considering a Tesla as he looks for a replacement for his totaled car. “The safety concerns around the manual release is really big for me”, he said. “I really take the responsibility of my passengers’ safety seriously”. Michael Brooks, executive director at the Center for Auto Safety, said he’d like to see NHTSA set new standards for doors, including making it clear where releases are located. Consumers are unlikely to know or consider door design when they’re car shopping, he said. “They’re not thinking, ‘How am I going to escape this vehicle on the off-chance that I’m in a crash or have a battery fire?’ ”, Brooks said. “The way the doors operate and the potential emergency consequences of that is very, very far down the list for most car buyers”. Teslas have 2 batteries: a high-voltage pack that propels the car and a low-voltage pack that operates the windows and doors. If the low-voltage battery dies or is disabled, the doors may not unlock. U.S. auto safety rules do have requirements for doors to prevent passengers from being ejected in a crash. But they don’t require vehicles to have a manual backup should battery-operated handles lose power. NHTSA said failing to provide drivers and passengers with an adequate ability to get in and out of their cars could constitute a safety defect requiring a recall. The agency also said it has investigated electronic or battery issues involving door handles, and influenced recalls by Ford and Fisker over defective electronic door handles. Some owners are taking it upon themselves to spread the word as a public service. After reading about college students who were unable to escape a Tesla after a crash, Bri Policarpio realized she wasn’t sure how to exit her 2023 Model Y in the event of an emergency. So she made an informational TikTok video. “I looked up what you’re supposed to do and I saw that every model has different manual releases”, said Policarpio, 27, a start-up marketing manager from Los Angeles. “That’s one thing you would assume is very intuitive”. In the video, which she captioned “mandatory safety briefing”, Policarpio demonstrates how to use the front manual release. The clip has racked up 1.4 million views. Owners are also bolstering their releases with straps, cords and brightly coloured handle attachments to make them more accessible. “I wish Tesla would have provided something like this”, reads a November review from a verified purchaser who bought a pair of nylon pull cords on Amazon. “How is anyone supposed to find this release in an emergency?” Product images for another item, a Model Y-compatible manual door release kit, show a Tesla with smoke billowing out of the car and another partially submerged in water. “Don’t get trapped!” the listing says. Geter, the Tesla owner from North Carolina, had already bought a glass breaker for her 2021 Model Y before her son became stuck in the car this spring. But the tool was locked inside, too. Over the next several minutes, she made a series of phone calls: First to her husband and then to her dad, who can normally unlock the car on their phones using the Tesla app. That feature doesn’t work when the low-voltage battery dies, so Geter tried the automaker, which she said was also unable to immediately help, followed by 911. Geter was able to reach her son after first responders arrived and attempted to break the windows: one of the doors suddenly opened on its own, she said. “I don’t know what we were going to do if that door didn’t pop open”, she said. “I just felt so helpless at that moment”. +++
+++ TOYOTA said its global output in November fell 5.5 percent from a year earlier to 821.723 units for the first drop in 6 months, dragged down by slowing production in China and Japan. Global sales decreased 2.2 percent to 900.011 vehicles, the first decline in 11 months, with sales in China plunging 12.1 percent to 154.645 units, according to the world’s largest automaker by volume. Toyota’s overseas production dropped 3.4 percent to 563.546 vehicles, with output in China plunging 14.0 percent to 145.707 units as government subsidies ended in wider areas of the major Asian market. Output in Indonesia shed 11.2 percent amid severe market conditions due to strict loan screenings as well as the introduction of additional taxes, the automaker said. Domestic production slumped 9.7 percent to 258.177 units due to fewer operation days of plants. Meanwhile, output in the United States surged 9.0 percent to 107.953 units on the back of strong demand for hybrid vehicles, although the Japanese automaker faces higher tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration. While Toyota’s overseas sales dipped 2.6 percent to 769.789 vehicles, sales in the United States grew 2.7 percent to 212.772 units, showing a recovery from an output suspension due to recalls of some models last year. In contrast, sales in China were sluggish due to the termination of subsidies and customers holding off on purchases before the introduction of a new RAV4 model. Sales in Japan edged down 0.2 percent to 130.222 units. Among other Japanese automakers, Honda said its production tumbled 33.7 percent to 218.927 vehicles, the lowest for November since comparable data became available in 2001. It attributed the drop to a halt in production in Mexico due to recent disruptions of chip shipment from the Chinese-owned, Netherlands-based Nexperia. Struggling Nissan saw a 5.5 percent decline in global output to 257.008 vehicles as domestic production fell. Suzuki built 307.772 vehicles worldwide, up 14.1 percent, the highest for November, due to strong demand in India. +++