·BYD Deploys 5,000-Strong Team to Advance Assisted Driving, Invests RMB 100 Billion to Build an Intelligent Closed Loop

·Volkswagen ID.POLO Interior Official Images Revealed, Avant-Garde Design Blends Brand DNA

·CATL Chocolate Battery Swap Network Reaches 1,000 Stations, Targets 3,000 by 2026

·Next-Generation BMW 3 Series Interior Spy Shots Revealed, i3 to Enter Multi-Plant Production in 2026

·Hongqi Tiangong 06 All-Solid-State Battery Prototype Rolls Off Line, Marking a Major Technological Breakthrough

·AutoFlight E40H Secures First Type Certificate, Accelerating Commercial Operations

·Nebula NEXT 01 Revealed in Real-World Form, Set to Debut at CES 2026 with Avant-Garde Design

·All-New Proton X70 to Debut in Malaysia on January 8 with Upgraded Powertrain

·Hyundai to Deploy Atlas Humanoid Robots in Factories from 2028 to Boost Production Efficiency

BYD Deploys 5,000-Strong Team to Advance Assisted Driving, Invests RMB 100 Billion to Build an Intelligent Closed Loop

BYD Auto has officially announced the formation of a dedicated assisted-driving task force comprising more than 5,000 professionals, bringing together experts across algorithms, data, and engineering disciplines. The company plans to invest over RMB 100 billion in intelligent technologies, aiming to reach an industry-leading position. As of December 2025, cumulative sales of models equipped with the “God’s Eye” perception system have exceeded 2.5 million units, establishing China’s largest vehicle-cloud database. BYD’s assisted-driving system now records more than 150 million kilometers of effective driving mileage per day, covering complex scenarios such as urban roads, mountainous highways, and rain-and-snow conditions.

At the AI algorithm level, BYD is advancing an innovative “AI Agent + World Model” solution, using massive virtual scenario simulations to replicate extreme operating conditions and accurately address rare failure cases. This approach has successfully established an efficient iterative closed loop of “data collection – R&D optimization – real-world deployment,” significantly accelerating technology optimization and continuously strengthening BYD’s core competitiveness in intelligent driving, while delivering safer and more convenient mobility experiences for users.

Volkswagen ID.POLO Interior Official Images Revealed, Avant-Garde Design Blends Brand DNA

Volkswagen recently released the official interior images of the ID.POLO. The cabin design carries forward the minimalist and forward-looking style of the ID.2all concept while skillfully retaining classic Volkswagen family design elements, creating an overall visual impression that is both stylish and refined. As early as September 2025, Volkswagen announced that the production version of the ID.2all concept would be named ID.POLO. Positioned as a compact all-electric sedan, the model has attracted considerable attention even before launch thanks to its accessible positioning and striking design, and is expected to officially meet consumers in 2026.

The interior layout of the ID.POLO largely follows the concept car design, with practical refinements applied to specific details. The vehicle is equipped with a 12.9-inch floating central touchscreen featuring a newly upgraded menu interface and a more intuitive operating logic. The instrument cluster balances the technological flair of the concept car with Volkswagen’s signature sense of composure. The dual-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel adopts a two-tone finish, offering a comfortable grip and seamless integration with the interior design. The front center tunnel area also appears to add a wireless smartphone charging function, further enhancing daily usability.

CATL Chocolate Battery Swap Network Reaches 1,000 Stations, Targets 3,000 by 2026

Recently, CATL announced that the 1,000th Chocolate Battery Swap station has officially commenced operation in Nanchang, while the 300th Qiji Battery Swap trunk-line station serving East and South China has also been successfully completed in Hangzhou. In just one year, Chocolate Battery Swap has built 1,020 stations, while Qiji Battery Swap has reached a total of 305 stations, highlighting CATL’s strong execution capability and strategic commitment in the battery swap sector.

According to the plan, Chocolate Battery Swap will build more than 3,000 stations across over 140 cities by 2026, while simultaneously launching the construction of a highway battery swap network. Its long-term goal is to deploy 30,000 stations nationwide and introduce a franchise program to lower entry barriers for partners. Qiji Battery Swap plans to reach 900 stations by 2026, expanding its trunk-line network into a “five horizontal, five vertical” layout, and by 2030 achieving an “eight horizontal, ten vertical” green network covering 80% of national trunk-line transport capacity, providing efficient energy replenishment solutions for logistics and long-distance travel.

Next-Generation BMW 3 Series Interior Spy Shots Revealed, i3 to Enter Multi-Plant Production in 2026

Recently, a set of interior spy shots of the next-generation BMW 3 Series circulating online has sparked widespread discussion. The new model continues BMW’s signature next-generation digital cockpit design, delivering a strong sense of technology. As a key highlight, the vehicle will debut the panoramic iDrive Horizon Display, which uses ultra-short-throw projection technology to project a nearly 40-inch 4K high-definition image onto the windshield. With an ultra-high contrast ratio of 100,000:1, details remain exceptionally clear. Combined with a dedicated nano-coated windshield, the P-light reflectance reaches twice the industry average, ensuring that even drivers wearing polarized sunglasses can clearly view navigation routes and real-time vehicle information. The 4–9 meter imaging distance better aligns with human visual habits, significantly enhancing driving safety. The overseas version of the next-generation BMW 3 Series has been confirmed for production later this year, fueling anticipation among enthusiasts worldwide.

The production plan for the all-new i3 has also drawn significant attention. The model will enter mass production in the second half of 2026 at BMW’s historic Munich plant, which boasts a 103-year legacy, while factories in China and Mexico will simultaneously begin production, enabling a global multi-site manufacturing layout. BMW has confirmed that the new-generation i3 will debut in 2026, followed by the next-generation 3 Series later the same year, with the i3 Touring (NA1) expected to reach the market in 2027. To address diverse customer needs, the lineup will span multiple variants: M Performance and high-performance M versions will continue to feature the classic inline-six gasoline engine, while the all-electric i3 will also be offered in high-performance configurations, balancing everyday usability with driving enjoyment.

Hongqi Tiangong 06 All-Solid-State Battery Prototype Rolls Off Line, Marking a Major Technological Breakthrough

Recently, FAW Hongqi officially announced a major milestone: on December 31, the first all-solid-state battery pack independently developed by its R&D Institute was successfully installed on the Hongqi Tiangong 06, completing prototype roll-off. This landmark achievement not only signifies Hongqi’s entry into a new phase of real-vehicle testing for all-solid-state battery technology, but also highlights the independent R&D strength of Chinese brands in core new-energy technologies, offering an important reference for industry-wide technological advancement. Compared with conventional lithium batteries, all-solid-state batteries deliver significant leaps in energy density, charging speed, and safety performance, and the prototype’s completion has further raised consumer expectations for Hongqi’s future new-energy models.

To achieve this breakthrough, the Hongqi R&D Institute team spent 470 days in intensive development, securing a series of meaningful phased breakthroughs across key areas such as sulfide electrolyte formulation optimization, performance enhancement of 10Ah cells, and manufacturing process improvements for 60Ah cells. In parallel, the team made major advances in high-voltage-resistant module packaging technologies and system-level lightweight integration solutions, effectively overcoming multiple technical challenges associated with vehicle installation of all-solid-state batteries. These achievements not only validate the feasibility of Hongqi’s all-solid-state battery technology, but also lay a solid technical foundation for future large-scale production, accelerating the transition of all-solid-state batteries from the laboratory to the market.

AutoFlight E40H Secures First Type Certificate, Accelerating Commercial Operations

Recently, AutoFlight’s 150-kg-class E40H civil unmanned aircraft system successfully obtained a Type Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Central and Southern Regional Administration (TC Certificate No.: TC0105A-ZN). This milestone is of great significance, as it marks the world’s first medium-sized compound-wing hybrid-powered UAV to meet regulatory airworthiness requirements, filling a long-standing certification gap in this segment. The achievement sets a key benchmark for the compliant development of similar products and accelerates the commercialization of civil unmanned aviation.

The E40H was independently developed by Fukun, AutoFlight’s brand dedicated to small and medium-sized eVTOL aircraft. Throughout the lengthy certification process, Fukun advanced the trial operation of its Design Assurance System (DAS) in parallel. Based on real-world operational feedback, the R&D team repeatedly revised the DAS manual to ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory documents and stable, efficient operation. On December 10, 2025, the Design Assurance System received formal approval from the CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration, signifying official recognition of Fukun’s end-to-end capabilities in type design, compliance demonstration, conformity verification, and independent oversight. This approval not only cleared the path for subsequent airworthiness certification of the E40H, but also laid the groundwork for future commercial applications such as passenger transport and logistics operations.

Nebula NEXT 01 Revealed in Real-World Form, Set to Debut at CES 2026 with Avant-Garde Design

On January 6, real-world images of the Nebula NEXT 01 concept vehicle under the “Stellar Program” were unexpectedly leaked, quickly drawing industry attention. As a model that embodies the brand’s future vision, the vehicle is set to make its official debut at CES 2026. It not only showcases the Stellar Program’s distinctive avant-garde design language, but also demonstrates forward-looking exploration in high-performance new-energy architectures. This move signals that the brand’s globalization strategy is transitioning from blueprint to execution, marking a critical step toward tangible overseas market expansion.

The front of the vehicle highlights a multifunctional aerodynamic structure, featuring a precisely engineered airflow management layout that elevates air intake control and thermal efficiency to a new benchmark within its class, effectively addressing the industry-wide challenge of excessive energy loss in high-speed operation of luxury new-energy vehicles. Sharp, dynamic body lines integrate active airflow guidance features, complemented by a full-width LED matrix taillight, a large rear spoiler, and a lower diffuser, ensuring optimal aerodynamic balance at high speeds while delivering both visual impact and functional performance.

All-New Proton X70 to Debut in Malaysia on January 8 with Upgraded Powertrain

Proton has officially announced that its popular model, the all-new Proton X70, will make its major debut in Malaysia on January 8. The highlight of the update lies in the upgraded 1.5L four-cylinder engine. As Proton’s core contender in the C-segment SUV market, the current X70 has earned a solid reputation for its well-balanced performance. This powertrain upgrade does not alter the vehicle’s dimensions, retaining a practical layout of approximately 4,519 mm in length, 1,831 mm in width, 1,694 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,670 mm, ensuring a spacious interior.

Powertrain enhancement is the core highlight of the new model. The optimized 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine now delivers a maximum output of 181 PS, up from 177 PS, while peak torque increases from 255 N·m to 290 N·m. The comprehensive improvement in performance parameters results in a more responsive driving experience, confidently handling both urban commuting and highway driving. The paired 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has also been refined in shift logic, further improving smoothness and overall powertrain harmony, and is expected to sustain the current model’s market momentum.

Hyundai to Deploy Atlas Humanoid Robots in Factories from 2028 to Boost Production Efficiency

At CES 2026, Hyundai Motor Group announced a major initiative, revealing plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its large-scale manufacturing facilities in Georgia, USA, starting in 2028. The announcement has sparked extensive discussion around industrial automation. In the initial phase, the robots will focus on parts sorting—one of the most repetitive and labor-intensive tasks—before gradually expanding their roles within factories based on safety validation and quality-efficiency feedback, driving intelligent upgrades across production processes.

Thanks to its robust hardware configuration, the Atlas robot offers strong practical capabilities. Equipped with tactile sensing systems in both hands, it can lift loads of up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and supports fully autonomous operation, completing assigned tasks without human intervention. The design also accounts for the complexity of industrial environments, enabling stable operation in extreme temperatures ranging from –20°C to 40°C. By 2030, the robot is expected to expand into component assembly, and in the long term, undertake high-load and complex cross-workshop operations, significantly reducing physical strain on workers and paving the way for the commercial adoption of industrial humanoid robots.

firefly Enters Austria, Accelerating Overseas Deliveries

firefly officially announced its entry into the Austrian market and the simultaneous commencement of vehicle deliveries. Since its launch on April 19, the model has accelerated its overseas market expansion, completing its first European delivery in less than four months, setting a new record for the fastest overseas rollout among NIO’s sub-brands and demonstrating strong market competitiveness.

Currently, firefly has begun deliveries in the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, while test drives are now available in Denmark, Greece, Austria, and other markets, with generally positive user feedback. Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering a maximum output of 105 kW, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.2 seconds and a CLTC-rated pure electric range of 420 km, fully meeting daily commuting needs. The vehicle is also integrated into NIO’s battery swap network, ensuring convenient energy replenishment, while its adaptive regenerative braking system can continuously adjust intensity based on following distance, delivering smoother driving and extended range.

Chery Exports 1.344 Million Vehicles in 2025, Retaining Top Spot Among Chinese Brands

Chery Group released its full-year 2025 sales results, reporting cumulative vehicle sales of more than 2.806 million units, up 7.8% year-on-year, with Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. contributing over 2.631 million units, an increase of 8%. Across four core dimensions—sales volume, exports, new energy vehicles, and quality performance—Chery achieved record-breaking results, setting a benchmark for the development of Chinese automotive brands.

In December 2025 alone, Chery Group exported more than 144,000 vehicles, representing a year-on-year increase of 46.8% and marking the first time monthly exports exceeded 140,000 units. For the full year, exports reached over 1.344 million units, up 17.4% year-on-year, bringing cumulative exports to 5.85 million units. Chery captured three national records for Chinese automakers—monthly, annual, and cumulative exports—and has ranked first among Chinese passenger car brands in exports for 23 consecutive years. In the new energy segment, full-year sales exceeded 903,000 units, up 54.9% year-on-year, with strong performance across brands: Chery remained the core contributor, while Jetour, Exeed, iCAR, and Luxeed gained traction through precise market positioning.

Chery Group Exceeds 2.8 Million Vehicle Sales in 2025, Retains Export Leadership Among Chinese Brands

Chery Group delivered an impressive performance in 2025, with cumulative vehicle sales reaching 2,806,393 units, up 7.8% year-on-year, including 2,631,381 units sold by Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. (9973.HK), representing an 8% increase. The year marked a period of significant achievements for Chery, as the group recorded historic breakthroughs across four core areas: sales volumes hit new highs, global cumulative users exceeded 18.53 million, including 5.85 million overseas users, further solidifying its customer base; the new energy segment stood out in particular, with annual NEV sales reaching 903,847 units, up 54.9% year-on-year, with multiple popular models gaining strong consumer traction and placing Chery among industry leaders in both scale and growth.

Chery’s export performance was particularly remarkable, setting an example for Chinese brands expanding globally. In December 2025, the company exported 144,430 vehicles in a single month, a surge of 46.8% year-on-year and the first time monthly exports surpassed 140,000 units. Full-year exports reached 1,344,020 units, up 17.4% year-on-year, while cumulative exports climbed to 5.85 million units, establishing three national records for Chinese automakers in monthly, annual, and cumulative exports. Supported by reliable product quality and a comprehensive overseas service network, Chery has ranked first in passenger vehicle exports among Chinese brands for 23 consecutive years, with products sold across multiple global markets and a strong Chinese brand image established overseas.

Li Auto Surpasses 1.54 Million Cumulative Deliveries, Delivers 44,000 Vehicles in December 2025

According to official data released by Li Auto, the brand delivered 44,246 vehicles in December 2025, bringing total deliveries for the fourth quarter to 109,194 units and pushing cumulative lifetime deliveries beyond 1,540,215 units. This achievement makes Li Auto the first Chinese new-energy startup to surpass the 1.5 million delivery milestone, highlighting its strong competitiveness in an increasingly intense market. Since its establishment, Li Auto has consistently focused on core user needs, earning broad consumer recognition through precise product positioning and strong product capabilities, with cumulative deliveries marking a significant milestone in the brand’s development.

Li Auto has also maintained strong momentum in market expansion and technological innovation. In 2025, its core models—the Li L9, Li L7, and Li L6—simultaneously entered markets including Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, marking the launch of a strategic presence spanning Central Asia, the Caucasus region, and Africa, and accelerating the brand’s globalization efforts. Meanwhile, Li Auto unveiled its new AI smart glasses, Livis, which integrate deeply with the vehicle system to provide functions such as navigation projection and voice interaction, further demonstrating the brand’s commitment to both cutting-edge technology development and practical user experience enhancement, delivering a smarter and more convenient mobility lifestyle.

2026 XPeng P7+ Completes Trial Production, China and Europe Launch Schedules Confirmed

XPeng has announced positive news, as the 2026 XPeng P7+ has successfully completed trial production at the Graz factory in Austria, where advanced manufacturing craftsmanship ensures high build quality. Technical teams from China and Austria are now intensively advancing further R&D optimization and production process calibration, maintaining strict quality control from component supply to final vehicle inspection to guarantee premium delivery standards. The model will launch first in China on January 8, followed by its official debut in Europe on January 9, marking a significant step in XPeng’s global expansion strategy.

The 2026 XPeng P7+ retains the highly praised spacious layout of the previous model, ensuring comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, while receiving a comprehensive cabin upgrade that includes 104 user-experience refinements and a 36% upgrade rate across major assemblies. Enhancements include more skin-friendly eco-friendly seat materials and faster infotainment system response. Powertrain options include both all-electric and range-extended variants, with the range-extended version delivering a combined driving range of up to 1,550 km to effectively eliminate long-distance range anxiety, while the pure electric version offers up to 725 km of range, meeting daily commuting and short-trip needs across diverse use scenarios.

Neolix Partners with Luxmea to Expand Europe’s Smart Last-Mile Logistics Market

Recently, Neolix, a globally recognized provider of autonomous delivery solutions, officially entered into a strategic partnership with Luxmea, a leading European company in electric cargo transport and urban mobility, drawing significant attention from the logistics industry. The two parties will focus on urban distribution and last-mile delivery scenarios across Europe, leveraging advanced AI technologies as the core driver to jointly build an efficient, intelligent, and sustainable “last-mile” logistics ecosystem. To date, Neolix autonomous vehicles have been deployed in 15 countries and regions worldwide, with more than 16,000 units delivered and put into operation, accumulating extensive real-world experience in autonomous delivery.

As a core brand under Bao Dao Vehicle Industry, Luxmea focuses on electric cargo bicycles and smart urban mobility solutions, and has become a recognized benchmark in Europe’s sustainable urban transport sector. Supported by a comprehensive supply chain spanning China and Europe, Luxmea has built strong market resources and channel advantages, with more than 550,000 of its developed electric bicycles currently in operation across Europe, supported by a solid user base. This strategic partnership represents a targeted response to European market demand, combining complementary resources and technological empowerment. Neolix’s AI technologies and product strengths will be deeply integrated with Luxmea’s local expertise and supply chain resources, initially piloted in key Western European cities before gradually expanding across the continent, supporting the upgrade of Europe’s logistics industry.

Weekly News Roundup：

This week, the automotive industry reached a new peak of competition, with brands hitting the “accelerator” across core technology tracks, each move aimed at securing an early industry advantage. BYD assembled a 5,000-strong team to go all-in on assisted driving, backed by a RMB 100 billion investment to build a robust intelligent closed loop; Hongqi’s Tiangong 06 all-solid-state battery prototype rolled off the line, presenting a tangible technological breakthrough; CATL’s Chocolate Battery Swap network surpassed 1,000 stations and is now targeting 3,000 by 2026, reinforcing its dominance in energy replenishment infrastructure; and AutoFlight’s E40H secured its first Type Certificate, effectively pressing the “fast-forward” button on commercialization.

Overseas markets and product developments were equally eventful. Chery retained the export crown with 1.344 million vehicles shipped in 2025 and total group sales exceeding 2.8 million units, firmly establishing itself as a leading force in global expansion. firefly entered Austria, the all-new Proton X70 debuted in Malaysia, and Neolix partnered with Luxmea to advance smart logistics in Europe, as Chinese brands steadily turn overseas markets into new strongholds. On the product front, Volkswagen revealed the ID.POLO interior, Nebula NEXT 01 appeared ahead of its CES 2026 debut, and the 2026 XPeng P7+ confirmed launch schedules in China and Europe, all showcasing technological strength. Hyundai’s plan to deploy Atlas robots from 2028, combined with Li Auto surpassing 1.54 million cumulative deliveries and closing the year with 44,000 units delivered in December, underscores that strong products and efficient operations remain the ultimate drivers of market success, and the industry competition is only set to intensify further.