Nissan releases a new electric vehicle model aiming to reverse the sales decline in China, and Kia's entry-level electric vehicle model makes its debut in the US | Overseas Daily
「Top 3 News」
Jidu, a joint venture between Baidu and Geely, unveils the ROBO X electric supercar with a 0 - 100 km/h acceleration in just 1.9 seconds
Key points:
Recently, the Jidu brand launched its latest electric supercar, the ROBO X, at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show. This supercar has attracted the attention of global automotive enthusiasts with its astonishing acceleration performance and unique design. Jidu, a Chinese electric vehicle brand jointly supported by Baidu and Geely, has been committed to bringing all - electric "robot cars" to the mass market since its establishment in 2021. The ROBO X supercar, with its performance of accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in less than 1.9 seconds, is hailed as a "performance monster". This supercar not only features a four - motor liquid - cooled drive system but also integrates artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology, presenting a new look of high - performance, racing - level electric supercars. Xia Yiping, the CEO of Jidu, stated that the design of the ROBO X will influence supercar designs in the next 20 years, is the best design in the history of Chinese automobiles, and is of milestone significance.
The design of the ROBO X supercar is inspired by fighter jets. The streamlined body and aerodynamic design not only improve the vehicle's efficiency but also enhance its overall stance. It is expected that the maximum cruising range of this two - seater supercar will exceed 650 kilometers. In addition, the ROBO X is equipped with gull - wing doors, a carbon fiber integrated frame, and a professional racing - level HALO safety system to provide all - round protection. In the interior, the ROBO X is equipped with an AI intelligent cockpit and a SIMO real - time feedback system to provide drivers with an immersive racing experience. Jidu stated that the ROBO X will adopt Baidu's Apollo autonomous driving technology, which may make it the first electric supercar to apply pure vision ADAS technology and achieve track - level autonomous driving. Currently, the ROBO X has started pre - sale in China, with a reservation deposit of 49,999 yuan (approximately 6,915 US dollars), and is expected to start mass production in 2027.
Jidu ROBO X Electric Supercar (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The launch of the Jidu ROBO X supercar is not only a bold attempt by the Jidu brand in the field of high - performance electric supercars but also an important showcase of the Chinese automotive industry on the international stage. With its excellent performance and innovative technology, the ROBO X demonstrates the competitiveness of Chinese electric vehicle brands in the high - end market. From a technical perspective, the application of the ROBO X's four - motor liquid - cooled drive system and pure vision ADAS technology indicates a new trend in electric vehicle technology. This application can not only provide faster acceleration performance but also offer more possibilities in the field of autonomous driving. At the same time, the design concept and aerodynamic optimization of the ROBO X also reflect Jidu's profound understanding and forward - thinking about future automotive design. From a market perspective, although there is still some time until mass production, the pre - sale and the expected mass production of the ROBO X in 2027 have undoubtedly attracted widespread market attention and accumulated valuable brand influence for the Jidu brand.
Kia's new low - cost electric vehicle EV4 makes its debut in the United States
Key points:
Kia's new low - cost electric vehicle, the EV4, was recently spotted during testing in the United States, marking its first appearance in the country. It is expected that the EV4 will be officially released before the end of the year and become part of Kia's "EVs for all" plan. Last year, Kia launched this plan and showcased the EV3, EV4, and EV5 models at the first Electric Vehicle Day in October 2023. Kia's global strategic goal is to "lead and accelerate the electric vehicle revolution" and plans to launch a series of models with prices ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. Kia plans to rapidly expand its product line and introduce a series of smaller and more affordable models. Its first three - row electric SUV, the EV9, has achieved good sales performance in the US market with a starting price of less than $55,000, offering high cost performance compared to other models in the same class. However, Kia plans to launch models with even lower prices. The EV3 and EV4 are expected to be among the most affordable electric vehicles in the US market. The EV3 has already been launched in South Korea with a starting price of approximately $30,000 (about 42.08 million Korean won). Earlier this week, Kia announced the launch of its new compact SUV in Europe with a starting price of approximately $38,000 (36,000 euros) and a WLTP cruising range of up to 375 miles, leading in its class.
Kia EV4 (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The debut of the Kia EV4 in the United States is not only an important milestone in Kia's electric vehicle strategy but also a signal of the intensifying competition in the global electric vehicle market. With more and more traditional automakers and emerging electric vehicle brands joining the competition, the electric vehicle market is rapidly maturing, and consumers have increasingly diverse choices of electric vehicles. The launch of the EV4, especially with its expected starting price between $35,000 and $40,000, shows Kia's ambition in the electric vehicle field. This price range will make the EV4 one of the most competitive electric vehicles in the market, especially for those consumers who seek high cost performance and a good brand reputation. The launch of the EV4 is expected to further promote the popularization of electric vehicles, especially in a large automotive market like the United States.
From the perspective of environmental protection and energy transformation, the launch of the EV4 is also a positive step. As the global call for reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change is growing louder, the importance of electric vehicles as an effective means to reduce the carbon footprint in the transportation sector is self - evident. Kia's launch of affordable electric vehicles helps lower the threshold for consumers to switch to electric vehicles, thereby accelerating the energy transformation in the transportation sector. However, Kia's success in the electric vehicle field also faces challenges. In addition to price competition, charging infrastructure, battery range, vehicle performance, and safety are all important factors that consumers consider. Kia needs to continue to innovate and improve in these aspects to ensure that its electric vehicle products can meet market demands and stand out in the fierce market competition.
Audi previews new electric vehicles specifically designed for the Chinese market at the Guangzhou Auto Show
Key points:
At the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show, Audi and its local partners brought three special models for consumers in the Chinese market. These models include the Audi Q6L e - tron, the first locally produced model based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), and the successor of the A4L, the A5L. At the SAIC Audi booth, visitors can also expect to see the recently launched AUDI E concept car, which embodies the intelligent connected electric vehicle jointly developed by Audi and SAIC for China. Audi customizes and develops models for Chinese consumers through cooperation with local automakers FAW and SAIC. FAW Audi will showcase two new models on the booth, both representing Audi's latest platform technology. The Audi Q6L e - tron, as the first locally produced model based on the PPE platform, will be exclusively produced for the Chinese market by Audi FAW New Energy Company, a joint venture between Audi and FAW, at the end of December. For this purpose, the joint venture has established a new production base in Changchun to produce all - electric Audi models.
The Audi Q6L e - tron not only has a longer wheelbase traditionally but also features many design characteristics and market - specific innovations for the Chinese market. The interior of the Q6L e - tron made its debut at the auto show and left a deep impression, and its digital experience is also developed specifically for the Chinese market. Overall, the interior of the Audi Q6L e - tron meets the needs of Chinese customers more comprehensively than ever before. The FAW Audi booth will also showcase the successor of the Audi A4L, which has been a long - time bestseller in China. The new model is named Audi A5L. As a fuel vehicle, the A5L is based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). The extended wheelbase of the A5L creates a more spacious feeling while maintaining the signature dynamic proportions. The unique designs at the front and rear, such as the lighting rings, ensure its unique appearance. Like the Q6L e - tron, the interior of the A5L also has impressive market - specific options, such as illuminated door mirrors and high - tech solutions, such as innovations in the display and operation concept.
At the SAIC Audi booth, the AUDI E concept car will be displayed to the public for the first time. This is the first concept car launched after the expansion of Audi's cooperation with SAIC and made its debut in Shanghai on November 7, 2024. This near - production model previews the three AUDI brand models that Audi will launch with its partner SAIC starting from 2025. The AUDI E concept car is a Sportback with a length of 4.87 meters and a width of 1.99 meters, equipped with two electric motors with a power of 570 kilowatts and quattro all - wheel drive, ensuring excellent driving dynamics. More importantly, the combination of Audi's DNA and SAIC's digital expertise provides the best of both worlds. This fusion makes the AUDI E concept car a unique presence in the highly competitive Chinese market, specifically targeting new, tech - savvy customer groups.
Audi's new A5 at the Guangzhou Auto Show (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Opinions:
The new electric vehicles displayed by Audi at the Guangzhou Auto Show not only reflect its emphasis on the Chinese market but also showcase its innovation ability in the electric vehicle field and its commitment to the localization strategy. Through cooperation with FAW and SAIC, Audi can provide Chinese consumers with models that are more in line with their needs and preferences. This not only helps enhance the brand image but also strengthens its competitiveness in the highly competitive Chinese electric vehicle market. The launch of the Audi Q6L e - tron and A5L demonstrates Audi's in - depth thinking in electric vehicle technology and design. The interiors and functions of these models are tailor - made for Chinese consumers, showing Audi's meticulous understanding of the Chinese market. This localization strategy can not only attract more Chinese consumers but also help Audi gain a foothold in the world's largest electric vehicle market. The debut of the AUDI E concept car further proves Audi's ambition in the field of intelligent connected electric vehicles. Through cooperation with SAIC, Audi can combine its brand DNA with SAIC's digital technology to create models that have both Audi's traditional advantages and meet the digital needs of Chinese consumers. This cooperation model provides new ideas for Audi's electric vehicle strategy globally and serves as a reference for the development of other international automotive brands in the Chinese market.
「Big Events」
Nissan N7 electric sedan makes its debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show, aiming to reverse the decline in sales in China
Nissan N7 (Source: Electrek)
Nissan Motors launched its latest electric model, a stylish all - electric sedan N7, at the Guangzhou Auto Show this week. This new model is the first step in Nissan's new strategy to revitalize the brand in the Chinese market. Facing fierce competition from Chinese local automakers such as BYD, foreign automakers like Nissan are finding it increasingly difficult in the Chinese market. Nissan hopes to turn the situation around with the N7 electric sedan launched through its joint venture Dongfeng Nissan in China. The N7 is Nissan's first next - generation electric vehicle for the Chinese market, aiming to regain its share in the world's largest electric vehicle market. Nissan claims that this new model will "redefine the new standard for mainstream family pure electric sedans in China". The N7 will be the first model based on Dongfeng Nissan's new dedicated electric vehicle platform. The company promises that the new platform will provide a "stress - free driving experience, excellent comfort, and a series of intelligent technologies".
Geely's Zeekr and Lynk & Co. merge
Zeekr 7X (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding Group is undergoing a major reorganization and plans to transfer the control of its brand Lynk & Co. to the high - end electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr. This strategic decision is part of Geely's broader plan to simplify operations and reduce costs for its nine automotive brands. According to the agreement, Zeekr will acquire a 51% stake in Lynk & Co., valuing the Sino - Swedish joint venture at approximately $2.5 billion. The remaining shares will be held by Geely Automobile, the group's main listed company. Geely hopes that Zeekr and Lynk & Co. can form a new energy vehicle manufacturing group with an annual sales volume of more than one million vehicles. Compared to the combined sales of approximately 339,000 vehicles for the two brands in 2023, this goal is ambitious. Zeekr, known for its innovative electric and connected vehicles, will use its expertise to drive the development of Lynk & Co.'s future models. The two brands will share technologies and platforms, especially in the field of electric vehicles. Lynk & Co., which was launched in 2016, currently has nine models and sold approximately 195,600 vehicles in the first nine months of this year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. In contrast, the three - year - old Zeekr brand sold nearly 143,000 vehicles in the first nine months of this year with six models, an 81% increase. Lynk & Co.'s latest two electric models, the Z10 and Z20, share the same architecture as Zeekr vehicles, while its gasoline and hybrid models use different platforms developed by Geely and Volvo Cars. By integrating the electric vehicle business under Zeekr, Geely aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the adoption of its brand's electric vehicles.
