Krstar Evening News | Japan to Impose New Tax on Electric Vehicles: The Heavier the Vehicle, the Higher the Tax; Cardiovascular Indication of Weight-Loss Version of Semaglutide Approved for Market Launch; Uber to Collaborate with Baidu to Launch Self-Driving Taxi Pilot Project in the UK
Large companies:
Weight-loss version of semaglutide approved for cardiovascular indication
On December 22, the marketing application for the cardiovascular indication of the weight-loss version of semaglutide injection (trade name: Ozempic) was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. It is indicated for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adult patients with a confirmed cardiovascular disease and a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m², becoming the first GLP-1-based weight-loss drug approved for cardiovascular indication in China. (Yicai Global)
Deng Taihua of Zhiyuan Robotics: This year's sales revenue is expected to exceed 1 billion yuan
On December 22nd, at the National Robot Leasing Ecosystem Summit and the Launch Conference of the Qingtian Rent Platform, Deng Taihua, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Zhiyuan Robotics, revealed that the company is expected to ship 5,000 robots this year, and its sales revenue is expected to exceed 1 billion yuan. Starting from next year, the robot shipment volume and sales revenue are expected to maintain several - fold growth each year. In his view, the market space for embodied intelligence is expected to exceed the number of mobile phones and then be multiplied by the price of a single unit. In the future, it will become the largest single product in the industrial products field. (Securities Times)
Uber to Collaborate with Baidu on Driverless Taxi Pilot Project in the UK
Uber has announced that it will collaborate with Baidu to launch a driverless taxi pilot project in the UK. Previously, Waymo, a US autonomous driving technology company, launched a similar test in London this month. (Sina Finance)
Master Kong Beverage Investment Company Completes Industrial and Commercial Change of Chairman Replacement
36Kr learned that according to Aiqicha App, recently, an industrial and commercial change occurred in Master Kong Beverage Investment (China) Co., Ltd. Cai Ciyuan has stepped down as the legal representative and chairman, and Qiu Shihuang has taken over. The company was established in May 2011 with a registered capital of approximately US$550 million. Its business scope includes making investments in areas permitted by the state for foreign investment, providing brand promotion and marketing services for its parent company, affiliated companies, and invested enterprises, etc. It is wholly owned by KSF Beverage Holding Co., Ltd.
Qianwen App Releases Top 10 AI Prompts for 2025, with Stocks Ranking First
36Kr learned that Qianwen App has released the list of "Top 10 AI Prompts for 2025", revealing the top ten high - frequency scenarios for people to use AI in 2025. "Stocks" ranks first, far surpassing other instrumental, lifestyle, or emotional topics.
Reports say Samsung is developing a wide-foldable phone
According to ETNews, Samsung is expected to launch a wide-foldable phone next year, aiming to compete head-on with Apple's first foldable-screen phone, the iPhone Fold. Industry insiders said that Samsung's wide-foldable phone is expected to be equipped with a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.4-inch outer screen, both made of OLED material, and the aspect ratio after unfolding is 4:3. (Cailian Press)
Samsung Biologics to Acquire Human Genome Sciences from GSK for $280 Million
On December 22nd, it was reported that the U.S. subsidiary of South Korea's Samsung Biologics will acquire the U.S.-based Human Genome Sciences (HGS) from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for $280 million (approximately 413.6 billion South Korean won) through the regulatory filing process. Samsung Biologics stated that this acquisition aims to meet the long-term local demand in the U.S. market. (Jiemian)
The first batch of products of Booster K1 for accelerated evolution has been delivered
36Kr learned that on December 20th, the global first - batch mass - production delivery ceremony of Booster K1 for accelerated evolution was held in Beijing. The first batch of products has been delivered to Taozhu New Manufacturing Bureau. Launched by Shoucheng Holdings, Taozhu New Manufacturing Bureau is the first robot consumption experience brand with regular operations in China. Currently, the brand has opened 3 stores in places such as Beijing. The exhibition area of the flagship store in Shougang Park exceeds 300 square meters, and it plans to open more than 20 new stores in core cities across the country.
Changan Automobile: Obtained the First Official License Plate for L3-Level Autonomous Driving
36Kr learned that according to the official WeChat account of Changan Automobile, on December 20th, the first official license plate for L3-level autonomous driving, "Yu AD0001Z", was issued in Chongqing and officially awarded to Changan Automobile by the Traffic Management Bureau of the Chongqing Public Security Bureau.
Investment and Financing:
Zhiyuan Pharmaceutical Completes Nearly 300 Million Yuan in Pre-IPO Round of Financing
36Kr learned that recently, "Zhiyuan Pharmaceutical" announced the completion of nearly 300 million yuan in a Pre-IPO round of financing. This round of financing was led by Sinovation Ventures, with follow-on investments from institutions such as Cathay Capital, and Lighthouse Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for this transaction.
New Products:
Dreame Launches the World's First AI Health Glasses
36Kr learned that at Dreame Technology's annual distributor conference, Dreame's AI intelligent hardware team launched the world's first Dreame AI health glasses. It is understood that this AI health glasses uses health monitoring as the core entry point and has the function of monitoring health indicators such as heart rate, blood oxygen, and body temperature 24 hours a day. In terms of AI performance, this product is equipped with a self - developed large - scale health model, which can generate personalized health plans.
Alibaba Launches Image Generation Model Qwen-Image-Layered
36Kr learned that on December 22nd, Tongyi Qianwen of Alibaba announced the launch of the image generation model Qwen-Image-Layered. The new model uses a self-developed architecture and can "disassemble" pictures into multiple layers. Each layer can be operated independently without affecting other content.
China's First Open Robot Rental Platform "Qingtianzu" Launched in Shanghai
On December 22nd, China's first open robot rental platform "Qingtianzu" was launched in Shanghai. It is understood that the platform currently covers 50 core cities across the country and has over 600 service providers. It offers robot rental services for multiple brands and various models, with rental prices ranging from 200 yuan to over 10,000 yuan. It is estimated that by 2026, the platform's rental services will cover over 200 cities across the country, and users can place orders directly through mini-programs, online malls and other channels. China's first open robot rental platform marks the transformation of robot rental services from a fragmented state to an ecological one, converting high-threshold robot usage scenarios into a convenient rental model similar to shared power banks. (CCTV Finance)
Luobo Kuaipao to Launch Driverless Testing and Ride-Hailing Services in London, UK in 2026
36Kr learned that on December 22, Luobo Kuaipao, an autonomous ride-hailing service platform under Baidu, announced that it will initiate driverless testing and ride-hailing services in London, UK, in 2026. This marks Luobo Kuaipao's first entry into a right-hand drive market outside of Hong Kong, China.
Huawei: Over 32 million terminal devices are equipped with HarmonyOS 5 and HarmonyOS 6
36Kr learned that on December 22, Huawei Terminal announced that the number of terminal devices equipped with HarmonyOS 5 and HarmonyOS 6 had exceeded 32 million.
Other news worthy of attention:
Japan to Impose New Taxes on Electric Vehicles: The Heavier the Vehicle, the Higher the Tax
Recently, it was found from the "Proposed Tax System Reform for the 8th Year of Reiwa" published on the official website of Japan's Ministry of Finance that the tax burden related to the weight of electric vehicles will be included in Japan's "greening of vehicle taxation" reform. In May 2028, Japan will impose a new tax on privately - purchased electric vehicles (including electric cars and plug - in hybrid vehicles), adopting a stepped mechanism where "the heavier the vehicle, the higher the tax". It is understood that Japan's move aims to make up for the shortfall in fuel tax caused by the popularization of electric vehicles and let heavy - duty electric vehicles, which place a greater burden on roads, share the road maintenance costs. The relevant detailed rules will be included in the tax system reform outline for the 2026 fiscal year. (Yicai Global)
The General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council Issued the "Notice on Doing a Good Job in Relevant Work during the New Year's Day and Spring Festival in 2026"
Recently, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the "Notice on Doing a Good Job in Relevant Work during the New Year's Day and Spring Festival in 2026". It was mentioned that the stable and orderly supply of the market should be ensured. All efforts should be made to ensure the production and transportation of coal, electricity, oil and gas, ensure the stable supply and price of energy for people's livelihood, and guarantee that the masses can have a warm winter. The joint responsibility of the Party and government for food security and the mayor's responsibility system for the "vegetable basket" should be implemented, market monitoring and early warning should be strengthened, the role of the working mechanism for ensuring the smooth operation of transportation and logistics should be given full play, and the sufficient supply and stable prices of daily necessities such as grain, oil, meat, eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables should be ensured. The supply of high - quality goods and services should be expanded, diversified consumption scenarios should be innovated, and the consumption potential during the holidays should be stimulated. The supervision of food safety in catering services and the quality and safety of edible agricultural products sold in the market should be strengthened to safeguard "food safety". The supervision of price charges in key livelihood areas such as catering and accommodation and New Year goods should be intensified, and illegal acts such as driving up prices and price fraud should be severely cracked down on. The supervision of online transactions should be strengthened and promotional activities should be regulated. The channels for complaints and reports should be unblocked, and consumers' demands should be promptly accepted and handled. (Xinhua News Agency)
CAAM: The top ten SUV manufacturers in terms of sales from January to November sold a total of 9.583 million vehicles
36Kr learned that according to the statistical analysis of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from January to November 2025, the top ten SUV manufacturers in terms of sales sold a total of 9.583 million vehicles, accounting for 65.9% of the total SUV sales. Among the above ten enterprises, compared with the same period last year, the sales of FAW-Volkswagen and Tesla decreased slightly, while the sales of other enterprises increased to varying degrees.