Electric Vehicle (EV) & mobility experts Tu Le and Lei Xing plug you in to all the latest going's on in the
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on key players like NIO, Xiaomi, and BYD. They explore NIO's recent product launches, the competitive landscape in China's EV market, and the challenges faced by Xiaomi. The conversation also delves into the rise of robotaxis and autonomous vehicles, as well as the strategic moves by GM and Ford in the EV space. The hosts emphasize the importance of consumer sentiment and brand loyalty in this rapidly evolving market, concluding with thoughts on future trends and the overall outlook for the industry.KeywordsEV, NIO, Xiaomi, BYD, Robotaxi, Autonomous Vehicles, GM, Ford, China Automotive Industry, Market Trends
Tu and Lei embark on a road trip from Beijing to Shanghai in a NIO ET5, discussing their experiences with the vehicle, insights from the Shanghai Auto Show, and the advancements in battery swapping technology. They share their thoughts on the driving experience, the NOP+ intelligent driving features, and the overall user experience, concluding with reflections on their journey and future plans.Companies discussed:NIO, Jetour, XPeng, Chery, SAIC Motor, Avatr, CATL
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss their recent experiences at the Shanghai Auto Show and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) in China. They reflect on the advancements in Chinese EV brands, the strategies of foreign automakers, and the innovative power swap technology that is gaining traction. They also discuss the notable absences of key figures, the insights gained from a roundtable discussion, and the standout vehicle designs and innovations presented. The conversation also touches on the driving experiences with intelligent driving systems and highlights memorable models from the auto show. The hosts emphasize the globalization of the EV market and the future prospects for Chinese brands as they aim to expand internationally. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of EVs and the industry's direction.Key wordsChina EV, electric vehicles, Shanghai Auto Show, NIO, foreign automakers, power swap technology, intelligent driving, EV market trends, automotive industry, Chinese brands, Auto Show, Electric Vehicles, EV Technology, Industry Insights, Vehicle Design, Market Trends, China EV Market, Automotive Innovations, Roundtable Discussion, Competitive Landscape
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on key events such as the New York Auto Show and the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show. They highlight BYD's recent achievements, including winning prestigious awards and expanding its global presence. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by EV manufacturers, the importance of intelligent driving technology, and the impact of recent accidents on the industry's marketing strategies. Additionally, they explore the role of Chinese tech companies in shaping the future of the automotive landscape and the significance of battery technology advancements.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the current state of the automotive industry, focusing on the impact of tariffs between the US and China, the performance of major automakers like Porsche, and the shifting dynamics in the premium market in China. They also touch on the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2025 and the implications of new product launches in the EV sector.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on the impact of political decisions and trade tariffs on the industry. They analyze the sales performance of major players like BYD and Tesla, the challenges faced by NIO, and the implications of recent accidents involving intelligent driving technologies. The conversation also covers advancements in eVTOL technology and the significance of new charging solutions in the market.Keywords:China, EVs, tariffs, trade, NIO, BYD, Tesla, eVTOL, Xiaomi, market dynamics
In this week's episode of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing dive deep into two massive stories shaping the global auto industry: tariffs and BYD's dominance.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on the competitive landscape between major players like BYD and NIO. They explore the implications of recent announcements regarding charging technology, battery swapping, and new vehicle launches, while also addressing the challenges faced by companies like NIO in a rapidly evolving market. The conversation highlights BYD's innovative strategies and the potential impact on the global EV market. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on the implications of Full Self-Driving (FSD) pricing, advancements in charging infrastructure, and the latest earnings reports from key players in the industry. The discussion highlights the competitive strategies of companies like BYD and Tesla, their international expansion efforts, and the challenges faced by traditional automakers in adapting to the rapidly changing market dynamics.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on competition, technology, and consumer preferences. They analyze the impact of new models like the XPeng G6 and the challenges faced by legacy automakers like Volkswagen and NIO. The conversation highlights the importance of technology, such as lidar, and the evolving landscape of RoboTaxis. The hosts also touch on global market trends and the growing presence of Chinese brands in the automotive sector.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on competition, technology, and consumer preferences. They analyze various EV models, including the G6 and Model Y, and explore the implications of lidar technology and RoboTaxis. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by legacy automakers like Volkswagen and the struggles of NIO in the current market landscape. The episode concludes with insights into the future of the EV industry and the strategies of companies like Li Auto.
In this episode, Tu and Lei focus on the earnings reports from major automakers Mercedes, Porsche, and Renault. They explore the implications of these reports on the global market, particularly China's pivotal role in the EV landscape. The conversation delves into the competitive dynamics between Chinese and German automakers, the advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, and the strategic moves of companies like Baidu in international markets. Audience questions further enrich the discussion, highlighting trends and future predictions in the automotive industry.
In this episode, Tu and Lei celebrate their 200th episode by reflecting on the evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in China. They discuss the rise of intelligent driving technologies, the impact of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, and the recent launch of Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Volkswagen in the Chinese market and the competitive landscape among Chinese EV manufacturers. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of staying informed and engaged with the rapidly changing automotive industry.
In this conversation, Christian Steinman shares his extensive experience in the automotive industry, detailing his journey from traditional automotive roles to becoming the CEO of ClearMotion. He discusses the challenges and innovations in active suspension technology, the collaboration with NIO, and insights gained from CES 2025, emphasizing the need for speed and adaptability in the evolving automotive landscape.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on BYD's recent announcements regarding their smart driving technology, the competitive landscape of the automotive industry, and the implications of state-owned enterprises in China. They explore the challenges and opportunities for both domestic and international players in the EV market, emphasizing the significance of technological advancements and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on the future of EVs and the evolving regulatory environment.
In this episode, Tu and Lei discuss the latest developments in the China EV market, including the ongoing price war among manufacturers, the challenges faced by Tesla, and the impact of tariffs on the automotive industry. They also explore the strategies of foreign automakers in China, the significance of local production, and the role of technology in maintaining competitiveness. The conversation highlights the importance of battery swapping standards and concludes with insights into the future outlook for the industry.
In this episode of China EVs & More, hosts Tu Le and Lei Xing dive into the biggest news in the global EV, AV, and mobility sectors. The episode kicks off with a discussion on the impact of the Lunar New Year on China's auto market, including the significance of the Spring Festival Gala as a marketing platform for Chinese EV brands.The hosts break down Tesla's latest earnings report, discussing Elon Musk's focus on autonomy, the upcoming “Model Q” as an affordable EV, and Tesla's unconventional approach to gathering data in China. They also analyze General Motors' North American manufacturing shifts in response to potential 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports.Other hot topics include Volkswagen's talks with Chinese automakers about factory takeovers in Germany, Stellantis' struggles, and the evolving dealer model in the U.S. automotive landscape.Companies Discussed:• Tesla (FSD, Model Y, upcoming affordable EV)• BYD (Global sales surge, leadership recognition)• General Motors (GM) (Tariffs, North American supply chain adjustments)• Volkswagen (VW) (Potential factory deals with Chinese automakers)• Stellantis (Inventory struggles, pricing strategy)• Ford (U.S. EV strategies and competition)• Hyundai (Amazon partnership, online sales model)• Nissan & Honda (Potential alliance discussions)• Xiaomi (Su7 model at the Spring Festival Gala)• Huawei (Maxro S800 brand visibility)• Chang'an (Ito M9 light show, Shenlan/Deepal S09, Qiyuan Q07)• AutoFlight (eVTOL showcase)• CATL (Battery partnerships)• Unitree Robotics (Dancing robots at the Gala)• RoboSense (Lidar technology)Don't miss this insightful discussion on the latest trends shaping the global EV and mobility landscape. Subscribe and stay updated on the future of transportation!
In this episode, Lei Xing and Tu Le discuss the latest updates in the global EV, AV, and mobility sectors. Key topics include:• US-China Trade & Tariffs – The impact of Biden's 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and how Trump's possible return could reshape trade policies.• Tesla Updates – The launch of the new Model Y (Juniper) and its effect on competition. Discussion on Tesla's FSD approval in China and how it stacks up against local brands.• China's EV Market – Government incentives, rising EV adoption, and CATL's prediction that LFP batteries will dominate 70% of the market in three years.• US Automakers – Ford and GM's EV sales growth, Cadillac's Lyriq V launch, and Stellantis' $5B investment in US manufacturing.• BYD Scrutiny – Reports of hidden debt and its growing competition with Tesla.• Upcoming Price Wars – How Chinese EV makers may cut prices to compete with Tesla's new Model Y.Companies Discussed1. Tesla – Model Y Juniper, FSD in China2. BYD – Market leadership, financial concerns3. Ford – EV growth4. GM – Cadillac Lyriq V, Momenta partnership5. Stellantis – Investment in US factories6. CATL – Battery market trends7. Xpeng, NIO, Geely – Competition in ChinaThe hosts also discuss the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show and how government policies will shape the future of EVs.
Welcome to Episode 194 of the China EVs and More podcast! In this episode, hosts Tu Le and Lei Xing wrap up 2024 and share insights into the global EV and mobility sectors. Key topics discussed include:1.China's Dominance in the EV Market:•China's remarkable sales of nearly 13 million NEVs in 2024, representing a 50% domestic market share.•The continued decline of foreign automakers in China, including shrinking market shares for Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Porsche.2.Tesla's Market Strategies:•The Model Y's global success as the best-selling vehicle in 2024 and its dominant position in China.•The unveiling of Tesla's updated Model Y (Juniper) and the strategic focus on maintaining competitiveness in the Chinese market.3.CES 2025 Highlights:•A strong presence of Chinese companies, with brands like Zeekr, XPeng, and Li Auto showcasing cutting-edge technologies.•Innovations in LiDAR, smart cockpits, and EV design from companies such as NVIDIA and RoboSense.4.Policy and Market Trends:•The impact of US restrictions on Chinese automotive hardware and software.•China's government incentives to boost EV adoption, including expanded trade-in policies for older ICE vehicles.5.Emerging Players and Innovations:•Xiaomi's ambitions to scale EV production with its Su-7 model.•The rise of premium features like Dolby Atmos and Vision in vehicles like the Zeekr 009 MPV.Companies Mentioned•Tesla•BYD•NIO•XPeng•Zeekr•Li Auto•Volkswagen•Porsche•Mercedes-Benz•Xiaomi•RoboSense•NVIDIA•HuaweiJoin Tu and Lei each week for expert insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global mobility.
In this episode, hosts Tu Le and Lei Xing discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market, reflecting on the Biden administration's impact on the industry. They analyze the significant growth of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, the challenges faced by foreign automakers, and Tesla's strategic positioning in the market. The conversation also touches on economic factors influencing the EV sector, including trade-in policies and currency fluctuations, before wrapping up with insights from the recent CES event. In this conversation, Tu Le and Lei Xing discuss their experiences at CES, focusing on the innovations in autonomous vehicles, the impact of geopolitical tensions on the automotive industry, and the significant presence of Chinese companies at the event. They reflect on the evolution of CES from a consumer electronics show to a major platform for automotive technology, highlighting key trends and products showcased. The discussion also touches on the Detroit Auto Show and the recognition of various vehicles in the automotive industry.Companies MentionedNIO, Tesla, BYD, XPeng, CATL, Li Auto, Geely, Xiaomi, Volkswagen, Huawei, RoboSense, Horizon Robotics, Ford, General Motors (GM), Stellantis.
Welcome to Episode 192 of the China EVs and More podcast! In this episode, Tu Le and Lei Xing dive into the latest developments shaping the global electric vehicle (EV), autonomous vehicle (AV), and mobility sectors. Key topics include:1.NIO Day 2024 Highlights:•The debut of NIO's Firefly brand targeting affordable EV markets.•The unveiling of the luxury ET9 model and its groundbreaking steer-by-wire technology.2.Battery-Swapping Innovations:•The rise of NIO and CATL as leaders in the battery-swapping ecosystem.•Speculation on Firefly's adoption of CATL's standardized battery packs.3.Industry Challenges and Collaborations:•Honda's potential acquisition of Nissan amid struggles in key markets.•Insights into legacy automakers' challenges in China, including GM's decline and strategic shifts.4.Technological and Market Trends:•Advanced vehicle technologies, including autonomous driving and ADAS.•CES 2025 previews featuring innovations from XPeng, ZEEKR, and Great Wall Motors.With expert insights into market dynamics, government policies, and global trends, this episode is a must-listen for anyone tracking the future of mobility.Companies Mentioned•NIO•CATL•BYD•Honda•Nissan•General Motors (GM)•Tesla•XPeng•ZEEKR•Huawei•Foxconn•Stellantis
Join hosts Lei Xing and Tu Le in this dynamic episode of China EVs and More as they dissect the week's most pivotal news and developments in the global EV, AV, and mobility sectors. From corporate shake-ups to industry resets, the discussion highlights critical issues shaping the future of mobility.Discussion Topics: • The sudden challenges and restructuring at Ji Yue, a joint venture between Geely and Baidu. • Analysis of the “reset” era in China's EV market and its implications for startups and legacy automakers. • BYD's dominance and its impact on both domestic and international markets. • Evaluating automaker strategies, from Volkswagen's 10-point plan for China to Stellantis' investments in Leapmotor and CATL. • NIO's ambitious goals for profitability and scale in 2025 and its evolving battery-swapping ecosystem. • Insights into the global implications of shifting EV production and market dynamics. • The collapse of GM's Cruise and its lessons for autonomous vehicle technology. • Predictions for market protectionism and its effects on EV exports, especially in South America.Companies Discussed: • Geely, Baidu, Ji Yue • BYD, Nio, Leapmotor • Volkswagen, GM, Stellantis • CATL, Tesla, Waymo • GAC, Huawei, XiaomiTune in for an in-depth exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving EV and mobility industries!
SummaryIn this episode, Tu Le and Lei Xing discuss the latest trends and insights in the electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on sales data from November, the competitive landscape involving major players like Tesla and BYD, and the challenges faced by legacy automakers such as GM and Nissan in the Chinese market. They explore the implications of government incentives, market strategies, and the evolving consumer trust in various brands. The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of the EV sector and the ongoing adjustments required by manufacturers to stay relevant.KeywordsEV market, Tesla, BYD, NIO, GM, Stellantis, Nissan, China automotive, electric vehicles, sales trends, market analysis
In this engaging episode of the China EVs & More podcast, Tu Le and Lei Xing recap their experience at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, offering insights into the evolving global EV landscape. Highlights include discussions on the growing influence of Chinese automakers in Europe, the resurgence of European brands like Renault, and key geopolitical challenges shaping the automotive industry. The duo also shares anecdotes about networking, market dynamics, and the cultural aspects of the show.Key Topics Covered:•Chinese Automakers in Europe: The prominence of brands like BYD, Xpeng, and AITO at the Paris Motor Show, their strategies, and the European market's response.•European Brands' Counterattack: Renault's new offerings and the competitive pricing of French EVs as a response to the “Chinese EV assault.”•Market Dynamics: Observations on global trends, the geopolitical backdrop, and the future of auto shows.•Industry Leaders & Networking: Encounters with executives and key players such as Carlos Tavares (Stellantis) and Herbert Diess.This episode delivers a deep dive into the intersection of automotive innovation, global market strategies, and cultural exchanges.List of Mentioned CompaniesAutomakers:1.Renault2.Stellantis (including Citroën and Peugeot)3.BYD4.Xpeng5.LeapMotor6.AITO7.Dongfeng Forthing8.Hongqi9.Skyworth10.Tesla11.GAC Group12.Cadillac13.Ford14.Dacia15.Alpine16.Mobilize17.ZEEKR18.Porsche19.VolkswagenSuppliers and Tech Companies:1.Valeo2.Bosch3.ACC (Auto Cell Company)Startups and Smaller Firms:1.Microlino2.Snap X (Hydrogen fuel cell startup)Others:1.Lithium Americas2.McKinsey & Company3.Pony.ai4.WeRide
In this episode of the China EVs & More podcast, Tu Le and Lei Xing provide a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in the global EV and mobility sectors, with a spotlight on Tesla's “We Robot” event and China's growing influence in the global EV market. The duo delves into autonomous driving technologies, China's aggressive EV strategies, and the impact of trade tensions between China and the EU.Key Topics Covered:•Tesla's “We Robot” Event: A breakdown of Tesla's announcements, including the Cybercab and Robo-van, and their implications for the U.S. and global markets.•China EV Trends: BYD's rise as the top automaker in China, surpassing SAIC, and the competitive dynamics during China's Golden Week sales.•Global Trade and Policy: Discussion on China's potential retaliatory tariffs and their impact on the EU and U.S. markets.•Foxconn's EV Expansion: Analysis of Foxconn's new vehicles and their strategies for entering the U.S. market.This episode blends industry insights with engaging conversations on the future of EVs, autonomy, and geopolitical challenges shaping the auto industry.List of Mentioned CompaniesAutomakers:1.Tesla2.BYD3.Xpeng4.LeapMotor5.NIO6.GAC Aion7.Lynk & Co8.General Motors (GM)9.Ford10.Volkswagen11.Rivian12.SAIC13.Mercedes-Benz14.BMW15.Porsche16.Audi17.Cadillac18.Chevrolet19.Buick20.SkywellSuppliers and Technology Companies:1.Foxconn (Foxtron)2.CATL3.Gotion4.WeLion5.Electrion6.Witricity7.ValeoStartups and Smaller Firms:1.Lyten (Sulfur Battery Startup)2.LiBRIDGE (Battery Advocacy Group)Others:1.Uber2.Cruise3.Waymo4.LG Chem5.Pininfarina (Design Firm)6.Bloomberg (Media)7.Reuters (Media)
In this episode of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing dive into the booming September sales figures in China's EV market and the ongoing impact of geopolitical factors on the global automotive industry. They analyze the latest trends, such as the shift towards EREVs (Extended Range Electric Vehicles), China's competitive dynamics, and the EU's new tariffs targeting Chinese EVs. Additionally, the co-hosts explore the future of vehicle design and innovation driven by consumer and market demands in China.Key Topics Covered:•September Sales Records: Analysis of exceptional sales performances by key players, including BYD, Li Auto, and NIO.•Stimulus Impact: How China's recent economic measures are driving consumer confidence and boosting EV sales.•Global Competition: The challenges faced by legacy automakers like GM, Ford, and European brands amidst the rise of Chinese EV makers.•EU Tariffs: Implications of the newly approved tariffs on Chinese EVs and their impact on global trade dynamics.•Future of Design: Predictions on how China's market preferences are shaping global vehicle design and form factors.This episode offers deep insights into the dynamic and rapidly evolving EV landscape, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of where the industry is headed.List of Mentioned CompaniesAutomakers:1.BYD2.Tesla3.NIO4.Li Auto5.XPeng6.LeapMotor7.ZEEKR8.ARCFOX9.AITO10.Deepal11.Chang'an12.Dongfeng13.GM (General Motors)14.Ford15.Hyundai16.Kia17.Cadillac18.Buick19.SAIC Volkswagen20.Renault21.Stellantis22.Great Wall Motor23.TANKTechnology and Battery Companies:1.CATL2.Gotion3.Mobileye4.Intel5.QualcommOther Key Mentions:1.Ministry of Commerce (China)2.Macron (France)3.EU (European Union)4.Stellantis-LeapMotor Partnership5.Refraction AI (Autonomous Delivery Startup)This list highlights the wide range of companies and entities discussed in the podcast, reflecting the multifaceted dynamics of the global EV and mobility sectors.
The podcast begins with Tu and Lei briefly discussing the XPeng's AI Day where XPeng unveiled a few different strategic initiatives including the development of a robotaxi and the design of its own silicon to help run it. The biggest news from XPeng was that they are entering the EREV space. The conversation then moves over to Audi's brand launch in China and Tu and Lei's differing views of the 'why' and how successful they ultimately feel it will be. Tu points out that it won't be in production until mid-2025. Tu and Lei spend the rest of the podcast discussing the implications of another Trump presidency, one influenced by Elon Musk and the other Silicon Valley VCs that backed his candidacy. Tu emphasizes that this runs much deeper than giving Tesla the advantage in the US and points to all the AI and space exploration investments that have been made by the tech bros.
The podcast starts with Lei seeing Tesla - all over Shanghai. Tu goes a step further saying that the Tesla brand is stronger in China than the Porsche brand. The conversation broadens out to a brief discussion about the Tesla earnings call and what analysts expect Tesla sales numbers to be in Q4 and whether or not they can match their sales from 2023. Tu moves on to congratulate WeRide for IPO'ing on the NASDAQ something they'd plan on doing much sooner. They discuss who is still up to IPO in the US later this year or early next. The conversation switches to Jim Farley's comments about driving the Xiaomi SU7 for the last 6 months and not wanting to give it up. Tu speculates that its his way of rallying the troops - Herbert Diess style. Lei then takes a few moments to discuss why he's over in China and some of the companies he's visited on this trip. The podcast closes out with Tu talking about his participation in the Reuters Automotive event held in Detroit and a brief discussion about how the price war has continued and still doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.Rumi.aiAll-in-one meeting tool with real-time transcription & searchable Meeting Memory™
Tu and Lei discuss BYD's continued success and marvel at their ability to break record after record. Tu points out that their operation efficiency is one big reason they're able to continue this blistering growth. This leads to a larger conversation about October sales and the sales drops of the European automakers (BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen Group, Porsche) and how much they should be worried about their future prospects. This leads to a discussion about both Stellantis and Volkswagen Group and their recent outwardly vocal pleas to get smaller to shed costs. The podcast closes out with a tariff discussion and how the EU and China may be able to avoid a trade war since both sides really don't want that. Rumi.aiAll-in-one meeting tool with real-time transcription & searchable Meeting Memory™
Tu and Lei spend the first few minutes of the podcast updating about the policy changes coming out of a major Chinese govt meeting that are meant to stimulate the Chinese economy and some of the reactions from the external non-Chinese financial institutions reactions to those new stimulus policies. Tu asks Lei to go over some of the vehicle launches that happened that week continuing the barrage of introductions from Chinese EV makers which, in large part, is why the legacies are struggling to keep up. Tu compares and contrasts that with the still very few clearn energy vehicles that are entering the US market. Tu changes gears to congratulate BYD on producing their 9 milionth vehicle. He then talks about how meaningful that is and how it was accomplished in such a short period of time relative to earlier milestones. Tu and Lei move to unpacking the new Biden administration proposed restrictions on Chinese connected vehicle software and hardware. Tu talks about how this closes the Mexico backdoor and effectively keeps China EV Inc out of the US market for the foreseeable future. They close out the podcast with a brief review of the situation in Europe for China EV Inc and a preview of what they look forward to at the Paris Motor Show.
Tu and Lei begin this episode with an update on the sales of the newly launched vehicles from Mona and ONVO. They both promise to make a bad situation for Legacy Auto in China even worse. Tu shifts gears and discusses how carmakers can still differentiate themselves even if they're using the same technology or more specifically, the same silicon to power the infotainment and intelligent driving systems. Tu then also discusses what could happen to the foreign suppliers if they're not able to speed up their level of innovation to keep pace with their Chinese counterparts. Lei then details his trip to Germany and his visits to Chinese EV brand dealerships. Tu speculates that with everything going on in the European market, the Chinese brands in order to maintain their competitiveness should begin to start reducing prices on their products there. The episode ends with Tu describing his trip to Vancouver to be a part of the Electrify Everything Conference sponsored by the Fully Charged team.
Tu and Lei kick off this podcast with the news that Volkswagen would like to close factories in Germany for the first time in decades. They spent a long moment to discuss this because this news sent shockwaves across the industry and is the realization to the world, if not clear yet, China EV Inc is putting the world on notice - that's its here and here to stay.The discussion moves over to Mercedes, who while not in the same dire situation as VW, are also looking at what they can do to stop the bleeding in China. Volvo is the next OEM discussed and Tu updates everyone on what EVs he's looking at for purchase since there are so many great deals out there. Lei then updates everyone on August sales, which annually is the calm before the final turn into year end where all bets are off. They also discuss some of the levers being used by Tesla and others to try and keep demand for their products consistent. To end the podcast, Tu and Lei discuss the ways that BYD continue to have their feet on the gas and have not slowed their aggressive entry and shipment of products into international markets. They also analyze some of the tariffs and how they affect some more than others and who have the advantage in Europe for now.
The podcast starts with Tu and Lei's thoughts on the XPeng's Mona M03 and the aggressive pricing that was announced for the vehicle. This evolves into a recap of XPeng history on product launches and the hope that this launch can be more successful than their past ones. Tu mentions that there are bad takes out there and emphasizes that price doesn't automatically dictate the segment in China anymore since the Chinese EV makers are offering tremendous value during this price war.The two switch topics over to the Chengdu Motor show and give a brief history lesson on the Chinese auto show hierarchy and what they expect from Chengdu. This discussion moves onto Tesla news about offering a 7-seat Model Y for China and their current promotions that have allowed them to keep production high in China. Lei mentions Tu's LinkedIn post that got a bit of attention referring to BYD's forecast of 50% of sales in the future will be ex-China. They then discuss the possibillity of and the scenarios that would help them achieve that goal. The podcast ends with a discussion on the recently announced Vauxhall Frontera EV being offered in the UK for £24K ($28K) and why other legacy automakers aren't able to get to that price.
Tu and Lei start the podcast out with an update on the EU tariffs on Chinese EV makers, this time including Tesla. Some initial tariff rates were reduced but not substantially. Tu moves the conversation over to the improvement in XPeng's earnings and the momentum they may have when launching the Mona M03.The discussion moves over to who the global players are in the autonomous vehicle space and when thinking of China the lines are blurred with the autonomous vehicle companies competing directly against the OEMs who are either developing their own intelligent driving system or are partnering with tech companies to integrate a solution into their NEVs. They both touch on the Volkswagen ID.Buzz van launch and how the specs just don't match anything out in China that's comparable. They also briefly discuss the Chevy Tahoe pricing that was revealed this week in a picture posted to social media.Tu and Lei close out the show by unpacking Zeekr's earnings call.
Tu and Lei open this podcast with a discussion of Polestar launching production of it's Polestar 3 in the US, South Carolina. They quickly shift the conversation over to XPeng's 10 year anniversary and discuss what they remember about XPeng over the last 10 years. Lei and Tu then move to discuss the speed of change and product refreshes. The automotive space hasn't seen this frequency of refreshes ever. Tu changes subject over to General Motors (GM) restructuring the China business along with a brief history lesson for GM doing business in China. The discussion moves over to a 15 minute CNBC video that was posted that compares the US Model Y to 4 Chinese branded vehicles: BYD, Li Auto, NIO and XPeng that Tu contributed to and was interviewed for. The podcast closes out with a discussion on the Merc EQE that caught on fire in an underground parking structure outside of Seoul, South Korea which sparked a HUGE uproar about the safety of EVs and who supplies which batteries to what vehicles.
Tu and Lei start the podcast out with a discussion on the China take rate on NEVs exceeding 50% in July for the first time. The discussion then shifts to reports that the Biden administration is looking at restricting Chinese connected, intelligent driving technology for use on US roads including the ability to collect data on Americans. They project how these restrictions may or may not be mimicked by the UK and EU, two places that also have voiced concerns re: national security, data security and privacy. They move onto Audi potentially not using their logo for their new Chinese EVs and evolves into a more detailed discussion about Audi's history in China. Tu ends the podcast clearing up a bad take from an American analyst who is trying to drum up clicks by writing about the Chinese govt wanting to kick all the foreign automakers out of China.
The podcast begins with a review of July sales by Lei and then they both transition into a discussion about the upcoming important product launches and why they are important to those Chinese brands. They both transition the discussion over to the BYD partnership with Uber that was announced this week. They piggyback off this BYD discussion to also talk about the rumor that BYD will be entering the Canadian market which moves into a broader discussion on BYD and why they are the likeliest EV company to succeed long-term. Lei then moves into a discussion on how companies have begun to lay off staff at the tier 1s. The podcast ends with a deep dive on how the Rivian VW Group tie-up could lead to VW Group abandoning Cariad and a deeper discussion on how Stellantis and VW may have too many brands to manage. Tu also discusses the WSJ post about Tesla FSD in the US and how there's a lack of transparency in the US on whether or not it's causing the accidents that Tesla vehicles are involved in. They both compare FSD to some of the Chinese intelligent driving systems currently on offer by China EV Inc. Anything But LawDiscover inspiring stories and insights from entrepreneurs, athletes, and thought leaders.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Tu and Lei begin the podcast talking about the US IPO announcements for Pony AI and WeRide, two Chinese autonomous vehicle (robotaxi) startups. This leads to a broader discussion about autonomous vehicles and regulation in the US and China. Tu then moves on asking Lei what he knows about Windrose, the Chinese electric semi-truck manufacturer that plans to build semis in the US. Tu posits that this could be push that opens the door for more Chinese players to mannufacture in the US. Tu then speculates that should Kamala Harris win the election she may want to develop her own set of policies toward Chinese EVs, specifically on the manufacturing in the US side. Tu brings up a post in his newsletter about battery pricing below $100 in China where OEMs can build EVs profitably. Tu closes out the show with his brief experience riding in a Lucid Air Sapphire and it's absolutely ridiculous acceleration. All Business. No Boundaries. The DHL Supply Chain Podcast Welcome to All Business. No Boundaries, a collection of supply chain stories by DHL...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Tu and Lei start out this podcast with a broad discussion about how virtually all the foreign legacy automakers are doing so poorly in China with Tu detailing Porsche's recent, severe challenges. Tu and Lei then move onto Xiaomi's production license despite the overcapacity in China. Tu briefly explains how this could happen. Tu and Lei take a few minutes to discuss how business has evolved in China the last several years and how China's maturity as an economy makes it tougher than before to get out of economic slumps. Tu switches gears to talk about BYD's manufacturing footprint including the newest announcement about building in Turkey. Tu talks about the strategic importance of location of Turkey relative to the European, Middle Eastern and African markets. The podcast ends with Tu and Lei talking about the latest goings on in the autonomous vehicle sector. Lei details his latest experience riding some robotaxis while in China and they both discuss the importance of having a clean record because of their desires to IPO in the near future.
Tu and Lei unpack who they think could be the winners and losers from the recently announced EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and how they may react to tariffs being considered in other markets. Tu and Lei then look a bit forward to what they expect to see later this year as we get past summer and move towards the always exciting year-end sales dash including the impact some of the new vehicles scheduled to begin delivery will have on the competitive landscape.The discussion moves over to the VW Group investment and partnership announcement with Rivian as the two dissect how the partnership may work. Tu raises questions about both Cariad's and Scout's future place in the VW Group hierarchy now that they've effectively partnered with two strong EV startups in China and in the ROW - rest of the world. Lei spends a few minutes talking about his visit to NIO's Hefei factory and what he saw. The podcast ends with Lei giving his take on the new pilots being offered by WeRide and Baidu in Beijing from the Daxing airport to downtown.
Tu starts the podcast out talking about his experience at the MOVE London event where he hosted two panel discussions. Lei then pivots to update everyone on the latest news about potential tariffs the Chinese govt are considering in retaliation for the EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. Tu and Lei then take a few moments to digest and unpack what it all means. They move onto the latest partnership announcement between JLR and Chery and how this falls in line with Stellantis and Volkswagen both partnering with local Chinese manufacturers. Tu talks about how these partnerships may create a reliance on the companies doing well in both regions in order for the partnerships to be successful. Tu and Lei close out the podcast with a discussion about FSD coming to China, what their domestic competitors think and updates on a few other Chinese AV startups.All Business. No Boundaries. The DHL Supply Chain Podcast Welcome to All Business. No Boundaries, a collection of supply chain stories by DHL...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Tu and Lei begin this podcast with a quick download of the EU tariffs, who was slapped with what and who the winners are. They also take a step back to discuss who currently exports the most to the EU and how the tariffs may affect their quantities. They then move over to the rumored retaliation from the Chinese govt and who would feel free brunt of those retaliatory measures. Lei then moves the conversation over to Tu's EV car rental for his trip to California and Tu talks in details about the good, the bad and the ugly about his few days driving a Kia Niro EV. They close the podcast with a discussion on how the tariffs, both exporting to AND from, could affect VW Group's diverse set of brands, manufacturing bases and ultimately their long-term competitiveness.
Tu and Lei start out by discussing a provocative statement from Richard Yu, the Huawei executive in charge of their intelligent driving, who said in a much less kind way that Huawei's system would beat Tesla's FSD. They then talk more broadly about the current systems out there from other Chinese EV makers and agree that FSD will have it's hands full in the China market and is NOT the clear leader once it finally launches.The topic moves over to all the recent news from automakers about their latest generation small displacement high efficiency enginers, specifically hybrid engines. With announcements from BYD, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru and others.Tu then shifts over to his guest appearance on John McElroy's Autoline live show and the question that john posed to him. Tu and Lei move on and take a deeper dive into Porsche, it's recent hybrid 911 unveil and it's sales in China. Tu closes the podcast out with a few updates on Detroit and the unveiling and rebranding of the old train station into the new Michigan Central that is supposed to concentrate and put a focus on all the innovation that's happening in the city / state. Climate ConfidentWith a new episode every Wed morning, the Climate Confident podcast is weekly podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
This podcast starts with a discussion on the NEV take rate hitting 52% and Tu points out that it's a massive number that is also getting help from the steep dropoff of ICE sales. They also both take a few moments to discuss the softness in demand that Tesla is feeling and how its likely adding pressure for them to continue to cut prices in order to keep the factory running and keep factory utilization high.They then also scrutinize Li Auto's original aggressive 2024 sales forecast and how that's been dialed back as well. Tu again reiterates that within the next couple years, Chinese IP will be in European branded vehicles both sold in China and Europe. The conversation then shifts to the potential additional EU tariffs on Chinese imported EVs and which brands and products will likely be affected and retaliated on. Tu closes out the podcast with a summary of a Reuters interview of Carlos Tavares, Stellantis Global CEO. Climate ConfidentWith a new episode every Wed morning, the Climate Confident podcast is weekly podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Tu and Lei start the podcast out by debating about the recent increased tariff announcements made by the Biden Administration and whether its all politics or if there is some real fear about the US Three not being able to compete. They move that discussion over to BYD having its first global launch of a passenger vehicle outside of China. It turns into a broader discussion about their products, how they're suited (or not) to foreign markets and how said products could possibly perform outside of China.Tu flips the script and pushes the conversation from tariffs to subsidies on the US side and points to Tesla being a major recipient of them. They both agree that battery swapping isn't a flash in the pan and is something, at least in China, is a viable option for electric vehicles. The podcast ends with a discussion on some of the latest announcements and unveils by Baidu Apollo with the RT6 L4 robotaxi and Pony's pilot pushing into Beijing's CBD area.
Tu and Lei spend the first few minutes of the show recapping their overall feelings about Auto Beijing 2024 (the show) and how it was a bit different from Auto Shanghai 2023. They both reflect on what the legacy automakers revealed at the show and how the legacies presence in Beijing this year was much different than what it was for 2023 in Shanghai. There's a pulse. Tu talks about when he bumped into the GM management team while being interviewed by CNBC's Eunice Yoon at the Chevy booth. They both then spent a bit of time reflecting on their 3-day trip from Beijing to Shenzhen in the XPeng G9 Performance including the performance of X-NGP and their thoughts on charging infrastructure during their trip. Tu moves the discussion over to his experience attending the 500K production vehicle for NIO that was held at their Hefei headquarters. The podcast closes with Tu and Lei's experience spending a few days in Shenzhen and getting to do some other memorable things while there.
First, Tu and Lei recorded this episode while driving from Beijing to Shenzhen in an XPeng G9 Performance. XPeng kindly lent it to them for the three day trip where they stopped into Zhengzhou & Changsha before hitting their final stop - Shenzhen.For most of the trip (>90% of the miles which were a total of ~1.5K), they used XPeng's intelligent driving system called X-NGP. The purpose of the trip was to test the X-NGP system and get a feel for the charging infrastructure in China. They also recorded a video of their conversation and posted it to their newly launched YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnQkkMqjpoFs0yHmqmKitNQTu and Lei spend a few minutes talking about Elon's visit and rewind back to just arriving to China and what they've been up to since they arrived. The two also give some of their initial impressions and takes on the auto show. They then move to their trip so far, talk in more detail about the EV they're driving and their experience with charging. **Tu and Lei were NOT paid by XPeng to do the trip and XPeng had no editorial control over anything they posted or said.**The podcast ends with their thoughts on the connected vehicle world bifurcating with the possibility of EV companies needing a tech stack for China and a tech stack for the rest of the world.
Tu starts off the podcast with an update on what he's been up to the last few days including visiting Jiyue and getting a sneak peek of the Jiyue 07 and attending the launch event for the Zeekr 009 Grand, a 4 seat executive MPV.Tu also had a chance to get a close look at the Xiaomi SU7 in the flesh. That transitions into a full discussion about Xiaomi and what they need to do to build on the success of the SU7.Tu and Lei then pivot back into a detailed discussion of the 009 Grand and their expectations for the super luxe vehicle. The segment closes out on Tu and Lei talking a bit about the new Li Auto L6, their smallest EREV in the lineup, but still a clone of the others. Lei lists out all the debuts that will occur during the lead up and at the auto show.
Tu and Lei kick this podcast off by going over March sales numbers and move into discussing some of the recent incentives that have been offered by EV brands in order to keep sales momentum going. The detail some of the challenges that contibute to the ongoing price war and how Tesla has fated during a price war they initiated. They then contrast that with Xiaomi's sales momentum since launch and how that stands out and hasn't lost any steam.The last big topic the two tackle in this podcast is the upcoming Beijing Auto show and what their expectations are and what they hope to see there.Tu quickly discusses some of the challenges that Ford and Stellantis brand Ram are starting to see in the US market with truck sales and the pod closes out with their thoughts based on current conditions of Tesla being able to find any growth in sales this year compared with 2023.
This podcast begins by dissecting the Reuters article about the Tesla Model 2 being cancelled as a passenger vehicle.The conversation moves over to Tesla sales in China, predictions about total sales for 2024 and what Tesla could do to boost sales in 2024. They pivot over to a quick discussion about Porsche's struggles in China and what it'll take to turn its sales around in the China market. They also spend a few minutes discussing Xiaomi's continued sales and XPeng's struggles. Tu then talks briefly about Janet Yellen's visit to China and her emphasis on overcapacity in China. Tu then specifies that the overcapacity is much more prevalent on the ICE side, not so much the EV side but that there would nonetheless be pressure to export due to the price war and the inability for many Chinese EV brands to gain any sustained sales traction. The episode closes out with what Lei and Tu are looking forward to when they both travel to China for Auto Beijing 2024.
Tu and Lei get right to the Xiaomi SU7 launch. They talk about Lei Jun's showmanship and the popularity of the Xiaomi brand in China which all helped to build excitement for this product launch.After an extended discussion about ALL THINGS Xiaomi SU7, they move the conversation over to Lei's trip to the NYC Auto show. Lei talks a bit about the World Car of the Year awards and who ultimately won. Lei also happened to visit a Rivian store and was able to see the R2 for the first time in real life and instantly fell in love.
Li Auto adjusting their Q1 sales guidance downward was the first topic of discussion in this week's podcast. Of the three WeiXiaoLi triplets, Li Auto has been the darling of Wall Street but their sales have very suddenly hit a wall Tu then gives a short lesson on master production schedules, ordering parts and lead times and how any sudden change in that schedule can complicate things and lead to issues with the supply chain and inventory levels. Tu and Lei move back to a conversation about Xiaomi and their staying power and the power of social media in China and how it can help and hurt you in a very fast and severe way.Lei moves the discussion over to the annual press conference from BMW and how they also would like to continue with free markets for Chinese imports into the European market. The podcast closes out with some quick hits about some photo ops between CEOs, the EV100 and Nvidia GTC conferences, who spoke at them and what they said.