Pandaily’s Digest #20221128
How hydrogen fits in China’s bid to decarbonize the auto sector? Even if fuel cell vehicles never catch up with battery-based alternatives, they still just might find a few wide-open lanes.
How Hydrogen Fits in China’s Bid to Decarbonize the Auto Sector
The UN climate talks in Egypt culminated this week with an agreement by developed countries to pay for the environmental damage they have caused in poorer regions. Disappointing many observers, the summit failed to achieve a highly anticipated commitment to phase out fossil fuels globally. Still, efforts to shift away from carbon emissions – particularly in the automotive sector – are accelerating.
Delivery of Li Auto’s L8 and L9 Delayed, Fuel Cards Offered as Compensation
Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer Li Auto announced on November 27 that due to a supply shortage of core auto parts, vehicles that should have been delivered at the end of November as shown in the firm’s mobile app will be postponed until December. The models affected this time include the Li L9 Max and Li L8 Pro.
Chinese Gene-Editing Scientist He Jiankui Sets Up Beijing Lab Following Prison Release
He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist who announced in 2018 the successful birth of the world’s first genetically-edited babies, arousing international condemnation, was released from prison earlier this year following a three-year sentence. On November 24, the former associate professor at China’s Southern University of Science and Technology declared the establishment of a new laboratory in Beijing, where he plans to engage in scientific research on gene therapy for rare genetic diseases.
NIO Resolving Slow Growth of EV Production Capacity
William Li, the co-founder and CEO of Chinese electric vehicle firm NIO, answered audience questions during the opening ceremony for a NIO Center in Dongguan, Guangdong Province on November 27, offering insight regarding user experience, supply chains, production capacity, and recent progress of the firm’s mobile phone business.
Evergrande Auto Cuts 60% of Tianjin Factory Staff as Quality Concerns Swirl
The Hengchi 5 model made by the automotive wing of Chinese real estate developer Evergrande opened for sale at the end of October. Recently, however, some Chinese web users have complained that the new car, which carries a price tag of 179,000 yuan ($24,763), is beset with various quality problems.
Aiways Wins Order for 150K EVs From Thai Auto Firm
Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer Aiways has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Phoenix Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd., an automotive firm headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. The deal covers a procurement plan for a total of 150,000 NEVs from Aiways, according to a report by Cailian Press on November 28.
WM Motor Reportedly Planning to List via Reverse Merger
Half a year has transpired since Chinese electric vehicle startup WM Motor submitted its application for a public listing, but a lack of progress with those plans has caused it to consider alternative paths. A company insider told Chinese media outlet Mingjing Pro that the company is studying the use of a reverse merger to carry out an IPO in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
NIO Starts Selling Coffee, Applies for Related Trademarks
China’s automobile and coffee industries have been getting closer and closer lately. In October of this year, domestic electric vehicle maker NIO applied for several trademarks related to coffee in a bid to search for new growth points.
miHoYo Cancels Game Project Led by CEO
Chinese game developer miHoYo on November 24 announced the formal dissolution of Project SH, a game product led by Cai Haoyu, the co-founder and CEO of the firm and producer of Genshin Impact. Using UE5 engine, Project SH focuses on ACG open-world shooting games.
Xiaomi’s Automaking Project Rumored to Lag, Autonomous Driving Tests Unsatisfactory
The progress of Xiaomi‘s vehicle manufacturing project is reportedly falling short of expectations, which may eventually lead to lower product competitiveness. At least two insiders from Xiaomi‘s automaking team confirmed this in a report by Chinese media outlet Powerhouse on November 25.
Luxshare to Take Over Some Production at Apple’s Largest Shanghai Foundry
Affected by cuts in Apple product orders and various other factors, GNDC, the tech giant’s largest foundry in Shanghai, suspended recruitment of new employees in October, resulting in many factories and production lines standing idle. Luxshare Precision, an Apple supplier located in Shenzhen, was reported to be in negotiations regarding the takeover of certain factories. GNDC is expected to resume recruitment on November 23.
