·Canada Significantly Cuts EV Tariffs as Lotus Expands Investment in the Canadian Market

·Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 to Launch This Year, Core Technology Details to Be Unveiled in April

·Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Unveiled with Supercharged 5.2L V8 Engine

·Lamborghini Delivers 10,747 Vehicles Globally in 2025, Steady Performance Across Three Major Regions

·FF to Launch Embodied AI Robot on February 5, Introducing an Innovative Shareholder-Dealer Model

·Electric MINI Cooper Paul Smith Edition Opens Pre-Sales with Six Color Options and RMB 10,000 in Benefits

·Leapmotor Range-Extended Technology to Be Applied within Stellantis, Supporting Europe's Electrification Transition

·AION N60 Design Sketches Revealed, Set to Debut and Open Pre-Sales in Mid-March

·FAW-Volkswagen EA888 Engine Production Reaches 10 Million Units, Marking a Major Milestone

1、Canada Significantly Cuts EV Tariffs as Lotus Expands Investment in the Canadian Market

Lotus Cars (NASDAQ: LOT) has expressed strong interest in and welcomed Canada’s latest tariff policy. During Canadian Prime Minister Carney’s official visit to China, the Canadian government confirmed a substantial reduction in tariffs on 49,000 imported Chinese electric vehicles, cutting the rate from 100% to 6.1%, delivering significant benefits to relevant brands.

As a sports car brand with an extensive global footprint, Lotus now operates in 61 countries and regions with more than 210 dealers worldwide, including six authorized dealerships in Canada, forming a well-established sales and service network. Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Lotus Group, stated that Canada is a strategically important market for the brand. The new policy creates a more open and fair environment, and Lotus will seize this opportunity to increase investment, enabling local customers to experience the unique appeal of all-electric supercars at more competitive prices.

2、Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 to Launch This Year, Core Technology Details to Be Unveiled in April

Jin Yuzhi, CEO of Huawei Intelligent Automotive Solution BU, recently disclosed that the Huawei Qiankun series will introduce the ADS 5 intelligent driving system, HarmonyOS Cockpit 6, and the next-generation digital chassis engine XMC this year. Detailed technical information will be officially released ahead of the Beijing Auto Show in April. In addition, the LCoS dual-focal-plane AR-HUD will debut on the new AITO M9, while the latest sensor hardware will first be applied to the AITO M9 and STELATO S800.

Jin also shared the latest progress of ADS V4.1, which is currently undergoing filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and is expected to receive an OTA upgrade in early February. Following the update, lane-change smoothness, decision-making assertiveness, and three-point turning capability will be significantly improved. The system will also add the eAES function and provide protective support in rear-end collision scenarios involving front-and-rear sandwiching.

3、Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Unveiled with Supercharged 5.2L V8 Engine

Ford Performance has officially unveiled the new Mustang Dark Horse SC. This high-performance sports car was entirely designed, tested, and manufactured by Ford’s in-house team and is regarded as the most powerful Mustang Dark Horse ever built. The vehicle is equipped with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering outstanding performance.

In terms of chassis and handling, the car comes standard with the latest-generation MagneRide adaptive dampers, along with upgraded springs and new stabilizer bars. Magnesium strut tower braces and forged suspension links further reduce weight and enhance steering feel. Inside, the Mustang GTD-style flat-bottom steering wheel is adopted, while the track performance package includes Recaro seats and replaces the rear seats with a storage rack, maximizing the car’s sporty atmosphere.

4、Lamborghini Delivers 10,747 Vehicles Globally in 2025, Steady Performance Across Three Major Regions

On January 20, Lamborghini officially released its global sales results for 2025, delivering a total of 10,747 vehicles over the year and setting a new all-time record for the brand. Europe, the Middle East and Africa led with 4,650 deliveries, followed by the Americas with 3,347 units and the Asia-Pacific region with 2,750 units, with all three markets maintaining steady momentum.

This strong performance not only highlights the effectiveness of Lamborghini’s strategic positioning, but also demonstrates the brand’s ability to continuously evolve while staying true to its core DNA. Amid profound transformation in the automotive industry, Lamborghini stands out in the market by combining forward-looking vision and innovation with unwavering brand heritage.

5、FF to Launch Embodied AI Robot on February 5, Introducing an Innovative Shareholder-Dealer Model

Jia Yueting, founder of Faraday Future (FF), officially announced that an embodied AI robot product will be launched on February 5 (Beijing time), corresponding to February 4 in Los Angeles. FF will thus become the world’s first automaker to promote EAI robots through automotive dealers. Jia noted that traditional dealership models rely on one-time transactions, making it difficult for dealers to generate long-term returns, and require upgrading in the era of AI vehicles. While direct sales offer certain advantages, they also involve heavy assets and high costs. The FX Par model avoids the shortcomings of both approaches, integrates their core strengths, and achieves key innovative breakthroughs.

6、Electric MINI Cooper Paul Smith Edition Opens Pre-Sales with Six Color Options and RMB 10,000 in Benefits

The Electric MINI Cooper Paul Smith Designer Edition has officially entered pre-sales in the Chinese market. The new model offers six distinctive color combinations, including three body colors such as Papyrus White and Dawn Grey, along with two exclusive custom roof designs.

Built on the Electric MINI Cooper SE platform, the new model comes standard with driving safety assistance systems and automatic parking, as well as features such as 10-way power-adjustable sport seats and an interactive LED lighting system. Customers placing orders from now until the official launch can secure first-batch allocations and enjoy a RMB 10,000 purchase incentive.

7、Leapmotor Range-Extended Technology to Be Applied within Stellantis, Supporting Europe’s Electrification Transition

According to media reports, Leapmotor’s range-extended electric technology may be adopted by several European brands under the Stellantis Group, including Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot. Currently, the Leapmotor B10 and C10 SUVs are offered overseas in both pure electric and range-extended versions, with the C10 range-extended variant delivering a combined driving range of approximately 950 kilometers on a full charge and full tank, and CO₂ emissions of just 10 g/km under the WLTP cycle.

Xin Tianshu, CEO of Leapmotor International, stated that the range-extended technology is mature and practical, and the company is exploring opportunities to integrate it into other Stellantis brand lineups. He emphasized that this technology could serve as an effective solution during Europe’s electrification transition, particularly in regions where charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped.

8、AION N60 Design Sketches Revealed, Set to Debut and Open Pre-Sales in Mid-March

Recently, AION released a set of hand-drawn sketches of the AION N60. Designed by world-renowned designer Benoit Jacob, the new model uses vibrant colors to convey a vision of “Easy Life” while showcasing the brand’s latest interpretation of electric vehicle design. The vehicle is expected to make its official debut and open pre-sales in mid-March.

In terms of styling, the AION N60 adopts a new minimalist design language, featuring popular full-width light bars at both the front and rear, paired with the AION brand logo for strong visual recognition. The vehicle measures 4,615 × 1,860 (1,883) × 1,673 mm with a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. The rear design is clean and cohesive, with taillights echoing the headlights, while vents and a silver skid plate in the lower bumper add a crossover-inspired touch.

9、FAW-Volkswagen EA888 Engine Production Reaches 10 Million Units, Marking a Major Milestone

On January 20, the 10-millionth EA888 engine produced by FAW-Volkswagen officially rolled off the production line at the Dalian EA888 plant, marking a significant milestone. The Dalian EA888 facility began operations in 2007, reached 8 million units in June 2023, surpassed 9 million units in September 2024, and has now successfully entered the 10-million-unit milestone.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of FAW-Volkswagen, Volkswagen FAW Engine has become the world’s largest producer of EA888 engines. The latest fifth-generation model features three core technologies, including Porsche-derived VTG variable-geometry turbocharging, achieving breakthroughs in both thermal efficiency and power output, and is widely applied across key models such as the Magotan and Audi Q5L.

10、China and Canada Sign Economic and Trade Roadmap, Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles Reduced to 6.1%

From January 14th to 17th, Canadian Prime Minister Carney was invited for an official visit to China. During this visit, China and Canada reached extensive consensus on economic and trade cooperation, signed the China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap, and formed a preliminary joint arrangement on bilateral economic and trade issues. Notably, Canada explicitly stated it would actively adjust measures related to the export of Chinese electric vehicles to Canada.

In 2024, Canada imposed a 100% surtax on Chinese electric vehicles, severely impacting Chinese exports. Following this adjustment, Canada has granted China an annual quota of 49,000 electric vehicles. Within this quota, vehicles will enjoy a 6.1% Most Favored Nation tariff rate, with the 100% surtax no longer applied. Furthermore, the quota will increase proportionally year by year.

11、ZEEKR 007GT Launches in Six European Countries, Starting Price €45,990

ZEEKR recently officially announced that the ZEEKR 007GT is now on sale in the European market, initially covering six countries including the Netherlands and Germany. Taking the Dutch market as an example, the ZEEKR 007 offers three configuration models, providing ample choice.

Converted to Renminbi, the price range for this model is between 374,000 yuan and 467,000 yuan. The starting price is equivalent to 45,990 euros. With its strong product capabilities, it is expected to gain attention in the European market.

12、Dongfeng Mengshi Opens Qatar Flagship Store; MHERO II Makes Global Debut in the Middle East

Recently, the Dongfeng Mengshi flagship showroom in Qatar grandly opened on Salwa Street in Doha. Simultaneously, the brand-new luxurious intelligent off-road model, the MHERO II (Mengshi M817), made its global debut, opening a new chapter for luxurious intelligent electric off-roading in the Middle East. This dual premiere of the showroom and the new vehicle received extensive coverage from Qatari media, continuously enhancing the brand's influence. This move not only solidifies Dongfeng Mengshi's positioning in the local luxury intelligent off-road market but also further boosts its popularity in Qatar and the wider Middle East region.

13、Germany Restarts €3 Billion EV Subsidy Program; Chinese Brands Eligible to Participate

Media reports indicate that the German government has launched a €3 billion (approximately $3.5 billion) electric vehicle subsidy program. This program is open to all manufacturers, including Chinese brands, aiming to boost market demand following the expiration of previous subsidies. The new subsidies will last until 2029 and are expected to support the purchase of approximately 800,000 electric vehicles, with subsidy amounts ranging from €1,500 to €6,000, primarily targeting middle- and low-income groups. The relevant German minister stated that there is currently no sign of a large-scale influx of Chinese car manufacturers, therefore no production location restrictions have been set.

14、BYD's Largest Energy Storage Project in Eastern Europe Commences Operation; 500MWh Project in Bulgaria Goes Live

Recently, the 500MWh stand-alone battery energy storage system project located at the Maritsa East 3 power plant in Bulgaria officially commenced operation. This project, a strategic collaboration between BYD Energy Storage and ContourGlobal, is currently the largest stand-alone energy storage project in Eastern Europe and also BYD's largest energy storage project in the region.

Since signing the cooperation agreement in December 2024, BYD Energy Storage, leveraging its technological advantages and the industry influence of its partners, has advanced the project's implementation. BYD Energy Storage was invited to attend the commissioning ceremony. This cooperation not only establishes a long-term partnership but also contributes to the transformation of the new energy sector in Eastern Europe and enhances brand influence.

16、2026 Chery Tiggo 8 Launches in Malaysia; New Entry-Level Version Priced at RM 129,800

Chery Malaysia has officially launched the 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 locally. Positioned as the entry-level version of the Tiggo 8 series, the new model sits below the Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 PHEV, with an on-the-road price (excluding insurance) of RM 129,800, which is RM 30,000 cheaper than the Tiggo 8 Pro.

Externally, the front fascia of the new car remains consistent with the Tiggo 8 Pro, with key differences concentrated at the rear. The interior adopts a 2+3+2 seven-seat layout. The dashboard differs significantly from higher-spec versions. The entry-level version features a split dual-screen design with a 12.3-inch central control screen and a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster. In terms of powertrain, it is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 197 horsepower and 290 N·m of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.

Weekly News Roundup：

The global automotive landscape currently resembles a multi-point sprint race, with policy tailwinds, technological breakthroughs, and globalization strategies intertwining as various automakers scramble to seize opportunities. Policy tailwinds continue to be released: Germany has restarted its €3 billion EV subsidy program, opening it to Chinese brands; the implementation of the China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap has reduced tariffs on Chinese EVs to 6.1%, injecting vitality into the global automotive market.

The globalization momentum of Chinese automotive power is rapid. The ZEEKR 007GT has landed in six European countries; Leapmotor's range-extender technology is helping Stellantis advance Europe's electrification transition; Dongfeng Mengshi opened its Qatar flagship store and debuted a new model; and BYD's largest energy storage project in Eastern Europe has commenced operation in Bulgaria, achieving multi-dimensional global expansion encompassing vehicles, technologies, and industrial chains.

Technological and product iterations are advancing simultaneously. Huawei's Qiankun ADS5 is set to be released soon; the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC adheres to its performance roots; the presale of the electric MINI Cooper and the upcoming debut of the AION N60 cater to niche demands; the 10-millionth milestone of the FAW-Volkswagen EA888 engine and Lamborghini's steadily climbing deliveries demonstrate traditional and luxury brands holding firm amidst transformation. It is evident that the global automotive market has entered a new phase of diversified competition, where globalization and innovation, supported by policy, are reshaping the industry landscape.