Car NewsChery iCAR brand new car V23 debuts
Recently, the iCAR V23 made its official debut, marking the first model jointly developed by Chery and Zhimi Technology. Positioned as a pure electric compact SUV, the vehicle boasts an official range of up to 500 kilometers. Additionally, the iCAR V23 serves as the inaugural model of the iCAR brand’s new V series, focusing primarily on off-road styled vehicles (while the 0 series, represented by the iCAR 03 (Jaecoo 6), will emphasize a refined and technological aesthetic). The car is expected to debut at the Beijing Auto Show and is planned to commence pre-sales, market launch, and deliveries in the latter half of the year.
New car features
Based on real-life images, the exterior design of the iCAR V23 maintains the rugged SUV style commonly seen in “boxy” designs. However, modern touches are applied to details, including robust bumpers, round light designs, raised hood, and widened wheel arches. Additionally, the vehicle will feature a new brand emblem and be equipped with millimeter-wave radar technology.
Side
From the side profile, the iCAR V23 adopts a four-wheel-four-corner design layout, featuring roof rails, concealed door handles, and side steps. In terms of dimensions, the iCAR V23 measures 4220/1915/1845 millimeters in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2730 millimeters. The overall dimensions are similar to those of the iCAR 03 (4406/1910/1715 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2715 millimeters), and larger than the Baojun Yueye Plus (3996/1760/1726 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2560 millimeters), which is positioned similarly.
Furthermore, the iCAR V23 offers an approach angle of 42/43 degrees and a departure angle of 40/41 degrees, with a minimum ground clearance of 206/212 millimeters (for the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions respectively). Additionally, it comes with options for either 19-inch or 21-inch wheels.
Rear
The styling of the rear end of the iCAR V23 complements its front face. The tailgate will feature a side-opening mechanism, with an externally-mounted storage compartment that is internally accessible, serving as additional storage space. However, it is worth noting that this compartment cannot be opened from the outside. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a total of four millimeter-wave radars, enabling L2+ intelligent driving assistance functions.
Interior
Currently, the interior of the iCAR V23 has not been revealed, but it is expected to continue the interior style used in the iCAR 03, which includes a large central touchscreen and physical buttons on the center console. However, it is regrettable that the vehicle’s infotainment system does not feature the popular 8295 chip, but rather utilizes the more common 8155 chip.
iCAR brand:
As a new venture by Chery in the field of new energy vehicles, the iCAR brand adopts a completely different design approach from its previous brand models. This endeavor also involves the participation of Xiaomi’s ecological chain enterprise, Zhimi Technology. Taking the iCAR V23 as an example, Zhimi Technology’s team is responsible for product definition, styling design, engineering research and innovation marketing. On the other hand, Chery’s iCAR is responsible for development, production, channel construction, sales, delivery, and service. Moving forward, both parties will continue to follow this model to develop more products. According to the plan, iCAR aims to launch 6-8 models within the next three years.
Prospect analysis:
Returning to the product itself, the positioning of the iCAR V23 is very close to the already launched iCAR 03, which may lead to a situation of “fighting within the same family.” However, benefiting from the advantage of being a latecomer and with the support of Zhimi Technology, the iCAR V23 is expected to focus on human-machine interaction, similar to Xiaomi’s approach in the automotive sector. Additionally, with its rugged styling, the electric compact SUV segment is becoming a focus for some automakers. In the future, the iCAR V23 may face direct competition from models like the Baojun Yueye Plus.
Car NewsChery sets up factory in Thailand to produce electric cars
Who is the best-selling Chinese automaker overseas? Most people might say SAIC, BYD, or Geely. However, from the perspective of a single brand, Chery is undoubtedly the “king of overseas markets.”
Data shows that in 2023, Chery Group’s annual sales reached 1.8813 million vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 52.6%, ranking just below BYD and Changan among domestic brands. Of particular note is Chery Automobile‘s performance in overseas markets, with exports reaching 937,100 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 101%, far exceeding the industry average growth rate.
Recently, Chery announced their next move in the Thai market.
Chery in Thailand
Chery has announced plans to establish a new electric vehicle assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand, with completion and official operation slated for 2025. This new electric vehicle assembly plant will be regarded by Chery as a production hub for right-hand drive models in the Southeast Asian region. Additionally, it will export vehicles to markets beyond Southeast Asia, including Australia, neighboring Pacific island nations, and Middle Eastern countries.
According to Thai media citing Chery International’s Vice President for the Southeast Asia Region, Mr. Qi Jie, Chery plans to divide the factory establishment plan into two phases. The first phase is expected to commence in 2025 with an estimated annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, while the second phase aims to expand the production lines to reach an annual capacity of 80,000 vehicles by 2028.
Mr. Qi also mentioned that 70% of the production at this electric vehicle assembly plant will be dedicated to Chery’s own brand, including electric vehicles from its subsidiary brand Omoda. The remaining 30% of production will be allocated to produce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from another Chery subsidiary brand, Jaecoo.
Incentive policies of the Thai government
The Thai government has introduced an electric vehicle subsidy policy called EV3.5 to promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the country. Under this policy, the Thai government will waive import duties and domestic taxes on electric vehicles from 2024 to 2027. Chery has explicitly stated that this move by the Thai government will effectively drive the development of the electric vehicle sector in the country. It is also one of the reasons that prompted Chery to establish a factory locally.
InformationOverview of China’s Car Exports in January 2024
According to data from the GlobalNEVS platform, China exported 319,600 passenger vehicles in January 2024, a year-on-year increase of 50.14%. Among them, the export of new energy passenger vehicles was 93,900, accounting for 29.38% of the total passenger vehicle exports.
The export growth rate of automobiles is fast
The export growth rate of passenger vehicles in China is rapid, with electric vehicles accounting for over one-third of the total.
According to data from the GlobalNEVS platform, China’s passenger car export growth has remained above 60% for the past three years. Since surpassing the milestone of one million units in 2021 with passenger car exports reaching 1.64 million units, exports further increased to 2.676 million units in 2022 and reached 4.426 million units in 2023, surpassing the 4-million mark with a remarkable growth rate of 65.4%.
The export performance of China’s new energy passenger cars has also been impressive. In both 2021 and 2022, the growth rate of China’s new energy passenger car exports exceeded that of overall passenger car exports. In 2023, China exported 1.682 million new energy passenger cars, accounting for 38.01% of the total passenger car exports.
The country with the highest number of exports from China in 2023
The country that received the most exports of passenger vehicles from China in 2023 was Russia, with a year-on-year growth of over five times.
According to data from the GlobalNEVS platform, in 2023, the top three destination countries for Chinese passenger car exports were Russia, Mexico, and Belgium. In 2023, China exported a total of 756,000 passenger cars to Russia, a year-on-year increase of 555.4%. China exported 346,000 passenger cars to Mexico in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 66.2%. China exported a total of 212,000 passenger cars to Belgium in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%.
In 2023, the top four brands of Chinese passenger car exports to Russia were Chery, Haval, Geely, and EXEED. These four brands also ranked as the 2nd to 5th best-selling car brands in Russia in 2023.
Chery, ranking first, exported nearly 163,000 passenger cars to Russia in 2023, with a year-on-year cumulative increase of 307.2%, making it the second-best-selling brand of passenger cars in Russia in 2023. Haval, ranking second, exported nearly 119,000 passenger cars to Russia in 2023, with a year-on-year cumulative increase of 253.2%. Geely, ranking third, exported over 84,000 passenger cars to Russia in 2023, with a year-on-year cumulative increase of 244.1%.
In 2023, BYD’s passenger vehicle exports saw a year-on-year growth of 324.4%
So, which brands are the main players in China’s passenger car exports? According to data from the GlobalNEVS platform, in 2023, the top three passenger car exporters from China were MG, Chery, and Tesla.
Among them, MG brand exported over 632,000 passenger vehicles in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 50.3%. Chery brand exported over 499,000 passenger vehicles in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 112.5%. After establishing a factory in Shanghai, China, and commencing production, Tesla also contributed to the increase in China’s passenger car exports. Tesla brand exported over 344,000 passenger vehicles in China in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 26.9%.
Additionally, the export volume of BYD brand is worth noting. BYD exported over 237,000 passenger vehicles in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 324.4%. Among them, electric passenger vehicles accounted for 84% of the exports, while plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles accounted for 16%. According to “China Newsweek” report, as of January 2024, BYD passenger vehicles have entered 59 countries and regions.
In 2024, China’s passenger car exports are expected to exceed 5 million units
Despite geopolitical changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global automotive supply chains, China’s automobile exports have continued to rise. The increasing penetration of China’s new energy vehicles in the global market is attributed to its complete automotive supply chain and support from various countries’ policies.
Some industry experts predict that China’s passenger car exports will exceed 5 million units in 2024. Taking advantage of this favorable growth trend, Chinese automotive manufacturers and auto parts suppliers will accelerate their industrial layout worldwide. Automotive industry-related companies around the world can also seize cooperation opportunities in the trend of automobile exports, ushering in more development opportunities.
InformationTop 5 China Car Brands
China has become a pioneer in every industry, from essential household tools to high-end and luxury vehicles. The automobile sector of China has crossed the market records, breaking the automobile market.
If we pay attention to China’s car brand sales, we can see that it has sold more than 26 million automobiles in the last few years. This rate of units sold each year is tremendously increasing.
If you are looking for information about the best China car brand that meets your expectations, you can find this guide below helpful. We have jotted down the top 5 China car brands for you to review, so let’s delve in.
1. BYD
●Year Founded: 2003
●Annual Sales: 1.88 million
●Popular Model: Atto 3
BYD needs no introduction in the automobile industry because its efforts for the electric vehicle market speak for itself. This company was the first to develop a vehicle that comprises an engine and an electric-powered motor, which can easily be switched between the two options when required by the user. This not only ensures energy efficiency but also offers a considerable amount of power.
They are known to produce the best-performing electric cars, which are not only innovative in terms of design but also have advanced technology incorporated within them.
The company works under the vertical integration method, and from producing the battery to assembling the cars, they have kept precise control on each step; hence, their quality is outclass. They offer their client’s energy-efficient vehicles that help protect the environment.
BYD possesses sufficient expertise in battery technology; hence, its electric vehicles are equipped with innovative features that help environmentally friendly consumers drive with peace. They have always researched and developed their technology at its best and keep addressing their clients’ concerns to bring about more improvements in the batteries.
Electric vehicles by BYD offer their clients a chance to have a very robust alternative to combustion-engine cars, and they have gained a significant market share.
2. Changan Auto
●Year Founded: 1862
●Annual Sales: 2.35 million
●Popular Model: CS75
Changan is known for its automobiles, equipped with stylish and sleek exteriors and interiors. The vehicles it brings to the Chinese automobile market are equipped with excellence in innovative design and commendable features.
They always focus on incorporating sustainable technology in their cars, and they are known for developing the best hybrid and electric vehicles as they consider taking care of the environment as their topmost priority. Their inclination towards eco-friendly vehicles has not only made them successful in bringing about sustainable cars, but at the same time, they are also efficient and durable in the long run.
The company uses advanced technology in its battery, improving the range and charging infrastructure. The company is not only inclined towards manufacturing EVs to ensure environmental friendliness, but also, their production processes are aimed to reduce emissions as much as possible for a greener environment.
3. Chery Automobile
●Year Founded: 1997
●Annual Sales: 1.48 million
●Popular Model: Tiggo 7
Chery Automobile is listed among the top automobile manufacturers in China, and it is also known for exporting its cars to various countries across the globe. They have always focused on the three most important points that have led them to success: innovation, quality and customer satisfaction.
The automobile collection offered under their brand is equipped with outclass performance, slim designs and excellent advanced technology. They are proficient in adopting the changing trends and consistently invest in research and development to bring innovative vehicles now and then.
The company has collaborated with multiple companies in different countries to attain strategic partnerships and make the most of its vehicles, offering versatility, excellent design structure, and innovation in each feature. They are also known for their consistent after-sales service, which keeps users at peace when they get in touch if they encounter any issues later.
The efforts made by the company, followed by its research and development investment, are not only limited to improving users’ driving experience but are also adding sustainability to transport solutions.
4. Geely Autos
●Year Founded: 1997
●Annual Sales: 1.43 million
●Popular Model: Coolray
Geely is a renowned automobile manufacturer in China that has gained ample success in the past few years. The company is consistently associated with bringing about modern functionality in the cars it manufactures, followed by a blend of contemporary and vintage aesthetics.
The cars manufactured by Geely are equipped with trendy interiors and convenient performance-related features, allowing users to have a great time driving them. They are known for producing a wide range of cars, which ranges between SUVs and sedans, and every vehicle comprises cutting-edge technology, which has led to a reputable position of the business in the market.
They have also created their presence in the electric vehicle collection, mainly focusing on sustainable mobility. Geely has been pushing its boundaries to bring about evolving cars, which equip the world of automobiles with a wide range of options for its users.
The automobile collection offered by Geely Autos is equipped with a blend of technology and craftsmanship, which meets the customer’s demand by exceeding their expectations.
They are a one-stop solution for all car enthusiasts, as they can have multiple options based on their preferences. Geely Autos ensures that the manufacturing of its cars has the five most essential points: intelligence, health, safety, energy saving, and performance.
5. Great Wall Motors
●Year Founded: 1984
●Annual Sales: 1.06 million
●Popular Model: Haval H6
Great Wall Motors is a reliable name for manufacturing durable automobiles in China. These cars are designed to withstand all situations, no matter how harsh. They produce powerful, dependable vehicles with a safe, smooth driving experience and exemplary, innovative features.
One of the reasons people invest in Great Wall Motors is the affordability; they are among the most affordable Chinese car brands and cater to people with a limited budget as well.
They always design cars that stand out from competitors’ creations, so they tend to bring about the most unique designs of automobiles. They focus on durability, quality, and innovation and monitor their environmental friendliness.
The reputation of Great Wall Motors is quite out-performing in the automobile market of China; hence, this is achieved because of their commitment to reliable and robust cars.
The driving factor that has made them go far in the automobile manufacturing industry is their dedication to making the most of research and development. They consistently opt for advanced features that improve the performance of their cars and give users a unique driving experience.
Conclusion
The Chinese automobile industry is booming magnificently, and various well-known China car brands have made this industry enjoy a global presence. The guide above must have informed you of the famous brands and their details to help you decide which one you should opt for.
Car NewsTop ten sales rankings of automobile manufacturers in February 2024
On March 8th, the China Passenger Car Association released the automotive market situation for February. The data indicates that in February, retail sales of passenger vehicles reached 1.095 million units, down 21% year-on-year and down 46.2% month-on-month. Meanwhile, on the wholesale level, passenger car manufacturers across the country wholesaled 1.295 million units in February, marking a 19.9% year-on-year decrease and a 38% month-on-month decrease.
Retail and wholesale sales of passenger vehicles both declined in February.
Indeed, that’s a common occurrence. February marks the Chinese Lunar New Year, during which people in China typically take time off to celebrate. Additionally, February has the fewest days of any month in the year. Let’s take a look at the specific ranking.
Automobile Manufacturers Retail Sales Ranking
From the perspective of manufacturer rankings, February saw two champions. BYD Auto topped the list in retail sales, selling 119,000 units, while Chery Automobile claimed the top spot in wholesale sales with 138,000 units sold.
The second and third places in retail sales were held by Geely Auto and Changan Automobile, with sales of 87,000 units each. FAW-Volkswagen and SAIC Volkswagen ranked fourth and fifth respectively, with sales of 85,000 units and 63,000 units.
The sixth to tenth places in retail sales are respectively held by Chery Automobile (57,000 units), SAIC-GM-Wuling (46,000 units), GAC Toyota (43,000 units), BMW Brilliance (40,000 units), and Dongfeng Nissan (39,000 units).
Automobile Manufacturers Wholesale Sales Ranking
Although ranking only sixth in retail sales, Chery Automobile tops the wholesale sales, surpassing BYD Auto, which ranks second with 122,000 units, and Geely Auto, which ranks third with 111,000 units.
The fourth to tenth ranking car companies are Changan Automobile (84,000 units), FAW-Volkswagen (76,000 units), SAIC Volkswagen (63,000 units), Great Wall Motors (61,000 units), Tesla China (60,000 units), SAIC-GM-Wuling (49,000 units), and BMW Brilliance (42,000 units).
It is worth noting that three car companies with significant differences between retail and wholesale sales are Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motors, and Tesla China. Based on past experience, more than half of the sales of Chery Automobile and Tesla China are exported to overseas markets.
Although overall sales declined in February, exports continued to grow. The data shows that in February, exports of passenger vehicles (including complete vehicles and CKD) reached 298,000 units, an increase of 18% year-on-year but a decrease of 17% month-on-month.
The China Passenger Car Association predicts that due to various industries quickly returning to normal operations after the Chinese New Year holiday, March is expected to see a rapid month-on-month growth in production and sales.
Car ReviewsWhy choose the TIGGO 8 PRO?
Who sells the best in Chinese brands this year, I believe we all know it is BYD, because its sales of new energy vehicles have always been far ahead, but in the fuel car, who sells the best in Chinese brands do you know? That’s the Chinese brand Chery – TIGGO 8.
External Appearance
TIGGO 8 PRO Champion Edition is the latest new model, the exterior design of the car’s front face is very recognisable using a dot-matrix design of the large size of the front grille, from afar, you may think that this is not a TIGGO 8 PRO but a Land Rover. Then there are other details, that is, it has some irregularly designed cooling vents on both sides, the overall front face is very aggressive ah, also looks very atmospheric.
Let’s take a look at its side, relatively speaking, the design is not particularly strong, in addition the waistline presents a slightly upward curve, and then the roof also has a certain curvature. Overall, it is actually more in line with the appearance of a petrol car.
The Rear Of Avehicle
The rear part of the car adopts a penetrating taillight, which is also a more mainstream design nowadays, while unlocking the car the taillight will have an animation effect like flowing water, giving people a feeling of technology in the visual aspect. At the same time, the rear of the car’s high brake lights this piece will have a small arrow design when lit, as opposed to the traditional design of a horizontal bar, I think this piece is a very heartfelt small detail.
It has a silver-coloured exhaust hole on each side, which also adds to the sporty feel, so although its overall design says there are no highlights of particularly large details, it is still very recognisable if you look at it from its front face.
Interior Decor
In fact, the overall design of the new car’s interior is actually not much changed compared to the old design, using a textured wood grain design and a large area of leather parcels, all of which make the whole area full of a sense of high class. The main changes are in some of the configuration, such as the two 24.6-inch dual-screen upgraded to Qualcomm Snapdragon 815 chip, and then its UI interface redesigned more simply. Because this interface is up and down slide, but for many designs, left and right slide will be more convenient.
Detailed description
Next look at other details, first TIGGO 8 PRO is equipped with a 50-watt wireless charging, while there are two cup holders, in addition this model also has a head-up display and includes eight Sony audio configurations, the new car is the most special is that it added the Queen’s passenger, we can see that the passenger side of the passenger seat is a power leg rest, and it has a heated, ventilated, massage and other functions, which is very friendly to the family user. This is very friendly to family users.
Space in general
The wheelbase of the TIGGO 8 PRO Champion Edition is 2710mm, so there is still a lot of space in the back. We are in the driver’s seat sitting position is also more comfortable, height is one metre eight people sit down to go to the leg space there is a certain amount of space, but will not top the top of the head, so that it is the overall space is still relatively abundant. Because the seat material, including the stitching, is very textured so that the overall driving comfort is more than enough.
TIGGO 8 PRO Performance
TIGGO 8 PRO Championship Edition is actually two sets of powertrains, one is 1.6T, and one is 2.0T, the Kunpeng 1.6T engine it is a maximum power is 145Kw, and a maximum torque is 296Nm. this model actually has three driving modes, we get on the car when it defaults to the economic mode, in this mode, you will feel that this car to driven with no difficulty and a sense of familiarity. This model actually has three driving modes. When you step on the accelerator when basically no power output until the second half to feel the power out of this economic mode is to save fuel and tuning.
But its sport mode that feeling is completely different, the throttle sensitivity is greatly increased, and you can clearly feel the power output is in a straight-line acceleration. But it is in the sport mode speed to a certain degree, I think it’s a little bit of engine noise, and NVH needs to be improved. Its standard mode is somewhere in between, and it’s just a bit more ordinary, so basically there’s nothing to praise or criticise.
The chassis of this new car is a McPherson type + multi-link independent suspension system, the overall tuning is slightly hard. But it has a clear road feel, and there is plenty of lateral support, and the seat comfort is also very good so that the overall driving experience is still OK, you feel that the bumps will be very small, especially when we then go over some bumpy roads, or speed bumps, it is very slight filtering, will not let you have the feeling of being thrown up.
Summary
It can be said that at this price level, TIGGO 8 PRO Champion Edition’s product performance is still very good, from the configuration of the intelligent configuration and comfort configuration is relatively complete; and from the driving experience, although it does not give a particularly strong accelerating passion, but overall it is very reliable. If your car purchase needs to happen to be in this price range, and at the same time you want to buy a fuel car, then I think it is a choice you should consider.