Detail

Chery, China's top car exporter, announced plans to establish an R&D center in Paris to develop a Europe-specific small city car tailored to local consumer preferences. The move marks Chery's strategic pivot from its SUV-focused European entry—via Omoda and Jaecoo brands—into the continent's iconic compact segment. "We want to build a French car for the French," stated Hanbang Yu, Chery France director, emphasizing the company's commitment to understanding regional design tastes. The initiative targets France's significant small car market, positioning Chery to compete against established European urban runabouts like the Fiat Cinquecento and Renault Twingo on their home terrain.

Geely has unveiled the Galaxy Starship 7 EV, expanding its NEV lineup beyond the existing PHEV variants priced from 101,800 to 129,800 yuan. The BEV model retains the PHEV's overall design with revised details, including a flatter lower air intake, full-width black trim extending to the fog lamp areas, and charging port relocated to the front fender. The Starship 7 EV delivers a maximum CLTC range of 605 km.

The FREELANDER Shenxingzhe 8, the inaugural model from the Chery-JLR joint venture's new standalone luxury new energy brand, has made its debut. Positioned as a luxury tech all-terrain SUV, the model features a classic boxy design exceeding 5.1 metres in length with matrix block headlights and ISD interlocking pixel graphics. Standard equipment includes Huawei Qiankun ADS 4.1 intelligent driving with 896-line LiDAR and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 automotive-grade chips. Full specifications will be revealed in June, with market launch expected in the second half of 2026.

Hongqi has unveiled its first global SUV, named Global SUV, at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The model is believed to be co-developed with Leapmotor, leveraging the latter's full-stack self-developed electrification and intelligent technologies alongside FAW's conventional powertrain expertise and supply chain resources. Featuring a closed front fascia with diamond-inspired lighting effects, flush door handles, and five-spoke petal alloy wheels, the compact SUV adopts a sleek rear design with new full-width taillights reminiscent of the Hongqi HS5.

The Jetour T1 SUV is scheduled for its Malaysian unveiling at the Penang Autoshow 2026. Measuring 4,706 mm in length with a 2,810 mm wheelbase, the T1 is positioned below the larger T2 in the brand's lineup. Powertrain options include 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, both producing 184 PS and 290 Nm, paired with seven-speed dual-clutch and eight-speed automatic transmissions respectively. The T1 previously achieved a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, and is priced from 124,900 yuan in China.

The 2026 Haval H9 has launched with three gasoline variants priced from RMB 199,900 to RMB 229,900, and limited-time offers from RMB 174,900. Two diesel variants are also available from RMB 233,900. The facelift upgrades smart connectivity, comfort, and off-road performance. Standard features include a full blackout exterior package, a 20 mm raised ride height, 226 mm ground clearance, 32-degree approach angle, and 800 mm wading depth. Headlight illumination has been improved by over 50% at 40 metres.