After U.S. failure, Vietnam’s EV leader turns to markets dominated by Tesla and BYD Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/after-u.s.-failure-vietnam%E2%80%99s-ev-leader-turns-to-markets-dominated-by-tesla-and-byd Vietnam’s leading automaker remains undeterred despite a botched U.S. expansion and $9.8 billion in accumulated losses. VinFast shipped its first electric vehicles to the U.S. in 2022, and has been reeling under poor sales and disappointing reviews in the country. It has now turned its focus to Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. Since 2024, VinFast has exported EVs to Indonesia and the Philippines, secured dealerships in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, and started building manufacturing facilities in India and Indonesia to springboard its regional expansion. For all the optimism VinFast projects, its pivot to new markets comes with new challenges. Chinese automakers, notably BYD, dominate Southeast Asia. In India, VinFast would be up against homegrown giants like Tata Motors and Mahindra, while in the Middle East, Tesla and BYD have already taken the lead. “VinFast is refocusing on markets where it has a better chance of success. Southeast Asia should have been the priority from the start, given its proximity and rising EV adoption,” Soumen Mandal, senior analyst at global technology analytics firm Counterpoint Research, told Rest of World. “U.S. reviews won’t impact demand in Asia or [Middle East and Africa]. Consumer expectations and competitive dynamics are different.” The company took the feedback from U.S. customers and upgraded its EV software and other systems, a VinFast spokesperson told Rest of World over email. “In select Asian market[s], we are committed to building a comprehensive EV ecosystem with our partners Xanh SM, and V-Green,” the spokesperson said, referring to a VinFast-exclusive taxi brand and charging company, both majority-owned by founder Pham Nhat Vuong. “VinFast has a well-defined financial strategy to drive sustainable market expansion” and plans to break even in 2026, the spokesperson said. In the third quarter of 2024, VinFast posted a net loss of $550 million, which was 14.8% lower compared to the same period last year. On its home turf in Vietnam, VinFast has proved nearly unstoppable. In September 2024, it became the country’s top-selling car brand. It dominates domestic EV sales thanks to a near monopoly over charging infrastructure, leaving little room for Chinese giant BYD. Of the 97,399 vehicles VinFast sold last year, around 90% were absorbed domestically. But a sizable chunk of its sales were made to Vuong’s Xanh SM, Vietnam’s largest e-taxi service. The remaining 10% was distributed across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, according to Counterpoint Research. VinFast aims to double its deliveries this year, targeting sales of at least 180,000 units, but its drive into Southeast Asia hasn’t been all smooth. Last August, VinFast confirmed to Bloomberg it was delaying its launch in Thailand, Southeast Asia’s largest EV market, just as the country’s EV sector was experiencing a price war. VinFast has instead directed more attention to Indonesia, where it’s replicating its Vietnam playbook. Last December, Xanh SM taxi entered Jakarta. In March, a batch of 2,500 VinFast EVs arrived in the country on a ship from Vietnam. Its new assembly plant in Indonesia, designed to produce 50,000 EV units annually, is expected to be operational by year’s end. A nationwide network of 100,000 charging stations is also in the pipeline. Its Middle East strategy, however, differs from its approach in Asia, with no announced plans for manufacturing facilities or an EV taxi service. The company has signed a slew of agreements with major companies in the region to support an EV transition. In early March, it signed a potential $1 billion investment deal with private equity fund JTA Investment Qatar. But VinFast will have to compete on price and brand awareness, according to Shivaum Punjabi, who runs car website Cornea Impression in Dubai. The company seems to be vying for the luxury segment in the UAE. The VF8 model from its premium lineup costs $47,500 — higher than Tesla and BYD’s cheapest models. “It’s challenging because BYD is known to be the world’s largest carmaker in terms of EVs. They’re in the news every day,” Punjabi told Rest of World. Despite VinFast advertising billboards flanking the streets of Dubai, “most people don’t know about it,” he said.

Xiaomi will cooperate with investigation into fatal EV crash, says founder Source: https://www.evlife.sg/blog/xiaomi-will-cooperate-with-investigation-into-fatal-ev-crash-says-founder The founder of Chinese electric vehicle maker Xiaomi opens new tab said on Tuesday he was "heavy-hearted" after three people were killed in an accident involving one of the company's SU7s, and said it would fully cooperate with a police investigation. The incident on March 29 marks the first major accident involving the SU7 sedan, which Xiaomi launched in March last year and which since December has outsold Tesla's Model 3 on a monthly basis. In a late-night statement on his Weibo account, nine hours after an earlier company response to the accident, Lei Jun said that "at this point, I feel that I should not wait any longer, I must stand up and promise on behalf of Xiaomi: no matter what happens, Xiaomi will not evade." Lei vowed the company would do its best to "respond to the concerns of families and society". A disclosure from the company earlier on Tuesday said initial information showed the car was in the Navigate on Autopilot intelligent-assisted driving mode before the accident and was moving at 116 kph (72 mph). In a rundown of the data submitted to local police posted on a company Weibo account, Xiaomi said the autopilot system had issued a risk warning of obstacles ahead. A driver inside the car took over and tried to slow it down, but then collided with a cement pole at a speed of 97 kph. Chinese newspaper Economic Observer earlier reported that local traffic police had told the father of one of the victims that the car had caught fire after hitting the cement pole, and the car key had not unlocked the door. Xiaomi's shares, which had risen by 34.8% year to date, closed down 5.5% on Wednesday, underperforming a 0.2% gain in the Hang Seng Tech index. In a separate statement issued on Tuesday night, Xiaomi said its SU7 standard version has collision warning and emergency braking, but currently does not respond to obstacles such as cones, stones and animals. It also confirmed a fire following the accident. "There is no precise conclusion currently as to whether the car door was able to be opened at the time of the accident," Xiaomi said, adding that it does not have access to the car now. The company has two versions of smart driving systems on its SU7 EVs. Xiaomi said the car involved in the accident was a so-called standard version of the SU7, which has less-advanced smart driving technology.

Nissan to Cancel Investment in Renault EV Company Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/nissan-to-cancel-investment-in-renault-ev-company Japan's Nissan Motor Co. said Monday it has decided to cancel its plan to invest up to 600 million euros in an electric vehicle company of France's Renault SA, its capital alliance partner. Nissan and Renault also agreed to review their capital agreement signed in July 2023, granting them the right to reduce each other's shareholding to 10 pct from 15 pct. While canceling the investment in the EV company, called Ampere, Nissan will entrust the production of EVs based on a small car of Renault to the Renault group. Renault holds a stake of about 35 pct in Nissan, including a portion entrusted to a trust company, while Nissan owns a stake of 15 pct in the French company. The review is aimed at giving each other more flexibility and is not intended to help Nissan raise funds through the sale of Renault shares, according to the Japanese company.

Vietnam auto giant VinFast moves to expand EV service in Philippines Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/vietnam-auto-giant-vinfast-moves-to-expand-ev-service-in-philippines VinFast, Vietnam’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has partnered with MGA.414 Corporation, the operator of the JIGA automotive service chain, to expand its EV service network in the Philippines. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 25, the companies aim to establish over 100 service centres across the country by year-end. JIGA’s workshops will be converted into authorized VinFast service centres, offering maintenance, repair, and warranty services. JIGA’s facilities will adhere to strict standards for infrastructure, equipment, and technical expertise, prioritizing genuine parts and high-quality services for VinFast owners. As part of the collaboration, VinFast will assist JIGA through personnel training, technical consultations, and experience sharing to accelerate the expansion of its authorized service network. JIGA, a leading automotive service provider in the Philippines. It currently operates 16 service centres in key areas, including Luzon and Visayas. Since entering the Philippine market in 2024, VinFast has introduced smart, eco-friendly EVs while reinforcing its long-term commitment by expanding its post-sales service network. In Southeast Asia, it aims to develop a comprehensive “Green Future” ecosystem, focusing on charging infrastructure and service centres.

Trump’s Proposed Tariffs Could Disrupt Mexico’s Booming EV Industry Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/trump%E2%80%99s-proposed-tariffs-could-disrupt-mexico%E2%80%99s-booming-ev-industry U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles (EVs) and auto parts, is raising concerns over the future of Mexico’s rapidly growing EV manufacturing sector. Industry leaders warn that new trade barriers could slow investment, disrupt supply chains, and jeopardize Mexico’s position as a key player in North America’s clean energy transition. Mexico’s EV Boom Under Threat Over the past decade, Mexico has emerged as a critical hub for EV production, attracting billions in investments from global automakers—including Chinese companies seeking to avoid U.S. tariffs. Factories in states like Nuevo León and Coahuila now supply batteries, components, and fully assembled EVs to the U.S. market under the favorable terms of the USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement). However, Trump’s campaign pledge to impose tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese imports—and potentially on vehicles made in Mexico with Chinese ties—has cast uncertainty over the sector. Analysts fear such measures could derail Mexico’s EV ambitions by making exports to the U.S. less competitive. Chinese Automakers in the Crosshairs Chinese EV manufacturers, including BYD and SAIC (owner of MG), have expanded operations in Mexico, betting on the country’s trade benefits and proximity to the U.S. But U.S. lawmakers have increasingly scrutinized these investments, accusing China of using Mexico as a backdoor to bypass American tariffs. “If the U.S. slaps new restrictions on Mexican-made EVs with Chinese parts, it could force a major rethink of supply chains,” said Laura González, an auto industry analyst in Monterrey. “Some companies may delay or cancel projects altogether.” Political and Economic Fallout The Mexican government has promoted EV manufacturing as a cornerstone of its economic growth strategy, offering tax incentives and infrastructure support. A slowdown in the sector could impact job creation and foreign investment. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are debating stricter “rules of origin” requirements to prevent Chinese automakers from exploiting USMCA benefits. The Biden administration has already moved to curb Chinese EV imports over data security concerns, and Trump’s proposed policies could go even further. What’s Next? With the U.S. election looming, automakers in Mexico are bracing for potential disruptions. Some may pivot to sourcing more components locally or from U.S. suppliers to avoid tariffs, while others could scale back expansion plans. “Mexico’s EV industry is at a crossroads,” said Carlos Hernández, a trade economist in Mexico City. “The next U.S. president’s trade policies will determine whether it thrives or stalls.” As the global race for EV dominance intensifies, Mexico’s role hangs in the balance—caught between geopolitical tensions and its ambition to become an automotive powerhouse.

Car producers postpone export models Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/car-producers-postpone-export-models Car manufacturers in Thailand have decided to delay making some models for export due to US President Donald Trump's new tariff policy. Trump said on March 24 he is preparing to impose an auto tariff soon and will push ahead with other levies on April 2, according to media reports. Washington's trade policy has caused Thailand's trading partners to reduce purchases of mostly internal combustion engine-powered cars, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club. "Many countries are waiting for a clearer tariff policy from Trump," he said. Last month, car exports continued to fall by 8.34% year-on-year to 81,323 units. During the first two months of this year, exports plunged by 18.1% to 143,644 units. Another factor behind the dip is stricter regulations by some countries to control carbon dioxide emissions, especially in the transport sector, said Mr Surapong. Domestic auto sales continued to drop in February by 6.68% year-on-year to 49,313 vehicles, mainly attributed to prospective buyers' difficulties accessing auto loans as banks and car financing companies have tightened lending criteria amid high household debt levels. For the first two months this year, sales dropped by 9.53% to 97,395 vehicles. Car producers postpone export models The club expects the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show, running from Wednesday until April 6, to help lift vehicle sales thanks to attractive sales promotions. The club is also upbeat given the cabinet's recent approval of the establishment of a 5-billion-baht fund to drive pickup loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. "We need to wait for a few months to see how the measure will stimulate pickup sales," said Mr Surapong. He called on the government to consider allowing non-financial institutions to grant auto loans to help lift the domestic market. Stagnant vehicle sales have caused manufacturers to reduce production. In February, total auto manufacturing fell by 13.6% year-on-year to 115,487 units. During the first two months of this year, auto production dove by 19.3% to 222,590 units.

Xpeng may add EV output in Europe, Latin America in growth push Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/xpeng-may-add-ev-output-in-europe-latin-america-in-growth-push Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng Inc. is looking to ramp up its global expansion, including investing in manufacturing plants and infrastructure, with a focus on large markets such as Europe. The brand, which already has a presence in 30 countries, is currently focused on markets including Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Xpeng plans to start local production in Indonesia in the second half of this year and is setting up a research and development center in Germany, Vice Chairman and Co-President Brian Gu said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. The company is “closely monitoring” opportunities in Europe and Latin America, particularly Brazil and Mexico, which will require local investments, he said. Xpeng and its peers are increasingly looking to establish a manufacturing footprint in overseas markets as headwinds, including punitive tariffs in Europe, hurt the outlook for exports of made-in-China cars. But escalating trade frictions between longtime trade partners, particularly the US and its North American neighbors, is creating uncertainty about Chinese firms’ investment plans abroad. At home, Xpeng continues to develop smart-driving features, which have emerged as the latest front line in the cutthroat Chinese market. Tesla Inc. has deployed driver-assistance capabilities similar to those marketed as Full Self-Driving in the US, while BYD Co. announced a system dubbed God’s Eye. “All of our competitors suddenly realize the importance of smart driving to provide competitive vehicles in China,” Gu said. The emergence of large language artificial intelligence models and big data means Xpeng’s systems can cut costs by reducing the hardware needed in earlier versions, such as lidars, he said. The US-listed company last week reported a full-year loss of 5.79 billion yuan ($797 million) for 2024. It forecasts sales of between 91,000 and 93,000 cars for the first quarter of this year, after delivering a record 91,507 vehicles in the final three months of 2024.

Tesla sales plummet in Europe despite EV growth Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/tesla-sales-plummet-in-europe-despite-ev-growth Tesla’s European sales dropped 49 percent year on year in January and February, despite rising registrations of electric vehicles (EVs). New Tesla registrations in the European Union fell to 19,046 in the first two months of the year from at least 37,000 in the same period of 2024, according to a report published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) on Tuesday. The lobby group noted that the United States-based EV manufacturer is struggling to keep pace with competitors while the political controversy around owner Elon Musk is also affecting sales. Tesla’s struggles saw Tesla’s market share drop from 2.1 percent to 1.1 percent. In February alone, Tesla registrations commanded 1.8 percent of the total market and 10.3 percent of the Battery-Electric Vehicle market, down from 2.8 percent and 21.6 percent, respectively, in the same month last year. The US company’s ageing models are viewed as one reason for the dip, as traditional automakers and new Chinese manufacturers launch newer and cheaper EVs. Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk has been criticised for offering vocal and financial support to far-right groups in Europe. His role in the administration of President Donald Trump, who is threatening Europe with trade wars, is also viewed as a factor. Growing boycott movements aimed at Tesla have risen up in the EU, as well as at home, with Tesla dealerships vandalised, and the company’s stock price dropping sharply. Stuck in the slow lane EV sales in the EU grew by 28.4 percent in January and February, but there is concern that the segment needs more support. ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries said the sales figures show that demand for TVs “remains below the level needed for the transition to zero-emission mobility to progress”. He called for tax and purchasing incentives for consumers and further investment in recharging stations. Brussels is, meanwhile, preparing to ease emission reduction targets. Still, Hybrid-electric vehicles remained the most significant market segment in the first two months of the year, rising to 594,059 registrations, or a 35.2 percent market share. Electrified vehicles – either battery-electric (BEV), hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrids (PHEV) – sold in the bloc accounted for 58.4 percent of all passenger car registrations in February, up from 48.2 percent a year earlier.

Toyota’s Ultra-Long-Range EV Batteries Hit a Speed Bump Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/toyota%E2%80%99s-ultra-long-range-ev-batteries-hit-a-speed-bump Toyota’s ambitious plans to launch electric vehicles (EVs) with ultra-long-range solid-state batteries by 2025 have reportedly encountered delays, according to recent updates from the automaker. What’s the Hold-Up? Toyota had previously announced a breakthrough in solid-state battery technology, promising EVs with ranges of up to 745 miles (1,200 km) and charging times as low as 10 minutes. These advancements were expected to give Toyota a competitive edge in the EV market, where rivals like Tesla, Hyundai, and BYD are rapidly expanding. However, technical challenges in mass-producing these batteries have slowed progress. Sources indicate that Toyota is struggling with durability and cost issues, key hurdles that must be resolved before commercialization. Revised Timeline While Toyota has not officially confirmed a delay, industry insiders suggest that the production timeline may be pushed to 2026 or later. The company had initially planned to debut the technology in a limited-production model by 2025, but scaling up manufacturing appears more complex than anticipated. What This Means for Toyota’s EV Strategy Toyota has been cautious in its EV rollout, focusing instead on hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. The delay in solid-state batteries could further widen the gap between Toyota and competitors who are already delivering high-range EVs with advanced lithium-ion batteries. Despite the setback, Toyota remains committed to solid-state technology, believing it will eventually revolutionize EVs with superior energy density and safety. The company is reportedly increasing R&D investments to overcome current obstacles. Industry Reactions Analysts note that solid-state batteries are a challenge for the entire auto industry, with many companies facing similar delays. If Toyota can perfect the technology, it could still become a leader in next-generation EVs—but time is running short as rivals make steady advancements in conventional battery tech. For now, Toyota’s ultra-long-range EV ambitions remain on hold, leaving the market waiting to see if the automaker can deliver on its groundbreaking promises.

Xiaomi Sold More Electric Vehicles Than Ford Last Year as American Auto Brands Struggle in China Source: https://evlife.sg/blog/xiaomi-sold-more-electric-vehicles-than-ford-last-year-as-american-auto-brands-struggle-in-china Despite only launching its first electric vehicle (EV) in March 2024, Xiaomi sold more EVs last year than Ford and General Motors (GM). The feat highlights American automakers’ challenges in a rapidly electrifying Chinese market, where local players increasingly dominate. Mostly known for its smartphones and other consumer electronics, Xiaomi debuted its first EV, the SU7 Series, in March 2024. According to a company release, Xiaomi sold 136,854 vehicles in 2024. In contrast, Ford’s global EV sales for the year were over 97,000, and GM’s were just over 114,400. Xiaomi delivered strong sales numbers even though the SU7 is only available in China. But then again, the Chinese auto market is roughly the size of all European and American markets combined. In other words, Chinese companies don’t necessarily need to export cars to survive. But global auto brands that don’t sell well in China miss out on a huge opportunity. As Xiaomi and other Chinese companies have expanded their EV offerings in recent years, American firms have lost out, none more so than Tesla. In the early days of China’s EV boom, Tesla was unrivaled in the premium market, with BYD and others focusing on more affordable models. However, Xiaomi’s SU7 is among a new generation of home-grown EVs that outperform equivalent Tesla models at a lower cost. The new competition has had a discernable impact on Tesla’s numbers. After five consecutive months of declining sales, Tesla shipments to China fell to just 30,688 vehicles in February, the lowest monthly figure since July 2022. Weak demand from China isn’t just a problem for Tesla. Without a competitive EV range, Ford’s sales in the country fell in seven out of the last eight years for which data is available. Bank of America Securities analyst John Murphy has even warned that the “Big Three” Detroit automakers should cut their losses and “exit China as soon as they possibly can.”