CHINA: China Edges Towards EU Deal, Xiaomi Tops 600,00 Deliveries and January’s EV Sales | 13 Feb 2026
About this episode
China is moving closer to an EU deal to reduce tariffs on imported EVs, with companies like Volkswagen's CUPRA already benefiting from exemptions. Xiaomi has surpassed 600,000 EV deliveries since launching less than two years ago, with its YU7 SUV leading January sales in China, overtaking Tesla's Model Y. Xiaomi also unveiled an updated SU7 model featuring enhanced safety and technology. Meanwhile, Huawei and JAC's luxury sedan Myxtro S800 is gaining traction, challenging traditional German luxury brands. The episode also covers China's evolving EV market dynamics, tariff negotiations, and new safety regulations slated for 2027.
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CHINA AND EU EDGE TOWARDS EV PRICE DEALS https://evne.ws/3Okr8f4
XIAOMI EV TOPS 600,000 DELIVERIES AS SU7 NEARS LAUNCH https://evne.ws/4rZQBsP
XIAOMI YU7 TOPS CHINA NEV CHART https://evne.ws/4rlXynQ
XIAOMI EV UNVEILS NEXT-GEN SU7, APRIL SALES https://evne.ws/4an614f
MAEXTRO S800 TOPS CHINA LUXURY SEDAN CHART https://evne.ws/46faa7Y
MAZDA 6E UK PRICE LANDS AT £38,995 https://evne.ws/4awTwDv
TANK TO UNVEIL NEW FLAGSHIP OFF-ROADER IN MARCH https://evne.ws/4rQV68J
CHINA DRAFTS NEW STEERING SAFETY RULES FOR 2027 https://evne.ws/3OnBScu
EV market
"Welcome back to EV News, China. This is the podcast dedicated to the world's largest EV market. Each day, I bring you the latest headlines, insights and analysis from the heart of China's booming EV industry and decode how fast moving developments in the East shape the global EV landscape."
The EV market is about all the electric cars being made and sold around the world. These cars use electricity instead of gas to run.
The EV market refers to the global industry and consumer demand for electric vehicles, which are cars powered by electric motors instead of internal combustion engines.
countervailing duties
"The EU has already approved lifting, countervailing duties on the first vehicle. This is the Volkswagen CUPRA brand and their Tavascan."
Countervailing duties are extra taxes a country puts on imported products when other countries help their own companies by giving them money. This makes the imported products cost more.
Countervailing duties are tariffs imposed by a country to counteract subsidies provided by foreign governments to their exporters, making imported goods more expensive to protect domestic industries.
CUPRA Tavascan
"The EU has already approved lifting, countervailing duties on the first vehicle. This is the Volkswagen CUPRA brand and their Tavascan."
The CUPRA Tavascan is a fully electric SUV, meaning it runs only on electricity and does not use gas. It's designed to be sporty and stylish.
The CUPRA Tavascan is an all-electric SUV concept from CUPRA, part of the Volkswagen Group. It represents the brand's move toward electrification with sporty design and performance.
CUPRA
"The EU has already approved lifting, countervailing duties on the first vehicle. This is the Volkswagen CUPRA brand and their Tavascan."
CUPRA is a special car brand that makes sporty and electric cars. It is part of the Volkswagen company.
CUPRA is a performance-oriented sub-brand of the Volkswagen Group, originally derived from SEAT. It focuses on sporty and electrified vehicles, including electric SUVs like the Tavascan.
Volkswagen
"The EU has already approved lifting, countervailing duties on the first vehicle. This is the Volkswagen CUPRA brand and their Tavascan."
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many types of cars, including electric ones. They are very popular around the world.
Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to luxury models. It is one of the largest carmakers globally and has a significant presence in the electric vehicle market.
import quotas
"Only if it meets a minimum price and it has some import quotas as well. But more importantly, it's not subject to the blanket tariffs the EU imposed."
Import quotas are rules that limit how many cars from other countries can be brought in. This helps protect local car makers from too much competition.
Import quotas are limits set by governments on the quantity or value of goods, such as cars, that can be imported into a country. These quotas help protect domestic industries and control trade balances.
tariffs
"But more importantly, it's not subject to the blanket tariffs the EU imposed. The Tavascan had faced a 20.7 tariff plus the standard 10% import duty since late 2024"
Tariffs are extra taxes that countries put on cars coming from other countries. This makes those cars cost more and helps local car makers sell better.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, like cars, to make them more expensive and protect domestic manufacturers. They can significantly affect the price and profitability of imported vehicles.
import duty
"The Tavascan had faced a 20.7 tariff plus the standard 10% import duty since late 2024. ... on top of the standard 10% like I say. That's a levy of 45.3%."
Import duty is an extra tax that countries put on cars coming from other places, making those cars more expensive to buy.
Import duty is a tax imposed by a country on goods brought in from abroad, such as cars. It increases the cost of imported vehicles and affects pricing and profitability for manufacturers and dealers.
price undertaking offers
"Ministry spokesperson He Yadong says China-EU cooperation matters for helping Chinese EV makers use price undertaking offers. The European Commission has issued guidance meant to ensure fair assessments of these undertakings"
Price undertaking offers are promises by car makers to sell their cars at a certain minimum price to avoid extra taxes when selling in other countries.
Price undertaking offers are commitments made by exporters to set a minimum price for their products to avoid anti-dumping duties or tariffs. This mechanism helps regulate trade and prevent unfair pricing practices.
minimum pricing
"The European Union has kept the minimum price and quota details confidential for now despite requests for transparency by the Chinese. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU says several car makers now weigh whether to put their own individual price undertaking proposals on the table based on these circumstances."
Minimum pricing means car makers promise not to sell their cars too cheaply in another country, so they don't hurt local car sellers unfairly.
Minimum pricing is a trade policy tool where exporters agree not to sell products below a set price to prevent dumping, which is selling goods at unfairly low prices to undercut local businesses.
Tavascan Tava Scan
"...n trying to do a deal like CUPRA has done for the Tava Scan. China says it wants an open dialogue to build a ..."
The Tavascan is a new electric SUV made by a car company called SEAT. It doesn't use gas and is part of their plan to make more electric cars in the future.
The Tavascan is an electric SUV concept from SEAT, part of the Volkswagen Group, aimed at expanding their electric vehicle lineup. It represents the brand's move toward electrification and is often mentioned in discussions about new EV offerings in Europe.
transparency
"They're urging the EU to apply fairness and transparency."
Transparency means being open and honest about things like prices and numbers so everyone knows what's going on and things are fair.
In the automotive market context, transparency refers to clear and open communication about pricing, production numbers, and policies between manufacturers and regulatory bodies to ensure fair competition.
electric vehicle (EV)
"This continues to be one of the undertold success stories of the Chinese EV industry."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which helps reduce pollution and can be cheaper to drive.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel engines.
Tesla Model Y
"...f 550,000 vehicles this year. The YU7, that's the Model Y competitor, the SUV, hit 150,000 deliveries withi..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric car shaped like a small SUV that can drive far without needing gas. It's popular because it has cool features and is good for families or people who want more space than a regular car.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that has become one of Tesla's best-selling vehicles globally, known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology. It competes in the growing electric SUV market, making it a significant player in the shift toward electric mobility.
month-on-month
"Okay, that was down month-on-month, but everything was down month-on-month."
Month-on-month means comparing how something did this month compared to last month to see if it went up or down.
Month-on-month refers to the comparison of data or performance metrics from one month to the next, showing short-term trends in sales or other figures.
year-on-year
"But it was up 95% year-on-year."
Year-on-year means comparing how something did this year compared to the same time last year to see if it got better or worse.
Year-on-year compares data from one month or period to the same month or period in the previous year, helping to understand longer-term growth or decline.
Nio ES8
"That's now sold over 400,000 units. NEO's ES8 was in fourth place in January. Again, it stood o..."
The Nio ES8 is a big electric SUV made in China that can change its battery quickly instead of waiting to charge. Many people in China buy it because it has lots of smart features and good space.
The Nio ES8 is a premium all-electric SUV from Chinese automaker Nio, known for its advanced battery technology and innovative features like battery swapping. It has achieved strong sales in China, marking Nio as a key competitor in the electric vehicle market.
Xiaomi SU7
"...omi has pulled the covers off its next generation SU7. So, this is a car that goes on sale in a couple ..."
The Xiaomi SU7 is a new SUV being made by Xiaomi, a company famous for phones and gadgets. This car will have lots of smart features and shows how tech companies are starting to make cars.
The Xiaomi SU7 is an upcoming SUV from Xiaomi, a company better known for electronics, marking its entry into the automotive market with smart, connected vehicles. It highlights the trend of tech companies expanding into electric and smart cars.
Ford Capri
"...w wider rear tyres, new paint colours. One called Capri Blue alongside Golf Blue, which looks pretty nice..."
The Ford Capri is an old sporty car that many people liked because it looked cool and was fun to drive. Even today, people talk about it because it reminds them of cars from the past.
The Ford Capri was a popular European sports coupe produced mainly in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its stylish design and sporty handling. It remains a classic car enthusiast favorite, often discussed for its nostalgic appeal and distinctive looks.
four piston fixed calipers
""Standards, braking uses four piston fixed calipers. The max version gets new Brembo's and drilled brake discs or rotors.""
These are parts of the brakes that squeeze the brake pads onto the discs to stop the car. Having four pistons means the brakes can stop the car better and more smoothly.
Four piston fixed calipers are a type of brake caliper with four pistons that apply pressure evenly to the brake pads, improving braking performance and feel compared to single or dual piston calipers.
Brembo
""The max version gets new Brembo's and drilled brake discs or rotors.""
Brembo makes special brakes that help cars stop really well, especially in fast or sporty cars.
Brembo is a well-known Italian manufacturer specializing in high-performance braking systems, often used in sports cars and racing applications for superior stopping power and heat dissipation.
drilled brake discs
""The max version gets new Brembo's and drilled brake discs or rotors.""
These are brake discs with holes in them to help keep the brakes cool and work better when stopping the car hard.
Drilled brake discs have holes drilled into them to help dissipate heat and reduce brake fade during heavy braking, improving braking performance especially in sporty or high-performance cars.
LiDAR
""The headline tech change is its sensor stack. LiDAR now comes as standard in all SU7s.""
LiDAR is a special sensor that uses lasers to see around the car, helping it understand where things are to drive safely on its own or assist the driver.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensor technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the environment, essential for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving.
Bmw 7
"The S800 is a BMW 7 Series competitor. It's a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Myback competitor."
The BMW 7 Series is a big, fancy car made by BMW. It's known for being very comfortable and full of technology, competing with other luxury cars.
The BMW 7 Series is a flagship full-size luxury sedan from BMW, known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It competes globally with other luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"The S800 is a BMW 7 Series competitor. It's a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Myback competitor. It's the top-selling luxury sedan in China"
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy and comfortable car that many people buy when they want the best in luxury and technology. It's like a moving lounge with lots of smart features and is popular in places like China.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan renowned for its cutting-edge technology, comfort, and prestige. It often sets the benchmark in the luxury car segment and competes with rivals like the BMW 7 Series, especially in markets such as China where it is a top seller.
6e
"...ack. Mazda has set its UK pricing for the Chinese 6E. It's going to come in under the United Kingdom's..."
The 6e is an electric car from Mazda that will be sold in places like the UK. It's a cheaper way to get a Mazda electric car, helping more people buy one without spending too much.
The 6e is a Mazda electric vehicle model introduced for markets like the UK, offering a more affordable entry into Mazda's EV lineup. It reflects Mazda's strategy to expand its presence in the electric vehicle segment, especially with competitive pricing.
luxury car tax
"Mazda has set its UK pricing for the Chinese 6E. It's going to come in under the United Kingdom's 40,000-pound luxury car tax, so that's £38,995."
A luxury car tax is extra money you pay when buying a very expensive car.
A luxury car tax is a government-imposed fee on vehicles above a certain price threshold, intended to tax higher-end cars more heavily.
LFP battery pack
"Mazda quotes a 78-kilowatt-hour LFP battery pack, an official range of 348 miles."
An LFP battery is a kind of battery that powers electric cars. It's safe and lasts a long time before needing replacement.
LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate, a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its safety, longevity, and thermal stability, commonly used in electric vehicles.
fast charging
"Fast charging is 10 to 80 in 24 minutes, and the price gap is what draws the eye somewhat in China,"
Fast charging means you can fill up the electric car's battery quickly, so you don't have to wait long to drive again.
Fast charging refers to the ability to recharge an electric vehicle's battery from 10% to 80% capacity in a short amount of time, here noted as 24 minutes for the Mazda EZ6.
Mazda
"And Mazda wants a piece of the action. OK, let's move on. Great Wall Motors tank brand plans to unveil a new flagship off-road SUV shortly after the 2026 Spring Festival."
Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes cars known for being fun to drive and good on gas.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its sporty and efficient vehicles. It competes globally and seeks to increase its market share in various regions, including the UK.
plug-in hybrid SUV
"The regulatory filings include the large plug-in hybrid SUVs part of the offering with several flagship models sitting above the existing tank 300, 400 and 500 series. The Way brand, WEY, the V9X is a plug-in hybrid SUV."
A plug-in hybrid SUV is a big car that can run on both gas and electricity. You can charge it by plugging it in, so it uses less gas and can drive a short distance on electricity alone.
A plug-in hybrid SUV combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source. This allows for some electric-only driving and improved fuel efficiency.
WEY
"One clue we can take might sit elsewhere in the group. The Way brand, WEY, the V9X is a plug-in hybrid SUV. And that's already been revealed and that could be some of the tech the Great Wall Motor put inside their new tank vehicles."
WEY is a fancy car brand made by Great Wall Motors that makes big SUVs with electric and gas power.
WEY is a luxury SUV brand under Great Wall Motors, focusing on premium and electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrids like the V9X model.
Tesla Cybertruck
"Some people call them yoke steering wheels. Famously in the Tesla Cybertruck, Toyota feature them as well."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric pickup truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It has a special steering wheel called a yoke, which is shaped differently from normal ones.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its futuristic design and use of a yoke steering wheel. It represents Tesla's entry into the electric truck market with high performance and utility.
steer-by-wire technology
"Many argue that with steer-by-wire technology, you can have your hands either side of a yoke steering wheel and never have to cross your hands as you would with a regular steering wheel."
Steer-by-wire means the steering wheel controls the car's wheels using computers and wires instead of a physical connection. This lets car makers design different kinds of steering wheels.
Steer-by-wire technology replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels with electronic controls. This allows for more flexible steering designs and can improve safety and responsiveness.
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