CHINA: SAIC Sell A Million MG’s To Europe, Chery Plans Diesel Hybrid Ute and BYD Budget People Carrier | 23 Feb 2026
About this episode
MG, under SAIC, has sold over one million vehicles in Europe, becoming the first Chinese automaker to reach this milestone, with strong sales in the UK and outselling Tesla in the region. Chery is launching a unique diesel plug-in hybrid ute for Australia, blending traditional diesel power with electric drive, targeting a competitive pickup market. BYD introduced the Ling Hui M9, a budget-friendly seven-seat plug-in hybrid MPV aimed at ride-sharing and taxi services. Additionally, NIO set a new battery swapping record in China, and the market shows a renewed focus on affordable, stripped-back EVs, signaling a shift towards value over premium features amid government pressure on pricing strategies.
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MG HITS 1 MILLION EUROPE AND UK SALES https://evne.ws/4aRGrU7
CHERY PLANS DIESEL PHEV UTE FOR AUSTRALIA https://evne.ws/4c4fEpQ
BYD SHOWS LINGHUI M9 PHEV TAXI MPV https://evne.ws/4aGYIU0
NIO HITS 175,976 BATTERY SWAPS IN A DAY https://evne.ws/4tPreLJ
BUDGET EVS TOP CHINA’S 2025 SALES CHARTS https://evne.ws/3Ov8bqc
CANADA OPENS QUOTA LANE FOR BYD EVS https://evne.ws/4tPTFcH
CHINESE BRANDS GROW SHARE AS EUROPE MARKET SHRINKS https://evne.ws/4s3rVPX
CHINESE EV INSURERS LOST $825M IN 2024 https://evne.ws/3MpDDp9
SUPREME COURT CUTS IEEPA TARIFFS, OTHERS STAND https://evne.ws/4rEQx1W
MG
"SAIC's MG brand has crossed one million total sales to Europeans. It claims the milestone is the first Chinese automaker to do so. MG was founded in the UK."
MG is a car brand that started in the UK and makes cars. Now, a Chinese company owns it and sells MG cars in Europe.
MG is a British automotive marque known for its sports cars and more recently for affordable vehicles. It was originally founded in the UK but is now owned by Chinese automaker SAIC.
SAIC
"SAIC's MG brand has crossed one million total sales to Europeans. Then, in 2005, Nanjing Automotive Corporation acquired the MG brand. SAIC absorbed MG when it acquired Nanjing two years later in 2007."
SAIC is a big car company from China that owns the MG car brand and makes lots of cars.
SAIC Motor Corporation Limited is a major Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturer. It owns several brands including MG after acquiring Nanjing Automotive Corporation.
Chinese automaker
"It claims the milestone is the first Chinese automaker to do so. MG was founded in the UK."
A Chinese automaker is a company from China that makes cars. They sometimes buy car brands from other countries to sell more cars.
A Chinese automaker is a car manufacturing company based in China. SAIC is one such company that has expanded globally by acquiring foreign brands like MG.
BEV
"Total UK sales over 370,000 in the modern era, including 100,000 pure bevs."
A BEV is a car that runs only on electricity from batteries, so it doesn't use gas or diesel.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which means a vehicle powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine.
plug-in hybrid
"And cherry plans to launch what it builds as the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, Ute, selling it to Australians by the end of this year."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on both gas and electricity, and you can charge its battery by plugging it in to save fuel.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging into an external power source, allowing for limited all-electric driving range.
Rely P3X
"...s year. The project sells in China already as the Rely P3X. It'll be the Rely R08 in Latin America, the Midd..."
The Rely P3X is a low-cost SUV sold in China that is good for people who want a simple and affordable car. It might not have all the fancy parts of more expensive cars but gets the job done.
The Rely P3X is a vehicle sold primarily in China, known for being an affordable SUV with practical features. It represents a budget-friendly option in markets where cost is a key factor. The mention of it being 'cheap under the skin' suggests it may use cost-saving materials or simpler engineering.
Rely R08
"...ls in China already as the Rely P3X. It'll be the Rely R08 in Latin America, the Middle East and other marke..."
The Rely R08 is the same car as the Rely P3X but sold in places like Latin America and the Middle East. It’s a cheap SUV that helps people get a good car without spending too much.
The Rely R08 is a rebadged version of the Rely P3X intended for markets like Latin America and the Middle East. It offers an affordable SUV option tailored for emerging markets, focusing on value rather than premium features. Its presence highlights the globalization of Chinese automotive brands.
concept trucks
"The Rely lineup includes the R8, R8 Pro and R8 EV with other concept trucks, the P2X and P3X concept trucks already previewed."
Concept trucks are special versions of trucks shown by car makers to show what new trucks might look like in the future. They are often not sold to the public.
Concept trucks are prototype vehicles shown by manufacturers to preview future designs, technologies, or models that may or may not reach production.
dual cab Ute
"Cherry says the KP31 is a large dual cab Ute for Australians, 5.6 metres long with a very boxy shape"
A dual cab Ute is a kind of truck that has seats for people in the front and back, plus a space in the back to carry things. It's common in Australia.
A dual cab Ute is a utility vehicle with two rows of seats and four doors, combining passenger comfort with cargo capability, popular in Australia.
double cab
"This is a double cab, of course."
A double cab means the truck has two rows of seats and four doors, so more people can ride inside.
A double cab refers to a pickup truck body style featuring four doors and a full rear passenger seating area, providing more space for passengers compared to single or extended cabs.
Jeep Gladiator
"...ow I was pronouncing or spelling Rely. Very cheap gladiator, I would say, under the skin. So yeah, diesel plu..."
The Jeep Gladiator is a truck that can go off-road like a Jeep but also has space in the back to carry things. People like it because it’s tough and useful. They’re also trying versions that use diesel and electric power to save fuel.
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck that combines Jeep's off-road capability with the utility of a truck bed. It's significant for bringing Jeep's ruggedness to the pickup segment, appealing to buyers who want both adventure and practicality. The mention of a diesel plug-in hybrid suggests interest in more efficient or alternative powertrains for this model.
electric drivetrain
"2.5-litre diesel engine with an electric drivetrain."
The electric drivetrain is the part of the car that uses electricity to make the wheels move.
An electric drivetrain refers to the components that deliver power from the electric motor to the wheels, including the motor, inverter, and transmission system.
four-wheel drive system
"The platform integrates a traditional four-wheel drive system and a battery pack mounted in the rear section of the frame under the bed."
Four-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels, which helps it drive better on rough or slippery roads.
A four-wheel drive system distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle to improve traction, especially in off-road or slippery conditions.
towing capacity
"One tonne payload, three and a half tonne towing."
Towing capacity means how heavy a trailer or load a vehicle can pull without trouble.
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it, such as trailers or boats.
Dodge Challenger
"...That puts it into the same fight as other Chinese challengers. Like the recently updated BYD Shark 6 in its fir..."
The Dodge Challenger is a fast and strong car that looks like the old muscle cars from America. It’s popular for people who want a powerful and cool-looking car. Now, some new cars from China are trying to compete with it.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and retro styling. It competes in the performance coupe segment, often compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The reference to Chinese challengers like the BYD Shark 6 highlights the growing competition from international brands in this performance market.
Byd Shark 6
"Like the recently updated BYD Shark 6 in its first iteration fell slightly short of those benchmarks."
The BYD Shark 6 is a Chinese electric car that uses batteries to run instead of gas.
The BYD Shark 6 is an electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD, known for its advanced battery technology and competitive range.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
"Certainly here in Great Britain, I've seen some Mercedes diesel plug-in hybrids, E-class, C-class, and then the GLC and GLE versions."
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a big, fancy SUV that can use both diesel fuel and electricity to help save fuel and pollute less.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and advanced technology. Diesel plug-in hybrid variants offer a combination of diesel engine efficiency and electric driving capability.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"I've seen some Mercedes diesel plug-in hybrids, E-class, C-class, and then the GLC and GLE versions. Audi did a diesel plug-in hybrid Q7."
The E-Class is a fancy, comfortable car that many people use for business or daily driving. It has smart technology and can use both diesel fuel and electricity to save gas and help the environment.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury midsize sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and strong performance. It often serves as a benchmark in the executive car segment. Diesel plug-in hybrid versions combine efficiency with luxury, appealing to buyers looking for eco-friendly options without sacrificing refinement.
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"I've seen some Mercedes diesel plug-in hybrids, E-class, C-class, and then the GLC and GLE versions. Audi did a diesel plug-in hybrid Q7."
The C-Class is a smaller fancy car from Mercedes that is nice to drive and comfortable. Some versions use both diesel and electric power to help save fuel and reduce pollution.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury sedan that offers a balance of performance, comfort, and technology. It is a popular entry point into the Mercedes lineup. Diesel plug-in hybrid variants provide improved fuel economy and lower emissions, catering to environmentally conscious luxury buyers.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
"...l plug-in hybrids, E-class, C-class, and then the GLC and GLE versions. Audi did a diesel plug-in hybri..."
The GLC is a fancy small SUV that looks good and has plenty of room inside. Some models use both diesel and electric power to save fuel and be better for the environment.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV that combines stylish design with practical space and advanced technology. It’s popular among buyers wanting a premium crossover with good performance. Diesel plug-in hybrid versions offer a blend of power and efficiency, suitable for those seeking greener options in the SUV segment.
Audi Q7
"Audi did a diesel plug-in hybrid Q7. I think it was the Q7."
The Audi Q7 is a big, fancy SUV that can run on both diesel fuel and electricity to save fuel and pollute less.
The Audi Q7 is a luxury full-size SUV offering advanced technology and a comfortable ride. Audi produced a diesel plug-in hybrid version of the Q7, combining diesel engine efficiency with electric power.
Volvo V60
"I think it was the Q7. Volvo did a V60 back in the day. But yeah, a diesel plug-in hybri..."
The Volvo V60 is a nice and safe car with extra space in the back for things. It can use both diesel and electric power to save gas and help the environment.
The Volvo V60 is a luxury wagon known for its safety features, Scandinavian design, and versatility. It appeals to buyers who want a practical vehicle with premium touches. Diesel plug-in hybrid versions combine fuel efficiency with performance, making it a notable option in the eco-friendly wagon segment.
Wuling Hongguang Mini EV
"Like the Wuling Huanguang Mini EV."
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is a tiny electric car from China that costs less money and is good for city driving.
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is a small, affordable electric vehicle from China that has gained popularity for its low price and urban practicality.
EVs
"with those premium badges and premium EVs and even the mid-size segments as well."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas or diesel.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars powered entirely or primarily by electric motors instead of internal combustion engines.
Geely Xingwan
"Geely's Xingwan led the all-battery EV models on the Chinese mainland last year. It sold 52,500 units in 2024."
The Geely Xingwan is a fully electric car made by a Chinese company called Geely. It was one of the best-selling electric cars in China last year.
The Geely Xingwan is an all-battery electric vehicle (EV) model from the Chinese automaker Geely, notable for leading EV sales on the Chinese mainland in 2024.
Wuling Hongguang Mini EV
"Wuling's Hongwang Mini EV, which has for a long time topped the charts, is now second. That sells for under 100,000 yuan."
The Wuling Hongwang Mini EV is a small, cheap electric car from China that many people buy because it doesn't cost a lot and is easy to drive.
The Wuling Hongwang Mini EV is a popular small electric vehicle in China, known for its affordability and strong sales, often topping EV charts before being surpassed by newer models like the Geely Xingwan.
EV premium
"That came despite more than about $200 billion yuan in EV premiums last year, a jump on 2024. The average annual EV premium, in case you want to compare and contrast with what you pay,"
EV premium means you pay more money for insurance if you have an electric car compared to a regular gas car. This is because fixing electric cars can be more expensive.
An EV premium refers to the additional insurance cost that electric vehicle owners pay compared to owners of combustion engine vehicles. This is often due to higher repair costs and risks associated with electric vehicles.
US Court of International Trade
"They have filed a suit in the US Court of International Trade, challenging the tariff measures which were introduced in April of 2025."
This is a special court in the US that handles problems about trading things between countries, like when there are arguments about taxes on cars from other countries.
The US Court of International Trade is a federal court that deals with cases involving international trade and customs laws, including disputes over tariffs and import regulations affecting the automotive industry.
tariffs
"They have filed a suit in the US Court of International Trade, challenging the tariff measures which were introduced in April of 2025."
Tariffs are extra taxes that a country charges when cars or parts come from other countries. This can make those cars more expensive to buy.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, often used to protect domestic industries or influence trade policies. In the automotive industry, tariffs can affect the price and availability of foreign cars.
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