Stelato S9 Extended-Range Model Hits Showrooms: Market Buzz and Key Features Explained

The Stelato S9 extended-range version has officially arrived at major shopping malls and high-traffic retail spaces across China, marking a strategic shift from traditional 4S dealerships to urban commercial hubs. This innovative distribution approach significantly enhances consumer accessibility and test-drive convenience while boosting product visibility and conversion rates through side-by-side comparisons with other NEV models.

Pricing and Availability

Slated for April 2025 market entry, the Stelato S9 extended-range model starts at $43,030 (¥309,800), positioning itself as a formidable contender in the $42,000-$55,000 premium sedan segment with its compelling price-to-feature ratio.

Six Revolutionary Upgrades

Far more than just adding a range extender, the Stelato S9 represents a comprehensive overhaul across six dimensions with its "$140 million R&D investment" philosophy:

• Class-Leading Cabin

2025 Shanghai Auto Show: Must-See Chinese Brand Debuts

The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show opens April 23 as a pivotal global automotive event, where Chinese automakers will showcase breakthrough models across EV, PHEV and EREV technologies. These launches demonstrate China's growing innovation leadership while reshaping international market competition.

Featured New Models & Key Highlights

BYD e7

- Range: 520km (CLTC) | Positioning: Mid-size electric sedan for family/ride-hailing

Adopting BYD's Ocean美学 design language with Ocean X concept elements. Single 100kW motor with 48kWh/57.6kWh battery options delivering 450km/520km ranges. Expected to dominate fleet markets with competitive pricing.

AITO M8

- Huawei ADS 3.3 autonomous driving | 1526km extended range | Price: $50,000-$62,500

This premium 5/6-seat SUV features seamless Huawei Harmony ecosystem integration, "garage-to-garage" self-driving capability, and luxury safety systems - directly challenging established European luxury brands.

Li

Deepal G318 Explorer Edition Officially Launched: A New Benchmark in Off-Road PHEV SUVs

Key Highlights

Launch Date: April 18, 2025

Starting Price: ¥152,900 (~$21,100 USD)

Market Position: Disruptive pricing for a hardcore PHEV SUV with luxury features

1. Model Variants & Pricing

The Deepal G318 expands from a single model to a full series with three configurations:

• 2WD Wild Field Edition: ¥152,900 (~$21,100 USD)
• 4WD Distant Mountain Edition: ¥166,900 (~$23,000 USD)
• 4WD Secret Trail Edition: ¥196,900 (~$27,200 USD)

Limited-time promotional pricing (valid until May 31, 2025). Standard MSRP ranges from ¥185,900 to ¥229,900.

2. Exclusive Launch Benefits

Buyers receive ¥26,500 worth of premium packages including:

• Special edition colors
• Factory-installed tow hooks
• Lifetime warranty vouchers
• TopUsedCars.com charging station with installation
• Free vehicle health checks

3. Standout Features

3.1 Cyberpunk Armor Design

• Bold "Cyber Metal" styling with functional armor elements
• Factory-equipped adventure

2025 Toyota Highlander: Comprehensive Review of China's Domestic Made SUV

Exterior Design Upgrades

The new Toyota Highlander features sharper body lines and a larger trapezoidal grille, creating a more aggressive and modern front fascia. The redesigned LED daytime running lights within the sculpted headlight clusters enhance both technological appeal and visibility. Flowing side profiles with muscular wheel arches combine with large-diameter alloy wheels to emphasize sporty character and off-road capability. The rear showcases new slim-line LED taillights and dual exhaust pipes, further amplifying its dynamic presence.

Premium Interior & Smart Technology

Inside the cabin, the Highlander delivers luxury through high-quality soft-touch materials and premium Nappa leather seats offering exceptional comfort and support. The centerpiece is a large touch screen powered by Qualcomm's 8155 chip, ensuring smooth operation of the upgraded infotainment system. Flexible seating configurations (including

Avatr 06 Launch on April 19: Key Features and Configuration Details

Official Announcement and Market Positioning

Chinese premium EV brand Avatr has confirmed its new mid-size sedan Avatr 06 will debut on April 19, 2025. The model will offer 5 variants with both pure electric and range-extender powertrains, directly competing with Tesla Model 3 and Xiaomi SU7 in its segment.

Pre-Sale Pricing & Purchase Benefits

• Starting pre-sale price: ¥215,900 (~$29,600)
• Early reservation privileges:
  • ¥2,000 deposit counts as ¥5,000 (instant ¥3,000 discount at purchase)
  • 20-inch five-spoke sport wheels + sport package (worth ¥11,000)

Model Variants & Powertrain Options

Key powertrain

2025 Shanghai Auto Show: Complete Guide for International Buyers

Event Dates & Essential Information

The 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (commonly called Shanghai Auto Show) will run for 10 days from April 23 to May 2, 2025. As China's premier automotive event, it serves as the launchpad for major global vehicle debuts and technological innovations.

Key Expected Vehicle Launches

While manufacturers haven't finalized their exhibition lineups, industry patterns suggest these new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intelligent cars will dominate attention:

• BYD: All-new Seal 06, Han series refresh, Denza SUV/MPV models, Fang Cheng Bao flagship
• Li Auto: i8 series update, first pure-electric flagship reveal, new powertrain options
• XPeng/NIO/Zeekr/Neta: Focus on intelligent driving systems and extended-range solutions
• SAIC-VW/SAIC-GM/FAW-VW: Plug-in hybrid and smart connectivity upgrades
• Premium brands: Mercedes EQ series, BMW i5, Audi Q6 e-tron, Lexus electrified models

Chery's Tech Breakthrough and Global Strategy: Rapid Growth Creates New Energy Opportunities

As China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry transitions from policy-driven to market-driven, a silent technology revolution is accelerating. Chery Automobile, with its bold declaration of "No Mercy in NEV Competition," achieved 171.8% year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, with cumulative NEV sales exceeding 163,000 units, officially joining the industry's first tier as one of the fastest-growing mainstream brands. This success stems from both concentrated technological innovation and precise understanding of user needs and global trends.

Three-Pillar Strategy: Technology + Product + Globalization

1. Innovation-Driven Technological Advancement

• Platform Technology Matrix: Chery developed the Super Hybrid Platform and E0X High-Performance Electric Platform, supporting three powertrain solutions: hybrid, range-extender, and pure electric.
• Full-Stack R&D & Smart Systems: Created CHERY-OS intelligent operating

Why BMW Mini Suspended EV Imports from China to the U.S. – Key Impacts

BMW's Mini brand has halted plans to introduce two China-made electric vehicles (EVs) – the Aceman compact crossover and an electric convertible – to the U.S. market. This decision stems from high U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs, cooling consumer demand, and escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Trade Policy & Tariff Barriers

• 25%+ tariffs on Chinese-made EVs under Biden administration policies made the imports commercially unviable.
• Potential new tariffs announced by the Trump campaign created additional uncertainty for automakers.
• Mini's U.S. VP Peyton confirmed that local production in South Carolina wasn't feasible due to low projected sales volume and lack of local supply chains for these models.

Market Consequences

• Dealers like those in Portland expected 35% annual sales growth from these EVs, now lost.
• No immediate replacement for discontinued two-door Mini EVs, creating a product gap.

Strategic

Stellantis Q1 2025 Performance Report: Key Insights for Global Buyers

Global Deliveries Decline Amid Regional Shifts

Stellantis reported a 9% year-over-year decrease in global vehicle deliveries for Q1 2025, with approximately 1.2 million units sold worldwide. While facing challenges in established markets, the automaker demonstrated resilience in emerging economies.

Regional Performance Breakdown

North America: Production Challenges Offset by Strong Models

The North American market saw a 20% delivery decline (82,000 fewer units), primarily due to extended factory shutdowns during January holidays and production ramp-up for the new Ram Heavy Duty trucks. However, several models outperformed the market:

• Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee
• Ram 1500/2500 series

These vehicles achieved over 10% sales growth despite overall market contraction.

Europe: Market Share Gains Amid Transition Period

European deliveries fell 8% due to product renewal cycles for small vehicles and weakening commercial van

Foxconn's Ambitious EV Partnership Plans with Japanese Automakers

Strategic Collaboration in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

In a recent development that could reshape the Asian electric vehicle landscape, Foxconn has revealed its intentions to collaborate with major Japanese automakers. Jun Seki, Chief Strategy Officer of Foxconn's EV division, shared these plans during a Tokyo seminar covered by TopUsedCars.com reporter Calvin Zhang.

Key Partnership Opportunities

Foxconn sees particular synergy with Nissan, though formal discussions haven't yet begun. The Taiwanese manufacturing giant believes strategic alliances with Japanese manufacturers including Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors could create powerful opportunities in the competitive EV market.

Current Negotiations Progress

The company has advanced to final-stage talks with Mitsubishi Motors regarding EV supply agreements. Industry sources suggest Mitsubishi may outsource production of Oceania-market EVs to Foxconn, indicating