Zhongtong Bus Expands Global Footprint with Record Chile Order and Strong Overseas Performance

Major Export Orders

On March 26, 2025, Zhongtong Bus celebrated the shipment of the first batch of 895 pure electric buses to Chile, marking the largest single export order of Chinese buses to Chile in recent years.

This shipment represents Zhongtong's third "super order" in three years. Previous major contracts include:

• 1,000 buses to Kyrgyzstan (May 20, 2023)
• 1,022 buses to Saudi Arabia (February 21, 2024)

Global Market Presence

As one of China's earliest bus manufacturers and a pioneer in new energy vehicle R&D, Zhongtong has established strong presence across multiple markets:

• Portugal: Largest NEV bus supplier
• Egypt: Pure electric buses operating at the Pyramids
• Singapore: Double-decker electric buses for public transport
• Operations across Central Asia, Middle East, Africa, Americas, and Europe

Recent Market Performance

• Saudi Arabia became Zhongtong's first overseas market to exceed 10,000

Baidu's RoboTaxis Expand to Middle East: A New Era in Autonomous Driving

In a significant move, Baidu's autonomous driving platform, Apollo Go RoboTaxis (known as "蘿蔔快跑" in Chinese), has announced a strategic partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch large-scale autonomous taxi services in Dubai. This collaboration marks the first time RoboTaxis will conduct extensive autonomous driving tests and services outside of China.

Deployment of Over 1000 Autonomous Vehicles in Dubai

As part of this agreement, RoboTaxis and RTA plan to deploy more than 1000 fully autonomous vehicles in Dubai. This initiative aims to test and refine the autonomous driving system in the complex urban traffic environment of Dubai, further validating its stability and maturity.

Collaboration with Autogo for Abu Dhabi

In addition to the partnership with RTA, RoboTaxis has also teamed up with Autogo, a UAE-based autonomous

Saudi Arabia's Automotive Market in February 2025: A Mixed Bag for Chinese Brands

Sales Overview and Brand Performance

In February 2025, the Saudi Arabian new light vehicle market saw a significant surge, with sales reaching 72,388 units, a 14% year-over-year increase. This growth continues the market's recovery trend observed since 2024. The cumulative sales for the first two months of 2025 totaled 140,311 units, representing a 10.9% increase compared to the same period last year[2][4%.

Key Drivers of Growth

The growth in sales can be attributed to several factors, including stable oil prices (projected to remain above $80 per barrel in 2025), increased government spending, and enhanced consumer confidence.

Market Dominance and Brand Performance

• Toyota: Led the market with a 26.2% market share, maintaining its strong position.
• Hyundai and Nissan: Followed closely, with Hyundai's Accent model showing a 36.9%

China's New Energy Vehicle Market Reaches New Heights: Key Takeaways from the 2025 China Electric Vehicle 100 Forum

The 2025 China Electric Vehicle 100 Forum, a pivotal event in the global new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, concluded on March 30, 2025. Here are the key highlights and future directions for China's NEV market, particularly relevant for overseas car buyers and investors in the Middle East and Africa.

Industrial and Information Technology Ministry: Advancing L3 Autonomous Driving

The Industrial and Information Technology Ministry announced plans to enhance support policies to solidify and expand the industry's competitive advantages. Technologically, the focus will be on accelerating the development of crucial components such as power battery materials, automotive chips, and high-efficiency hybrid power engines. In the area of autonomous driving, the ministry will promote the entry and road testing of intelligent connected

Chinese Automakers Embrace DeepSeek AI to Revolutionize the Automotive Market

In recent months, the integration of DeepSeek AI technology into automotive systems has become a significant trend among Chinese automakers. This move is driven by the desire to stand out in a highly competitive market and to enhance the intelligent features of their vehicles.

DeepSeek AI: A Game-Changer in Automotive Intelligence

DeepSeek AI, developed by a Chinese startup, has garnered widespread attention for its advanced AI models, including DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3. These models offer a high-efficiency, low-cost solution that is particularly appealing to Chinese automakers. Here are some key points about the integration of DeepSeek AI:

East Wind, BYD, and SAIC Lead the Charge

• East Wind Automobile: East Wind has been at the forefront, integrating the DeepSeek R1 model into its Lantu Knowsound

BYD Unveils 2024 Sustainability Report, Focusing on Innovation and Global Goals

On March 26, BYD Company Limited published its 2024 Sustainability Report, comprehensively detailing the company's strategic plans, achievements, and long-term commitments in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors. The report highlights BYD's dedication to sustainable development through technology innovation, significantly impacting green energy, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

In 2024, BYD elevated ESG strategies to the group's strategic level, establishing a board-level Strategic and Sustainable Development Committee. The company appointed Zhao Jianping as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and integrated ESG performance into the compensation assessments of executive directors and senior executives, accounting for 10% of their evaluations. This move demonstrates BYD's commitment to practicing ESG principles.

For decades, BYD

Risks, Red Flags of Modification Export and How to Protect Your Business, uncover the dangers of tax evasion, document fraud, and customs seizures in the overseas car market, and learn actionable steps to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Recently, the overseas car import market has seen a surge in brand-new Chinese vehicles being offered at suspiciously low prices. While this might seem like a golden opportunity for buyers, it often hides a dangerous and illegal practice known as "modification export for passenger vehicles."

This article focuses on the risks of modification exports, specifically for gasoline-powered cars, which are subject to China’s 10% purchase tax. Notably, new energy vehicles (NEVs), such as electric cars, are exempt from this tax, making them less vulnerable to illegal export practices.

We’ll explore the dangers of modification exports, their impact on global buyers and legitimate exporters, and how you can protect your business from falling victim

A Shift in Consumer Preferences and the Impact on Joint Venture Vehicles

The automotive industry in China has been witnessing a significant shift in recent years, with domestic brands gaining ground and challenging the dominance of joint venture vehicles. Once revered for their quality and reliability, models like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Fit have seen their sales plummet due to the rise of competitive homegrown alternatives. This article explores the factors contributing to this change and the implications for the future of China's automotive market.

The Fall of Toyota Corolla and Honda Fit

The Toyota Corolla, once a symbol of affordability and reliability, has experienced a dramatic drop in sales, with only 4,320 units sold in April of this year. Similarly, the Honda Fit, known for its spaciousness and performance, has seen its sales dwindle to a fraction of its former success. The discounts for