Shanghai Auto Show 2025: Luxury Fuel SUVs Defy EV Trends with Bold Upgrades

Despite fierce competition from electric vehicles, legacy automakers showcased refreshed flagship SUVs at Shanghai Auto Show, proving fuel models still dominate premium segments in emerging markets.

Key Highlights

• Audi Q5L debuts Huawei Qiankun infotainment with 5th-gen EA888 engine
• Infiniti QX80 challenges Lincoln Navigator with 456HP twin-turbo V6
• Lincoln's 48-inch wraparound screen sets new luxury benchmark

Model Breakdown

1. All-New Audi Q5L

The German marque's best-seller receives its most radical redesign yet. Built on the PPC platform, it features:

• Sharper exterior lines with aggressive front fascia
• Huawei Qiankun smart cockpit system (first in Audi)
• Upgraded 2.0T EA888 engine (5th generation) paired with 7-speed DCT
• Quattro all-wheel drive as standard

2. Infiniti QX80 Flagship

Japan's answer to American full-size SUVs brings:

• 3.5L

BYD's "Shenzhen" - World's Largest Car Carrier Makes Maiden Voyage

Record-Breaking Ship Sets Sail with 7,000+ NEVs

The BYD "Shenzhen", currently the world's largest pure car/truck carrier (PCTC), embarked on its historic maiden voyage from Taicang Port, Jiangsu on April 27, 2025. The vessel carried over 7,000 BYD new energy vehicles destined for Itajaí Port, Brazil, setting a new record for China's single-batch NEV exports and marking a strategic leap in global automotive logistics for Chinese brands.

Key Specifications of "Shenzhen"

• Length: 219.9 meters
• Beam: 37.7 meters (accommodates 18 standard cars side-by-side)
• Maximum capacity: 9,200 standard car equivalent units
• Deck system: 16 decks with 4 adjustable levels using advanced lifting platforms
• Draft: 9 meters
• Distinctive livery: Red-and-white color scheme with BYD branding

This vessel represents BYD's fourth self-owned NEV carrier and currently holds the title as the world's largest PCTC. The company is already constructing its

Impact Analysis of Escalating China-US Tariff War on Imported Vehicle Market

Since April 2025, the ongoing tariff dispute between China and the US has significantly impacted the automotive industry, particularly American imported vehicles in the Chinese market. The effects of these increased tariffs and their ripple effects are becoming increasingly evident.

Tariff Policy Escalation

• In April 2025, the White House announced tariffs of up to 245% on certain Chinese imports, with most goods facing approximately 145% tariffs.
• China retaliated with counter-tariffs reaching 125% on key US products including coal, LNG, crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-displacement vehicles.

Current Status of US Imported Vehicles in Chinese Market

Sales Decline

The imported vehicle market peaked in 2014 with 1.263 million units sold, followed by continuous decline. By 2024, annual imported vehicle sales dropped to 643,662 units, a 16.3% year-on-year decrease.

In Q1 2025, US-brand imported vehicle sales

Russian Auto Market Dynamics: Reshaping Landscape as Global Brands Prepare to Return

Current Market Situation in Russia

Recent high-level interactions between the US and Russia, along with easing geopolitical tensions in the Ukraine conflict, have created conditions for multinational automakers to reconsider their Russian operations. Several major brands that previously exited due to investment risks are now actively planning their return strategies, potentially reshaping Russia's automotive landscape.

Countdown to Multinational Brands' Return

Key Developments:

• Hyundai: While selling its St. Petersburg plant to AGR Holdings, Hyundai retained a two-year buyback option and maintains active relationships with local dealers and staff.
• Japanese Automakers: Toyota and Mazda have suspended operations but preserved factory repurchase rights while continuing after-sales and parts supply.
• European Brands: Volkswagen recently launched the new Polo model, showing no intention of complete withdrawal.

U.S. Increases Auto Tariffs: Current Situation and Impacts

Latest Tariff Policy Overview

On March 26, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to impose additional 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, effective April 3. The tariffs cover passenger vehicles (sedans, SUVs, etc.), light trucks, and key components (engines, transmissions, etc.). Combined with previous adjustments since 2018, current tariff rates for Chinese exports to the U.S. stand at:

- Conventional fuel passenger vehicles: 47.5%

- Electric passenger vehicles: 122.5%

- Auto parts: 47.5%-50.5%

While Trump has recently hinted at possible "exemptions," the current tariffs have nearly reached their ceiling with limited room for further increases.

Actual Impact on Chinese Auto and Parts Exports

Limited Effect on Complete Vehicle Exports

China exported approximately 98,000 passenger vehicles and light buses to the U.S. in 2024, accounting for just 1.8% of China's global vehicle exports by volume. The export value

Structural Reshaping of China's Auto Market: Current Status and Trends

The Chinese automotive market is undergoing a profound structural transformation. Electrification and intelligentization have become the core drivers of industry change, with Chinese brands rapidly gaining market share while foreign brands (including joint ventures) continue to decline.

Key Market Shifts

• Market Share Changes: Chinese brands now account for over 50% of passenger vehicle sales, projected to reach 70% by 2025
• Technology Leadership Shift: China has transformed from "world's largest auto market" to "global automotive R&D hub"
• New Growth Areas: NEVs (including PHEVs and BEVs) are the primary growth drivers, with 55% penetration expected by 2025

Will Foreign Brands Collapse Completely?

Industry analysts suggest structural changes won't eliminate all foreign brands, but those failing to adapt will quickly lose competitiveness.

Major Challenges

• Foreign brand capacity utilization dropped from 73% (2017) to

Chengdu "Mobile Power Bank" Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Pilot Project Introduction

Project Background

On April 14, China's National Development and Reform Commission, National Energy Administration, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and State Administration for Market Regulation jointly announced the first batch of large-scale V2G application pilot projects. After rigorous evaluation and multiple rounds of selection, Chengdu's "Mobile Power Bank" V2G pilot project was successfully included in the national list of first V2G pilot projects.

V2G Technology Overview

V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) is a bidirectional interaction technology that transforms new energy vehicles from mere "power consumption devices" into "mobile power banks" capable of supplying electricity back to urban grids. During charging, vehicles draw power from the grid, while during discharging, they can reverse the flow to supply electricity to both the grid and buildings, effectively alleviating peak load pressure on the

Exclusive Overview for Middle Eastern & African Importers

TopUsedCars.com reports - VOYAH, Dongfeng Motor's premium electric vehicle subsidiary, has cemented its position as China's fastest-growing NEV brand with groundbreaking production achievements and cutting-edge technology offerings.

Production & Sales Highlights

• 200,000th vehicle rolled off production line in April 2025
• First 10,000 units achieved in just 553 days post-launch
• 2024 sales surged 70% YoY to 85,697 units
• March 2025 deliveries hit 10,012 units (64% YoY growth)
• Q1 2025 sales reached 26,034 units (59% YoY increase)

Product Portfolio

VOYAH's complete lineup meets diverse market demands:

• FREE SUV - Flagship intelligent SUV
• Lantu Dreamer MPV - Luxury people mover with refrigerator/TV
• Passion Sedan - Premium executive vehicle
• Courage SUV - Newest model with 901km range

Technological Breakthroughs

• Full adoption of Huawei Qiankun ADS 3.0 across all models
• Level 3 autonomous driving models coming 2025
• Courage SUV features 15.05"

Changan Auto Enters European Market and the Global Outlook of "Made in Chongqing" Vehicles

Changan's European Market Strategy

Brand Launch and Market Expansion: On March 21, 2025, Changan Automobile held its European brand launch in Mainz, Germany, marking its official entry into the European market. The event showcased nine new models across its three brands (Changan, Deepal, and Avatr).

Market Plan: Changan plans to expand to at least 10 European regional markets by the end of 2025 and establish a comprehensive business presence across Europe by 2028. The company will set up its own national sales companies in Europe and plans to open up to 60 showrooms in the UK.

Localization Strategy: Changan will promote localized product R&D and manufacturing in Europe. Its European R&D team will deeply participate in product design and optimization to ensure vehicles meet European consumer preferences. The company may establish local manufacturing plants in Europe to reduce costs and improve supply