China’s year-to-date new energy vehicle production surpassed 10 million units last week, making it the first country in the world with an annual production crossing that milestone. China will strengthen the building of a green supply chain and promote the coordinated carbon reduction of the entire industry chain, Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said. Last year, the annual production volume of NEVs in China totaled 9.59 million units. In 2013, the first year that production and sales of NEVs were included in the statistics, only 18,000 units were produced, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng Motors’ flying car unit Xpeng Aeroht has taken a giant leap into the future of transportation with the first public flight of its “Land Aircraft Carrier” during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. A key player in the low-altitude economy, Xpeng Aeroht netted new orders of 2,008 units of the flying car at the airshow. Zhao Deli, Founder of the company, said the product carries a price tag of less than CNY2 million, with price cuts possible as demand grows. The company’s flying car manufacturing base is under construction in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and is set to become the world’s first mass-production facility for flying cars using a modern assembly line.
Chinese EVs are gaining popularity among Swiss importers and consumers. At Switzerland’s largest motor show, Auto Zurich 2024, 70 brands showcased their latest models and technologies to over 64,000 visitors. Among them were Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor, Leapmotor, MG and JAC Motors. Patrick von Bachelle, Swiss importer of Leapmotor, believes that Chinese EVs are leading in the market, pushing the entire industry forward. Sergio Kaufmann, importer of Dongfeng Motor, echoed this sentiment, saying that Chinese EVs are “very well-built with exceptional batteries” and Chinese manufacturers are “very adaptable and professional”. Dongfeng Motor started selling EVs in Switzerland more than a year ago, and now operates through 10 Swiss dealers, the China Daily reports.
