Episode #223 - BYD’s Plateau, Leapmotor’s Surge, and Chery’s Global Play

Tu Le and Lei Xing unpack a pivotal month for China’s EV sector — one defined by slowing giants, fast-rising challengers, and a global export push that’s reshaping the industry. 🇨🇳⚡️🌍

BYD’s domestic sales cool even as exports near 1 million units; Leapmotor doubles output, partners with Stellantis, and becomes the new benchmark for cost-controlled EV manufacturing; and Chery’s Hong Kong IPO cements its role as China’s global mass-market powerhouse. Meanwhile, Li Auto stalls, XPeng and NIO regain momentum, and legacy brands from Audi to Ford scramble to stay relevant in China’s hyper-competitive market.

They also hit:

🚙  BYD’s 53 % export mix and rising protectionism in Russia and Mexico

🔋  Leapmotor’s 2026 roadmap and Stellantis licensing play

📈  Chery’s Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour brands expanding in Europe

⚙️  Li Auto’s i6 launch vs XPeng’s profit push

🏁  Ford’s Bronco EREV for China and Audi’s image reboot

💬  Why Western OEMs must match China’s speed and discipline to compete

Insightful, fast-moving, and grounded in on-the-ground reporting — this is your weekly download on how China’s EV revolution is transforming the global auto industry.

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
02:17 Current Trends in EV Sales
04:37 Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
07:18 Focus on Leap Motor and BYD
10:09 Li Auto's Strategy and Challenges
12:31 Legacy Brands and Their Adaptation
15:08 Cherry's IPO and Historical Context
17:36 Cherry's Global Strategy and Market Positioning
27:33 The Price War in the Automotive Industry
29:23 Quality Improvements in Chinese Automakers
31:13 Manufacturing Complexity and Market Adaptation
33:00 Challenges in Product Iteration and Consumer Demand
35:58 Global Competitiveness and Market Dynamics
38:35 The Future of BYD and Market Competition
44:14 International Expansion and Regulatory Challenges
45:49 Audience Engagement and Future Discussions

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Keywords:

China EVs & More, Tu Le, Lei Xing, Sino Auto Insights, BYD exports, BYD sales 2025, Leapmotor Stellantis partnership, Chery IPO Hong Kong, Chery Jaecoo Omoda, Chery Jetour iCar, Li Auto i6 sales, XPeng growth 2025, NIO L60 factory F2, Volkswagen XPeng CEA platform, Ford Bronco EREV China, Buick Electra L7 launch, Audi E5 Sportback China, Tesla China sales, EV price war Europe, Chinese EV exports Latin America, Mexico tariffs China EVs, Russia auto imports, EV manufacturing China 2026