Nio's flagship ES8 SUV has reached a milestone of 150,000 deliveries since its launch, according to the company. The achievement, announced on September 20, marks a record for a premium battery-electric (BEV) model in the 400,000-yuan (about $56,300) segment in China. The ES8, which was introduced a year ago, is part of Nio's push to solidify its position in the high-end electric SUV market.
Xpeng AeroHT expands into UAE
In a separate development, Xpeng AeroHT, the flying-car unit of Xpeng, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE. The deal, reported by Gasgoo, involves building an advanced air mobility regulatory sandbox under the supervision of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The two parties will also begin planning and demonstrating a cross-emirate route between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative aims to create standardized, replicable systems for airworthiness regulation, safe operations, and commercial deployment of flying cars.
The agreement comes as Chinese companies increasingly look to the Middle East for new opportunities in mobility technology. Xpeng AeroHT has been developing flying vehicles and has previously showcased prototypes, positioning itself as a pioneer in the emerging sector.
Other industry highlights
Several other announcements emerged in the Chinese auto industry on September 20. GAC Group held a ceremony for its new KD (knock-down) factory in Cambodia, located in Kampong Chhnang province. The plant, built in partnership with local firm THG, will have an annual capacity of about 10,000 vehicles and will produce models including the Yingso, Yingku, GS8, and GN8. GAC will supply complete vehicle kits, technical standards, and full-chain technical support.
FAW Audi launched the Audi S5 Avant in China, with a limited "First Edition" run of 99 units nationwide, priced at 571,800 yuan (about $80,500). The model is a performance estate car aimed at enthusiasts.
Lynk & Co announced that its 07GT model has reached 10,000 deliveries, a feat the company says sets a record for station wagons in China. The 07GT went on sale on July 23 with a guide price starting at 157,800 yuan (about $22,200), and a limited-time price from 145,800 yuan (about $20,500). The car received over 10,000 firm orders within 27 minutes of its launch.
BYD disclosed in an investor relations activity that its overseas sales of passenger cars and pickups reached 188,746 units in August 2026, up 134.6% year-on-year. Cumulative overseas sales from January to August 2026 totaled 1,157,954 units. BYD said factories in Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Brazil are now operational, and its own fleet of eight roll-on/roll-off ships is in service, boosting global delivery efficiency and supply chain resilience.
Volkswagen Group, meanwhile, has lowered its operating margin forecast for 2026, citing a sharp contraction in the Chinese car market and costs related to its layoff plan. The German automaker also announced a write-down of about 6 billion euros (about $6.9 billion) on the value of its stake in Porsche.
In the supply chain, Nanjing Chuhang Technology's subsidiary Shanghai Chuhang Zhidong Technology has officially opened, extending its automotive-grade perception technology to home and commercial spaces. Gebolu Technology (Yibin) has seen its monthly shipments of brake assemblies exceed 10,000 sets (40,000 units), covering front brake assemblies and EPB (electric parking brake) assemblies.
At the 22nd China Automotive Industry Development (TEDA) International Forum in Tianjin, Huawei Digital Energy's vice president Wang Chao called for greater standardization across the EV industry. He noted that electric vehicles are moving from basic electrification to full electrification, covering drive, braking, steering, and suspension. Wang urged standardized interfaces for intelligent driving, cockpit, and motion domains to reduce redundant development and promote cross-company platform sharing.
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from January to August 2026, the top 10 SUV manufacturers sold 7.218 million units, accounting for 68.1% of total SUV sales. Among them, Changan saw a slight decline, while others grew. In the sedan segment, the top 10 manufacturers sold 4.014 million units, representing 67.9% of total sedan sales, with SAIC and Tesla posting growth while others declined.
A NielsenIQ report on global new-energy vehicle consumers, covering about 10,000 respondents worldwide, found that power batteries have become a key purchase decision factor. CATL leads in global brand awareness, with an unaided top-of-mind mention rate of 26.7% overseas, and a brand strength index of 3.9, nearly double that of LG Energy Solution. In the first half of 2026, CATL's battery installations reached 242.7 GWh, holding a 39.9% global market share, ranking first for nine consecutive years. Chinese battery makers occupy seven of the top 10 global spots, with a combined 72.4% share.
