CnEVPost Newsletter: VW partners with Xpeng; Audi partners with SAIC

VW to invest $700 million in Xpeng and co-develop EVs

Xpeng and Volkswagen will initially co-develop two B-segment BEVs sold under the Volkswagen brand in the Chinese market using Xpeng's G9 platform and ADAS software, with production expected to begin in 2026.

---

Audi partners with SAIC, to launch EV models for segments it hasn't yet covered in China

Through Volkswagen's partnership with Xpeng and Audi's with SAIC, Volkswagen is strengthening its position in the Chinese auto market, the German auto giant said.

---

Li Auto aims to sell 800,000 cars next year, report says

Li Auto's direct offline stores will increase to more than 800 next year, more than doubling the current number, according to local media.

---

Li Auto considered solid-state batteries in 2019, but gave up due to high cost, report says

Li Auto validated the solid-state battery option for more than half a year, but gave up because the cost of the pack alone was close to RMB 300,000, according to local media.

---

Factbox: How many employees do Nio, Xpeng, Li Auto have?

At the end of 2022, Nio had 26,763 full-time employees, higher than Li Auto's 19,396 and Xpeng's 15,829.

---

WM Motor eyes overseas markets as it struggles at home

WM Motor said earlier this month that it is in the process of settling its debts in an orderly manner and is actively pushing ahead with plans to sell NEVs overseas.

---

China NEV retail at 442,000 in Jul 1-23, down 2% from same period last month

July is traditionally a slow season for the auto market, with hot weather restricting consumers from visiting stores, the CPCA said.

---

Shanghai regains position as China's top NEV-producing city

In the first half of the year, Shanghai produced 611,500 NEVs, contributing 16 percent of China's NEV production.

---