In a significant shift in strategy, Mercedes-Benz has decided to halt development of its upcoming MB.EA large BEV platform due to declining sales in the BEV market. This decision comes as the automaker faces increasing competition and pricing pressure from Chinese manufacturers, which has impacted its profitability and market position. Initially reported by the German newspaper Handelsblatt and later confirmed by Automobilwoche, the decision underscores the challenges Mercedes-Benz faces in its

Arvind

May 16, 2024

Leapmotor International, the export-only joint venture between Stellantis and China’s Hangzhou-based Leapmotor, will begin exports to countries in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, India, and Africa in the fourth quarter of this year. Leapmotor International is 51 percent owned by Stellantis. It’s a separate entity from the China domestic market-only Leapmotor. Two models have been earmarked for exports, C/D-segment (5-seater) Leapmotor C10 and the A-segment T03. In China, the C10 is available eith

Hans

May 16, 2024

China’s state-owned car manufacturer, Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd. (BAIC) will be restarting its entry into Southeast Asia. The brand was launched in Indonesia yesterday, with PT JIO Distribusi Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT JDI, as its distributor. Two models were previewed, the BJ40 Plus (which we have already covered in an earlier post here), and this X55 II. Unlike the off-road-ready ladder frame chassis BJ40 Plus, this BAIC X55 II uses a more family-focused, comfort-oriented monocoque c

Hans

May 15, 2024

China’s state-owned car manufacturer, Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd. (BAIC) has restarted its entry into Southeast Asia. The brand was launched in Indonesia yesterday, with PT JIO Distribusi Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT JDI, as its distributor. Two models have been previewed, the BJ40 Plus and X55. For this post, we will focus on the BJ40 Plus. The name is of course ‘inspired’ by the legendary first generation Toyota Jeep BJ, the original name of the first generation Land Cruiser. The BAIC B

Hans

May 15, 2024

Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON), a subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Berhad, today inaugurated its revamped Proton EON 3S Centre in Banting, Selangor. The newly upgraded facility, which originally functioned solely as a showroom, now encompasses comprehensive 3S services—sales, after-sales service, and spare parts replacement. The facility upgrade, which involved an investment of RM 6.0 million, has expanded the showroom and incorporated digital sales and after-sales services, providing a more comfo

Arvind

May 15, 2024