SMM

【Daimler Trucks to Open Its Charging Network to Third Parties】 The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has stated that achieving the EU's carbon reduction targets by 2030 will require approximately 35,000 fast-charging points with an output of 800 kW or higher. However, Europe currently has fewer than 1,000 charging points for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and existing charging capacity remains insufficient. To address this gap, ​Daimler Trucks has introduced a ​semi-public charging network concept. By 2030, the company plans to deploy ​over 3,000 fast-charging points across Europe, making it the continent’s largest fast-charging network for commercial vehicles. The service is expected to launch in ​Q3 2025. Under this new ​electric truck charging solution, customers of Daimler Trucks’ ​TruckCharge brand will be able to ​open their charging infrastructure to external users for a fee. As part of the semi-public network, charging station owners can make their facilities available to others when not in use, helping to create a more ​comprehensive charging network for electric trucks.

【Tesla's Berlin Gigafactory Produces 500,000th Model Y】 April 1 – Tesla announced on social media that its Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory in Germany has rolled out the 500,000th Model Y, marking a significant production milestone.

【Hyundai Motor Plans to Achieve L2+ Autonomous Driving by 2027】 March 31 – Hyundai Motor Group announced at its annual developer conference, Pleos 25, that it aims to achieve L2+ level autonomous driving by the end of 2027. Hyundai's L2+ advanced driving assistance system will utilize cameras and radar to perceive the vehicle's surroundings and make more complex decisions based on AI ML (Machine Learning) architecture. The company plans to develop its vehicles into "learning machines" capable of autonomous learning and continuous improvement. At the conference, Hyundai also unveiled its new mobility software brand, Pleos, an end-to-end platform encompassing high-performance chips and controllers, the in-house developed Vehicle OS (operating system), the infotainment system Pleos Connect, cloud infrastructure, fleet management, and mobility/logistics optimization solutions. The Vehicle OS is designed specifically for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), adopting a modular and standardized architecture. Its E&E (Electronics & Electrical) architecture integrates high-performance onboard computers with domain-specific controllers. The decoupling of software and hardware enables continuous over-the-air updates and functional expansions for vehicles.

【Renault Group and Nissan Announce New Strategic Partnership Project】On April 1, Renault Group officially announced it will acquire Nissan's current 51% stake to achieve 100% ownership of RNAIPL. This move represents a key opportunity for Renault Group's international expansion. Nissan will continue its strategic focus on the Indian market, prioritizing increased market penetration. Moving forward, RNAIPL will maintain production of Nissan models (including the all-new Nissan MAGNITE) while serving as a crucial pillar for the company's future growth plans. The framework agreement signed between Renault Group and Nissan includes the following key terms: Renault Group will acquire Nissan's 51% stake in RNAIPL Upon transaction completion, Renault Group will hold full ownership of RNAIPL Both parties will continue advancing existing collaborative projects while clarifying future partnership terms in India Nissan will maintain local Indian procurement and export operations through RNAIPL The transaction remains subject to standard regulatory approvals, with expected completion in the first half of 2025

【Chery Auto and Korea's KGM Sign Agreement to Jointly Develop Mid-to-Large SUV】South Korean automaker KG Mobility (formerly SsangYong Motor) announced it has signed an agreement with China's Chery Automobile to jointly develop a mid-to-large SUV and strengthen technological cooperation for future development. The collaborative project, codenamed "SE-10," is scheduled for completion in 2026, with its launch timeline to be determined based on market conditions. KGM stated it plans to expand its fuel-powered vehicle lineup through this strategic partnership while also pursuing subsequent new energy vehicle development.

【US Q1 Auto Sales Rise 4.8% Year-on-Year】Translation: "US Q1 Auto Sales Rise 4.8% Year-on-Year" Data from Wards Intelligence shows that total U.S. new vehicle sales reached approximately 3.91 million units in Q1, marking a 4.8% year-on-year increase. Notably, EV sales grew by 19.2%, despite Tesla's deliveries being projected to decline. Market research firm Cox Automotive warned, "Potential new U.S. tariffs could drive inflation higher, potentially dampening 2025 new vehicle sales."

【Portugal Increases EV Subsidies to Up to €4,000】To accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the Portuguese government recently expanded its EV purchase subsidy program. Under the new policy, buyers of new all-electric 6- to 9-seater vehicles priced below €55,000 (VAT included) can receive a subsidy of up to €4,000. This marks a significant increase from the previous cap of €38,500 for eligible EVs. Notably, the subsidy requires meeting specific criteria: buyers must trade in and scrap a car over 10 years old that has been registered in their name for at least one year.

【France's March Car Registrations Drop 14.54% Year-on-Year】On April 1, data released by the French Automotive Association (PFA) showed that new car registrations in France fell by 14.54% year-on-year in March, totaling 153,842 units. Tesla's sales plunged by 36.83% to 3,157 vehicles.

On March 31, the Economic Development Department of Jinhua Economic and Technological Development Zone released the "Several Policy Measures for Promoting High-Quality Economic Development in Jinhua Economic and Technological Development Zone (Draft for Solicitation of Comments)." It mentioned accelerating the cultivation of industrial clusters for NEVs and components, as well as the biopharmaceutical industry. The zone aims to target new fields and tracks such as artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, advanced new materials, hydrogen energy, and ESS, strategically planning for future industries and striving to become a provincial pilot zone for future industries. The annual newly added PV capacity will exceed 30,000 kW. The zone will ensure a power supply of approximately 3 billion kWh and a natural gas supply of around 80 million cubic meters, with newly added ESS capacity of 6,000 kW. Over 240 public charging facilities will be added. Efforts will be made to achieve approximately 1.5 billion kWh of market-based electricity and to stabilize and reduce industrial and commercial electricity prices on the existing basis.