EV in China

A shorter article today, for Thursday September 9th, as there is so much other news to compete with. As our title suggests we will quickly look at EV in China from 2 angles. Firstly a quick look at the growth of EV sales in China, then we tke a look at another possible clone or knock off.

Over the past years we have written a lot about EV and China and its amazing growth. Especially for three of the market leaders; Xpeng TESLA and Nio. What was once something of a novelty on the roads of China, is now common place. From the imported segment, originally dominated by TESLA, to the crowds of domestic hopefuls it was a bitter fight, aided by handsome Gvt sales subsidies.

Today, whilst still “King o’ the Hill” TESLA is facing a concerted challenge from fellow US makers and European marques. From Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Porsche to Audi the high end EV or NEV segment is becoming might crowded. Then of course there the usual mid market suspects, such as Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, Toyota while the Detroit makers struggle for a toe hold.

But there are now more than just family sedans, SUV’s or luxury vehicles humming on the streets. Bus and coach operators are updating their fleet. Light commercial vans, refrigerated vehicles are common. As are mid size trucks and ambulances. Serious off road 4WD are also going electric or NEV, such as the Jeep wrangler series. Yet in the background government subsidies for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) have declined by as much as four-fifths.

What about VW?

In our short round up of EU players in the China EV market, we omitted VW. VW could be seen as one of the early ground breakers in the China auto market. From hugely successful brands such as Santana, Polo and Golf they have been a major, leading player. Yet, they seem to be reticent on the China EV scene.

OK, we know VW do have an EV presence and whilst it is still a “Concept” vehicle, so far only released at the Munich motor show, the ID. Life caught our attention. Some thing about it seemed familiar. The classic Mini maybe? A passing resemblance to the The Wuling Hongguang MINI EV by the SAIC-GM? This unassuming little car has the honour of being China’s top selling EV for the past few months.

Maybe BAIC’s LITE-1 (below) Or perhaps the Great Wall Motors popular Ora 1- as in our head image. So, we wonder, have Volkswagen designers run out of creative inspiration, and is this their spearhead model for the China EV market?

BAIC Lite-1 EV

Take a look at the soon to be new Volkswagen ID-life here and see what you think. Watch here the “Volkswagen live“ show including the presentation of ID. LIFE

Introducing Everlyne YU

China Website Baidu Optimisation

In 2003 Everlyne Yu co-founded WPBeijing Marketing Studio with Englishman Peter Bic, now known as Bic Brands.

She began Uengager, as a SaaS MarTech company focused on customer engagement in 2017.

Hello, Nihao, I’m Everlyne

“I love to talk about and help people understand the amazing ways MarTech and SaaS can work to strengthen your business engagement with Chinese consumers.
I know you have questions or want to talk about your brand or business in China so please, drop me a line opposite. If you prefer live chat, call and talk to me live, in person direct.“

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Everlyne is also a key note speaker, lecturer and KOL on MarTech in China. She is CEO of Uengager, business development officer for Bicyu.

Everlyne hs been privileged to work with a variety of international organisations, from VW, Cushman Wakefield, Sodexo, Bristol Myers Squibb to local Chinese firms such as Midea, and OK Order.

If you’re looking for guidance, tips, advice on any aspect of starting or growing a business in China or training, coaching your existing China marketing team for excellence, be sure to check out Uengager. Home page and base for Everlyne Yu. Read her short bio – opposite left – or contact her direct – below – for a free, heart to heart chat.