30 May 2025
Which models and brands celebrated success in China’s booming electric vehicle (EV) market? What is the latest tariff update? Which carmakers have made model announcements? Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus breaks down the industry news in The Automotive Update podcast.
In this week’s episode, analysis of the expanding Chinese EV market. Also, a look at hurdles to tariffs on imports into the US. Plus, Alpine unveils its sport fastback, Skoda redraws the past, and Xiaomi announces its challenger to Tesla.
Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music.
China’s EV market boom
China’s EV market surged in the first quarter of 2025. According to data from EV Volumes, nearly 2.63 million EVs, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were registered from January to March. This marks a 43.2% year-on-year increase.
The Geely Geome Xingyuan topped the BEV sales charts, followed closely by the Wuling Mini. Tesla came in third with the Model Y some way back from the top two. In the PHEV stakes, BYD dominated with eight models placed inside the top 10.
In terms of brands, BYD commanded the EV market, with sales up 36.4% year on year. Geely jumped up to second, thanks to a strong BEV performance. Plus, Galaxy performed strongly in the PHEV market with the Starship 7. In total, Geely’s registrations increased 274.3% in the first quarter.
BYD discounts and Chinese used cars
BYD launched significant discounts on 22 of its models in China, as reported by the Financial Times. According to electrive, the carmaker cut prices by roughly 21% on vehicles like the Seagull EV and Qin Plus DM-I PHEV.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce summoned carmakers and industry groups to discuss increasing sales of ‘zero-mileage’ used cars, Reuters reported. These cars had been registered and given license plates, but were being sold as used, having never been driven.
Tariff turbulence
The US Court of International Trade ruled that US President Donald Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing certain tariffs. Notably, the ruling did not apply to the 25% tariff on vehicles, as well as those on steel and aluminium.
However, the decision was short-lived. Just one day later, a panel of judges from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reinstated the tariffs while legal proceedings continue.
Amid this tariff uncertainty, Reuters reported ongoing talks between the US government and Volkswagen Group (VW). VW Group CEO Oliver Blume told a German newspaper that the carmaker is holding ‘fair’ and ‘constructive’ talks with the US government.
EV announcements
This week Alpine unveiled its new all-electric five-seater sport fastback the A390. It will be available from the fourth quarter, with pricing confirmed for two trim levels, the GT and GTS.
Skoda has presented an updated electrified take on its Favorit model. Meanwhile, Peugeot revealed the GTi variant of the e-208, as reported by Autocar.
Xiaomi announced its YU7 SUV will become available for purchase in July, Reuters reported. The BEV looks set to compete with the Tesla Model Y.
Meanwhile, Carscoops has reported the Lynk & Co 08 has been launched in Europe. Xpeng unveiled its MONA M03 Max sedan in China, according to electrek.
Emission targets confirmed
On Tuesday this week, the European Council confirmed it has given final approval to CO2emission target amendments. These give vehicle makers more flexibility, allowing them to meet an average threshold across 2025, 2026 and 2027.
The council body confirmed in a release that: ‘The regulation will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal.’
