Advancing EVs, Smart Cities, and Infrastructure: Regional Innovations and Growth
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Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) companies experienced substantial growth in November, with Xiaomi delivering over 20,000 SU7 units for the second consecutive month, contributing to a target of 130,000 units for the year. Other NEV manufacturers, including Li Auto, Xpeng, and Leapmotor, reported significant increases in deliveries, showcasing robust performance and strong market demand.
XPeng unveiled the X2, marketed as the world's first flying car, at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing. With over 2,000 preorders, the two-seater aircraft exemplifies XPeng's innovation in urban mobility, with deliveries anticipated by 2026.
Seres demonstrated its dominance in the NEV sector with a 54.58% year-on-year increase in November deliveries, totaling 36,842 units. Its AITO brand, featuring popular models like the M7 and M9, solidified its market leadership, especially in the premium segment.
China also approved a 600-square-kilometre drone-testing airspace in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, enhancing capabilities for aviation emergency response and industrial drone testing.
In Japan, the government is postponing a decision on a proposed gasoline tax cut for a year to evaluate the effects of electric vehicle adoption on tax revenues.
Pakistan celebrated the launch of its first locally assembled electric SUV, the Seres 3, by Regal Automobiles Industries Limited, marking progress in sustainable mobility.
Meanwhile, calls for adopting smart city concepts in Sindh emphasized the potential for technological advancements to improve public services and urban efficiency.
South Korea’s LS Electric secured a KRW 561 billion contract to supply ultra-high voltage transformers for a major HVDC project, building on its success in an earlier phase.
Taiwan is advancing its zero-carbon goals, unveiling the ET35, a 3.5-ton electric commercial vehicle, in partnership with the Industrial Technology Research Institute.
In Tamsui, New Taipei, the population exceeded 200,000, prompting the government to push for the second phase of development and improved transportation infrastructure.
Vietnam's transport and logistics market is forecast to grow to $71.9 billion by 2030, driven by increased demand for e-commerce and expanded factory infrastructure.
Jürgen Germeys
China
Peoples Daily | English | News
Several Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) companies reported strong growth in November deliveries. Xiaomi delivered over 20,000 units of its SU7 model for the second consecutive month, targeting a yearly goal of 130,000 units. Since April, the SU7 has shown consistent growth, exceeding 10,000 monthly deliveries from June to September and surpassing 20,000 in both October and November.
Li Auto saw deliveries of 48,700 new vehicles in November, an 18.8 percent year-on-year increase, reaching a cumulative total of 442,000 units and over 1.07 million historically. Xpeng recorded its highest output with 30,895 vehicles delivered, maintaining a monthly total above 30,000 for three months. Leapmotor delivered 40,169 units in November, marking a 117 percent increase from the previous year.
China Org Cn | English | News
One of the key attractions at the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing is the XPeng X2, marketed as the world's first flying car by XPeng, a Chinese electric vehicle company. This two-seater aircraft is designed for transport and recharge via XPeng’s electric-powered Land Aircraft Carrier. XPeng's Vice President, Chen Han, emphasised their focus on safety and urban mobility, noting over 2,000 preorders with plans for delivery by 2026.
China Daily | English | News
Seres's booth drew significant crowds at the 2024 Guangzhou auto show in November, where the company reported impressive growth in its new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. November deliveries hit 36,842 units, a 54.58% year-over-year increase. From January to November, total NEV sales reached 389,566 units, up 255.26% compared to the previous year.
The AITO brand has broadened its lineup, with models like the M5, M7 Pro, and M9 gaining strong market traction. The AITO M7 has become the top-selling model among China's NEV startups, with over 180,000 cumulative deliveries in 2024. Meanwhile, the M9 has dominated the segment above 500,000 yuan ($68,877), receiving more than 180,000 orders in just 11 months.
Xinhua | English | News
A 600-square-kilometre drone-testing airspace has been approved in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, becoming the largest of its kind in northern China. Located about 300 kilometres southwest of Beijing, this zone allows flights up to 4,000 meters, surpassing the previous limit of 3,000 meters. It will facilitate testing of both manned and unmanned aircraft, including large industrial drones, to support applications such as aviation emergency response, air transport, and low-altitude tourism.
The new test zone is expected to streamline airspace acquisition for enterprises and utilises 5G-Advanced technology for real-time monitoring of drone operations. Shijiazhuang is part of a broader initiative among Chinese cities to capitalise on the low-altitude economy, with over 20 provincial governments integrating it into their strategic plans.
Japan
ガソリン減税、結論１年先送りへ 政府与党、ＥＶ普及など検証
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Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News
The government is considering a one-year postponement of redesigning the automobile tax system and a gasoline tax cut proposed by the Democratic Party for the People. This delay aims to assess the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on tax revenues as part of a decarbonisation strategy. A final tax reform conclusion for fiscal 2026 is expected by the end of 2025.
Pakistan
Business Recorder | English | News
Regal Automobiles Industries Limited has launched Pakistan's first locally assembled electric SUV, the Seres 3, marking a major milestone in the country's automotive sector and its commitment to sustainable electric mobility. The ceremony at the Regal plant underscores the potential for innovation in Pakistan's automotive industry.
Business Recorder | English | News
The government is urged to adopt the smart city concept in Sindh, according to Pasban Democratic Party Chairman Altaf Shakoor. He argues that modern technology can rapidly advance both major and secondary cities, enhancing transportation, traffic management, and public service efficiency while conserving natural resources and minimising waste.
South Korea
LS일렉트릭, 5610억원 규모 HVDC 변환용 변압기 수주
ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News
LS Electric has secured a contract to supply 40 ultra-high voltage conversion transformers (CTR) for the second phase of the 500kV East Coast-Seoul Metropolitan Area HVDC project, valued at KRW 561 billion. This follows a previous order for 24 CTRs for the first phase.
인도네시아에 韓 디지털 혁신 꽃 피운다…스마트공장 교육센터 개소
Money Today | Local Language | News
A new Smart Factory Education Centre has been established at Binus University in Bekasi, Indonesia, to enhance digital transformation and innovation in manufacturing among Indonesian SMEs. The opening ceremony featured prominent officials, including Indonesia's Minister of SMEs and Startups, underscoring the initiative's significance and its support from South Korea.
Taiwan
搶零碳排商機 中華3.5噸純電商用車ET35、預計明年上市
NOWnews | Local Language | News
China is advancing towards zero carbon emissions, with multiple sectors exploring business opportunities. The Ministry of Economic Affairs supports a partnership between China Automotive and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to promote the "Electric Logistics Vehicle Demonstration." The ET35, Taiwan's first 3.5-ton electric commercial vehicle, was unveiled during an exhibition and is projected for mass production in 2025.
新北淡水人口升逾20萬 續推二期開發及交通建設
Central News Agency | Local Language | News
The New Taipei City Government celebrated Tamsui reaching a population of over 200,000 with the event "Town becomes a big city and lights up Tamsui" at Tamsui Old Street Square. The celebration featured performances, cultural stalls, and the Tamsui Time Corridor display, drawing over a thousand visitors to enjoy various attractions, including lighting displays.
Vietnam
Thị trường vận tải và logistics của Việt Nam dự báo chạm mốc 48,6 tỷ USD trong năm 2024
VTV News | Local Language | News
Vietnam's transport and logistics market is poised to grow from US$48.6 billion in 2024 to US$71.9 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 6.8%. The surge in logistics and e-commerce demand necessitates expanded warehouse and factory infrastructure. The total supply of ready-built factories has reached 15.1 million square meters, a 31% increase from last year, with an 80% occupancy rate primarily in the southern region.
The northern region accounts for 30% of the country’s factory supply but has higher rental costs, averaging US$5 per square meter per month. Significant government investment in transportation, warehouse, and seaport infrastructure is essential to meet market demands. There is also a push for more flexible planning of industrial zones and streamlined land use conversion processes.