Tips of Importing cars from China
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August 22, 2025
Dongfeng Honda Faces Significant Sales Decline Starting from Second Half of 2025
Dongfeng Honda, one of China's major joint-venture automakers, has experienced a sharp downturn in sales since the latter half of 2025. In July 2025, none of its models achieved a monthly sales volume exceeding 10,000 units. The CR-V, its best-selling model, recorded sales of only 9,873 vehicles, accounting for nearly half of the brand's total sales. Meanwhile, the Civic, once a segment leader, sold merely around 3,000 units. Sales of its main models dropped by 74% year-on-year and 60% month-on-month, placing Dongfeng Honda at the bottom among mainstream joint-venture brands in China.
Civic Sales Plunge Compared to Competing Models
The Honda Civic saw sales of approximately 3,000 units in July 2025, representing an 88% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Sales have drastically fallen from nearly 20,000 units per month at the beginning of the year to around 3,000 units. Cumulative sales for the year
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August 19, 2025
Dongfeng Motor Seals Major 9,000-Vehicle Annual Deal in Italy, Accelerating European Expansion
Key Highlights
• Annual Order: 9,000 vehicles for Italy, featuring flagship models Mage, Huge, and Shine
• Market Growth: Chinese car sales in Europe surged 91% YoY in early 2025
• Dealer Network: 20 Italian dealerships signed, targeting 40+ by end-2025
• EU Compliance: Core models now certified for European standards
Strategic Push into Europe
Dongfeng Motor has secured a landmark agreement with an Italian partner, marking one of the largest single orders for Chinese automakers in Europe. The deal underscores Dongfeng's strategic focus on the region, where its Mage, Huge, and Shine models will spearhead market penetration.
Localized Market Approach
Dealer Network: Dongfeng has already established 20 dealerships across Italy, with plans to double this number by December 2025. This ensures nationwide sales and service coverage for customers.
Consumer Engagement: The company is running high-impact
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August 12, 2025
Audi S4 Chassis: The Engineering Behind Its Precision Performance
Core Chassis Architecture
The Audi S4 establishes its dynamic foundation through an exceptional combination of five-link front and rear independent suspension, extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, and the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system with mechanical center differential. This creates a rare balance of precision and performance in its class.
Platform and Layout
Built on Volkswagen Group's MLB evo longitudinal engine platform, the S4 features:
- Front-engine, all-wheel-drive configuration for optimal weight distribution
- Lower ride height compared to standard A4/A4L models
- More aggressive suspension tuning and AWD calibration
Suspension System Highlights
The five-link independent suspension provides:
- Superior wheel trajectory control during cornering and braking
- Optimized camber management for enhanced grip
- Precise steering feedback and reduced body roll
Lightweight Construction
Audi engineers implemented
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August 11, 2025
China MIIT Batch 398 New SUV/Crossover Lineup: 11 Models Coming Q4 2025
Key Highlights
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed 11 significant SUV/crossover models in its 398th product announcement batch, scheduled for September-November 2025 launches. The lineup spans pure electric, EREV, PHEV, and conventional fuel technologies, featuring major updates from AITO, Tank, GAC Toyota, and emerging EV brands.
Model-by-Model Breakdown
1. Aion i60 (New Model)
- Segment: Compact SUV (positioned below/side-by-side with AION V)
- Design: Family-style tech-sport aesthetic with roof-mounted LiDAR
- Powertrain: Expected to offer both BEV (150-165kW motor) and EREV (1.5L range extender) options
- Dimensions: Approximately 4.68m length
2. Arcfox T5 Facelift
- Updates: Front fascia redesigned to match S5 styling, retained full-width taillight
- Performance: Single-motor BEV with upgraded 185kW (520km range) and 200kW (630/660km range) options using CATL batteries
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August 07, 2025
Leapmotor B01: A Game-Changer in the 100,000 RMB EV Sedan Market
Overview
The Leapmotor B01 has emerged as a formidable contender in the competitive 100,000 RMB new energy sedan segment, thanks to its exceptional configuration, competitive pricing, and impressive delivery efficiency. The model achieved 10,132 locked orders within 72 hours of launch, with the first 10,000 units rolling off the production line in just 7 days. Notably, Leapmotor ensured immediate delivery upon launch, effectively eliminating the "futures trap" and showcasing its strong production capacity and supply chain advantages.
Pricing (Converted to USD)
The official price range for the Leapmotor B01 is 89,800-119,800 RMB (approximately $12,386-$16,538 USD at an exchange rate of 7.25 CNY/USD).
Powertrain and Range
The B01 offers two electric drive systems with peak power outputs of 132kW and 160kW, and peak torque of 175N·m and 240N·m respectively. It comes with three battery capacity options: 43.9kWh, 56.2kWh, and
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August 06, 2025
Changan Qiyuan Q07 vs BYD Song PLUS DM-i: Detailed Comparison of China's Top PHEV SUVs
Introduction
Two leading Chinese plug-in hybrid SUVs - the Changan Qiyuan Q07 215 Flagship PLUS (¥171,800 ≈ $22,910) and BYD Song PLUS DM-i 160KM Flagship PLUS (¥175,800 ≈ $23,419) - compete head-to-head in the crucial 150,000-180,000 yuan segment. While similarly priced, these 2025 models show significant differences in space, technology, range, and refinement, with the Q07 demonstrating stronger overall product capability.
Key Comparison Highlights
- Space: Q07's midsize SUV dimensions beat Song PLUS DM-i's compact class
- Range: Q07's 215km pure EV range surpasses Song's 160km
- Tech: Q07 features dual screens + AI assistant vs Song's conventional setup
- Value: Q07 offers more features at slightly lower price
Detailed Comparison
1. Space & Positioning
The Changan Qiyuan Q07 is classified as a midsize SUV, offering substantially more interior and cargo space than the compact-class BYD Song PLUS DM-i. Its
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August 05, 2025
Budget-Friendly Chinese Hybrid SUV Showdown: Changan UNI-Z vs Geely Galaxy L7
Introduction
For global buyers seeking quality hybrid SUVs under $15,000, two Chinese models stand out: the Changan UNI-Z Warship Edition and Geely Galaxy L7 EM-i Explorer+. These autonomous brand hybrids offer compelling value but differ significantly in pricing, space, electrification, and smart features.
1. Pricing & Purchase Benefits
- Changan UNI-Z Warship Edition: MSRP $17,347 (¥124,900) with current $2,083 (¥15,000) cash discount, final price $15,264 (¥109,900). With trade-in, can drop to $11,792 (¥84,900).
- Geely Galaxy L7 EM-i Explorer+: Priced at $17,056 (¥122,800) with only optional package credits available.
Key Point: UNI-Z offers approximately $1,806 (¥13,000) better value after discounts.
2. Powertrain & Efficiency
Changan UNI-Z features Blue Whale plug-in/range-extender dual-mode system (158kW/330Nm, 0-100km/h in 7.4s) with 125km CLTC pure-electric range.
Geely Galaxy L7 boasts superior fuel
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July 31, 2025
BYD Yuan UP Launches New Entry-Level Model: 301KM Explorer Priced at $10,321
Key Highlight: BYD has expanded its Yuan UP lineup with the 301KM Explorer variant, now the most affordable model at 74,800 yuan ($10,321), effectively lowering the entry point for this popular electric SUV.
Core Specifications
- Powertrain: 70kW front-mounted motor (180N·m torque) with 32kWh LFP battery
- Range: 301km CLTC
- Dimensions: 4310mm (L) x 1830mm (W) x 1675mm (H), 2620mm wheelbase
- New Color Options: "Joyful Beige" and "Lavender Purple"
Technology & Features
- Standard 8.8-inch digital cluster and 12.8-inch touchscreen (some reports suggest 10.1-inch)
- DiLink smart system with BYD D100 chip supports four-zone voice interaction
- Future OTA updates will add phone-car interconnect, mirror mode, and navigation transfer
Comfort & Convenience
- Electronic gear selector, built-in ETC, NFC key, wireless charging
- Panoramic camera, automatic climate control, rear vents
- VTOL mobile power station (vehicle-to-load) capability
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July 15, 2025
BYD Makes Breakthrough in Intelligent Parking with "God's Eye" System
Global First: L4-Level Parking Achieved in Mass-Production Vehicles
BYD has achieved a technological milestone in 2025 with its revolutionary God's Eye Intelligent Parking System, becoming the world's first automaker to implement L4-equivalent parking functions in mass-produced vehicles. Through OTA updates, this system comprehensively upgrades over ten key functions across parking, driving, and safety domains, propelling more than 1 million intelligent vehicles into the era of全民智驾 (universal smart driving).
Three Core Technological Advantages
- Triple-Speed Parking Mode: Intelligently adjusts parking speed for different scenarios, reducing average parking time by approximately 40%
- World's First Front-End Parking: Solves narrow space challenges with specialized algorithms for complex parking scenarios
- 99.7% Accuracy in Suspended Obstacle Detection: Enhanced recognition system significantly reduces parking risks and
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July 10, 2025
Chery Tiggo 7 High Energy Edition: Budget-Friendly Compact SUV with Premium Features
Key Highlights & Pricing
- Model: Chery Tiggo 7 High Energy Edition (Compact Fuel SUV)
- Engine Options: 1.5T (156HP) / 1.6T (197HP)
- Starting Price: $10,945 (¥79,900) | OTD Price: ~$12,603 (¥92,000)
- USP: High-end tech + aggressive pricing under EV market pressure
Exterior & Space
The Tiggo 7 High Energy Edition boasts a multi-layer design with LED headlights, dynamic turn signals, and 18-inch two-tone wheels. Its 2672mm wheelbase and compact dimensions (4545*1898*1670mm) make it urban-friendly.
Interior highlights:
- 10.25"+13.2" dual screens with CarPlay/HUAWEI HiCar
- Wireless/wired charging pads
- Heated/ventilated front seats + adjustable rear seats
- Spacious rear legroom (2 fists for 170cm passenger)
- 475L trunk (fits five 20" suitcases, expandable via foldable rear seats)
Smart Features
- Snapdragon 8155 chip for smooth operation
- 360° panoramic + transparent chassis view for parking safety
Compatible