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OICA'S TOP 5 NEWS
Francois Roudier
March 23, 2026
Automotive: Chinese imports to exceed European exports by 2025
AFP – March 23, 2026, 5:00 AM
Chinese automotive imports into the EU exceeded EU vehicle and parts exports to China for the first time in 2025, reversing a €23 billion surplus in 2019 into a €6 billion deficit. Germany was hit particularly hard, with exports to China sharply down and sector employment continuing to decline.
Link: https://www.autoactu.com/actualites/automobile-les-importations-chinoises-depassent-les-exportations-europeennes-en-2025
China’s e-trucks poised to dominate nascent EU market
Nikkei – Jens Kastner – March 23, 2026, 13:54 JST
Chinese manufacturers are moving early to establish a foothold in Europe’s electric-truck market through local assembly and lower-cost offers. However, infrastructure shortages, battery costs, range limits, resale concerns and strong loyalty to local brands continue to slow broader market expansion.
Link: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/china-s-e-trucks-poised-to-dominate-nascent-eu-market
China Sets New Benchmarks for Global Car Industry Innovation
Bloomberg News – March 23, 2026, 6:00 AM GMT+1
China is increasingly setting the benchmark for the global auto industry through faster development, software-driven vehicles, lower costs and strong supply-chain integration. This is pushing established carmakers to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners, despite ongoing concerns over reliability, safety and compressed validation cycles.
Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-23/china-s-ev-boom-sees-byd-geely-leapmotor-rewriting-global-auto-industry-rules?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
VW’s retro American truck brand traverses bumpy road in US market
Financial Times – Christian Davies, Sebastien Ash and Kana Inagaki – March 22, 2026
Volkswagen is investing $7 billion in Scout Motors to strengthen its position in the profitable US truck and SUV market, but the project faces delays, legal disputes and dealer opposition. Scout’s shift toward range-extended EVs reflects continued US consumer concerns over charging and range.
Link: https://www.ft.com/content/1a45156a-f3bc-4e7d-a5b2-37977a4a0717?syn-25a6b1a6=1
Hyundai, Kia to seek alternative suppliers after fire at parts contractor
Yonhap – Choi Kyong-ae – March 23, 2026, 14:46
Hyundai and Kia are seeking alternative suppliers after a deadly fire halted production at Anjeon Industry, a major engine-valve supplier. The two carmakers say current inventories are sufficient for now and that they are acting to avoid any disruption to planned vehicle production.
Link: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260323007200320?section=k-biz/index
Francois Roudier
March 20, 2026
Japan’s auto leaders warn greater collaboration needed for survival
Nikkei – Yuichi Shiga – 19 March 2026
Japan’s auto leaders say deeper cooperation across the domestic industry is now essential as Chinese automakers gain global share and intensify competitive pressure. JAMA leaders highlighted supply chains, critical materials, automation, productivity and multi-pathway decarbonization as key priorities to preserve Japan’s industrial strength.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/japan-s-auto-leaders-warn-greater-collaboration-needed-for-survival
India’s auto boom at risk as Iran-Israel war chokes gas supplies, straining supply chains
Reuters – Aditi Shah – 19 March 2026
India’s car industry is facing possible production disruptions as the Iran conflict reduces gas availability, affecting suppliers and factories in a market running at near-record demand with limited inventories. Smaller suppliers appear most exposed, while the growth outlook for 2026 vehicle production has already been trimmed.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indias-auto-boom-risk-iran-israel-war-chokes-gas-supplies-straining-supply-2026-03-19/
Renault unveils its industrial plan for Spain
La Tribuna de Automoción – Ignacio Anasagasti – 19 March 2026
Renault has presented a new industrial plan for Spain that would assign three vehicles to Palencia, including two EVs and one hybrid, while Valladolid would receive updated hybrid versions of Captur and Symbioz. The plan is tied to labor negotiations and depends on improved flexibility, lower absenteeism and cost reductions.
https://www.latribunadeautomocion.es/2026/03/renault-presenta-el-plan-industrial-para-espana-con-tres-coches-para-palencia-y-dos-para-valladolid/
Ford’s ‘radical’ new assembly process could make crash repairs faster and cheaper
Automotive News – Michael Martinez – 19 March 2026
Ford is adopting a unicast aluminum structure strategy for future EVs, arguing that fewer, larger parts can lower manufacturing costs and potentially reduce repair complexity when repairability is built into the design. The approach reflects a broader industry move toward megacasting and new repair methods.
https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-ford-unicasting-repair-costs-0319/
China is taking the lead in safety standards
Autoactu.com – Bertrand Rakoto – 20 March 2026
China is tightening vehicle safety rules with new requirements on door handles, steering wheels, physical controls and battery safety, reinforcing its role as a leading regulatory force. The tougher battery standard in particular could become a major competitive differentiator given China’s fast development cycles.
https://www.autoactu.com/actualites/la-chine-prend-la-tete-des-normes-de-securite
Francois Roudier
March 19, 2026
Chery posts record 2025 results as EV surge and global push fuel growth
Gasgoo – 18 March 2026
Chery delivered record 2025 results, with sales up 14.6% to 2.63 million vehicles and NEV sales up 72.5%. Revenue reached $43.5 billion and net profit $2.83 billion. Exports rose 33.2%, confirming electrification and overseas expansion as core growth drivers.
https://autonews.gasgoo.com/articles/news/chery-automobile-posts-strong-2025-results-as-ev-surge-and-global-push-fuel-growth-2034270691824656385
Gasoline price hike from Iran war could push consumers toward EVs, hybrids
Reuters – Nick Carey and Valerie Volcovici – 18 March 2026
Fuel prices have risen sharply since late February because of the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Analysts say sustained increases could boost EV and hybrid demand, especially in Europe, while in the U.S. higher fuel costs may instead weigh on total vehicle sales.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/gasoline-price-hike-iran-war-could-push-consumers-toward-evs-hybrids-2026-03-18/
Design debut: With the i3, BMW sets a new record for electric range
Automobilwoche – Frank Volk – 18 March 2026
BMW unveiled the new electric i3 sedan as a flagship for its Neue Klasse era. The top i3 50 xDrive offers 469 hp, up to 900 km WLTP range and 400 kW charging, underlining BMW’s ambition to redefine the electric 3 Series.
https://www.automobilwoche.de/autohersteller/bmw/amw-designpremiere-bmw-i3-900-kilometer-reichweite/
Geely Eyes Canadian Auto Market After Deal Allowing Chinese EVs
Bloomberg – Linda Lew – 18 March 2026
Geely is preparing a possible entry into Canada after Ottawa opened limited access for Chinese EVs. The group expects certification for Geely-branded models and is also assessing expansion in Brazil, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, with localization considered alongside exports.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-18/geely-eyes-canadian-auto-market-after-deal-allowing-chinese-evs?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
Great Wall Motor eyes plant options in South Africa
Reuters – Nqobile Dludla – 18 March 2026
Great Wall Motor is exploring local production in South Africa through contract assembly or plant acquisition to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. It has held talks with Mercedes-Benz and Nissan, while also studying export-oriented local production opportunities for future models.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/great-wall-motor-eyes-plant-options-south-africa-2026-03-18/
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