1. Xiaomi YU7 Ultra Officially Launched: Starting at 529,900 Yuan, the Fastest SUV on the Nürburgring Arrives

Xiaomi Auto's second model, the YU7 Ultra, officially launched on the evening of May 18th, offering three configurations: Standard and Ultra versions, priced between 299,900 and 529,900 yuan. The Ultra version features a three-motor system and a silicon carbide high-voltage platform, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.88 seconds, a CLTC range of 720km, and standard Xiaomi Smart Drive MAX. Lei Jun stated at the launch: "This is the most powerful car Xiaomi has ever made."

2. BYD Seal 07 DM-i New Generation Launched: Starting at 99,800 Yuan, Fuel Consumption as Low as 2.9L/100km

BYD's first B-segment sedan based on its fifth-generation DM technology—the all-new Seal 07 DM-i—launched on May 18th, priced between 99,800 and 159,800 yuan. Equipped with a 1.5T engine and EHS160 plug-in hybrid system, it achieves a fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km when the battery is depleted, and a combined range of over 2000km on a full tank and full charge. Orders exceeded 18,000 units on its first day of launch.

3. NIO's 4th Generation Battery Swap Stations Launched Nationwide: Battery Swap in Just 2 Minutes and 30 Seconds

NIO Energy announced on May 18th that its 4th generation battery swap stations have been deployed in 326 cities across China, totaling 1800 stations. The new stations adopt a three-position collaborative battery swapping + 500kW supercharging integrated design, reducing the battery swap time per vehicle to 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and increasing the daily service capacity to 480 times, ensuring large-scale deliveries for the Ledao brand.

4. Huawei's Yu Chengdong Announces: Facelifted Wenjie M9 to Launch in June, Featuring ADS 4.0 for the First Time.

Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solutions BU, announced on his WeChat Moments on May 18th that the mid-cycle facelift of the Wenjie M9 will be officially released in June. The biggest highlight is the debut of Huawei's ADS 4.0 advanced intelligent driving system, supporting "parking space to parking space" full-scenario map-free navigation. The interior will be comprehensively upgraded, adding a zero-gravity seat 2.0 version. The expected price will remain at 469,800 yuan.
 

5. CATL Releases Second Generation "Shenxing Supercharged Battery": 600km Range with 10 Minutes of Charging.

CATL held a technology launch event in Xiamen on May 18th, officially launching the second generation of its Shenxing supercharged battery. Adopting a new lithium iron phosphate + silicon-carbon anode solution, it supports 6C supercharging, providing 600km of range with just 10 minutes of charging, and boasts a cycle life exceeding 12,000 cycles. It has already secured supplier contracts from eight automakers, including Li Auto, Leapmotor, and Hozon Auto, and is expected to begin mass production and vehicle installation in Q1 2027. 

6. Geely Galaxy E8 Performance Edition Launched: 0-100 km/h in 3.49 seconds, targeting the Model 3 Performance

The Geely Galaxy E8 Performance Edition was launched on May 18th, priced at 215,800 yuan. It features dual front and rear motors with an 800V architecture, a maximum power of 475kW, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.49 seconds, and a CLTC range of 665km. The interior is equipped with a 25.6-inch AR-HUD + 8295 chip, and the intelligent driving solution uses Geely's self-developed "Qianli Haohan" system. Over 12,000 orders were placed within 24 hours of its launch.

7. Volkswagen China's Major Layoffs Implemented: Hefei Plant's Capacity Reduced by 40%

According to a report by Caijing Magazine on May 18th, Volkswagen China has officially launched a capacity adjustment plan for its Hefei plant, reducing annual production capacity from 600,000 vehicles to 360,000 vehicles, resulting in approximately 2,600 layoffs. Volkswagen China CEO stated, "This is a painful but necessary strategic contraction. We will focus our resources on the ID. series and the new brand in cooperation with XPeng."

8. Tesla Model Q Spy Photos Leaked: Potentially Entering Mass Production by Year-End, Targeting BYD Seagull

On May 18th, overseas media released the latest spy photos of Tesla's new entry-level model, the Model Q, undergoing road testing. Positioned as a pure electric small car, the new vehicle is expected to be priced under 150,000 RMB, built on a new platform, with a range exceeding 400km, and will be produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory. Musk previously revealed, "The Model Q will be the most important car Tesla has ever made because it targets the largest market."

9. Li Auto's Sales for the Third Week of May Released: 12,000 Units Sold, Surpassing the Wenjie to Reclaim the Top Spot Among New Energy Vehicle Manufacturers

On May 18th, Li Auto officially released its latest weekly sales data (May 12th-18th): Li Auto delivered 12,000 units, an 8.3% increase compared to the previous week, surpassing the Wenjie (10,500 units) to regain the top spot among new energy vehicle manufacturers. The Li L6 contributed the most, with over 7,000 units delivered in a single week. Li Auto announced that it will launch a new version of the L6 Pro in June, further lowering the price to the 240,000 yuan range.

10. Ministry of Commerce: New round of car trade-in subsidy details released, maximum subsidy 20,000 yuan.

On May 18, the Ministry of Commerce officially released the "Implementation Rules for Car Trade-in Subsidies in 2026": Individual consumers who scrap their National III or lower-standard fuel vehicles or new energy vehicles manufactured before 2018 can receive a maximum subsidy of 20,000 yuan when purchasing a new energy vehicle, and a maximum subsidy of 15,000 yuan when purchasing a 2.0L or lower-standard fuel vehicle. The total subsidy amount is 30 billion yuan, on a first-come, first-served basis, and the policy is valid until December 31, 2026.