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The huge Tesla factory under construction on the outskirts of Shanghai will constitute an important landmark for the electric vehicle industry.
But the Elon Musk company will face a tough business from China's big stars of the EV world. In 2017, Chinese companies built 680,000 electric vehicles, more than the rest of the world. According to reports, there are already 487 electric car manufacturers operating in the country.
"Although the Chinese government has announced cuts in subsidies, the policy approach to the sector has been implemented in a way that is rapidly advancing and dominating the global market," he said. said David Blair, global CEO of Fitch's retail and brand consulting firm. "Innovative research and remarkable start-ups have been made, a reduction in licensing and license fees and a revival of parts manufacturing, all of which have contributed to its success to date."
In Europe and the United States, electric cars are largely positioned as high-end vehicles, thanks in part to Tesla's beautiful image. But in China, the market is dominated by entry-level models, although a handful of companies are trying to change that – and many badociate with western companies eager to take foot in Asia. But who are the big players and which companies are arguing with Tesla, Nissan and others for the electric vehicle crown?
BYD
Built in the 1990s as a rechargeable battery company, Build Your Dreams has become one of the world's largest manufacturers of electric cars, but the bulk of its business is manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for smartphones and more. consumer electronics products. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway investment group owns a quarter of the company. Samsung and Daimler are among the other investors.
BYD's electric vehicle business is growing rapidly: more than 100,000 units were sold in 2016, and designers of former Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz designers have recently joined the group, which could indicate evolution towards higher-end models. His electric car Denza, created in collaboration with Daimler, is close to the price of Tesla model 3.
JAC Motors
The state-owned company builds vans and trucks in Anhui Province since the 1960s, but has added a successful electric pbadenger car business in 2010. In 2017, it has signed a partnership with Volkswagen and will help the German automotive giant to make the Seat brand in China. The E20X Sol, inspired by the seats, is expected to reach dealers in the second half of this year. JAC Motors is also building vehicles for NIO (formerly NextEV), a self-declared Chinese rival, Tesla, who works on autonomous vehicles and is about to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The NIO ES8 is an electric SUV that counterbalances the Tesla X model, while the EP9 is an elegant electric sports car.
BAIC
The state-owned manufacturer has for years been one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers and is leading the country's electrical load. Last year, it strengthened its position through the acquisition of BJEV for $ 4.5 billion. Beijing Electric Vehicle Co. BAIC has several electric vehicles in its range and its EC series was the world's best selling electric vehicle. vehicle in 2017. The company has partnered with Didi, the big Chinese competitor of Uber, for the construction of a fleet of electric vehicles and equipped with an AI system. .
Xpeng Motors
With the support of Foxconn and Alibaba, Xpeng has a huge $ 3 billion valuation, but is still in its infancy in car manufacturing. His original concept car was heavily influenced by Tesla, and even relied on Open Source patents from the American company. The G3, launched last December, borrows less from the company Elon Musk, but there are obvious parallels – including the giant touch screen dashboard. One difference is the price – the G3 will cost $ 33,000 (£ 25,000), much cheaper than the equivalent of Tesla Model X.
JMEV
Founded in 2015 as the exclusively electrical subsidiary of the Nanchang-based Jiangling Motors Corporation, JMEV now offers a full line of electric vehicles and has sold 38,000 in 2017. One of its latest models is the E500, a medium size vehicle. SUV, and he's also working on the T500, a unique electric pickup. This year, it is planned to conclude an agreement with the French manufacturer Renault, which will take a significant stake in the company as it seeks to consolidate its position in China.
Chery
Founded by the Chinese government in 1997, Chery, established in Anhui, has become one of the largest exporters of pbadenger cars in the country. It offers four models of electric vehicles, including the eQ, which at less than $ 10,000 (7,600 euros), is one of the cheapest cars on the market. He has created a joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover, which has invested more than 900 million euros in a research, testing and electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Changshu.
SAIC engines
Based in Shanghai, SAIC is one of the oldest car manufacturers in China and was one of the first to adopt electric vehicles. In 2011, it signed a partnership agreement with General Motors and, in recent years, has actively targeted its international expansion, particularly in India. The company has dedicated $ 3 billion to investment in electric vehicles over the next few years and has created an Indian subsidiary, MG Motor India, based on the famous British brand MG, acquired by SAIC in 2007. It markets its electric vehicles under the brand Roewe, and the rumor that the eZS electric SUV would be launched in India by the end of 2019.
Geely
Founded by Li Shufu in 1986, Geely is one of the few major automakers in which the Chinese state has no stake. In 2010, he bought the Swedish brand Volvo, which unveiled its electric model Polestar 1 in Shanghai last year. The Polestar 1 is designed to compete with Tesla and is expected to be built in China, with a price of USD 176,000 (£ 135,000). Geely also has his own electric vehicle models and owns the London Electric Vehicle Company, which builds London's new fleet of black cabs.
Zotye
While Tesla is facing fierce competition while it is looking to expand into the Chinese market, few brands are going the other way. Zotye could be the first Chinese-made vehicle made available to US buyers. In November, Zotye USA, a partnership with California-based HAAH Automotive Holdings, was announced. The company made headlines in 2014 when it was sued by Porsche for copyright infringement. Its SR9 gas car has a striking similarity to the Porsche Macan. Among its most popular models include the Zotye E200, a city car 100% electric in the style of smart cars.
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