Defying Tariffs, China Extends Lead Over Japan In Vehicle Exports
- By MT Bureau
- November 06, 2024
The automotive export figures released at the close of October 2024 indicate that China has increased its lead over Japan, defying tariffs. After achieving a lead in 2023, China expanded its export gap throughout 2024 by meeting international standards and by addressing key market opportunities.
Capturing much attention, China’s automotive exports have given the Asian country a significant lead over Japan, which held the title of the world's largest vehicle exporter for nearly five decades until last year.
China exported 5.22 million vehicles in 2023, out numbering Japan’s vehicle exports at 4.42 million units. Between January 2024 and September 2024, China exported 4.7 million units. Japan, on the other hand, shipped 3.06 million units.
While Japan’s vehicle exports declined by four percent in the period between January 2024 and September 2024, China’s vehicle exports grew by a good 26.7 percent year-on-year.
The factors that are said to have contributed to a rise in vehicle exports by China are an outlook for new opportunities the world over against a saturating domestic market. The other reason is the significant uptick in electric vehicle adoption at 38.6 percent.
Chinese companies like BYD have found a strong hold in export markets of Europe despite tariffs. This Chinese electric vehicle company has smartly moved up in valuation as compared to Tesla of USA.
Increasingly aligning with international demand, Chinese vehicular exports have come to include competitively priced SUVs and technologically advanced EVs that rival European and US counterparts in quality and appeal.
What is perhaps very interesting is how China's export reach has shifted in the last few years. From focusing on Africa and less-developed regions, Chinese automakers have come to target higher-income, densely populated countries in other continents to ensure a significant export growth.
EVs clearly remain a stronghold, accounting for a substantial chunk of the export volume. The Asian country exported 1.77 million EVs in 2023. This accounted for over 30 percent of its total vehicle exports.
The first nine months of 2024 saw EV exports from China accounting for 1.524 million units, representing 32.4 percent of all auto exports – a 22 percent increase from the same period last year.
Among the export markets that Chinese vehicle manufacturers have targeted are in Europe, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East.
To counter tariffs, Chinese vehicle manufacturers are luring buyers in the overseas markets by providing cost-effective, feature-rich vehicles interestingly.
Image for representative purpose only
Xiaomi EV Announces Sky Nomad SUV Series
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
Chinese technology company Xiaomi EV has introduced the Sky Nomad, a series of reconfigurable SUVs designed to focus on cabin utility and occupant comfort.
While the company’s existing SU7 and YU7 series are designed for the driver, the Sky Nomad series is developed as a living space intended to adapt to different uses throughout the day, such as commuting, working from a parked vehicle or family travel.
The vehicle series is built on Xiaomi’s Kunlun Architecture, which supports a flat floor and a seating system that allows the interior to transition between driving, work and lounge configurations. The design integrates artificial intelligence and Xiaomi’s device ecosystem.
Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Xiaomi, said, "Our answer was to let intelligence define the space, to build a living interior that moves with you."
The Sky Nomad series is aimed at users who require a vehicle for a combination of daily commuting, family transport and work. The series was developed over three and a half years and is scheduled for launch in the Chinese mainland.
EKA Mobility Launches 9M Electric School Bus With 180km Range At Prawaas 5.0
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
Pune-headquartered alternative energy commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has unveiled the EKA 9M Electric School Bus at Prawaas 5.0.
The e-bus is built on a monocoque platform and features a steel structure, with a capacity to seat 43 passengers and complies with AIS 052 standards.
EKA 9M school bus features an electronic braking system, electronic stability control and air suspension. It is available with 100 kWh or 200 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, offering a range of 180 km. The bus supports CCS2 fast charging, with a recharge time of under 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Dr Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, EKA Mobility, said, "The launch of our EKA 9M Electric School Bus reflects EKA Mobility's commitment to developing purpose-built electric mobility solutions that address the evolving needs of India's transportation ecosystem. As educational institutions increasingly embrace sustainable mobility, we are proud to introduce a next-generation school bus that combines safety, efficiency and innovation. This addition further strengthens our comprehensive commercial EV portfolio and reinforces our vision of enabling a cleaner, smarter and self-reliant future for mobility in India."
In addition to the school bus, EKA Mobility is exhibiting its EKA Coach, 12M low-entry electric bus and 3S & 6S models at Prawaas 5.0.
TVS Motor Company Partners IndianOil For Sustainable LPG Distribution
- By MT Bureau
- July 08, 2026
Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has announced a partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) to support LPG cylinder distribution using the TVS King Kargo HD vehicle range.
The initiative aims to provide commercial mobility solutions for IndianOil's network of over 13,000 LPG distributors across India. The partnership intends to improve the efficiency of last-mile deliveries while supporting the transition to sustainable mobility. By using the TVS King Kargo HD, distributors are expected to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
Rajat Gupta, Business Head of Commercial Mobility at TVS Motor Company, said, "At TVS Motor Company, we are focused on building mobility solutions that make everyday business more efficient and sustainable. Our partnership with IndianOil Corporation Limited brings together the strength of two trusted organisations to transform last-mile LPG cylinder distribution across the country. Through the TVS King Kargo range, we are enabling distributors with reliable, high-performance vehicles that help reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and support cleaner operations. This collaboration is another step towards making sustainable mobility practical, accessible, and impactful for businesses across India.”
V C Asokan, ED, SR & SH-TNSO, Indian Oil Corporation, said, "Indian Oil has consistently been at the forefront of delivering energy solutions that power the nation's growth while embracing sustainability. This initiative represents an important step towards modernising our LPG distribution ecosystem through sustainable mobility solutions. The induction of electric cargo vehicles will help improve fleet productivity, lower operating costs for our distributors, and contribute towards reducing carbon emissions. We believe this engagement will demonstrate how strategic industry partnerships can accelerate India's transition towards greener and more sustainable logistics."
Fiat Launches Topolino Micro EV In The United States
- By MT Bureau
- July 08, 2026
Fiat has introduced the Topolino to the United States market, marking the entry of Stellantis into the country's micromobility segment. The EV is available in two body styles, the Topolino and the Topolino Dolcevita, through select dealers with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of USD 13,995, excluding destination fees.
The Topolino is a low-speed electric vehicle with a 5.4-kWh battery and a range of up to 46 miles (75 km). It has a speed of 19 mph (30.5 kmph), though owners can install a conversion kit by the end of summer 2026 to increase the speed to 25 mph (40 kmph), making it a street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) for roads with speed limits of 35 mph (56 kmph) or less.
Olivier Francois, CEO, Fiat, said, "Topolino represents a new chapter for the brand in the U.S. – defined not just by size, but by purpose. With Topolino, we bring a feeling, a lifestyle, a reminder that mobility can be joyful, expressive and beautifully simple. FIAT continues to stand apart by embracing its legacy in small cars, redefining mobility, and anticipating evolving customer needs. With the introduction of Topolino, FIAT brings its unmistakable Italian design and iconic character into this fast-growing segment, offering a fresh, stylish alternative that reimagines urban and neighborhood mobility."
The vehicle is part of the Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, which focuses on providing mobility options. Fiat has also collaborated with Motori & Customs to offer customisation services for the Topolino.
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