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

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Uber, one of India’s leading ridesharing apps, has inked a partnership with JSW Group to co-develop and deploy electric vehicles targeted for the Indian ride-hailing market.

The MoU signed between Parth Jindal of JSW Group and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, will see JSW Green Mobility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Group, deploy EV solutions at prices and performance expected in the cab segment in India.

The aim is to provide localised EV solutions across various categories on Uber, along with driving the adoption and utilisation of green vehicles.

Parth Jindal, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Uber to explore scalable EV mobility solutions aligned with national net-zero goals for India. By combining Uber’s platform scale and mobility insights with JSW’s growing automotive and clean mobility ambitions, we hope to contribute meaningfully to India’s EV ecosystem.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “India’s transition to electric mobility requires strong ecosystem partnerships across technology platforms, automakers, fleet operators, and infrastructure players. Through this collaboration with JSW Group, we aim to help accelerate the adoption of EVs on the Uber platform by exploring solutions purpose-built for the needs of Indian riders and drivers. This partnership also reflects our continued commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of advancing green and sustainable mobility at scale.”

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European automotive major Stellantis has announced a project to produce an electric vehicle, designated the E-Car, with production scheduled to begin in 2028. The manufacturing will take place at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy.

The term E-Car refers to European, Emotion, Electric and Environmental friendliness. The project aims to support the adoption of electric vehicles for city-centric mobility and intends to boost design and manufacturing jobs in Europe. The vehicle is designed to address the contraction of the small car segment in the region.

Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis, said, “The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA. Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands. Production is expected to start in 2028 in our Pomigliano (Italy) plant.”

The selection of the Pomigliano plant aligns with its history of producing cars, such as the Fiat Panda. The E-Car models will utilise BEV technologies developed with partners to improve affordability and reduce time-to-market.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has introduced the Skoda Epiq, its first entry-level city SUV crossover, which it claims achieves price parity with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Kamiq, in several European markets.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ modular electric platform, the front-wheel-drive Epiq doubles Skoda's battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup alongside the Enyaq, Elroq and upcoming Peaq.

The platform features two battery chemistries and three power outputs tailored for urban efficiency –

• Epiq 35 & 40: Features a 38.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 267 Nm of torque and a 310 km range. The entry-level Epiq 35 delivers 85 kW, while the Epiq 40 outputs 99 kW.
• Epiq 55: The range-topping variant utilises a 55 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, generating 155 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque for a 440 km range.

The Epiq 55 supports fast DC charging, replenishing the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. It also features bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L, V2H and V2G) and introduces full one-pedal driving in B mode. Mechanical disc brakes are fitted on both axles to limit rotor oxidation, as the front wheels handle all regenerative braking.

Measuring 4,171 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase, the Epiq is the first production model to fully adopt Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The traditional front grille is replaced by a glossy black Tech-Deck Face concealing integrated sensors, framed by a new T-shaped LED light signature.

The crossover achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275. This aerodynamic profile is enabled by active cooling shutters, front-wheel Air Curtains, a fully enclosed smooth underbody pan and an extended roof spoiler.

Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle offers substantial storage, prioritising a 475-litre rear boot. This is supplemented by a 25-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) and 28 litres of cabin storage.

The cabin is completely animal-free, replacing leather with a durable synthetic material called Techtona. All textile seat fabrics are woven from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers (PES).

The digital core is powered by an Android-based infotainment system utilizing a 13-inch central display with third-party app hosting and a mobile digital key platform.

Safety hardware includes seven standard airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and advanced driver assistance features:

It gets Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and an eye-tracking mirror camera for driver fatigue as standard. Customers will also have a choice for an Optional Crossroad Assist feature using front-corner radars, and Travel Assist 3.0 with proactive stop-light recognition, Trained Parking and Remote Park Assist.

Shortly after the initial market rollout, a limited Epiq First Edition will launch exclusively with the high-output 155 kW Epiq 55 powertrain. It is distinguished by a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and Navajo Orange accents on the mirrors, bumpers, and side trim. The interior is upgraded with matching orange stitching, contrast safety belts, and aluminium sports pedals.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, said, “The Epiq is our most approachable step into electric mobility – compact, confident, unmistakably Skoda, and designed to deliver exceptional value for money. It sets a clear benchmark for what an entry-level electric model should be: clean, purposeful design, intuitive user experience, and genuine everyday value. As our first series-production model to fully adopt the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq brings technologies from higher vehicle segments into an accessible package."

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added, “With the Epiq, we are addressing customers who are looking for a straightforward and attractive entry into electric mobility. The model combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly spacious interior, including a 475-litre luggage compartment, and a design focused on functionality. It delivers the quality and Simply Clever solutions our customers expect from Skoda, along with new features such as bidirectional charging."

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ultraviolette Automotive and Bolt.Earth have announced that their interoperable Type-6 DC fast-charging network has surpassed 130 operational stations across 7 Indian states.

The current footprint more than doubles the initial deployment goal of 50 chargers established when the companies signed their strategic partnership in March 2026.

The accelerated infrastructure rollout is designed to support a growing performance electric motorcycle market and mitigate range anxiety. The active charging stations are distributed throughout Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal. As part of the network's next deployment phase, an additional 200 Type-6 DC fast chargers are scheduled to go live over the next two months.

The public charging network adheres to the IS 17017 Part 2 Section 6 standard, establishing native hardware compatibility for Ultraviolette's F77 and newly launched X-47 Crossover electric motorcycles without requiring external charging adapters. The physical infrastructure expansion relies on a dual-strategy approach, combining new installations of Type-6 DC fast chargers with targeted hardware upgrades to Bolt.Earth's existing charging points.

Niraj Rajmohan, Co-Founder & CTO, Ultraviolette, said, “Crossing 130+ Type-6 fast chargers ahead of schedule is in response to Ultraviolette’s expanding rider base and the broader growth of India’s electric two-wheeler market. The expansion also comes at a pivotal moment for India’s mobility sector. Recent crude-linked volatility has reinforced the need for more resilient, electricity-led mobility infrastructure. For electric mobility to scale meaningfully, charging infrastructure must evolve alongside vehicle technology with reliability, accessibility, and interoperability at its core. The rapid expansion of the Type-6 ecosystem marks an important step towards building a standardised and future-ready charging backbone for electric mobility.”

Mohit Yadav, Founder, Bolt.Earth, added, “Crossing 100 chargers within weeks of launch is more than a milestone for us, it reflects both the pace at which India’s EV ecosystem is evolving and our ability to scale interoperable infrastructure rapidly. With a roadmap to deploy 10,000 Type-6 Blaze DC chargers over the next two years, our focus remains on building one of India’s most reliable and accessible public fast-charging networks for electric two-wheelers.”

The network's software backend is integrated across both companies' digital applications. This allows riders to access real-time charger discovery, monitor active charging session telemetry, and process payments via integrated payment portals. Bolt.Earth has outlined a long-term commercial roadmap to deploy 10,000 Type-6 Blaze DC chargers over the next 24 months to support high-density urban transit routes and regional highway corridors.

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