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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Global car market gazing through the lens of a top Chinese brand
While Chinese automobile brands are increasingly going global to seek new growth opportunities, the risks in the overseas market are also increasing by the day. This is due to pressure from trade protection policies in the United States and Europe, notes SAIC Motor Corporation in its latest annual report. At the same time, as international competition is transferred to the domestic market, Chinese automakers will participate 'more deeply' in competition in the global market. It is expected that in the next 3-5 years, the proportion of the country's domestic vehicles in global sales will increase from the current 30 per cent to around 45 per cent. SAIC Motor is no stranger to India where MG Motor is its business and retail brand with operations in Halol, Gujarat. The company had recently divested part of its stake to the JSW group and the road ahead will see greater focus on electrification. The competitive landscape of China's automotive industry is undergoing a disruptive Motor Corporation Annual Report SAIC set up shop here by buying out General Motors' (a longterm ally back home in China) facility in 2017 and then rapidly beginning production. Its debut SUV offering, Hector, caught the imagination of Indian customers and it has now thrown up another potentially huge success story with the more recently launched Windsor EV. Going global In 2024, China's domestic market share of self-owned (homegrown) brands stabilised above 60 per cent and their average selling price increased by more than 30 per cent compared to five years ago. Self-owned brand automakers like Geely, SAIC, BYD etc have also been accelerating their 'going global' efforts and the growing trend of 'domestication of international competition' is now becoming increasingly evident. SAIC says the new round of a technological revolution is driving profound changes in the global automotive industry. With the deep integration of electrification and intelligence, the product definition and user experience of automobiles are undergoing 'revolutionary changes'. Self-owned brands have also risen profoundly in the domestic market. Not only have their market shares surpassed those of joint venture brands, but with the cross-border entry of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) enterprises, the Internet strategy and traffic marketing have brought new challenges to the traditional marketing model of the automotive industry. 'The competitive landscape of China's automotive industry is undergoing a disruptive reconstruction,' SAIC has noted in its annual report. The industry characteristics of "internal competition and external pressure" persist and as the automotive industry enters the "elimination competition" stage, the domestic market has experienced intense "internal competition" with price wars becoming increasingly fierce. Demand for improvement According to SAIC's annual report, one of the main factors driving China's automotive consumption is the demand for improvement. Based on the experience of leading countries, as the number of cars per capita increases and "non-first-time buyers" become the dominant factor in new car purchases, consumers have a stronger desire for larger car sizes and better comfort. Considering the competitive characteristics of the Chinese market, continues SAIC, while products are trending towards larger sizes and higher-end features, the average price continues to decline. More cost effective large-sized vehicles could become the preferred choice for consumers when they make replacement purchases. Two, plug-in hybrid products (including extended-range models) will gain greater popularity. Thanks to zero range anxiety and their strong adaptability to the environment, the growth rate of plug-in hybrid products (including extended-range models) has been significantly higher than that of pure electric products in recent years. In SAIC's view, the average annual growth rate of plug-in hybrid products (including extended-range models) will exceed 30 per cent in the next three years, thereby becoming the main growth driver in the new energy vehicle market. Taking the launch of the new large-sized extended-range SUV as an opportunity, [IM Motors] will expand its scale… aiming to achieve a 50% increase in annual Motor Corporation Annual Report Proliferation of technologies Three, the demand for intelligence has increased and with the rapid iteration of technologies such as AI, consumers' attention and demand for intelligent cabin and driving technologies have also grown significantly. Meanwhile, tech equity (where everyone is able to access and benefit from technology) has promoted coverage of intelligent automotive technologies to mid and low-priced products. Finally, says SAIC, the diversification of consumer groups and scenarios has led to more segments of the market especially among female and silver-haired users, as well as the emergence of new scenarios such as self-drive travel. 'It is an important new opportunity for the Blue Ocean (new or untapped) market, as well as a new challenge for product definition and marketing transformation,' adds the company. SAIC believes that the automotive industry in China will still maintain a stable and positive development trend in 2025 with sales of domestic automobiles expected to be approximately 32.9 million vehicles (including exports). Of this tally, new energy vehicles will be approximately 16 million, a year-on-year growth of 24.4 per cent, and exports of automobiles estimated to be 6.2 million units. Lessons from consumer electronics From SAIC's viewpoint, by learning from the experience of leading consumer electronics companies in areas of research and development, operation, and marketing, it aims to enhance product competitiveness, user experience, and channel coverage. The goal is to achieve annual vehicle sales of over one million units with a year-on-year growth of more than 40 per cent. IM Motors (the joint venture of SAIC, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech and Alibaba group) will also 'continue to lead' with innovative technologies. 'Taking the launch of the new large-sized extended-range SUV as an opportunity, it will expand its scale and enhance its publicity efforts, aiming to achieve a 50 per cent increase in annual sales,' says SAIC. To improve innovation efficiency, the company will focus on moving the definition of products from "engineer's thinking" to "user's thinking", opening up product and marketing links and achieving interlocking. Based on the 5S user experience elements of styling, smart, safety, sustainability and satisfaction, a cost-competitive core value system for products will be prepared. SAIC has said that it will achieve mass production and implementation of independent core technologies. More innovative achievements will be launched aiming to create unique selling points for vehicle products and further enhance differentiated competitive advantages in intelligent connected new energy vehicles. Against the backdrop of intensified intra-industry competition in the domestic auto market and increased external pressure from international trade protection, the competitive landscape of China's auto industry was undergoing profound Motor Corporation Annual Report Leveraging the scale effect Beyond this, the organisational operation process will be continuously optimised through measures such as cutting management levels, streamlining the organisational structure, deepening the empowerment of AI digital tools etc. The scale effect will also be leveraged to optimise the procurement strategy and improve cost-competitiveness. Quoting data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, where total sales were a little over 31 million units in 2024, SAIC's annual report states that the recovery pace of the domestic market was relatively lagging behind with sales 2.41 million vehicles lower than the peak in 2017. 'Against the backdrop of intensified intra-industry competition in the domestic auto market and increased external pressure from international trade protection, the competitive landscape of China's auto industry was undergoing profound changes,' it adds. In 2024, the number of vehicles traded in for new ones across the country exceeded 6.8 million, an increase of 2.4 million. The penetration of new energy vehicles accelerated to reach over 40 per cent, an increase of nearly 10 per cent over the previous year, with the growth rate of plug-in hybrid vehicles exceeding 80 per cent, becoming a new driving force behind the growth of new energy vehicles. The sales growth of new energy vehicles in smaller cities was significantly faster too.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Final preparations underway for historic ship launch
It marks a new era in the storied history of the ship, which arrived in Pictou Harbour on September 15, 1773, with 189 passengers onboard from the Lochbroom and Coigach areas of North West Scotland who had boarded almost three months earlier in Ullapool. With just over two weeks until the long-anticipated relaunch of the Ship Hector, final preparations are now underway to ready both vessel and community for what has been billed as a 'once-in-a-generation' event. The replica is located at the Hector Heritage Quay, a heritage centre run by local volunteers, in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Pictou is renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland" because it was the primary location where the first Scottish immigrants arrived in 1773. READ MORE: New era for replica of ship that transported Scots to Nova Scotia On Saturday, July 12, the town will come alive as thousands gather to witness the iconic tall ship return to the water. Work continues on the standing and sliding ways that will guide the ship safely back into the harbour, with crews also putting finishing touches on the ship's hull and deck. The launch will mark a major milestone in the $4 million restoration effort, and a proud moment in Nova Scotia's shared cultural and maritime story. The launch event will include a formal ceremony, cultural performances, heritage displays, and the highly anticipated dockside launch of the Hector into Pictou Harbour in the town of Pictou. Vern Shea, project manager for the restoration, said: 'The side launch of the ship will be an unforgettable sight, and spectators can expect quite a show when the Hector makes her big splash. 'Seven sliding ways will be positioned under the Hector, secured, and when released, will allow the vessel to slide down the standing ways and into Pictou Harbour. Once afloat, she'll be stabilized and inspected before being secured at Pier C.' Between the years 1770 and 1815, nearly 15,000 Scots travelled from their homeland to settle in Nova Scotia (Image: Getty) Members of Pictou Landing First Nation will participate in the Ship Hector launch through cultural expressions and contributions to the day's program highlighting the connection between the Mi'kmaq people and early settlers. Meanwhile, hands-on maritime activities, such as blacksmithing and knot-tying, will showcase skills that shaped seafaring life in the 18th century and genealogy experts will be on hand to help Ship Hector descendants trace their family roots, connecting past and present. Throughout the entire launch weekend, Pictou will be alive with festivities, from free outdoor waterfront concerts and a Pictou Yacht Club regatta to a headline Launch Day concert at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre. As phase one of the ship's restoration nears completion, the Ship Hector Society is also completing a major transformation of the Hector Heritage Quay Interpretive Centre. Supported entirely by federal and provincial funding, the new centre will feature interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Scottish settlers' partnership with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people of Pik'tuk. 'These new exhibits will add incredible depth to the story of the Ship Hector,' said Wes Surrett, Chair of the Ship Hector Society. 'The Interpretive Centre will open in June, so we encourage visitors to come early and experience these new displays before the big day.' While the relaunch is a major milestone, the Ship Hector's journey isn't over. Plans are in place for the Ship Hector to evolve beyond its role as a dockside attraction. The next phase of this ambitious project will see the vessel transformed into Canada's largest fully rigged, electric-powered passenger sailing vessel, offering tours and sail training programs. Targeting full operational status by summer 2027, the Hector will serve as both a landmark of Canadian heritage and a premier tourism destination for Nova Scotia. With the final phase of work expected to begin after the ship is back in the water, the "Charting Our Course" capital campaign aims to raise an additional $1.8 million - £980,000 - to complete the restoration and sail the Hector into her next chapter. 'We're in the final leg,' said Surrett. 'Every donation helps bring this project to completion and ensures that the Hector's legacy will live on, allowing visitors to step back in time and, one day, sail aboard this incredible vessel.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
JSW MG Motor India to hike price of cars from this date: Here's by how much
The latest price revision will take effect from July 1, 2025, and will apply to select models. However, the company has not yet specified which models will be affected by the hike. According to the company, the upcoming price adjustment is a response to rising input costs and wider macroeconomic challenges impacting the automotive sector. The company explained that the revision is essential to partly absorb the increased expenses in manufacturing and supply chain operations. This marks its second upward revision in less than seven months. The last increase was implemented in December 2024, when prices across the lineup were raised by up to 3 per cent. MG currently offers a mix of ICE and electric vehicles, including the Astor, Hector, and Gloster, along with the Comet EV, ZS EV, and the recently introduced Windsor EV. As mentioned previously, the manufacturer has not yet disclosed which specific models will be subject to the latest price adjustment. Recently, JSW MG Motor India also announced a significant price revision across the entire ZS EV lineup, coinciding with the brand's sixth anniversary in the country. With this move, the electric SUV is now more accessible, starting at Rs 16.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Executive variant. All four trims in the ZS EV range have received price cuts. The most substantial drop is seen in the top-end Essence variant, which is now priced at Rs 20.49 lakh — a reduction of Rs 4.44 lakh. The Exclusive Plus version has been revised to Rs 19.49 lakh, down by Rs 4.15 lakh. The Excite Pro trim sees a price cut of Rs 48,000, bringing its new price to Rs 18.49 lakh. Meanwhile, the entry-level Executive variant has become Rs 13,000 more affordable, now starting at Rs 16.75 lakh (ex-showroom). Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
JSW MG Motor India to hike prices across range by up to 1.5% from July 1
The price hike affects all models in the JSW MG Motor India lineup starting from July 1, 2025 Check Offers JSW MG Motor India has announced it will be increasing prices across its model range with effect from July 1, 2025. The automaker will be increasing prices by up to 1.5 per cent across its product lineup, comprising the Comet EV, Windsor EV, ZS EV, Astor, Hector, and Gloster. MG To Hike Prices From July 1 MG Motor India explained that the price revision is being done to 'mitigate the impact of rising input costs and other macroeconomic factors." The increment has been announced just days after the automaker revised prices on the ZS EV electric SUV, which dropped by up to ₹ 4.44 lakh. Also Read : MG ZS EV gets a massive price cut of up to ₹ 4.44 lakh The price hike will be marginal on its mass-market cars. Meanwhile, MG is gearing up to enter the luxury vehicle segment later this year The MG vehicle range starts with the Comet EV priced from ₹ 4.99 lakh, followed by the Windsor EV starting at ₹ 10 lakh. The MG ZS EV remains the brand's most expensive EV priced from ₹ 13 lakh. With respect to internal combustion engine (ICE) offerings, the brand's lineup starts with the MG Astor at ₹ 11.30 lakh, followed by the Hector priced from ₹ 17.5 lakh, with the Gloster right on top, priced from ₹ 41.07 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. MG is the first automaker in India to offer Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option on its electric vehicles, bringing the ex-showroom price substantially, ensuring a lower acquisition cost for customers. Upcoming MG Cars In India The automaker will soon enter the luxury vehicle segment as well with the launch of the M9 Limousine, slated to arrive next month. This will be followed up with the Cyberster electric convertible sports car, also scheduled to arrive later in the year. Both the premium offerings will be sold via the new MG Select dealership network. The brand also showcased the Majestor, a more premium version based on the Gloster, at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo, which could arrive later in the year. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 25 Jun 2025, 16:38 PM IST
Focus Malaysia
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Edisi Siasat blocked by court order: Lawyer insists Comms Minister spell out crimes of whistleblower site
IN George Orwell's satire, Animal Farm, one tyrannical regime is toppled by a popular revolt, only for it to be replaced by one that is infinitely worse. This was seemingly the point that lawyer and human rights activist Charles Hector was making with regard to whistleblowers. He was referring to the action taken against whistleblower sites – Edisi Siasat – whose Telegram channel has been blocked and can no longer be viewed by its 1.18 million followers. Editor's Note: Apart from Edisi Siasat, another well-known Telegram channel, Edisi Khas, is also facing similar wrath from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for allegedly spreading content that could harm public order and erode trust in national institutions. Hector very pointedly asked what laws did this site break? The anti-death penalty proponent demanded that Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and the MCMC to immediately inform Malaysians as to what is happening in detail. This is to avoid confusion. The legal eagle outlined several pertinent queries: 'What was the alleged crime committed by Edisi Siasat? What post? How was it harmful? Was it fake? Which law exactly did it violate?' he enquired, wondering if it fell afoul of the broadly worded Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which many citizens have called to be repealed. Hector further drew comparisons of Edisi Siasat with that of the restrictions placed on Sarawak Report by Datuk Seri Najib's administration. The latter website had been instrumental in revealing damning details on the 1MDB scandal and drawing public attention to it. In 2015, the Sarawak Report was blocked in Malaysia with authorities having issued an arrest warrant for its editor/founder Clare Rewcastle Brown for 'threatening parliamentary democracy.' Pre-0emptive measure With a number of cases against officials from the previous administration on-going, perhaps there is a fear among Madani officials that they, too. would be subject to such scrutiny should Pakatan Harapan (PH) fall at the next elections. Hence, they are safeguarding themselves by taking the necessary pre-emptive measures, according to the outspoken lawyer. This includes the dubious blocking of sites and abuse of authority. 'Remember that public officers are responsible to Malaysians and not just the current PM and government,' he reminded civil servants of their duty. 'The fact that (past) PMs and ministers do commit crime and sometimes abuse their power is already clear. Even now, there are pending investigations and on-going trials against past government PMs, ministers, etc. 'After GE16 –if and when PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's's Madani government is ousted – it is possible we will see cases being commenced against ministers of this current government.' – June 20, 2025
