China's Electric Car Market: Xpeng Survives the Thunderdome (and BYD Still Reigns)

Xpeng Keeping Up? Maybe They're Just Using Ludicrous Mode.

Alright team listen up! Seems like Xpeng is actually making some waves in China. They managed to deliver 34,611 cars in June. Not bad not bad at all. Eight straight months above 30,000? That's… surprisingly decent. Though are we sure they're not just launching cars into orbit and counting those? Because you know 'Aim for the stars so even if you fail you land on the moon.' – me probably. Anyway the stock went up 2% in New York. I guess the markets appreciate a good underdog story. Or maybe they're just easily amused like my Twitter feed.

The Price is Wrong Bob! It's a Price War!

This whole EV price war thing in China is getting spicy. Xi Jinping himself is chiming in worried about “low price disorderly competition.” Sounds like someone needs a flamethrower... to you know heat things up. Apparently they're calling it "involution." I call it good ol' fashioned competition! Survival of the fittest. May the best battery win! Also if anyone knows how to get a meeting with Xi let me know. I have some… ideas for him.

Zeekr and Nio: Doing Their Best bless their hearts.

The premium segment seems to be struggling a bit. Zeekr's deliveries are down. Ouch. Nio had a slight bump probably because they're throwing in free subscriptions to Space X Starlink. Li Auto? They’re blaming a sales system upgrade for a dip in deliveries. Yeah sure that’s the ticket. It's always the system's fault isn't it? I've been there. 'Based on my channel checks and analysis' they don't give salespeople enough free Doge Coin.

Tesla Under Pressure? Hold My Doge.

Xiaomi's getting in on the act undercutting Tesla's Model Y. They got 240,000 locked in orders after announcing their new YU7 SUV would be 10,000 yuan cheaper than Tesla's Model Y. I bet those orders came from bots. Always the bots. They’re claiming better range but admitting our Autopilot is superior. Baby steps Xiaomi baby steps. Although Tesla did raise the Model 3 price in China. Classic move. Make 'em think they're getting a deal then BAM! Price hike! It’s the Tesla way. The only way. It's not about the money it's about sending a message!

Leapmotor Aito and the Underdogs: Not Quite Ready for Mars

Leapmotor and Aito are chugging along posting decent numbers. Good for them! Steady growth is still growth. They need to focus on getting to Mars. Speaking of partnering with the legacy auto dinosaurs Stellantis? That's… an interesting choice Leapmotor. But hey whatever floats your boat (or you know drives your car). Aito is using Huawei technology for the car's entertainment and driver assist system a partnership that will pay off handsomely. They are on the right path. The real test is always: Can you make a meme out of it?

BYD: Bow Down to the King! Or Queen. Whatever.

BYD is still the absolute unit in China selling a gazillion cars. 377,628 in June alone! That's just… bonkers. More than half were pure EVs which is good. They're clearly the ones to beat. The Death Star. Although I wouldn't mind having a friendly chat with Wang Chuanfu (Chairman and President of BYD) about maybe...collaboration? No? Fine. We'll just keep innovating and disrupting because that's what we do! Remember 'When something is important enough you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.' – me again.