In a blockbuster close to 2025, SAIC General Motors (SAIC-GM) reported December terminal sales of 53,454 units—its highest monthly figure—with new energy vehicles (NEVs) at 11,307 units, also a record. Full-year sales reached 562,185 units (including exports), marking five straight profitable quarters. Meanwhile, FAW Hongqi delivered 460,063 vehicles for the year, up 11.7%, with NEVs soaring 29.8% to 149,000 units. Wuling sweetened the deal into 2026 with full purchase tax subsidies on select mini-EVs and family cars, fueling China's EV market dominance.
SAIC-GM's NEV Leadership and Tech Leap
SAIC-GM's Buick brand launched the premium NEV sub-brand 'ZhiJing' in 2025, debuting the ZhiJing Shijia and ZhiJing L7 models. This propelled NEV sales to 88,833 units, topping penetration rates among joint-venture brands.
Key innovations include:
- Xiaoyao Super Fusion Architecture: Integrates body, E/E, chassis, ADAS, powertrain, and cockpit tech.
- Aoteneng 2.0 Multi-Drive Platform: Supports BEV, PHEV, and REEV; 2.6 billion km zero-spontaneous-combustion battery record.
- Zhenlong Systems: Both extended-range and PHEV Pro versions won 2025 'China Heart' Top 10 Powertrains.
- Momenta R6 NOA: Seamless urban navigation with one-tap parking.
- Advanced Chassis: Pre-scan 'Magic Carpet' air suspension with lidar and front double-wishbone/rear five-link setup.
High-end cockpit runs Qualcomm SA8775P chip with OTA upgrades.
Hongqi's Luxury EV Momentum
Hongqi's 2025 growth was powered by NEVs, with its new brand structure—Hongqi (main), Hongqi Tiangu, and Hongqi Jinkuihua—driving synergy. Highlights:
- PHEV Push: H5 and HS6 PHEV models; HS6 boasts 2,327 km tested range.
- Tiangu NEVs: 900V platform on 05/06 models with full-scenario 'curb-to-curb' piloting.
- Jinkuihua Ultra-Luxury: 1,404 deliveries, including state-gift 'Lanting Yayun'.
Tech breakthroughs:
- 66Ah all-solid-state cells prototyped.
- 5nm 'Hongqi 1' automotive chip.
- Sinan 1000 L3 ADAS; 'Tiannian 1' eVTOL prototype first flight.
- Platforms: Tiangu BEV, Honghu hybrid, Jiuzhang intelligence.
Brand value hit 141.065 billion yuan, topping China's auto rankings.
Wuling's Mass-Market Incentives Kick Off 2026
Wuling Silver Label targets everyday buyers with promotions from January 1-31, 2026:
- Full purchase tax subsidy on Mini EV family, Bingo/Bingo S, Starlight/Starlight S.
- Up to 8,000 yuan trade-in, 5,000 yuan finance interest, free home chargers.
Popular models:
- Macro MINIEV: 1.85M+ users; micro-EV benchmark.
- Bingo Series: Spacious, safe family haulers.
- Starlight 730/560: 7-seater and rugged SUV with tri-power options (BEV/PHEV/EREV); 730 sales >20,000.
| Model Line | Key Strength | Cumulative Sales (Notable) |
|---|---|---|
| Macro MINIEV | Affordable micro-EV | 1.85M+ users |
| Bingo Family | Space & comfort | Market favorites |
| Starlight 730 | 7-seat versatility | 20,000+ units |
| Starlight 560 | Hardcore SUV value | From 59,800 yuan |
Why This Matters: Global EV Shake-Up
These milestones underscore China's joint-venture and domestic prowess. SAIC-GM leads JV NEVs at 88,833 units, while Hongqi's 149,000 NEVs signal luxury EV ascent amid 29.8% growth. Wuling's subsidies align with national 'trade-in' pushes, potentially boosting 2026 volumes. Against rivals like BYD and Tesla, this highlights hybrid/EREV tech edges—e.g., Hongqi's 2,327 km range trumps many pure EVs. Battery safety (SAIC-GM's zero-combustions) and L3 autonomy position China for export surges, challenging Western incumbents.
Looking Ahead
Hongqi's 'SIGHT 531' targets 558 tech breakthroughs by 2030, emphasizing safety and green tech. SAIC-GM's architecture scales to more models, and Wuling's 'people's car' ethos eyes further affordability. Expect intensified global competition as Chinese EVs blend luxury, range, and smarts at unbeatable prices.
