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Vienna, Austria, has once again become the focus of European automobiles and future mobility. On January 15th, the Vienna Drive 2026 was grandly held at the Messe Wien in Vienna. Following the complete success of the first exhibition in 2025, the scale and influence of this auto show have been comprehensively upgraded, with Chinese electric vehicle brands becoming the focus of attention on site.   The Vienna Drive made its debut at the 2025 Vienna Motor Show, attracting 71,000 visitors and receiving high praise from both the industry and consumers. At this year's exhibition, all the brands that participated in the first event have returned, and more new brands and significant models have joined in. In particular, the market popularity of Chinese new energy vehicle brands has continued to rise. At the exhibition site, Chinese brand new energy vehicles were surrounded by Austrian visitors. Many viewers got into the cars to test the comfort of the seats, experience the operation feel of the center console, feel the design of the cabin space, and open the trunk to check the capacity... "High cost performance is the reason why many Austrian car owners choose Chinese electric vehicles," said the head of Denzel, an Austrian car dealer.   The most difficult threshold for Chinese auto brands to enter the European market is the sales and after-sales service network. To break the deadlock, Lynk & Co, which has already established a presence in seven European countries, has joined hands with Volvo to leverage Volvo's sales and service network to enter the European market. We are very optimistic about the Austrian market. An Austrian Lynk & Co dealer introduced that the after-sales system is an important factor for many consumers' decision-making. Therefore, Lynk & Co's choice to partner with Volvo is an important step in our future layout.   Xiaopeng Motors has presented European consumers with a safer, more convenient and tech-savvy intelligent travel experience by integrating high-performance computing platforms, advanced perception hardware and self-developed software algorithms. At the exhibition booth, XPeng's intelligent cockpit and human-machine interaction functions attracted a large number of visitors to experience and media attention.

The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect in 2035. This means that electric and hybrid cars are on the rise. But just how popular are they and how do they compare to their petrol and diesel counterparts?In this article, we sort the facts from the fiction. First up, what's the difference between electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars?Gasoline SUVAn electric vehicle (EV) relies entirely on a battery pack which is recharged after use or when low on juice. A hybrid (self-charging hybrid) has both a petrol or diesel engine and a small battery or electric motor. It mainly uses the fuel engine, but gets about a mile of use from the electric motor.  Finally, a plug-in hybrid has a large battery which has about a 20-50 mile range, depending on the model.   Pengbo AutomobileHybrid and electric cars have been around for longer than you might think.  Ferdinand Porsche designed the first ever hybrid car in 1900, around the time of the birth of the automobile. But these early models were soon eclipsed in popularity by Henry Ford's cheaper fuel cars and largely ignored for the next 50 years.  In the 1960s, the tide began to turn as the downsides to using fuel began to be realised. Concerned by the increase in air pollution, the American government introduced legislation to encourage greater use of electric vehicles.  Over the next two decades, billions of pounds were spent on research and development, but producing a vehicle that could compete commercially on price and performance remained elusive.  The breakthrough finally came in 1997 when Toyota issued the Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid car.  Other manufacturers followed, but such was the popularity of the Prius that it became synonymous with the term "hybrid". Even today, it's the most popular HEV ever produced.  The first electric cars started to appear in the 1880s. By 1897, there was a fleet of battery-powered taxis in London and by 1900, one-third of vehicles on the road in the USA were electric.  Although Henry Ford partnered with Thomas Edison to develop a low-cost electric car, his Model T (fuel) car again proved too popular, and the concept disappeared by 1935.  The idea was picked up again after the invention of the lithium-ion battery in 1991, leading to the production in 2008 of the Tesla Roadster, with a charging range of 200 miles. Other manufacturers soon followed their lead.   In 2016, only 0.4% of new vehicles registered were EVs but according to the RAC, sales grew by 185.9% in 2020 while sales of plug-in hybrids rose 91.2%. By 2023,16.5% of all new car sales were EVs while plug-in hybrids made up 7.4% of sales. The government has set targets for manufacturers which will increase each year so that by 2030 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold will be zero-emission, easing towards 100% by 2035.  Jetour Conquer PRO 2025All car manufacturers are under pressure to go 100% electric, with targets ranging from 2025 to 2035. Audi has said that by 2026 all its new models will be electric and that it will have phased out all its fuel-powered cars by 2033. Meanwhile, Fiat has announced it will be fully electric by 2027. To this end, it has produced electric-powered versions of each of its models since 2023 and offers plug-in hybrid alternatives for all models sold in the UK.  China's auto exports to RussiaThe government recently changed the deadline from 2030 to 2035, but does this mean that we will all have to switch to electric then?  The answer is "no". The deadline is for the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars. That means you'll still be able to use, buy and sell second-hand petrol cars.  At present, electric vehicles are unaffordable to many. However, initiatives to make them more affordable include government grants, financing, salary sacrifice schemes, electric car subscription services. As the availability of second-hand EVs increases, prices should go down.  The benefits of electric or hybrid carsAlthough still more costly to buy than petrol or diesel cars, there are savings to make in other areas. Zero emissions means zero road tax for EVs. Hybrid cars are still liable for road tax but it's lower than a full petrol or diesel car.  The number one benefit of EVs is the impact on the environment. More and more cities are introducing clean air zones, so an EV is exempt from congestion charges.  EDF claims that on average an EV costs less than £1.30 to drive 100 miles (based on their GoElectric 35 tariff during off-peak hours), as opposed to £17.16 for a petrol car (using data from the AA in 2020). Although energy prices have increased since then, EVs are still cheaper to run. Nevertheless, you should check out which electricity supplier provides the best deal for your area if you want to make the biggest savings. Hybrids are generally more fuel-efficient. The engine doesn't keep running when driving slowly or in urban settings, meaning less wear and tear. They also have a high resale value.**Pengbo Automobile Unveils Jetour Conquer PRO 2025 in Russia, Marking a New Chapter in Cross-Border Automotive Innovation** In a landmark moment for China’s automotive export ambitions, Hunchun Pengbo International Automobile Cultural Tourism Town Co., Ltd.—renowned as Pengbo Automobile—has officially launched the all-new Jetour Conquer PRO 2025 gasoline SUV into the Russian market. This strategic move not only underscores Pengbo Automobile’s growing influence in international markets but also reflects a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences in one of the world’s most demanding automotive landscapes. The Jetour Conquer PRO 2025 is no ordinary SUV. Designed with rugged durability and high-performance engineering at its core, this gasoline-powered vehicle is tailored specifically to meet the demands of Russian drivers who value reliability, off-road capability, and long-distance endurance. With expansive terrain ranging from frozen tundras to mountainous backroads, Russia’s diverse geography calls for vehicles that can conquer any challenge—and the Conquer PRO 2025 rises to the occasion. Equipped with a robust 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine, advanced four-wheel drive systems, and enhanced suspension technology, the Conquer PRO 2025 delivers both power and precision on uneven surfaces. Its bold, aerodynamic design blends modern aesthetics with utilitarian strength, while interior features emphasize comfort and connectivity—offering a premium experience even in remote regions. What sets this launch apart is not just the vehicle itself, but the vision behind it. Pengbo Automobile, based in Hunchun—a key gateway city on China’s border with Russia—has leveraged its geographic advantage and cultural bridge-building role to position itself as a trusted exporter of quality used cars and new models alike. The company’s recent expansion into the used car export sector has already established strong trade channels, ensuring efficient logistics and after-sales support across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. By introducing the Jetour Conquer PRO 2025, Pengbo Automobile demonstrates its commitment to meeting local demand with locally relevant solutions. In a market where diesel engines have traditionally dominated, the focus on a high-efficiency gasoline powertrain signals a shift toward cleaner, more accessible fuel options—aligning with broader regional trends toward sustainability and performance. Moreover, the launch integrates seamlessly with Pengbo Automobile’s larger mission: transforming Hunchun into a dynamic hub for automobile culture, tourism, and cross-border commerce. The company’s integrated model combines manufacturing, export, and experiential tourism—offering visitors a unique glimpse into China’s automotive innovation through interactive exhibitions, test-drive experiences, and cultural festivals. As global trade evolves, Pengbo Automobile stands at the forefront of a new era—one where Chinese-made vehicles are not just exported, but embraced. The Jetour Conquer PRO 2025 is more than an SUV; it is a symbol of trust, adaptability, and forward-thinking design. With its debut in Russia, Pengbo Automobile has not only captured a market—it has earned a lasting place in the hearts of drivers who dare to go beyond the road.

Li Bin of NIO said that the biggest cost pressure in the automotive industry in 2026 will be the increase in memory prices. How much demand will electric vehicles have for memory? Will the price increase because of this?          On January 6th, at the media communication meeting for NIO's 1 millionth production line, Li Bin, the founder, chairman and CEO of NIO, stated that the biggest cost pressure this year is the increase in memory prices. He said that the automotive industry is competing with the AI industry for resources. Nowadays, all smart car chips require memory. For cars equipped with standard intelligent driving systems, the increase in raw material prices and memory prices are major issues for the entire industry. In a word, the smarter the car is, the greater the cost impact will be.     The total cost impact of entry-level assisted driving and a regular intelligent cockpit is between 600 and 800 yuan.   However, if one goes for advanced intelligent driving with a decent smart cabin, the cost increase could reach 6,000 yuan.   Given that the gross profit margins of current automakers are not high, generally ranging from 20% to 30%, and some automakers only have single-digit or even negative gross profit margins.   This increase in cost may not be reflected in the selling price, but it could be reflected in the reduction of various preferential policies.   Intelligent driving is the area that consumes the most memory chips, and the cost increase is also the largest.   Take the disassembly of the Ideal L9 AD MAX as an example. The intelligent driving domain controller uses 4 128Gb memory chips, that is, 64GB.   The cost has increased by 672 US dollars. Calculated at the latest exchange rate, it is approximately 4,700 yuan.     In a word, the smarter the car is, the greater the cost impact will be.   The total cost impact of entry-level assisted driving and a regular intelligent cockpit is between 600 and 800 yuan.   However, if one goes for advanced intelligent driving with a decent smart cabin, the cost increase could reach 6,000 yuan.   Given that the gross profit margins of current automakers are not high, generally ranging from 20% to 30%, and some automakers only have single-digit or even negative gross profit margins.   This increase in cost may not be reflected in the selling price, but it could be reflected in the reduction of various preferential policies.         

IT Home News, January 19th: Wang Xin, deputy director of the Industrial Statistics Department of the National Bureau of Statistics, wrote in an article today that in 2025, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size across the country increased by 5.9% compared with the previous year, maintaining a relatively fast growth trend, with the growth rate accelerating by 0.1 percentage points compared with the previous year. In December, the year-on-year growth was 5.2%, 0.4 percentage points faster than that in November. After excluding seasonal factors, the month-on-month growth was 0.49%. The article states that the transformation and upgrading of traditional manufacturing industries have achieved remarkable results. In 2025, the added value of the petroleum processing industry increased by 6.7% compared with the previous year, among which the biomass fuel processing industry grew by 16.8%, and its contribution rate to the growth of the petroleum processing industry increased by 1.7 percentage points compared with the previous year. The chemical fiber industry grew by 8.2%, among which the bio-based materials manufacturing industry increased by 27.9%, contributing 23.1% to the growth of the chemical fiber industry, an increase of 16.4 percentage points compared with the previous year.   Green and low-carbon products have grown rapidly. By 2025, the production of new energy vehicles will increase by 25.1% compared with the previous year, driving the output of lithium-ion power batteries for automobiles and charging piles to increase by 41.7% and 11.0% respectively. Driven by the development of green energy, the output of products such as wind turbine generators and hydroelectric generating units increased by 48.9% and 29.3% respectively. The supply of green materials has increased, with the output of lithium carbonate, carbon fiber, and bio-based chemical fibers rising by 57.1%, 47.7%, and 19.5% respectively.   According to the data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in 2025, the production and sales of automobiles will reach 34.531 million and 34.4 million units respectively, increasing by 10.4% and 9.4% year-on-year. The production and sales volume have reached new historical highs and have remained the world's top for 17 consecutive years.   Specifically, the production and sales volume of new energy vehicles exceeded 16 million units, with domestic new vehicle sales accounting for over 50%, making it the dominant force in China's automotive market. In terms of foreign trade, it has demonstrated strong resilience, with over 7 million vehicles exported, reaching a new level in export scale. Among them, 2.615 million new energy vehicles were exported, doubling year-on-year.