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Song Gang, Tesla's former vice president of manufacturing and ex-director of its Shanghai gigafactory, is slated to join Envision Energy, a global leader in wind turbines and energy storage system integration, in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory will have a new director—Fei Wenjin, senior director of automotive and parts quality. Insiders familiar with Tesla’s operations told 36Kr that Fei’s department oversees critical stages of production, making him highly attuned to the nuances of Tesla’s manufacturing ecosystem. Known for his dynamic leadership style, Fei is expected to transition smoothly into his expanded role.
The Shanghai gigafactory director role is pivotal, overseeing operations across the Phase 1 and Phase 2 plants and the battery and motor factories. While Tesla’s US headquarters manages the supply chain, the director shoulders responsibility for all manufacturing operations within the facility.
Song, who joined Tesla in 2018 after stints at Ford and SAIC General Motors, brought extensive expertise in procurement and supply chain management. He played a vital role in localizing Model 3 production within a year and launching production at the Phase 2 plant, which houses the Model Y line.
Since the announcement of Song’s departure, speculation about his future has been rife, with rumors suggesting potential moves to Xiaomi or Nio. However, insiders from both companies have denied these claims. Wang Hua, Xiaomi’s PR general manager, dismissed the chatter, expressing full confidence in factory director Ji Guowei’s leadership.
An executive from an automaker told 36Kr that Tesla’s achievements actually rest on China’s robust industrial ecosystem, and the depth of local manufacturing talent has often been overlooked.
Tesla once set the benchmark for manufacturing excellence in China. However, the competitive landscape is shifting rapidly. Domestic automakers such as Li Auto and Xiaomi are emerging as formidable players, driven by technological advancements and operational efficiency.
Li Auto reached the milestone of producing 1 million vehicles in under five years, a record-breaking feat since its first car rolled off the line in November 2019. Xiaomi, a newcomer to automotive manufacturing, <a href="https://kr-asia.com/xiaomi-auto-ramps-up-ev-production-as-record-demand-tests-capacity">achieved 100,000 vehicles</a> in just nine months, with monthly production now surpassing 20,000 units less than a year after its debut.
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Tesla’s integrated die casting process, hailed as revolutionary, has become an industry standard. Xiaomi has raised the bar further with its “hyper die casting” method, using equipment with a clamping force of 9,100 tons—surpassing the 6,000-ton capacity of Tesla’s Shanghai facility and even the 9,000-ton machinery in the US.
Meanwhile, Li Auto has embraced intelligent production with its proprietary “Li-MOS” system, which optimizes the entire manufacturing process. The company claims it takes just 25 hours to transform raw steel into a fully assembled vehicle.
Tesla’s Shanghai facility remains a marvel of localization, with over 95% of its supply chain based in China and a workforce that is 99.99% Chinese. However, its once-revered status is being reassessed as domestic players rapidly catch up.
China’s industrial ecosystem continues to evolve, empowering local automakers to rival—or even surpass—global competitors. The race is no longer about catching up; it’s about defining the future of automotive manufacturing.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3085519749396609">article</a> was written by Xu Caiyu for 36Kr.

Tesla’s Shanghai factory gets new head as competition from Chinese EV makers heats up

Tesla

Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Mobility

China

… channels. To counter these pressures, the global smartphone industry is turning to artificial intelligence as the next growth catalyst. IDC forecasts that shipments of AI-powered smartphones will skyrocket from 234 million units in 2024 to 827 million by 2027, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 100.7%.
Transsion is leading this shift with a pragmatic approach to AI adoption, emphasizing tangible benefits over conceptual innovation. In September 2024, the company partnered with MediaTek to establish an AI lab in Shenzhen, aimed at accelerating the development of AI technologies for smart devices tailored to emerging markets.
At the 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC), Transsion’s Tecno brand unveiled Tecno AIOS, an AI-driven operating system developed in collaboration with Google and MediaTek. This system integrates cutting-edge capabilities, including real-time translation, generative AI tools for creative tasks, advanced imaging optimized for diverse skin tones, and integration with localized apps for ride-hailing, navigation, and food delivery.
<figure id="attachment_151306" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151306" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-151306" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tecno-MWC24-1024x576.jpeg" alt="" width="480" height="270" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tecno-MWC24-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tecno-MWC24-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tecno-MWC24-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tecno-MWC24-480x270.jpeg 480w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tecno-MWC24.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151306" class="wp-caption-text">Photo source: 36Kr.</figcaption></figure>
Transsion’s AI phone strategy prioritizes practical applications. For instance, the second-generation Tecno Phantom V Fold 5G incorporates comprehensive AI features, positioning the device as a tool for both productivity and entertainment. These innovations not only enhance the user experience but also support Transsion’s push into high-end markets, driving revenue growth.
To thrive in this new competitive landscape, manufacturers must balance two imperatives: expanding into emerging markets while innovating to meet the demands of the AI era.
For Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Transsion, these shifts offer critical moments to break through and secure their foothold in the global smartphone market.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3055741952987266">article</a> was written by 36Kr Caijing for 36Kr.

Emerging markets and AI fuel a global smartphone rebound

Transsion

Artificial Intelligence

Deep Tech

Smartphones

Consumer Services

Latin America

Africa

… to make them formidable competitors.
In the third quarter of 2024, Mercedes-Benz reported free cash flow of EUR 2.39 billion (USD 2.5 billion) and net liquidity of EUR 28.73 billion (USD 30.2 billion). This financial strength provides the automaker with significant resilience to navigate market risks and challenges.
In 2025, the automotive industry is set to enter a new phase of product- and technology-driven competition. At the same time, price wars are expected to intensify across the supply chain, making “involution” the defining theme of the year.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3062481196328322">article</a> was written by Xu Caiyu for 36Kr.

Can China’s NEV boom keep its charge in 2025?

… scooters surged in popularity across Europe and North America. Self-balancing scooters were left out of this wave of shared mobility.
A closer look at Tao Motor, a Chinese company specializing in outdoor recreational and short-distance transportation tools for the US market, underscores the trend. According to its financial reports, the revenue growth of self-balancing scooters significantly lagged behind electric scooters. In 2019, revenue from electric scooters and their accessories reached RMB 140 million (USD 19.6 million), compared to RMB 90 million (USD 12.6 million) from self-balancing scooters—a modest difference. By 2023, however, revenue from scooters had climbed to RMB 718 million (USD 100.5 million), over twice the RMB 296 million (USD 41.4 million) generated by self-balancing scooters.
The learning curve of self-balancing scooters, while an innovative feature, has become the ultimate limitation on their market. While a niche for self-balancing scooters persists, the market ceiling has long been reached.
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Forward-thinking companies like Ninebot have chosen to pivot from self-balancing scooters to scooters and even e-bikes. The 2015 shakeout of the self-balancing scooter industry eliminated many companies but preserved an advanced and comprehensive supply chain. Components essential for short-distance transportation tools—motors, control systems, and batteries—are largely interchangeable across self-balancing scooters, e-bikes, electric scooters, and mopeds. This adaptability allows manufacturers to pivot swiftly.
As for self-balancing scooters, once the object of fascination, they now mostly reside in storage rooms or secondhand platforms. Still, they remain a symbol of their time—an era when hardware innovations excited the masses, venture capital flowed freely to startups, and the legend of Ninebot was born.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3065581327115655">article</a> was written by Leslie Zhang for 36Kr.

From boom to bust: The rise and fall of self-balancing scooters

… focused its resources on high-value regions, operating mainly in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen with an emphasis on precision and operational efficiency.</li>
</ul>
On the international front, Pony.ai has extended its autonomous driving business to regions such as South Korea, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Apollo Go, meanwhile, took its first step abroad last month by <a href="https://kr-asia.com/hong-kong-opens-roads-to-self-driving-cars-with-baidu-apollo-pilot">securing an autonomous driving license in Hong Kong</a>.
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China’s robotaxi landscape remains fluid, with competition only starting to intensify. Autonomous driving companies are now adapting to new market paradigms in secondary markets.
A seasoned investor told 36Kr that the stock performance of companies like Pony.ai, which are listed in the US, will hinge on the trajectories of Tesla and Waymo. Since Donald Trump’s reelection, Tesla’s valuation logic has shifted, indirectly benefiting autonomous driving stocks.
Tesla’s market valuation is increasingly tethered to its advancements in autonomous driving technology. Following Trump’s victory, Tesla’s stock price surged nearly 70%, fueled by investor bets that the administration will loosen regulations on autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s recent rollout of its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD V13.2) software further bolstered confidence, with initial deliveries already underway.
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, predicts that Tesla’s artificial intelligence and autonomous driving segments could add USD 1 trillion to the company’s market value.
The intensifying competition has also led to industry casualties. Since the collapse of Argo AI, companies such as Ghost Autonomy and Embark have shuttered operations. Most recently, General Motors’ Cruise division announced its withdrawal from the robotaxi market.
“Given the considerable time and expense required to scale a robotaxi business in an increasingly competitive market, combining forces would be more efficient and therefore consistent with our capital allocation priorities,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, during a call announcing Cruise's withdrawal.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3075666914980744">article</a> was written by Geng Chenfei for 36Kr.

Pony.ai’s Nasdaq debut raises the stakes in China’s robotaxi race

Pony.ai

On-demand Services

Autonomous Vehicles

Ride-hailing

… cheap, lacked quality. This presented an opportunity for a mass market brand, leading to the creation of YOU Beauty.
The success of YOU Beauty inspired us to explore investment and incubation opportunities in other consumer categories. We identified significant potential in Indonesia’s maternity and infant market. The combined birthrate of Indonesia and the Philippines is comparable to China’s, so we decided to incubate a maternity brand. After systematic research and talent scouting, Makuku was born.
In essence, we prefer to co-create opportunities rather than merely discover them.
<h3>36Kr: Recently, ATM Capital seems to have made fewer public announcements about new projects. Why?</h3>
QT: We are relatively low-key and usually wait until a company reaches a certain scale before making public announcements. For early-stage projects, even with strong teams and promising directions, discussing achievements too soon can create unnecessary distractions for the team.
In reality, we are continuously investing in consumer brands, chain services, and cultural education, adding to our portfolio every year.
<h3>36Kr: Are you concerned about not finding the next J&amp;T Express in Southeast Asia?</h3>
QT: It depends on how you define “the next J&amp;T Express.” Our goal is to support companies that can achieve true globalization, ranking either first or in the top three in major categories across multiple countries.
The key lies in finding the right team—a team capable of evolving with the company, keeping pace with the market, and staying resilient. With sustainable growth, we believe there will be several Chinese-backed top brands emerging from Southeast Asia.
If we follow my definition, it won’t just be one “next J&amp;T Express.” I estimate that 5–10 Chinese-backed companies will grow into global enterprises starting from Southeast Asia. So, the real question is whether we can be early investors in these companies—that’s what matters most to me.
<h3>36Kr: Why do you believe Chinese-backed teams can nurture top enterprises in Southeast Asia?</h3>
QT: This belief is based on several factors.
First, in terms of talent, China has proven its global leadership in areas like product value and channel capability, although it still lacks full internationalization.
Second, emerging markets worldwide, such as those in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, face similar gaps in consumer goods supply.
Southeast Asia is just the beginning. If Chinese-backed companies succeed in internationalization, they could dominate these markets.
<h3>36Kr: Fintech companies in Southeast Asia often tell stories similar to those in consumer retail, yet ATM Capital seems to invest little in this sector. Why?</h3>
QT: The scale of the fintech market is closely tied to local consumption capacity. Southeast Asia’s relatively low income levels limit the growth of fintech companies. Many firms in this space have low credit limits for individual users, as most users lack the capacity to borrow or repay larger amounts. Perhaps, five years from now, when consumer spending power improves and users can handle more credit, this sector will become more attractive.
<h3>36Kr: As we approach the end of the year, which investment directions will you focus on next year?</h3>
QT: We will continue to develop along two main lines: consumer retail and chain services.
On one hand, we’ll look for outstanding teams and categories to incubate new companies. On the other, some of the companies we’ve invested in over the past two years are beginning to adapt to local environments and may enter a phase of rapid growth next year. Some companies that are performing well in Indonesia are also considering entering additional markets.
So, the priority is twofold: supporting the sustained growth of our portfolio companies , meanwhile continuing to seek excellent teams that can establish a presence in Southeast Asia to create new opportunities.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3065448058201222">article</a> was written by Chang Weiqian for 36Kr.

ATM Capital founder: Chinese entrepreneurs to reshape Southeast Asia’s consumer market

Venture Capital

Investment

Southeast Asia

… decision-making must balance rational data analysis with a consideration for human needs, creating optimal solutions that reflect care for all consumers,” Zhu said.
<figure id="attachment_151277" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151277" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-151277" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FengE-Zushi-Vending-Cabinet-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FengE-Zushi-Vending-Cabinet-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FengE-Zushi-Vending-Cabinet-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FengE-Zushi-Vending-Cabinet-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FengE-Zushi-Vending-Cabinet-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FengE-Zushi-Vending-Cabinet.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151277" class="wp-caption-text">Photo and header photo source: Feng’E Zushi.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Lower costs, quicker expansion</h3>
The development of unmanned retail in China began in 2016. After Amazon Go’s groundbreaking entry with its grab-and-go shopping model, the market drew significant attention from investors and major retail giants.
However, rising operational costs, sluggish sales, and the challenges of supply chain complexity and regional management fueled widespread discussion about the cooling off of the unmanned retail market.
Following years of consolidation, the industry has now entered a relatively mature phase, with companies shifting their focus to AI-powered solutions.
Zhou Qi, an investor with long-term insights into retail, told 36Kr that the cost of a single vending machine typically exceeds RMB 20,000 (USD 2,800). “Every component—tracks, motors, delivery channels, and external order screens—adds to the cost. The equipment is also bulky, making relocation and repurposing difficult.”
In contrast, the smart cabinets used by Feng'E Zushi have significantly reduced costs. According to 36Kr, current market costs for smart vending cabinets have dropped to just a few thousand RMB, making them much more competitive than traditional vending machines.
“These cabinets have a similar seven-year lifespan as more expensive devices but leverage intelligent solutions to lower operational costs,” Zhu said. With self-service pickup, users can open the cabinet, take the desired item, and place orders faster. This simplified structure reduces mechanical complexity and costs while occupying less space.
The hardware integration employs standard refrigeration components such as compressors, sensors, and temperature controllers, similar to those used in traditional refrigerators. Utilizing supply chain resources from traditional manufacturing industries provides significant advantages in cost efficiency and large-scale production capabilities.
“Whether in terms of equipment, labor, or logistics, our approach allows deeper penetration into retail scenarios. This ultimately translates to staying closer to consumers than competitors,” Zhu said.
Over the past few years, the unmanned retail market has experienced intense competition, leading to consolidation among brands and companies. Many players have exited the market, but notable firms like Ubox, Nongfu Spring, and Genki Forest have aggressively expanded their presence to secure advantageous positions.
However, the competition for location dominance is not just about securing territory—it is fundamentally about fulfilling consumer demands. As user preferences grow increasingly diverse and personalized, the unmanned retail space expects to see more applications of AI-driven solutions, expanding its reach into new scenarios.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3064608039609477">article</a> was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.

Smart vending cabinets bring a fresh face to retail in China

Retail

… href="https://www.cas-ruiyi.com/">Care</a>, a Beijing-based medtech company, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in a Series A+ funding round led by CRHC Fund. The proceeds will be allocated toward product R&amp;D, clinical trials, registration, and market expansion. Founded in December 2020, the company specializes in neuroscience-driven solutions for neurological disorders and has secured six medical device registrations. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3083968909080712">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.xiaochong.com/en/">Pilton</a>, a Chinese pet tech startup, has secured  RMB 30 million (USD 4.2 million) in a Series A funding round led by Anji Government Industrial Fund, with participation from Bohuiyuan Venture Capital and SmartPet. The funds will be used to expand its smart pet cabin product line. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3080983870551944">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Avatr, a joint venture led by Chang’an Automobile and 12 other investors, has secured RMB 11.1 billion (USD 1.6 billion) in its Series C funding round. Chang’an contributed RMB 4.55 billion (USD 637 million), retaining a 40.99% stake. Avatr aims to leverage these funds to expedite its electric vehicle R&amp;D and international market expansion. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3083825162401925">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://aishiai.com/">AIsphere</a>, a Beijing-based generative artificial intelligence startup, completed its Series A2 to A4 funding rounds, raising RMB 300 million (USD 42 million). Backed by Ant Group, Beijing AI Investment Fund, and CAS Investment Management, the funds will focus on enhancing its video generation technologies. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3083822232942983">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="http://xrething.com/">Xirui</a>, an advanced material company, has secured an eight-figure RMB sum from a Series A funding round led by Hainan Zhonghao Enterprise Management. The company plans to expand its rare-earth antibacterial materials production and commercialization efforts. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3081191937407363">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Shijing Technology, a Nanjing-registered precision ceramics and metals manufacturer, has raised nearly RMB 10 million (USD 1.4 million) in an angel funding round. The funds will support production scaling, R&amp;D, and market expansion. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3082371000908160">36Kr</a></li>
</ul>
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Alibaba’s Intime, Tyme, Zhipu AI, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Alibaba Group announced the sale of its department store unit, Intime Retail, to a consortium co-led by Youngor Fashion and Intime’s management team for RMB 7.4 billion (USD 1 billion). The deal is subject to regulatory approvals.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tyme Group, a digital banking platform serving customers across Africa and Southeast Asia, raised USD 250 million in an oversubscribed Series D funding round, achieving a valuation of USD 1.5 billion. Nubank led the round with a USD 150 million investment, while M&amp;G Catalyst invested USD 50 million. Existing shareholders contributed the remaining USD 50 million.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Zhipu AI, one of China’s AI unicorns, completed a new funding round, raising RMB 3 billion (USD 420 million). The round included participation from several private and state-backed investors, with Legend Capital Management among the returning backers.</li>
</ul>
If there are any news or updates you'd like us to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.
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Deals in brief: Swipey raises funding from 1337 Ventures, Funding Societies secures USD 25 million, CATL eyes secondary listing in Hong Kong, and more

Private Equity

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Malaysia

Japan

India

… delivers on his vow to cancel subsidies, which currently total as much as USD 7,500 for all-electric sedans priced under USD 55,000. Experts say SHM would have a good chance of selling at a price of around USD 50,000, not far above the average new vehicle price in the US.
But a heftier price tag might be more realistic, analysts say, given the large number of sensors and costliness of chips and batteries. This, in turn, would mean the target market is affluent consumers looking to buy cars with or without subsidies.
More than price, the company intends to emphasize the advanced driving and entertainment features of the Afeela.
Ryosuke Katsura, a senior technology analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities, noted the company's partnership with US-based Epic Games, known for Fortnite video games, to develop driver assistance systems and games using augmented reality (AR).
"Cars are an interesting environment for trying out AR because passengers are looking at the real world via the glass windows, which can be used to project things. I imagine Kawanishi may be thinking such things," Katsura said.
Nakanishi, the Japanese analyst, said SHM will "be in its element" as autonomous driving is realized. "It has strength in entertainment and games, which Tesla doesn't have. As demand for mobility diversifies, there should be a place in the market for Afeela," he said.
The first test of Afeela's viability as a product is just around the corner, but Kawanishi seemed to be taking the upcoming release in stride.
"For me, launching the product isn't the goal, it's the starting line," he said. The emphasis on software and update features will mark "a clear difference from the conventional world, in which you sold a car and that was it."
This article first appeared on <a tabindex="0" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Tech-Asia/Sony-and-Honda-prepare-for-tough-U.S.-EV-debut-under-Trump" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="1">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing <a tabindex="0" href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="3">partnership with Nikkei</a>.

Sony and Honda prepare for tough US EV debut under Trump

Northeast Asia

Honda