‘China’s relaxation of foreign investment restrictions in auto industry (including lowering import tariffs on vehicles) will provide better access for international automakers to the world's biggest car (and commercial vehicle) market and provide a more level playing field for international automakers to compete with Chinese automakers.' - KWM

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) of Seoul, South Korea in February began construction of a plant in China to manufacture hydrogen fuel cell systems, in anticipation of rapid growth in automotive demand for propulsion using this alternative fuel.

Electric bus manufacturer, BYD Co Ltd of Shenzhen has expanded its footprint in Europe with a first order from Romania.

Harris Automotive Distributors has confirmed its commitment to growing Maxus operations in the UK and plans to open a headquarters at Birchwood Park, Warrington – chosen for its quick access to motorway networks.

The Yutong Group of Zhengzhou in December 2020 made a strategic investment of USD200m in WeRide, an autonomous driving technology start-up company.

The world’s largest bus builder, Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co Ltd announced total deliveries (sales) of 41,756 Yutong buses to customers worldwide in 2020, which was considerably lower than the 58,688 units sold in 2019.

Importer and dealer, SAIC Maxus has announced the launch and availability of its latest battery-powered Maxus panel van, the Maxus eDeliver9, available at gross weights of 3.5t and 4.05t.

Yutong, together with its joint venture project partner, autonomous driving technology start-up, WeRide, has announced the companies are to deliver 200 of mini Robobus autonomous passenger transport vehicles for operations in a dedicated zone or area within Zhengzhou in the first half of 2021.

In response to growing demand in the UK for zero emission buses, Alexander Dennis Ltd and BYD UK, are extending their business partnership with the announcement they plan to assemble electric bus chassis in the UK starting in the second half of 2021.

BYD Co Ltd has won an order to supply Bogotá with 1,002 9m and 12m electric feeder buses from Bogotá City Public Transport Authority, which sets a record for a single overseas order.

BYD France has delivered its first BYD electric coach to Drancy, a district within the greater Paris region.

Daimler Trucks AG and Beiqi Foton Motor Co Ltd jointly announced this month they plan to manufacture Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty tractor units in China for the Chinese premium truck segment with manufacturing operations scheduled to start in two years’ time.