China Auto Daily丨Chery Plans $800M ASEAN Plant in Vietnam Launching Mid-2026

Chery Plans Largest ASEAN Plant in Vietnam with Mid-2026 Launch

Nikkei Asia reports that Chinese automaker Chery will construct its largest automotive plant in Southeast Asia in Vietnam, commencing in 2026. The facility represents a total investment of up to USD 800 million, with an initial annual production capacity between 30,000 and 60,000 vehicles. Full operational status by 2030 is projected to achieve an annual output of 200,000 units. Chery's overseas brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, plan to launch 16 new models in Vietnam during 2026, encompassing internal combustion engine, hybrid, and pure electric vehicles, with an annual sales target exceeding 10,000 units.

PCA's Cui Dongshu: China's NEV Exports Outperform Expectations in First 11 Months

Passenger Car Association Secretary-General Cui Dongshu stated on December 23 that China's automotive exports reached 810,000 units in November 2025, marking a 48% year-on-year increase despite a 2% sequential decline. Cumulative exports from January to November totaled 7.33 million vehicles, growing 25% annually. New energy vehicle exports specifically surged to 350,000 units in November, up 156% year-on-year, bringing the eleven-month total to 3.01 million units—a 62% increase that exceeds earlier market projections.

Hunan Province's EV Export Value Surpasses RMB 10 Billion Annually

Recent data from the General Administration of Customs reveals that Hunan Province's electric vehicle exports exceeded RMB 10.7 billion (approximately USD 1.5 billion) in the first eleven months of 2025, representing a 105.3% year-on-year growth—the first time the region's annual EV export value has crossed the RMB 10 billion threshold. The exports demonstrated particularly strong performance in emerging markets, showing significant growth to Belt and Road partner nations, other BRICS countries, and ASEAN member states.

Waymo Announces Fleet Upgrade to Enhance Navigation During Power Outages

On December 24, Waymo announced it will implement a technical upgrade across its autonomous vehicle fleet to improve navigation capabilities during potential power failures. The company emphasized its ongoing commitment to developing self-driving systems adaptable to real-world road conditions, including scenarios where public infrastructure experiences operational disruptions. This enhancement aims to ensure continued vehicle functionality and safety during electrical grid instability.

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