China Auto Daily丨Li Auto to Open-Source Li OS, First Carmaker to Do So

Li Auto to Open-Source Li Halo OS, First Carmaker to Do So

March 27 — Li Auto Chairman Li Xiang announced at the 2025 ZGC Forum Annual Conference that the company will open-source its self-developed Li Auto Halo OS, becoming the first automaker globally to release a vehicle OS under an open-source license. The Halo OS will launch on a developer platform in April, potentially saving automakers and suppliers RMB tens to hundreds of millions (USD millions*) annually in licensing fees.  

Yangwang U7 Launches at RMB 628,000 with 1,300 HP, 2.9s 0-100 km/h

March 27 — BYD’s premium brand Yangwang debuted the U7 electric/plug-in hybrid sedan, priced from RMB 628,000 (USD 96,615*) for the 5-seater variant and RMB 708,000 (USD 108,923*) for the 4-seater model. Equipped with BYD’s e4 technology and the Yunnian-Z intelligent suspension (adapted from aircraft carrier electromagnetic tech), the U7 claims a 1,300 HP output, tank-turn capability, stable driving in case of high-speed tire blowout, and parallel self-parking.  

Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on All Auto Imports, Effective April 2

March 27 — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, effective April 2. “If you build cars in America, you pay nothing,” Trump stated, denying Elon Musk lobbied for the policy. The move, deemed “permanent,” also targets tariffs on lumber and pharmaceuticals.  

NIO Raises HKD 4.03B via Lightning Share Placement  

March 27 — NIO secured HKD 4.03 billion (USD 515 million*) through an accelerated share placement priced at HKD 29.46 per share. Proceeds will fund R&D for next-gen EVs and strengthen cash reserves, the company confirmed.

*Exchange rates: RMB 6.5 = USD 1; HKD 7.8 = USD 1 (as of March 27, 2025).