Sign in Subscribe

CBI

Volkswagen Races Against Clock to Make China EV Transition Profitable

Volkswagen Group is intensifying its financial scrutiny in China as it prepares to enter full-scale electric vehicle deliveries in 2025, with management holding weekly cost optimization meetings to determine whether its 50 billion yuan transformation investment can deliver expected returns amid a brutal market environment. The German automaker has

Gree Electric's Struggles Deepen as China's Home Appliance Giants Diverge

Performance gaps among China's three leading home appliance manufacturers have widened sharply, with Gree Electric Appliances posting a revenue decline while rivals Midea and Haier Smart Home continue to expand, according to third-quarter 2025 results. The divergence highlights mounting challenges for Gree's air-conditioner-dependent

Sequoia and Hillhouse Co-Lead $42 Million Bet on Robotics Startup

Two of China's top venture capital firms have jointly backed an emerging embodied intelligence robotics company. Unbounded Robotics, established just months ago, has closed a RMB 300 million ($42 million) angel round co-led by Sequoia Capital China and Linear Capital, with participation from Hillhouse Venture Capital, Horizon

China's Drugmakers Stampede to Hong Kong in Fraught IPO Boom

Chinese biotechnology firms are stampeding to go public in Hong Kong in a record-breaking frenzy, racing to secure a financial lifeline before a perceived window of opportunity slams shut. This rush for capital highlights a critical juncture for China's innovative drug sector, caught between the allure of

Baidu Launches AI Smart Glasses at $304 Amid Intensifying Competition

Baidu has officially launched its Xiaodu AI Glasses Pro on November 10, marking the Chinese tech giant's entry into the burgeoning AI eyewear market. The device is priced at RMB 2,299 yuan, with a special promotional price of RMB 2,199 yuan during the Singles' Day

China's AI Earbuds Market Races Toward Commoditization as Budget Models Capture 60% Share

China's AI earbuds market has undergone a dramatic transformation in just three years, with products priced under 500 yuan now dominating sales as manufacturers compete to convert experimental technology into mass-market accessories. The rapid shift from premium concept devices to budget-friendly consumer electronics highlights both the

Pop Mart Investigates Live-Stream Gaffe, Pledges Not to Fire Staff

Pop Mart, a leading Chinese toy maker, has confirmed it is investigating a recent incident on one of its official live streams where employees were overheard questioning the high price of a product. The company stated that while the matter is being treated seriously, the staff members involved will not

AI Boom Fuels New Wave of Entrants in China's Crowded Electric Vehicle Market

Just as China’s hyper-competitive electric vehicle market appeared to be consolidating around established giants and a few successful startups, a new wave of challengers is emerging. Driven by the artificial intelligence boom, tech firms, e-commerce leaders, and even home appliance makers are entering the fray, shifting the

XPeng Cuts Open Humanoid Robot Live to Disprove Impersonation Claims

XPeng staged an unusual demonstration to address skepticism surrounding its humanoid robot, with staff cutting open the machine's exterior during a livestreamed event to reveal its internal mechanical structure. The company's IRON humanoid robot drew widespread attention after debuting at XPeng's seventh annual Tech

China's EV Startups Eye Q4 Profitability As Margin Pressures Mount

Morgan Stanley initiated its preview of China's electric vehicle startup earnings season on November 6, signaling that fourth quarter results will be critical in determining whether these cash-burning manufacturers can finally achieve sustainable profitability amid intensifying competition and potential cyclical headwinds in 2026. The investment bank'