Recently, a group of new plug-in hybrid version of the spy photos were exposed on the Internet. Audi earlier released the fuel version of the new car and said that the new car may be launched in 2025, and the listing location is overseas. At that time, the hybrid version may also be launched simultaneously.

The spy photos exposed this time are very special because the new car has little camouflage and can be seen very clearly.

In terms of appearance, it is reported that the plug-in hybrid version is based on the PPC platform like the fuel version, so the shape of the two cars does not look much different. The hybrid version adds a charging interface and also uses low wind resistance wheels. The pure electric battery life of the new car is expected to be 100 kilometers.

There are no spy photos of the interior this time, but we can use the fuel version as a reference. The cabin configuration of the new Audi Q5 fuel version has an 11.9-inch LCD screen and a 14.5-inch touch MMI display, forming a combination of OLED curved dual screens, bringing more technology and luxury to the interior. There is also a 10.9-inch entertainment screen in front of the passenger seat. The car system is Android Automotive OS, which provides wireless charging, active noise reduction, adaptive driver assistance enhanced version and other functions. The sound system is 16 speakers Bang & Olufsen.

In terms of power, the fuel version of the new Audi Q5 is equipped with a 2.0T engine with a maximum power of 200kW, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a quattro four-wheel system. The power parameters of the plug-in hybrid version of the new Audi Q5 have yet to be announced. We will introduce the latest news about this car later.

After seeing Audi’s hybrid new car, do you have anything to say? Please leave a message to discuss with us.

On September 28, the new RX 300 was officially launched and sold for 380,000 yuan. The new car is equipped with a 2.0T engine, which is 25,000 yuan cheaper than the hybrid version and 129,000 yuan cheaper than the 2021 fuel version.(The picture shows the RX 350h)

The width and wheelbase of the new RX 300 are larger than those of the 2021 model. The car features a 12.3-inch full LCD meter + 9.8-inch central control screen, 12 speakers, cloud online navigation, and support for Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife.

The new RX 300 is equipped with a 2.0T inline four-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 182kW and a maximum torque of 380N · m, matching an 8AT gearbox. The new car adopts an electronically controlled OurHours four-wheel drive system with a comprehensive fuel consumption of 8.86L/100km, plus 95 gasoline, which is more powerful than the 2021 model.

The richness of the configuration is closely linked to the cost performance of a car, and many people have mentioned the configuration. Next, let’s work with the editor to see if its highlights can attract you.

Take a look at the appearance of the Corolla first. The front face of the Corolla is very beautifully designed. The middle net uses a multi-spoke shape, which looks sharp. At the same time, the headlights show a simple design style, and the visual effect coincides with the positioning of the whole vehicle. The car is equipped with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, automatic opening and closing, adaptive far and near light, etc. To the side of the car, the body size of the car is 4635MM*1780MM*1435MM. The car adopts round lines, and the side looks very delicate. With large-sized thick-walled tires, the shape is quite young and fashionable. In the rear part of the car, the overall shape of the Corolla rear echoes the front of the car, and the tail lights give people a very tough feeling. With the hidden exhaust pipe, it creates a good atmosphere.

In the Corolla, the interior design is very sturdy, and the overall appearance is very stylish and simple. The steering wheel shape of the car is eye-catching, and it is made of genuine leather, which makes the grip feel full and delicate. Take a look at the central control, the center console design is reasonable, which makes the interior style impressive and looks a certain sense of technology. Finally, take a look at the dashboard and seats. The car is equipped with a dynamic and lively dashboard, which is relatively young in design. The car uses imitation leather seats, which are wrapped in place and made of exquisite materials. It is comfortable to ride.

In terms of functional configuration, Corolla is equipped with vehicle to everything, driving mode selection, remote control key, Bluetooth key, interior ambient light, traction control (ASR/TCS, etc.) and other configurations.

The model level introduced today is the level that many people consider most when buying their first car, mainly because the model in this level is moderate in size and reasonable in price. If you are also considering this car, you might as well take advantage of the weekend to go to the store to experience it.

　　Not long ago, Geely just revealed its trump card – Extreme Krypton 001, Zero Hundred 3.8s, and its high performance with a battery life of over 600km amazed many people.

　　Now, at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, the official showcased more information on Lynk & Co’s new mid-to-large SUV Lynk & Co 09 on the spot. It is reported that the new car is based on the SPA architecture and will be launched within the year.

　　Unlike many previous models of the Lynk & Co series, the Lynk & Co 09 not only features a straight waterfall-style front grille design on the front face, but also a large fog lamp area with a straight waterfall-style design, featuring strong steel bars and a three-dimensional feel.

　　In addition, some family-style designs are still preserved, such as the frog-eye daytime running lights still placed on both sides of the front cover of the engine, and the independent logo of Lynk & Co in the middle.

　　As Lynk & Co’s flagship SUV, the Lynk & Co 09 adopts a SPA architecture. And Volvo’s flagship SUV – XC90 is also based on this platform, which has better safety and superior performance. Such as high-strength body, aluminum suspension and so on.

　　For reference, the Volvo XC90 has a length, width and height of 4953/1958/1776mm, and a wheelbase of 2984mm. It is expected that the Lynk & Co 09 will not be much different from it.

　　Of course, another advantage of a shared SPA architecture is the powertrain. The new car will provide a 2.0T hybrid combined powertrain in the future, including 2.0T + 8AT 48V mechanical four-wheel drive; 2.0T + 8AT PHEV electric four-wheel drive; 2.0T HEV light hybrid electric four-wheel drive, etc., with a 100-kilometer acceleration of 5.6s.

　　In addition, Lynk & Co 09 will be equipped with a dual independent suspension combination of front double wisharms and rear integrated multi-link. Some models will also offer air suspension and continuously adjustable shock absorbers to better meet the driving needs of different terrains and environments.

　　[Source: Fast Technology] [Author: Chen Chi]

In today’s automotive market, new products and new brands have sprung up like mushrooms after a rain, and consumers are facing more and more choices, but few can really win the favor of the market. However, the GAC Honda model stands out in the market with its excellent performance and unique charm, achieving contrarian growth. It is understood that with its all-round product power, the model continues to sell well. In 2023, the cumulative sales volume exceeded 130,000 units, an increase of 57.2% year-on-year, far exceeding the average growth rate of the same-class car market, and rushed to the first echelon of A + class cars in one fell swoop.

In such an internal volume environment, this achievement is enough to prove that the unique charm of the style, as the "most volume A + level trendy run", is gradually conquering more and more young consumers. So, what is it that makes the style stand out in the fierce market competition and become a popular choice in the hearts of consumers?

Volume power: surging passion beyond the same level

Who is one of the most worthwhile performance cars to buy within 200,000 yuan? For many young consumers who like sports sedans, the GAC Honda Model will be one of their top choices. Official data show that in January 2024, GAC Honda sold a total of 56,802 new cars, an increase of 41% year-on-year. It is worth noting that the bright sales results mainly come from its three popular models with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units. Among them, the Honda Model, an A + class sports performance car, is particularly outstanding. In January, new car sales reached 13,023 units, an increase of 180.4% year-on-year. Recently, Honda Type has taken advantage of the victory and launched more attractive promotions. As of March 31, the type discount is 23,000 yuan, the starting price after the price reduction is only 106,900 yuan, and you can also enjoy 12 periods of 0-interest financial policy (this policy is only applicable to four-door gasoline models). This series of preferential measures will undoubtedly further stimulate the purchase enthusiasm of young consumers.

The hot-selling comes from the value recognition of users. The model adopts a new car building benchmark, providing a rich model matrix and power matrix. It has three power types: MT, CVT, and HEV. In addition, the rare sedan and hatchback coupe in the same class are available. All-round home and personalized sports are satisfied, creating a new A + class car value benchmark and stabilizing the A + class car market. The top camp. Public information shows that in terms of power systems, the Type e: HEV can be said to be full of sincerity. Equipped with the fourth-generation i-MMD hybrid system, the maximum power is 135kW, the peak torque is 315N · m, and the power is comparable to the 3.0L V6 engine. It is the first time that GAC Honda has lowered the 2.0L medium and large-scale car hybrid system to the A + class car. The measured 100-kilometer acceleration is just over 7 seconds, and the power performance is redundant, creating a more powerful and passionate power experience.

In order to further strengthen the competitiveness of GAC Honda’s younger and more sporty, on March 7, GAC Honda’s MUGEN-limited hot-blood dual-core (type-limited MUGEN version and Fit-limited MUGEN version) was officially launched. Among them, the price of the type-limited MUGEN version starts from 157,900 yuan, and the price of the Fit-limited MUGEN version starts from 97,800 yuan. As the "performance volume king" of the A + class car market, the type not only has the MT manual transmission version and the HATCHBACK five-door coupe that are scarce in the market, but now the addition of the MUGEN version is to further strengthen the performance personality charm of the type with more scarce value and more profound charm. Model has become the ideal choice for countless car enthusiasts and driving control seekers, especially for young people who are passionate about the ultimate driving experience.

Safety: Protect every trip

It is understood that for the new generation of users who pursue a more comprehensive and thoughtful approach, the GAC Honda Model provides consumers with a safe travel experience that is ahead of the same level in terms of body rigidity or active and passive safety performance. It has also received the authoritative evaluation of the core three all-excellent (G) of China Baoyan Research, and has unique safety advantages that are unmatched by A + competitors, new energy and other models.

As an A + class trendy race, the Model is not only equipped with 10 airbags and PUH pedestrian protection system as standard in the whole series, which has reached the safety benchmark of A + class top safety configuration and is comparable to luxury cars. In terms of body, the Model is equipped with a high-rigidity body built by the new structure of HA as standard in the whole series, and has been evaluated by C-IASI in three core projects of the crash test. The performance of 25% offset collision, side collision and roof strength test is better than that of the same class. Of course, there is no need to choose a car, and the Model is in one step in terms of safety and convenience. The automatic transmission is equipped with Honda SENSING safety super-sensing system as standard, which integrates a number of safety auxiliary features and auxiliary driving functions to achieve equal driving assistance.

In addition, the newly launched MUGEN brand also has strict quality control, and its product quality has even reached the "racing level" standard. While achieving perfect precision and integrated beauty, it also pursues improved handling stability and aerodynamic characteristics, which can provide users with the most scarce quality machines, supplies, and parts.　

Volume configuration: luxury experience at your fingertips

As a strategic A + class car of GAC Honda, the model is paired with a high-end configuration that surpasses the B class car of the same price, providing a wealth of choices for young people of different circles. According to reports, many models currently only have 8 to 10 speakers at the top, while the model is equipped with a specially tailored BOSE luxury sound system (12 speakers), which also makes the model lead the same level in the number of speakers and hearing quality. In addition, the e: HEV model comes standard with active noise reduction and active sound wave control, which is suitable for both movement and sound, and pays more attention to hearing enjoyment than its peers.

Not only that, the model automatic transmission is equipped with the Honda CONNECT 3.0 car system, which integrates intelligent voice control, electronic payment, mobile phone interconnection, OTA upgrade, car-home interconnection and other functions, bringing unprecedented convenience to the driver. The newly added card key function has pushed the luxury experience to a new height. Drivers can easily unlock the vehicle and enjoy intelligent travel by simply getting close to the vehicle.

In order to stand out in such an internal roll market, one must have the confidence to be more "roll" than others. The roll of the style is scarce at the same level and required by the consumers of the volume. This product value that is considered by users and difficult to replicate is the confidence that the style has won market recognition.

　(Feature | Written by Ma Xuli)

Welcome to [Autohome Chengdu Promotion Channel] to provide you with the latest car market trends. Good news! Now, the much-anticipated series is going on a full-scale promotion in Chengdu. Buyers can enjoy up to 18,000 cash profit, which brings the starting price of this luxury SUV down to 175,900, further enhancing the cost performance. Friends who want to seize this car buying opportunity, don’t miss it, click "Chatty Car Price" in the quotation form to get higher preferential treatment!

The exterior design of Xingtu Lanyue highlights the perfect fusion of luxury and power. The front face adopts a delicate family-style design, equipped with an atmospheric air intake grille, and its unique matrix layout is like a star embellishment, giving the vehicle a deep and dynamic visual impact. The overall body line is smooth, highlighting a vigorous and powerful sports aesthetic, whether it is close or far, it can leave a deep impression.

The side design of Xingtu Lanyue is full of luxury and power. The body size reaches 4970mm*1940mm*1792mm, and the wheelbase reaches 2900mm, providing passengers with a spacious and comfortable interior space. The front and rear wheels are 1644mm, ensuring driving stability. The tire size is 245/50 R20, which not only improves the handling performance, but also shows its exquisite detail design. The smooth body lines outline the tough contour, and the wheel style is the perfect fusion of modern technology and classic aesthetics, reflecting the unique design philosophy of Xingtu Lanyue.

The interior design of Xingtu Lanyue is dominated by luxury and technology, creating a comfortable and modern cabin atmosphere. It is equipped with a large 15.6-inch central control screen, intuitive operation interface, supports automatic speech recognition control, and can easily control multimedia, navigation, telephone, air conditioning and sunroof functions. The steering wheel is made of high-quality leather material, which provides a good grip, and supports manual up and down + front and rear adjustment to ensure a comfortable experience for the driver. The car is rich in multimedia and charging interfaces, including two USB ports in the front row and three Type-C ports in the rear row, as well as wireless charging function of mobile phones, to meet the multi-faceted needs of passengers. The seats are made of high-grade leather, and the main and passenger seats support multi-directional adjustment of front and rear, backrest and height, including heating and ventilation functions. The driver’s seat also has an electric memory function, providing passengers with extremely high comfort. The second row of seats also takes into account the comfort of passengers, which can be adjusted back and forth and backrest adjustment, while the seat reclining function provides convenience for loading large items. Overall, the interior design of Xingtu Lanyue is both practical and luxurious, aiming to create a practical and comfortable in-car environment for drivers and passengers.

Xingtu Lanyue is equipped with a powerful 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 192 kilowatts, providing the vehicle with a surging power performance. This engine has 261 horsepower and a torque output of up to 400 Nm. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, it ensures smooth conversion and high-efficiency output during driving.

Summarizing the owner’s evaluation, Xingtu Branding has won the attention of him and the people around him with its atmospheric appearance and unique body design. Its might and texture seem to give the vehicle the temperament of joint ventures and high-end cars. The high return rate is not only a recognition of the strength of Xingtu brand, but also reflects the owner’s deep appreciation for its appearance design. Although @fortress 6335 mentioned that Xingtu Branding impression needs to be improved, this does not prevent Lanyue from standing out in the market with its excellent appearance design and winning the love of users.

Welcome to Autohome Changsha Promotions Channel, we bring you the latest promotions of the model. At present, this luxury SUV is in a grand price reduction promotion to meet the car purchase needs of consumers in Changsha. It is understood that the maximum discount can reach an astonishing 30,000 yuan, and the starting price has been reduced to an attractive 375,000 yuan. This undoubtedly provides a rare opportunity for friends who are interested in buying a Lexus RX. To learn more details and get a more favorable car purchase price, just click the "Check Car Price" button in the quotation form, let’s seize the good time of this car purchase together.

The Lexus RX is characterized by elegant lines and exquisite craftsmanship. Its front face is unique in design. The iconic spindle-shaped air intake grille is like a diamond cut, showing the perfect fusion of luxury and power. The streamlined design of the body highlights the dynamic, and the overall style does not lose the luxury temperament, but also contains sports elements, bringing users a unique driving experience.

With its fine craftsmanship and elegant design, the Lexus RX presents a streamlined side profile. The body measures 4890mm x 1920mm x 1695mm and the wheelbase reaches 2850mm, providing passengers with a spacious and comfortable interior space. In terms of tire specifications, the front and rear wheels are equipped with 235/50 R21 specifications, and the elegant wheel design not only enhances the visual effect, but also ensures excellent grip performance and driving stability. Overall, the side lines of the RX are smooth and powerful, reflecting the Lexus brand’s dedication to detail and quality.

The interior design of the Lexus RX is full of luxury and sophistication, using exquisite leather materials to create a comfortable and textured driving environment. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and provides electric up and down + front and rear adjustment functions to ensure that the driver can easily find the most comfortable driving position. The 14-inch central control screen is clear and easy to operate. It integrates multimedia system, navigation, phone and air conditioning control. It supports automatic speech recognition, which is convenient and fast. As for the seat, whether it is the driver’s seat or the passenger’s seat, it is equipped with front and rear adjustment, backrest adjustment, high and low adjustment and waist support functions to ensure the comfort of long-distance driving. The front seat is also equipped with additional heating and ventilation functions, as well as power seat memory function, providing the driver with personalized and considerate care. The second row of seats can be adjusted with backrests to flexibly adapt to passenger needs. The overall interior design balances functionality and luxury, enhancing the quality of driving and riding.

The Lexus RX is equipped with a 2.5L L4 engine with a maximum output of 139 kilowatts, delivering 189 horsepower. This engine is paired with a high-efficiency E-CVT continuously variable transmission to ensure smooth power transmission and fuel economy, meeting the driver’s dual needs for power and handling.

Summarizing the experience of the Autohome owner, the Lexus RX not only won his personal favor with its unique front face design and luxurious and stable appearance, but also gave the vehicle a high recognition on the road. The owner’s evaluation also reflects the unique design of the RX, which undoubtedly provides the driver with a noble and elegant travel experience.

Recently, some netizens posted a car purchase invoice for Changan Mazda EZ-6. The invoice shows that the first new energy model of Changan Mazda is priced at 221,800 yuan. This news undoubtedly caused an uproar in the automotive circle. The EZ-6 is not only the pioneer of Changan Mazda’s entry into the new energy market, but also has the potential to become a spoiler in the joint venture B-class car market, especially in this segment that only provides range-extending power options. It can be said that "the comer is not good".

According to the exposed invoice, we must first consider the authenticity of this invoice. The invoice was issued on August 16, more than a month earlier than the pre-sale time, and the car company’s time advancement process shows that Changma internally agreed on the price two months in advance. Although sensitive information such as the invoice code has been coded, from the invoice information and the invoice seal of Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., the invoice has high credibility and is very likely to be the real information from the internal outflow. Therefore, such a selling price should have great credibility.

In fact, since the EZ-6 made its debut at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, it has quickly become a hot topic in the field of joint venture new energy. On the one hand, it is at the forefront of the trend in terms of styling design, and on the other hand, it is the only model in the joint venture B-class sedan market that offers extended range power options, filling the gap in the form of joint venture new energy brands.

In terms of product specifications, the EZ-6 has a length, width and height of 4921mm, 1890mm and 1485mm in body size, a wheelbase of 2895mm, and a frameless door and hatchback design. These designs are not only in line with modern trends, but also show a sense of high-end. Although its appearance is more new and energy-efficient, details such as through taillights and four round barrel lights on both sides still retain the classic design elements of Mazda.

In terms of power system, the EZ-6 offers both pure electric and extended range options, both of which are rear-drive layouts. The power parameters of the pure electric version are set at 190kW, while the extended range version uses a 1.5-liter range extender of the same power. In terms of range, the pure electric model has two versions of 480km and 600km according to the battery pack capacity. The extended range version can achieve a battery life of over 1300km with one tank of fuel and one charge, which is quite good in the same class of models.

In terms of intelligent configuration, the EZ-6 also spares no effort. Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon third-generation 8155 chip, 14.6-inch floating central control screen with full LCD instrument panel and AR-HUD head-up display, the whole cockpit is full of technology. In terms of safety configuration, 360-degree panoramic image, 180-degree panoramic chassis, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, automatic parking and other functions are equipped. In terms of comfort, Sony audio, 64-color ambient lights, zero-gravity seats and other configurations make it difficult to find competitors in the same class of models.

When comparing similar competitors, the price of the EZ-6 is even more advantageous. As a joint venture pure electric mid-range car, compared with the price of the same level Tesla Model 3 and BMW i3 at about 300,000 yuan, and the starting price of the Volkswagen ID.7 is 227,700 yuan, the 221,800 yuan of the EZ-6 pure electric version is quite affordable. This not only highlights its high cost performance, but also a challenge to similar brands.

According to Mazda’s previous pricing strategy, the final price of this car is estimated to be between 18-240,000 yuan. Combined with market demand and competitors, if some competitive policies are introduced during the pre-sale period, the EZ-6 is likely to become the next popular car. This will not only bring Changan Mazda a higher market share, but also bring great pressure to the existing joint venture new energy models in the market. As for whether all this can be realized as expected, the answer will be announced when the EZ-6 starts pre-sale on September 28 and is officially launched at the end of October. Please continue to pay attention and share your views and expectations in the comment area.

Whether you are a car enthusiast, a potential car buyer, or an industry practitioner, the launch of this car will undoubtedly bring a new wave. Please join us in anticipating the official launch of Changan Mazda EZ-6 and see if it can really become a disruptor in the joint venture new energy B-class car market.

　　[Automotive World, New Car Booth] A few days ago, Audi Exclusive, the original customization department of Audi, announced the official picture of the customized version of the second-generation Q7. The main improvement of the new car lies in the appearance and interior.

　　The custom version of the Q7 is painted in Nerdo gray, while its hexagonal grille, front bar and door decoration, and roof rack are all painted in bright black, making the front face atmosphere of the new car similar to the family’s fastest 5-door, RS7. And the new car’s five-frame wheels are easily reminiscent of the third-generation Audi TT.

　　In the cockpit, the customized version of the Q7 is made of Wagner (Valcona) leather with apricot material. The word Audi Exclusive on the inside of the door indicates the identity of its customized version. At present, Audi has not announced the power parameters of the new car, and we suspect that the customized version will start from 3.0T.

Landmap, a homophonic "blueprint", symbolizes a beautiful plan and prospects. But since it announced its independence on June 26, 2021, Dongfeng’s high-end brand of new energy vehicles, "Landmap", is experiencing the transfer of the No. 3 person after 18 months in office, and sales continue to decline. It has even announced a high-profile learning of the direct-operated + experience store model of Tesla, NIO, etc., and is also transforming into a dealer franchise model. Since its establishment one year ago, Landmap has no "blueprint"?

As a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Group, Lantu announced its entry into the high-end new energy vehicle market in 2020, targeting Tesla, NIO, Ideal and other brands. But after experiencing a significant increase in sales in the second half of last year, it seemed to be lackluster, and it encountered Waterloo in the first quarter of this year.

Lantu Experience Store (Zhiliao Car Shooting)

In terms of sales, in the first two months of this year, Lantu’s month-on-month decline has maintained a continuous decline of more than 50%, and the company’s management has also changed. Lantu, which once insisted on "living for users", has now become a sales-only theory. This new energy brand under Dongfeng may have stood at the crossroads of high-end new energy vehicles, and the situation is quite embarrassing.

"Number Three" was transferred after 18 months.

In 32 years, the minister of the Dongfeng system left sadly

According to sources familiar with the matter, Lei Xin, the chief brand officer (CBO) of Lantu, who had served in the Dongfeng department for more than ten years, has been transferred at the end of March this year, and his position has been temporarily taken over by Lantu CEO and CTO Lu Fang.

Lei Xin’s departure, even within the company, seemed very sudden. "It was quite sudden and unexpected," a person familiar with the matter said. "The day before, Lei always had a meeting and deployed relevant work until late at night, and there was no abnormality."

Zhiliao Automotive found that this is another change of position since Lei’s new appointment at Lantu, only about 18 months apart from the last one.

Landmap executive team members: Dongfeng Company Deputy General Manager, Landmap Chairperson You Zheng (third from left), Landmap CEO and CTO Lu Fang (second from right), Chief Brand Officer Lei Xin (first from right), chief operating officer Jiang Tao (first from left) and Chief Financial Officer Shen Jun (second from left)

On July 17, 2020, Lantu held a press conference in Wuhan to announce the launch of the "Lantu" brand and enter the high-end new energy vehicle market. At this press conference, Lantu’s executive team also made its debut to the outside world. This time Lei Xin appeared as the chief brand officer of Lantu for the first time.

Zhiliao Automobile found that whether it was from this press conference or subsequent activities of Landmap, Lei Xin was ranked after You Zheng and Lu Fang, and could be called the "No. 3 person" of Landmap.

This executive, who is so important to Landmap, is a veteran with more than 30 years of experience in Dongfeng. As early as 1990, Lei Xin joined Dongfeng Motor Company as an engineer. Since then, Lei Xin has successively served as the head of the strategic planning department, general manager, and executive deputy general manager of Dongfeng Motor, Shenlong Motor, Dongfeng Infiniti and other companies. As of March 2022, Lei Xin has been working in Dongfeng for 32 years, which can be regarded as witnessing the rise and fall of an automobile manufacturing company.

According to Tianyancha data, from March 23 to April 2 this year, Lei Xin has stepped down from the positions of heads of seven companies, including "Landmap Sales and Service Co., Ltd. Chengdu Branch".

Perhaps one of the main reasons why it has not been widely reported in the industry is that Lei Xin currently has many related connections with Landmap. According to Tianyancha information, Lei Xin also holds important positions in 56 other companies, all of which are related to Landmap.

But it cannot be ignored that the sudden transfer of Lei Xin may be directly related to the dismal sales of Lantu in the first quarter of this year.

It has fallen by more than 50% for two consecutive months.

Only 8% of the annual target was achieved.

Or the main reason for the adjustment

According to the statistics of China Automobile, in the first two months of this year, the sales of Lantu increased by -53.36% and -52.35% respectively. Especially in February, the sales volume of the month was only 740 units, which was the second-to-last result after the mass production of its models, only better than the sales volume in the first month of August last year.

Landscape’s sales growth trend since August last year (Zhiliao Automotive Drawing)

It was not until March this year that Lantu’s sales resumed to more than 1,000 units, but this achievement was also unsatisfactory.

Data from the China Automobile Association shows that Landmap ranked only 13th in the sales of large SUVs in March, not only falling behind the ideal and NIO, but also losing the top 10 last year.

In 2022, Lantu called out the goal of "sales 46,000, production 48,000", which is even more than 3 times that of last year (13,000), but as of the first quarter of this year, the production and sales of Lantu’s first model, Lantu FREE, were 6044 and 3693 respectively, and the completion of production and sales was only 12.59% and 8.03% of this year’s target.

This is a very obvious gap with direct competitors NIO ES6 and Ideal ONE. In the first quarter of this year, NIO ES6 sales were 5064 units, and Ideal ONE sales reached 11,034 units. The sales volume of Lantu FREE in the first quarter is less than the sales volume of the two direct competitors in March.

It can be said that Lantu is gradually falling behind in the domestic mid-to-large SUV market with fierce competition. This may also be one of the important reasons why Lei Xin, as the direct person in charge of market brand, sales, innovation ecology and commodity planning, failed to achieve the expected goals in the first quarter and was transferred away.

The growing gap in sales with its rivals has forced Lantu to transfer executives. This may just be a trigger for Lantu’s strategic adjustment, or a microcosm of the continuous struggles of this new energy brand owned by Dongfeng.

Direct sales to franchise,

Is "living for users" a slogan or a real innovation?

According to Zhimiao Automotive, Lantu is currently recruiting franchisees, trying to share its huge marketing costs in the way of franchises, and quickly expand its channels. This seems to be another major adjustment in Lantu’s strategy along with Lei Xin’s transfer.

Lantu Beijing Experience Store

(Located in Taiyanggong Kaide Mall, Chaoyang District, Beijing, photographed by Zhiliao Automobile)

"Dongfeng Motor has no shortage of funds. What it lacks is top-level design, strategic determination and the determination of leaders. The system and mechanism have not been properly managed, so whether it is fuel vehicles or new energy, Dongfeng Motor cannot do it," the media quoted senior Dongfeng officials as saying.

Behind the personnel turmoil and the adjustment of the direct sales model, it seems that Dongfeng has compromised with Lantu in the embarrassing situation of continuous decline in sales, but this cannot help but raise doubts: Lantu, which "lives for users", is an empty slogan or a real innovation?

At the beginning of its establishment, Lantu claimed to "live for users", positioning "to provide users with a high-end smart electric experience with zero anxiety".

However, whether it is the official launch of Lantu or its product performance over the past year, it seems that there is a lack of innovation, but it is mainly based on following the trend.

According to some media, at the July 2020 press conference, Landmap announced that it would adopt an innovative business model and organizational mechanism to address the six major anxieties of users about electric vehicles, but how to innovate the business model and organizational mechanism and how to solve the anxiety of users were not introduced.

And when Ideal, NIO and other new domestic car-making forces are showing their leading three-electric technology and driverless strength to users, Lantu can only shout "user-centered", and use "new car-making strength" to Pengci "new car-making forces" in words and words.

In the product design of Landscape, there is also a lack of sufficient sincerity to impress users. The first car Landscape FREE actually has a very similar design and positioning to the ideal ONE, but Landscape FREE is not only released more than two years later than its competitors, but also has a more obvious gap in various configurations (for example, the ideal ONE body is larger, the pure electric battery life is 48 kilometers longer than Landscape FREE, and the battery is also higher), while the price of the two cars is almost the same (the ideal ONE starts at only 10,000 more expensive than Landscape FREE).

From positioning to product design, Lantu’s sales decline is no accident. Behind it is the clumsiness and rigidity of a state-owned auto giant’s transformation into an automotive technology company. It also appears to be reflected in Lantu’s executive style.

You Zheng, Deputy General Manager of Dongfeng Company and Chairperson of Lantu

According to the data, the senior management team of Lantu and the deputy general manager of Dongfeng Motor in charge of Lantu, You Zheng, all have obvious professional backgrounds in FAW Group or state-owned enterprises.

"From the perspective of the executive team, the first is very traditional, there are no talents from internet companies and technology companies. The second is that most of them are back-office managers and have no experience as traders," said one securities firm analyst. "[Landmap] is more like a technology company on the surface."

And Lei Xin, who had experienced many Dongfeng companies and was a "generalist" in marketing, sales and strategy, was now transferred, which seemed even more surprising. "How does it feel that the person who really does things has become the blame man," an insider lamented to Zhiliao Auto.

At present, the biggest problem facing Landscape is how to increase sales, but if you give up users and innovation for sales, this may be the practice of "losing watermelon and finding sesame seeds".