ev.news Briefly: Audi vs AUDI, BMW iX4, Hyundai CEO & more

AUDI TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST AUTO CHINA

Audi has taken legal action against Auto China over its parallel imports of the China-only AUDI E5 Sportback and E7X to Germany, saying they are not officially exported or supported by Audi’s European dealer network. Although the cars briefly disappeared from Auto China’s website, both were listed again on 23 September, leaving prospective owners facing uncertainty over servicing, parts and software support.

BMW CONFIRMS AUTUMN PRODUCTION START FOR THIRD NEUE KLASSE MODEL

BMW says a third Neue Klasse model will enter production at Debrecen this autumn, after the iX3 and i3, but has not named it; reports identify it as the iX4, though that remains unconfirmed. The announcement comes as Debrecen scales up iX3 production amid strong orders, while BMW Group’s first-half battery-electric deliveries fell 7.4%.

HYUNDAI CEO WARNS US ON CHINESE IMPORTS

Hyundai CEO José Muñoz urged the United States to maintain safeguards against Chinese vehicle imports, pointing to Chinese brands’ roughly 15% share of UK registrations and prices reportedly 30% to 40% below competitors in some European markets. The US already applies a 100% tariff to Chinese EVs, while President Trump has said he would welcome Chinese automakers that build vehicles in America and the EU is considering how to address rising Chinese hybrid imports.

AMPRIUS ANNOUNCES 500 WH/KG SICORE®500 AVIATION CELL

Amprius announced a 500 Wh/kg SiCore®500 battery cell for long-endurance aviation, which it says can be made using conventional lithium-ion production equipment and will be available from the fourth quarter of 2026. The cell is designed for applications such as high-altitude platforms and fixed-wing drones, with initial production planned in California and later scaling through manufacturing partners.

PROLOGIUM STARTS GEN 3.5 LITHIUM CERAMIC BATTERY MASS PRODUCTION

ProLogium says it has started mass production of its Gen 3.5 Lithium Ceramic Battery in Taiwan, with a third-party TÜV report recording 381 Wh/kg and 903 Wh/L for its 185.4 Ah cell. The company has not disclosed production volumes or a customer programme, while its next-generation Gen 4 remains a plan that is expected to improve performance and reduce costs with modifications to about 10% of existing line equipment.

UK HAS NO PLAN TO RAISE CHINESE VEHICLE TARIFFS

The UK government has no current plan to raise the standard 10% import duty on Chinese-built passenger cars, despite Chinese brands accounting for more than 15% of registrations in the first eight months of 2026. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds cited the risk of retaliation against Britain’s export-led car industry and said Chinese investment could bring innovation under UK standards; Nissan and Chery are studying possible contract manufacturing at Sunderland from 2027.

US AUTO GROUPS URGE TRUMP TO RETAIN CHINESE VEHICLE CURBS

Six US automotive organisations have urged President Trump to keep policies that restrict Chinese automakers’ access to the US passenger-car market, arguing that local assembly would not resolve connected-vehicle security concerns or create additional manufacturing jobs. Their letter arrived ahead of President Xi Jinping’s scheduled US visit, as Trump has said he would welcome Chinese companies building cars in America and reports of a possible BYD and CATL delegation remain unconfirmed.