Tesla falters, Xiaomi accelerates: the electric duel at the center of automotive news

Storm in the electricity market, rebirth of cult models and battle for infrastructure: this new episode 361 of the weekly tour dedicated to cars collects automotive news of rare density. Between the historic decline of Tesla in China, the offensive of Xiaomi and BYD, the return of the Honda Prelude and the rise of ultra-fast terminals, each paragraph highlights a strategic change. Manufacturers are reinventing their economic engines, unions are defending purchasing power, and regulators are tightening their environmental requirements. The car tests of the week finally lift the veil on long-awaited vehicles such as the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring “L’Ocelot” or the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech. A complete dive into the automotive industry, its innovations and its automotive tests, to be followed without detours.

In short :

• 🔻 Tesla in China : sales drop of 35.8%.
• 🚀 XiaomiYU7 : first technological SUV to surpass the Model Y.
• 🌍 BYD is aiming for 1.6 million sales outside China in 2026.
• 🔌 Orlen distributes 400 kW terminals in Central Europe.
• 💼 JAW Union : Wage pressure maintained in Japan.
• 🏎️ Honda Prelude : notable return to our roads.
• 📻 Follow the podcast format so you don’t miss anything.

Tesla falters, Xiaomi accelerates: the electric duel at the center of automotive news

The scene takes place on the Chinese market, an essential barometer of episode 361. You will surely have read it on the pages of LeBlogAuto: Tesla records the lowest level of sales in the last three years, a dizzying drop in 35.8% in October. The Californian manufacturer is paying for the rise of more agile local rivals, but also for the exhaustion of a design that has now become familiar. Meanwhile, the YU7 electric SUV from Xiaomi creates a surprise by taking first place in concessions. The high-tech troublemaker proves that it is no longer just a smartphone seller: its engineers have been able to combine a long-lasting battery and an intuitive multimedia interface, attractive to urban drivers.

To illustrate this shock, let’s look at recent trade data.

This table highlights a simple truth: the domain is never acquired. Tesla maintains a loyal base, but Xiaomi offers after-sales service taken from consumer electronics: monthly software updates, city center stores and clear pricing. The issue goes beyond the simple number of terminals; it’s about offering a fully digitalized customer relationship.

Three key lessons from the Tesla-Xiaomi duel

• 🔍 Perceived value : Xiaomi sells a connected experience, not just a vehicle.
• ⚙️ Reactivity : OTA updates every Friday reassure motorists.
• 💡 Ecosystem : The YU7 is adorned with internal accessories, from the charger to the voice assistant.

The analysts interviewed in the historic weekly podcast are already talking about a domino effect: if Xiaomi confirms its momentum, other technology giants will imitate its direct-to-consumer model. In this context, the purchasing-logistics agreement becomes strategic for Tesla which must reduce its costs.

In episode 361, the reporters finally notice the role of design. The YU7 features a unique side light signature, visible from over 200 meters and perfectly Instagrammable – an unstoppable topic for Generation Z, the heart of growth in 2025.

Next week, keep an eye on Tesla’s end-of-year discounts: they will tell if the American plays the price card or reinvents its range.

BYD, Lucid, and the Global Offensive: Behind the Scenes of a Changing Auto Industry

A few thousand kilometers away, another giant continues its rise. BYD it is aiming for 1.6 million vehicles sold outside China by 2026. The company is using the volume effect to pay for its new European plants. At the same time, it has just abandoned deferred payment practices, criticized by its suppliers: a signal of maturity sent to the market.

In the same vein, Polished Engines reduced losses to $978 million, thanks to a 68% increase in revenue, driven by record orders placed before the US tax credit expired. Smart engineers are now optimizing the production rates of the Air Sapphire, one of the most powerful electric sedans on the market.

Focus on Orlen’s infrastructure

The Polish energy group Orlen it has 400 kW stations that recharge 80% of the battery in less than 12 minutes. For each installation, a thermal camera monitors the wear of the connectors, limiting maintenance interventions. This network forms an electricity corridor connecting Warsaw to Prague, then Budapest: an advantage for long-distance motorists.

• ⚡ Express top-up : 300 km recovered in the time of a coffee.
• 📈 Economic model : billing by kWh, not by time.
• 🌱 Green energy : solar panels integrated into the awnings.

To better understand this ecosystem, the editorial team recommends the Podomatic platform, which collects expert discussions on the profitability of terminals. You will discover why vehicle rotation already exceeds that of fuel pumps at some pilot stations.

The battle is now being played out over the service: who will offer the simplest application and the most stable 5G connection?

The return of the Honda Prelude and new cars marking episode 361

Among the new cars, one star makes hearts beat: the Honda Prelude reborn with a sculptural coupé. Variable ratio power steering, highly elastic steel frame and 230 HP e:HEV engine. Early tests on the car reveal a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds, better than that of a 2017 Civic Type R.

Why is the Prelude still fascinating?

• 🎶 Nostalgia : VTEC soundtrack reinvented in hybrid mode.
• 🛞 Agility : four-wheel steering effective on mountain roads.
• 🌐 Connectivity : OTA compatibility on board as standard.

Porsche’s “Ocelot” is also worth a detour: Its Sonderwunsch program is inspired by an Amazonian feline, and every customer receives a bracelet made of recycled fibers that match the paint. From a utility point of view, the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech is aimed at craftsmen who wish to go electric without sacrificing useful volume. The editorial team has collected the load measurements in an interactive table available in the Auto Blog podcasts.

The emotion is palpable: between sport and reason, the Prelude embodies the best of both worlds.

Infrastructure and workforce: the hidden drivers of transformation

In addition to vehicles, the automotive industry also lives at the pace of social decisions. The Japanese Union JAW refuses to reduce his wage demands despite the threat of US tariffs. This position surprises some manufacturers; however, it reflects the need to retain specialized technicians, capable of assembling high voltage batteries in a controlled atmosphere.

In Europe, the Moroccan production in full swing supports demand thanks to the Renault and Stellantis sites; Competitive salaries attract the attention of Chinese brands. The experts interviewed by the Player FM community, however, underline that social alignment remains fundamental to avoid the flight of talent towards the electronic giants.

Three weak signals to watch out for

• 📜 New official sticker : will it be mandatory from 2026? (details here)
• ♻️ The European stalemate against Chinese hybridswith risk of overcharging (full analysis).
• 🚚 Abandoned vehicles : new public auctions announced.

In this context, the rise of Orlen fast terminals collides with the shortage of qualified electricians. Training organizations are therefore accelerating the delivery of high voltage certifications. This approach is reminiscent of the reorientation of thermomechanics towards battery pack repair, illustrated in the automotive tests of the Goodpods program.

Without a skilled workforce, even the best loader remains an empty shell: man remains at the center of the industrial engine.

Car test and weekly tour: what do the latest car tests say?

The weekly car tour wouldn’t be complete without field tests. This week, the editorial team pushed the Dacia Sandero LPG over 600 km between Paris and Lyon. Result: an average consumption of 5.3 l/100 km equivalent, with a cost per kilometer 30% lower than a petrol model. Not content to pamper the wallet, LPG shows a favorable CO₂ conversion in the European Well-to-Wheel calculation.

Conclusions from the tests

• 🔧 Sandero LPG : maintenance identical to the petrol version, spare parts available.
• 🏎️ Yaris GR AERO : active spoilers, stunning handling for a B-segment.
• 🔋 Road van : payload preserved despite the 90 kWh pack housed under the floor.

Do you want to hear the crackle of the three-cylinder GR? Play the video below, shot on a Champagne road closed to the public.

For avid collectors, the section of the legendary collection of the Sultan of Brunei reminds you that a previous generation GT3 Touring was just sold for 1.3 million euros. Proof that automotive passion runs through every technological change.

The next weekly tour promises the test of the Mini Cooper Electric Works and a dive into the future of synthetic engines: see you on air!

Where to listen to the entire podcast of the week?

The complete audio format is available in the online version and on the historic weekly podcast, as well as on various platforms such as Podomatic and Player FM.

Which vehicle achieved the best urban electric range?

The Xiaomi YU7 dominates for the moment with 540 km WLTP, surpassing the Tesla Model Y in urban use thanks to an optimized lithium-iron-phosphate battery.

Are Orlen terminals compatible with all sockets?

Yes, they support 22kW CCS2, CHAdeMO and Type 2 backup, with built-in adapters for Korean or Japanese vehicles.