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CATL’s CIIC Platform Puts Automakers on the Fast Track to EVs

CATL, the Chinese powerhouse known as the world’s largest battery manufacturer, is shifting gears—and fast. The company is moving beyond its battery-building dominance into the development of modular, high-tech platforms for electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to become a cornerstone of the global zero-emission mobility shift.

Headquartered in Ningde, CATL has been doubling down on innovation, and its latest endeavor—the CIIC platform (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis)—is gaining serious traction. The CIIC is more than just an EV chassis. It’s a comprehensive “skateboard-style” platform integrating batteries, powertrains, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) into a ready-made base for carmakers seeking to leapfrog into the EV market.

The platform’s modular architecture separates the upper and lower sections of the vehicle, enabling manufacturers to adapt the top portion to virtually any body style—from compact sedans to full-size SUVs. Meanwhile, the lower part houses an integrated system that includes battery modules, electric drive units, and smart control units, all designed with standardized interfaces for ease of customization and scalability.

This plug-and-play flexibility is proving attractive, especially for automakers struggling to keep pace with EV pioneers. By offering a turnkey solution, CATL enables these companies to bypass years of costly development, slashing both production times and investment needs.

The strategy is already bearing fruit. Numerous Chinese automakers have signed on to use the CIIC platform as a springboard for new EV models. But the real headline came with the recent announcement that Mazda, the Japanese manufacturer known for its traditional combustion-engine focus, will adopt CATL’s platform for its next generation of electric vehicles.

This partnership was smoothed by Mazda’s joint venture with Changan, a Chinese automaker already tightly linked with CATL. With Changan as a bridge, the collaboration underscores the increasing interdependence between global automotive players and Chinese tech innovators.

Beyond conventional EVs, CATL is also eyeing the future of autonomous mobility. The CIIC platform is engineered to support fully self-driving applications such as robotaxis and autonomous ride-sharing fleets. As these technologies evolve, CATL anticipates a surge in demand from startups and tech firms eager to enter the smart mobility arena without the burden of building hardware from scratch.

By branching out from batteries to full vehicle platforms, CATL is positioning itself not just as a supplier, but as a foundational enabler of the electric and autonomous vehicle era. The company’s ambition is clear: to not only power the world’s EVs, but to help build them from the ground up.

As the race toward a zero-emission future accelerates, CATL appears poised to lead not just with watts—but with wheels.

Source: CATL

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Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Limited Edition

In a few days, one of the toughest WEC races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will take place, in which Aston Martin will participate with its new Valkyrie AMR-LMH. It will be the British brand’s return to the WEC after a long series of years, and to mark the occasion, the company has decided to produce 10 modified units of this model called the Valkyrie LM.

At first glance, the Valkyrie LM shares everything with its Le Mans sibling: the same carbon-fiber chassis, aggressive bodywork, and a competition-bred double wishbone and torsion-spring suspension system, featuring adjustable shock absorbers for both lateral and central control. Nestled beneath its sleek exterior is the same naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, built by Cosworth, and paired with a seven-speed sequential gearbox.

But while the racing version must adhere to strict FIA regulations—hampered by ballast and electronic restrictions—the Valkyrie LM is gloriously unshackled. Without these limitations, it promises to be lighter, faster, and potentially even more thrilling than the cars competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA series.

Designed for private track use, the Valkyrie LM is fitted with bespoke Pirelli slick tires and a recalibrated engine that runs on conventional high-performance fuel. Despite its unrelenting performance capabilities, Aston Martin has thoughtfully revised the cockpit to enhance usability for non-professional drivers. It features a carbon fiber seat with six-point FIA-approved harnesses, an integrated driver display, gearshift lights, and a full fire suppression system—ensuring safety doesn’t take a back seat to speed.

For those who prefer the thrill of driving without the hassle of logistics, Aston Martin is offering a concierge-style ownership experience. This includes full trackside support, transport logistics, driver coaching, classroom instruction, and performance data analysis—essentially, a Formula 1-style team at your beck and call.

The first customer deliveries are slated for the second quarter of 2026. To mark the occasion, Aston Martin will invite all ten Valkyrie LM owners to a private event at its Gaydon headquarters next year—a celebration complete with a high-profile dinner and the unveiling of their bespoke vehicles.

While pricing for the Valkyrie LM remains under wraps, its cost is expected to surpass the $3.2 million price tag of the race-prepped Valkyrie AMR Pro. For those lucky enough to own one, the Valkyrie LM won’t just be another car—it will be a ticket to an elite club where performance, exclusivity, and engineering perfection converge on the track.

Source: Aston Martin

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Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Limited Edition
News

BMW had a better start to the year than Audi and Mercedes-Benz

According to Automotive News BMW has taken a commanding lead in the European executive car segment, with the 5 Series outperforming key rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Audi in Q1 2025.

Between January and April, BMW sold 20,402 units of the 5 Series across Europe—an impressive 56% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, over 60% of buyers chose the Touring wagon variant, highlighting strong consumer preference for practicality alongside luxury.

In second place, Mercedes-Benz recorded 15,811 sales of the E-Class, up 19% year-on-year. Audi followed with 13,774 units of the A6 sold, marking a 10% increase over the previous year.

Electric variants are also gaining traction. BMW’s i5 electric model posted strong growth with 8,843 units sold—a 55% jump. It led the premium EV sedan segment, followed by the Audi A6 e-tron (7,460 units) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE (3,740 units).

When it comes to powertrain choices for the 5 Series, buyers are nearly evenly split: plug-in hybrids and diesels each accounted for 30% of sales, while pure electric models followed closely with 27%. Traditional gasoline engines made up the remaining 11%.

Although this generation of the 5 Series debuted just two years ago, BMW is already preparing a redesign—continuing the brand’s tradition of staying ahead of the curve, even amid strong sales momentum.

Source: Automotive News

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