Despite the sales bump, though, Tesla is still close to losing its top global EV-seller crown to Chinese rival BYD

The recall, announced last month, affects 22,883 EV9 electric SUVs Kia built between September 2023 and October 2024

Workers at the site, which was to be BYD's first EV factory outside of Asia, faced forced labour, long working hours, and sleep deprivation caused by inadequate housing conditions

The merger of the two storied Japanese brands underlines the threat Chinese EV makers now pose to some of the world's best known car makers

The carmakers’ discussion on a merger is the clearest sign yet of how Japan's once seemingly unbeatable auto industry is being reshaped by challenges from Tesla and Chinese rivals.

Trump’s transition team is recommending to strengthen measures blocking cars, components and battery materials from China

VW’s decision to sell the plant comes after years of investor pressure on the carmaker to abandon presence in Xinjiang

Despite stalled talks between both the sides, it is unlikely that Beijing would want to torpedo its ties with the EU given its trade with the US is already hurt by geopolitics

Shenzhen-listed shares of the carmaker were up 5.74% at close of trade on Monday, while its Hong Kong-listed stock was up 3.53%

The directive comes as, starting Wednesday, Chinese electric vehicles heading to Europe will be subject to tariffs as high as 45.3%

The chief of the best-selling car brand in the US has been taking trips to China and testing Chinese EVs over the past 18 months to size up the competition

The agency expects carmakers to continue working towards making cheaper and innovative EVs — with China firmly in the lead. It also predicts a hit to Europe’s GDP from the EV transition