Made-in-China Supercar Breaks World Speed Record at 496 km/h

 

 

On September 22, in Papenburg, Germany—home to one of the world’s premier high-speed proving grounds—Chinese automaker BYD made history. Its Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached an astonishing 496.22 km/h, setting a new world speed record for production cars and eclipsing Bugatti’s Chiron Super Sport 300+, which had held the crown since 2019 with 490 km/h.

 

The driver behind the record-breaking run was veteran racing legend Mark Basseng, describing the experience :”When you’re close to 500 km/h, you’re covering more than 130 meters every second. The white lines on the track blur into one, the wind noise feels almost aggressive, and even the smallest steering input could send you off course.” His words painted a vivid picture of the razor’s edge between control and chaos at such extreme speeds.

 

 

For BYD, known globally as a leader in electric vehicles and mass-market innovation, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme represents a very different ambition: to push the limits of engineering and enter the rarefied world of hypercars. The record marks not just a victory for the brand, but also a symbolic moment for China’s auto industry—demonstrating that domestic manufacturers can compete head-to-head with century-old European marques in a field once thought to be untouchable.

 

 

Art or Ecological Misstep? Fireworks Spectacle on the Plateau Draws Scrutiny

 

 

On September 19, outdoor brand Arc’teryx teamed up with Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang to stage a fireworks art display titled Ascending Dragon on the ridge of Chaqiong Gangri Mountain in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region. The display began at 4,600 meters and rose to 5,050 meters, creating the impression of a dragon soaring skyward across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The spectacle, however, quickly drew public scrutiny after videos circulated online, with the hashtag climbing to the top of Weibo’s trending list. While some viewers debated its artistic and cultural significance, the sharpest criticism centered on the potential ecological damage to one of China’s most fragile environments.

 

 

In response, the Shigatse municipal Party committee and government launched an on-site investigation, promising follow-up measures based on the findings.

 

 

On September 21, Arc’teryx issued a public apology, pledging to “accept all criticism” and commit to remedial actions once environmental assessments are complete. Cai Guoqiang released a parallel statement, acknowledging planning oversights and vowing to cooperate with third-party institutions and local authorities to evaluate and mitigate any ecological impact. He further promised to contribute to restoration efforts if damage is confirmed.

 

 

The incident highlights a growing tension between large-scale cultural displays and China’s mounting emphasis on environmental stewardship, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Tibetan Plateau.

 

 

Xiaomi Issues Recall for 117,000 SU7 EVs Over Assisted Driving Defect

 

 

China’s market regulator announced on September 19 that Xiaomi will recall 116,887 SU7 electric vehicles to address a defect in their assisted driving system. The recall covers standard-edition models manufactured between February 6, 2024, and August 30, 2025, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

 

 

The issue lies with the L2 high-speed navigation assist function, which in rare cases may fail to properly detect, warn, or respond in extreme scenarios. “If the driver does not intervene in time, the risk of collision may increase,” SAMR said.

 

 

Xiaomi will roll out an immediate over-the-air software update to correct the problem, avoiding the need for vehicles to return to dealerships.

 

 

The National Technical Center for Product Recalls confirmed that, to date, no casualties or traffic accidents have been reported in connection with the defect. Still, the move underscores how safety remains a critical test for newcomers in China’s fast-growing EV market — where software-defined cars are both an opportunity and a liability.

 

 

iPhone 17 Launch: Scalpers, Queues, and the “Orange Pro Max Premium”

 

 

On September 19, Apple rolled out the iPhone 17 series, and Guangzhou’s Tianhuan Plaza Apple Store turned into a scene familiar to past launches: A long queue, scalpers at the doors, the Pro Max orange edition grabbing all the buzz.

 

 

Although the store normally opens at 10 a.m., customers were allowed to queue from 8 a.m. By then, lines already looped around the building. At the exit, resellers swarmed anyone carrying Apple bags, offering quick mark-ups. One common pitch: “Will you sell for an extra 600?” Many scalpers left with multiple devices in hand, even some foreigners flown in for the trade.

 

 

The star of the launch? The iPhone 17 Pro Max in orange, particularly the 256GB version. Scalpers were adding an 800 yuan premium, while the standard iPhone 17 saw little secondary market demand. As one reseller put it: “We don’t inflate prices for the basic version.”

 

 

Apple’s own data shows pre-orders were stronger than last year’s iPhone 16 series, with the Pro Max leading again. Production of the 17 Pro Max in Q3 2025 rose about 60% year-on-year, yet delivery times remained unchanged — a sign that demand is keeping up with the ramped-up supply.

 

 

The frenzy highlights a paradox in Apple’s China story. Market data shows its overall share has slipped, with Huawei reclaiming the top spot. Yet the queues and resale premiums suggest Apple still commands aspirational power among high-end Chinese consumers. In a hyper-competitive smartphone market, that brand pull — embodied in a bright orange Pro Max — remains one of Apple’s strongest assets.

 

 

Arnault Walks Nanjing Road as LVMH’s $44B Revenue Shrinks, $6B Profit Slumps

 

 

On September 16, Shanghai shoppers on Nanjing Road were treated to a surprise sight: Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, strolling along the city’s iconic shopping street. It was his third consecutive year making the trip to China, a market long seen as a barometer for global luxury demand.

The timing, however, underscored how much has changed. In 2023, when Arnault last visited, he was still the world’s richest man with a $211 billion fortune. Back then, China was buoying global luxury’s expansion. But by 2024, the tide had shifted: the number of global luxury consumers fell from 400 million in 2022 to 350 million, with total spending slipping 1–3% to $1.63 trillion.

 

 

That slowdown has left even giants feeling the strain. LVMH’s revenue fell 4% year-on-year to $43.8 billion in the first half of 2025, while net profit tumbled 22% to $6.26 billion.

 

 

Amid this backdrop, Arnault’s itinerary included a stop at Laopu Gold inside Shanghai’s IFC Mall, where he lingered over pendants, gourds, and crosses, calling the designs “exquisite and interesting.” It wasn’t the first time LVMH executives have taken a closer look at local jewelry players: in June, another senior executive visited Laopu Gold’s Beijing store.

 

 

Deputy CEO Stephane Bianchi later acknowledged what’s become increasingly visible on the ground: “Chinese consumers are showing growing interest in domestic brands.” While he didn’t name names, insiders point to explosive demand for Chinese jewelry labels—an unmistakable signal that global titans are now carefully watching their once upstart rivals.