Chinese automakers face a weak 2Q outlook amid soft domestic demand and rising raw‑material costs, Daiwa analysts say. BYD and Geely Automobile are projected to outperform legacy rivals through strong exports, while NIO stands out for its robust model cycle and product mix.

The European Union plans to extend tariff hikes on Chinese plug‑in hybrids, adding regulatory risk. The new Industrial Acceleration Act imposes local‑content requirements and subsidies for public procurement. Chinese manufacturers with EU production capacity are poised to gain market share.

easyJet’s potential takeover by Apollo moves forward. Apollo’s $7.64B proposal has board backing but must meet European ownership limits. Shares spiked 13% to 666 pence following the announcement.

Volkswagen announced a plan to trim its model lineup by up to 50% and cut complexity by 75%. No job cuts were mentioned, yet Work Council leader Daniella Cavallo urged CEO Oliver Blume to address rumors. Analysts caution that the plan lacks specific detail.