Weekly Recap: Mach M100 1,280 TOPS and chip unit split seeking customers

Li Auto launched the Li i9, a battery electric SUV priced at RMB 369,800. The company aims to shift from extended-range vehicles to pure BEVs, with deliveries beginning in September 2026. Analysts project CN¥169.2b in revenue and CN¥7.6b in earnings by 2029, assuming 15.6% yearly growth. Key risks include competition, discounting, and weak BEV uptake.

Li Auto confirmed it will supply self-developed chips and silicon carbide modules externally, joining NIO, XPeng, and Leapmotor in technology outsourcing. Li Auto aims to target AI companies, while XPeng's partnership with Volkswagen has boosted its revenue. NIO has spun off its chip business and transferred battery-swap assets. Leapmotor focuses on exporting vehicle architectures and components.

Li Auto is seeking external funding for its chip subsidiary at a $2.2 billion pre-money valuation, according to LatePost. The automaker aims to raise several billion yuan, valuing its chip business above Nio's rival unit. Li Auto's chip team, with about 200 employees, is developing vehicle-side and cloud-side inference chips. The company reported a loss of $593 million in the first half of 2023, with vehicle margins falling to 9.4%.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) shares fell 4.8% to $41.15 in pre-market trading after Phase 3 trial results. Other stocks moving lower include Aligos Therapeutics (ALGS) down 15.1%, Telix Pharmaceuticals (TLX) down 7.9%, and Li Auto (LI) down 3.5%.

Li Auto's chip unit seeks first funding round at $2.2B pre-money valuation. The EV maker plans to raise billions for its semiconductor business, following a similar path as Nio. Li Auto's chip subsidiary was established in July and has about 200 employees. The company aims to develop both vehicle-side and cloud-side chips, with the Mach M100 being its first mass-produced in-house chip.

Li Auto (2015) reported Q2 2026 revenue of RMB 25.7B, down 15% YoY, with a loss of RMB 1.49 per share. The company launched the Li i9 BEV SUV and announced plans for a refreshed Li i6. Non-vehicle revenue grew 17.6%. ADR shares rose 4.5% on launch news.