$LI

Tesla (TSLA) outlined plans for Robotaxi fleet expansion, Roadster production, and Optimus robot. Harley-Davidson (HOG) reported Q2 retail sales growth, cost cuts, and raised full-year outlook. Citi upgraded HOG to 'Buy' with a $33 target. LiveWire (LVWR) explores strategic options after CEO resignation, posting Q2 revenue of $9.1M and a net loss of $18.2M. Chinese EV makers Nio (NIO), XPeng (XPEV), and Li Auto (LI) faced delivery and profitability challenges.

Li Auto's new i6 electric vehicle has a CLTC-rated range of 780 km (485 miles) and recently achieved 811 km (504 miles) in a test. It uses in-house batteries with 96 kWh capacity, developed with CALB and Sunwoda. Li Auto claims improved winter range and safety features, including a 5C charging-capable Lian Shan battery.

Automakers debate in-house battery development. CATL's executives argue for specialized expertise, while Li Auto's CEO Li Xiang advocates for automaker involvement in battery tech. CATL reported 43.28B yuan net profit in H1 2026, while 15 automakers combined reported 21.8B yuan. Li Auto unveiled its 'Lianshan' battery tech and a warranty plan, partnering with Sunwoda and CALB.

CLSA cut price targets for XPeng (45% to HK$44) and Nio (47% to HK$29), while maintaining 'Outperform' ratings. Li Auto and BYD targets were also reduced. XPeng and Nio shares rose 5.1% and 4.1% in Hong Kong, respectively. Analysts' targets vary, with some downgrading XPeng to 'Neutral'. Both companies face challenging Q4 delivery targets.

Li Auto's stock rose 3.9% to $11.73, rebounding from its 52-week low. The company's $1B share repurchase program and its chip subsidiary's RMB 1.625B equity financing are supporting factors. Li Auto's Q2 vehicle margin improved to 9.4% from 6.1% in Q1. Analysts maintain a consensus Buy rating with upside potential.

Li Auto (LI) announced a 1.625bn yuan ($242.86m) equity financing round for its chip subsidiary, MHX Technology. Li Auto will contribute 1bn yuan, with external investors providing the remaining 625m yuan. The funds will support R&D and commercialization efforts. Li Auto will maintain majority control of MHX Technology, with its stake potentially decreasing to 74.01% if all investment options are exercised.

BYD led China's NEV retail sales in September with 246,816 units, a 22.8% market share, despite a 16.7% year-over-year market decline. Tesla climbed to fourth place with 64,837 sales, up 29.6% from August. Leapmotor grew 30.8% year-over-year, the only top-five maker to do so. Total NEV retail sales fell to 1.084 million, below initial estimates.

Li Auto (LI) has secured up to $2.5 billion in funding for its chip unit, MHX Technology, through a 1.625 billion yuan investment. The company will retain control and consolidate the unit's financial results. The funds will support R&D, commercialization, and expansion into non-automotive markets. Li Auto aims to develop its chip business as a second growth engine alongside its EV operations.

Li Auto unveiled its European strategy, debuting the Li 6 model at the Paris Motor Show. The company plans to start deliveries in the Netherlands and Norway in Q1 2027, with local sales and service systems. The Li 6 features a BEV architecture and 800V platform, adapted for European roads. Li Auto aims to introduce a new model annually in Europe from 2027 to 2029, pursuing a dual-powertrain strategy.

Chinese automaker shares fell on Tuesday due to weak domestic sales and EU hybrid import curbs. SAIC Motor, Chery, Leapmotor, and others declined, while Geely rose. September sales dropped 28.1% YoY, with exports up 73.2%. EU limits on hybrid imports may impact BYD, SAIC, and Chery, which dominate the market.