[SMM Tin Morning Briefing: The Most-Traded SHFE Tin Contract Opened Sharply Higher in the Night Session and Then Rebounded in Volatile Trading, While the Spot Market Will Gradually Cool Down]

According to information from Italian trade unions, the battery joint venture ACC has halted plans to build gigafactories in Germany and Italy. Established in June 2020, ACC was jointly formed by three industry giants: the Stellantis Group, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies, with Stellantis being the largest shareholder. The enterprise originally planned to establish three gigafactories in Europe, located in France, Germany, and Italy, with a total investment of approximately €7 billion. The goal was to increase ACC's battery capacity to at least 120 GWh by 2030. However, the projects in Germany and Italy have been on hold since May 2024. Following this announcement of termination, only the battery factory in France will remain operational.

Recently, Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. filed a recall plan with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products" and the "Implementation Measures for the Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products." Starting from June 25, 2026, the company will recall certain domestically produced EQA and EQB vehicles manufactured between April 1, 2021, and March 12, 2024, totaling 19,481 units.

[SMM Express] According to reports, following BMW's first adoption of the TURBU-DURCK die-casting process for mass-producing aluminum alloy wheels on the M5 model in 2025, Mercedes-Benz also introduced the TURBUDRUCK die-casting technology for mass-producing aluminum alloy wheels on its new S-Class model launched on January 29, 2026. Relying on an AI-supported software solution for autonomous regulation and using 100% recycled materials, the technology can produce popular and high-end wheel hubs under 24 inches. Through an economical dual-plate mold solution and die-casting machines with a clamping force ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 metric tons, the production of aluminum and magnesium alloy wheel hubs can be achieved.

European Automotive Battery Company (ACC) has officially announced the suspension of its plans to build battery gigafactories in Italy and Germany. ACC, jointly funded by Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies, was originally expected to enhance the autonomy of the European EV supply chain. However, due to lower-than-expected demand in the EV market, Stellantis recently announced a €22 billion loss and correspondingly scaled back its electrification investments. CEO Antonio Filosa stated that the actual required battery capacity will be significantly lower than initially planned.

According to data released by the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) on February 5, Japan's imported auto sales (excluding Japanese producers) fell 12% YoY to 13,019 units in January. Battery EV sales increased 68% to 2,041 units, marking a return to growth after one month of decline. Mercedes-Benz sales dropped 13% to 3,031 units, ranking first; Volkswagen sales were 1,528 units, down 41%; BMW sales were 1,383 units, down 17%; BYD sales surged 3.4-fold to 180 units.

[Cui Dongshu of the Passenger Vehicle Association: NEV price reductions averaged 12% in H1] From January to June 2025, the average price reduction for new NEV models reached 23,000 yuan, equivalent to a 12% decrease. In June, the average price reduction for new NEV models dropped to 15,000 yuan, representing a relatively low 10.4% reduction. During the same period, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles saw an average price reduction of 17,000 yuan (8.9%), while in June this figure fell to 14,000 yuan (8.6%). For the overall passenger vehicle market, the average price reduction from January to June reached 21,000 yuan (11.4%), with June's average reduction at 15,000 yuan (9.9%). [Lithium battery recycling plant fire in Spain remains uncontained after three days] A lithium battery recycling plant near Madrid, Spain caught fire on the 4th and remained ablaze as of the 6th. Two individuals were injured in the incident, according to reports. DPA news agency stated that firefighters continued battling the blaze at the industrial facility located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Madrid. Multiple explosions triggered the fire, though the cause remains under investigation. (Cailian Press) [Four ministries: Automakers' large power charging networks should be open to all] The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and three other departments issued the "Notice on Promoting Scientific Planning and Construction of Large Power Charging Facilities." The document mandates that project proponents complete filing procedures per the "Regulations on the Administration of Approval and Filing of Enterprise Investment Projects," with local authorities responsible for charging infrastructure development required to coordinate with investment regulators in supervising large power charging projects to prevent resource waste and disorderly construction. The notice emphasizes government guidance to promote efficient resource utilization, supports qualified operators with strong investment and operational capabilities in facility construction/renovation/operation, and encourages deployment of specialized large power charging infrastructure for buses, logistics, and heavy-duty freight. It stipulates that automakers' self-built large power charging networks should be universally accessible, and promotes commercial models integrating charging stations with dining, entertainment, shopping, and automotive services to enhance user experience. (Cailian PressZ7/>》Click for details [Apex (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. has 74 3C certificates suspended/revoked] Romoss and Anker Innovations recently announced recalls of multiple power bank models, involving over 1.2 million units. The State Administration for Market Regulation stated that the recall was due to metal foreign matter being mixed into the battery during production, posing safety risks of overheating or even combustion. It is understood that Apex (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. is one of the lithium battery suppliers for Romoss power banks. Currently, all 74 3C certificates held by Apex (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. have been suspended or revoked by the certification body. The Wuxi Municipal Market Supervision Bureau has sealed all lithium battery products produced by the company in accordance with regulations. (CCTV News) [CATL and Geely Deepen Strategic Cooperation Agreement] CATL and Geely Automobile recently officially signed a comprehensive electrification deepening strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will take this signing as an opportunity to further deepen collaboration in areas including power battery technology synergy, product platform integration, and supply chain system construction, aiming to promote in-depth coordinated development across the entire industry chain and establish a more efficient and stable cooperation mechanism. (Cailian Press) [Mercedes-Benz Q2 Sales Reach 547,100 Units, Down 9% YoY] Mercedes-Benz sold 547,100 vehicles in Q2, down 9% YoY. The GLC remained Mercedes-Benz's best-selling model globally in H1 2025, with GLC sales increasing by 9% in Q2. Global plug-in hybrid vehicle sales grew 34% in Q2. In Europe, xEV market share reached 40%, and global xEV share hit 21% in Q2. (Cailian Press)

On June 17, CaoCao Inc. (CaoCao) confirmed plans to list on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on June 25.

[Xiaomi Auto Unveils Patent Related to Solid-State Batteries] According to Tianyancha APP, Xiaomi Auto Technology Co., Ltd. recently had its patent titled "Solid-State Battery Composite Electrode, Preparation Method, and Solid-State Battery Including the Composite Electrode" published. The patent abstract on Tianyancha indicates that the disclosed solid-state battery composite electrode effectively shortens the transmission path of metal ions within thick electrodes, accelerates the transmission rate of metal ions between electrodes, and exhibits high electrode loading and C-rate performance. (Kechuangban Daily) [CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025] CICC pointed out that the Chinese new energy vehicle market has shown robust performance since 2025, with wholesale sales of new energy vehicles increasing by 46% YoY from January to April 2025. Looking ahead, CICC is optimistic that domestic new energy vehicle sales will maintain strong growth in H2 2025, driven by the resonance of domestic demand and exports. [Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Domestically Produced Vehicles] Recently, Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. have filed recall plans with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products" and the "Implementation Measures for the Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products." Recall No. S2025M0090V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain domestically produced C-Class and GLC SUV vehicles manufactured between April 25, 2023, and August 17, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 252 units. Recall No. S2025M0094V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain imported S-Class and EQE vehicles manufactured between February 8, 2023, and October 10, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 257 units. Some vehicles within the scope of this recall used incorrect fuse boxes during previous recall repairs, which may lead to malfunctions in associated systems, resulting in potential loss of power, affecting restraint systems, instrument displays, etc. Additionally, the risk of fire cannot be ruled out, posing safety hazards. Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. will, through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, conduct free inspections of the affected fuse boxes for vehicles within the recall scope and replace them if the part numbers are incorrect to eliminate safety hazards. (Finance News) [Eight Departments Seek Public Comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)"] Eight departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, are seeking public comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)." Automobile data processors providing automobile data overseas shall declare a data outbound security assessment if any of the following circumstances apply: (1) providing important data overseas; (2) cumulatively providing personal information (excluding sensitive personal information) of over 1 million individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (3) cumulatively providing sensitive personal information of over 10,000 individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (4) operators of critical information infrastructure providing personal information overseas; (5) other circumstances specified by relevant state regulations that require a declaration of data outbound security assessment. (Cailian Press) [GAC Group Promises: Rebate Payments to Dealers Will Be Completed Within Two Months Starting Today] GAC Group issued a commitment announcement: As a crucial part of the automotive industry chain, the stable development of dealers is a key factor in ensuring user service and experience. GAC Group actively responded to the initiative of the China Automobile Dealers Association to promote the healthy development of the automotive industry. Alongside its five major vehicle brands—Hyptec, Trumpchi, Aion, Honda, and Toyota—GAC Group promises that starting today, it will ensure the completion of rebate payments to dealers within two months to drive the high-quality development of the automotive industry. (Cailian Press) [MIIT: National Lithium Battery Production Exceeded 473GWh in January-April, Up 68% YoY] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released data indicating that from January to April 2025, China's lithium-ion battery industry continued its growth momentum. According to information from enterprises under the lithium battery industry's standard announcement and calculations by industry associations, the total national lithium battery production from January to April exceeded 473GWh, up 68% YoY. In the battery segment, the production of energy storage lithium batteries exceeded 110GWh, and the battery installations for new energy vehicles were approximately 184GWh. The total export value of lithium batteries nationwide from January to April reached 155.4 billion yuan, up 25% YoY. In the first-stage materials segment, the production of cathode materials, anode materials, separators, and electrolytes from January to April was approximately 1.15 million mt, 760,000 mt, 8 billion m², and 470,000 mt, respectively, all showing YoY increases of over 40%. In the second-stage materials segment, the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 270,000 mt, up 60% YoY, while the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide was 90,000 mt, down 14% YoY. The average prices of battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide (micro powder grade) from January to April were 74,000 yuan/mt and 76,000 yuan/mt, respectively. 》Click for details Related Reading: [SMM Analysis] Breakthrough Achieved in Portugal's Lithium Mine Project; Development of Europe's Largest Spodumene Deposit Accelerates Weekly Summary of the LFP Market in June [SMM Lithium Battery Market Analysis] [SMM Analysis] Behind the 60-Day Payment Commitment: Suppliers' Wry Smiles and Anticipations Cobalt Product Quotes "Plummeting"; Co3O4 Falls by 7,650 Yuan in a Single Week; Will It Stop Next Week? [Weekly Observation] [SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto Partners with Codelco to Enter the Lithium Triangle; $900 Million to Develop World-Class Salt Lake Project [SMM Analysis] Separator Prices Remain Stable [SMM Analysis] Raw Material Drag Causes Price Decline; Policy Window Period May Lead to Bottoming Out and Rebound Battery and Solid-State Battery Sectors Strengthen Again; Multiple Automakers Announce Latest Progress; Lopal Shares Surge with Nearly 6 Limit-Up Moves [Hot Stock] [SMM Analysis] Cathode Material Production Increased MoM in May; Weak Growth in Downstream End-Use Demand [SMM Analysis] Anode Material Production Increased in May Due to Rising Demand [SMM Analysis] Co3O4 Production Increased MoM in May; Industry Players Remain Cautious Cobalt Product Quotes Collectively "Fall"; Cobalt Chloride Smelters' Quotes Remain Firm; Will They Stay High in the Future? [Weekly Observations] [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part I) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part II) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part III) [SMM Analysis] New Breakthrough in Lithium Battery Technology: Can a Single Injection Extend Battery Life?

► Xiaomi Auto Unveils Solid-State Battery-Related Patent ► CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025 ► Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Locally Produced Vehicles ► Eight Departments Solicit Public Opinions on the "Guidelines for the Security of Automotive Data Cross-Border Transfer (2025 Edition)" ► GAC Group Commits to Ensuring Dealer Rebate Settlement Within Two Months Starting Today ► MIIT: Total National Lithium Battery Production Exceeds 473 GWh from January to April, Up 68% YoY