Bullets:

For the first time in recorded history, global unit sales of gas vehicles are under 50%, as pure electrics and hybrids soar in popularity.

In the beginning of 2026, Chinese EV carmakers forecast double-digit sales growth, as they hoped exports would ramp up

But energy prices skyrocketed after the War on Iran began, and demand for Chinese electric cars boomed. The goals for the expansion of Chinese exports were achieved years ahead of schedule.

Now Chinese firms are targeting the hybrid car industry, where lower tariffs may be a boon to models from China.

Closing scene, Shek O Beach, Hong Kong
Resources and links:

Fuel Price Shock Pushes Global Gas Car Sales Below 50% for First Time
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Fuel-Price-Shock-Pushes-Global-Gas-Car-Sales-Below-50-for-First-Time.html

Gas vehicles fall under 50% of global new-auto sales for first time
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/gas-vehicles-fall-under-50-of-global-new-auto-sales-for-first-time

China’s carmakers eye record 12 million overseas sales in 2026 as ‘go global’ plan pays off
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3369423/chinas-carmakers-eye-record-12-million-overseas-sales-2026-go-global-plan-pays

China’s BYD sales rise in September as export boom sustains momentum
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/finance/article/344365/Chinas-BYD-sales-rise-in-September-as-export-boom-sustains-momentum

H1 sales of petrol cars less than 50% of market for first time
https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/business/h1-sales-of-petrol-cars-less-than-50-of-market-for-first-time-2026-10/

S&P global mobility forecast to confirm electronics weekly data
https://www.mobilityglobal.com/en-us/products/autonomy-forecasts

China’s Chery predicts over 1 million EVs sold abroad as energy crisis persists
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3354280/chinas-chery-sees-its-foreign-ev-sales-topping-1-million-world-wary-energy-crisis

After gaining EV dominance, Chinese carmakers shift goal to take on full-hybrid behemoths
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3364906/after-gaining-ev-dominance-chinese-carmakers-shift-goal-take-full-hybrid-behemoths

New Mercedes TV Film (China)

The multiverse of the Chinese car brands
https://www.ecomotorsnews.com/en/expertise/multiverse-chinese-car-brands

Our Oil Columnist Got an EV. A Bad Omen for Big Petroleum?
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-10-05/what-my-new-ev-says-about-oil-demand-after-the-iran-war

The Gulf Oil Shock Is Pushing E.V. Sales to New Heights Globally
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/08/18/climate/ev-car-sales-oil-prices.html


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