Language:
Instant News and Commentaries
2026-04-24
23:58
AI Transforms the World: XPENG Showcases Its Full-Stack Physical AI Ecosystem at Auto China 2026

BEIJING, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 19th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2026) officially opened today, where XPENG made a strong impression with its comprehensive product lineup. The showcase featured several major new models, including the GX, the MONA M03, the next P7, and the X9. In addition to its vehicle portfolio, XPENG showcased its next-generation humanoid robot, IRON, and its flying car "Land Aircraft Carrier". Together, these innovations demonstrate the company's latest advancements and its integrated ecosystem strategy in Physical AI.

XPENG Beijing Autoshow press kit

During the exhibition, around 200 media representatives from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa attended XPENG's Physical AI "Immersive" China Tour. Delegates toured XPENG's intelligent manufacturing facilities and ARIDGE's production base, and experienced VLA 2.0 through hands-on test drives. A series of technical seminars provided deeper insight into XPENG's developments in intelligent driving, design, flying vehicles, robotics, powertrain systems, and ultra-fast charging technologies.

XPENG's First VLA 2.0 Intelligent Driving Report Released; Campus and Underground Parking Lot Safari Are Coming Soon

In March 2026, XPENG officially rolled out its VLA 2.0 intelligent driving system. At Auto China 2026, the company released its first VLA 2.0 Intelligent Driving Report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the system's performance across key metrics, including user adoption, engagement, and purchasing influence. The report indicates that VLA 2.0 is playing an increasingly pivotal role in consumer decision-making. Orders for the XPENG Ultra series rose by 118% month-over-month, with advanced intelligent driving capabilities becoming a primary driver of conversions.

Since the launch of in-store VLA 2.0 demonstrations, nearly 100,000 consumers have participated, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate. Notably, the average time from test drive to order placement has decreased by 44.7%, signaling a shift in intelligent driving from a value-added feature to a core purchase consideration. Usage data further demonstrates strong user engagement. During the first week of ownership, 98.52% of users activated intelligent driving features daily. These results suggest that VLA 2.0 effectively addresses long-standing industry challenges related to usability and adoption, delivering a more intuitive and reliable driving experience.

XPENG also announced continued expansion of full-scenario capabilities. New features — Campus and Underground Parking Safari—are scheduled for release soon. These functions are designed to handle complex edge cases, including low-light conditions, adverse weather, absence of navigation data, and unmarked roads, further enhancing end-to-end intelligent mobility.

He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, said: "After 12 years, we are entering a new phase. From smart EVs to flying cars, Turing AI chips, large models, humanoid robots, and Robotaxi, we are steadily turning our vision into reality through Physical AI. It is on this integrated technological foundation that we are driving forward the future of mobility. The real value of intelligent driving lies not just in capability, but in delivering greater efficiency and a more relaxing experience."

Advancing Physical AI: A Blueprint for Future Mobility

At the conference, He Xiaopeng introduced the GX, a vehicle designed for the L4 autonomous driving era. Positioned as China's first fully in-house developed, factory-integrated Robotaxi prototype intended for mass production, the GX represents a significant milestone. It is equipped with up to four Turing chips, delivering 3,000 TOPS of computing power, and is powered by the VLA 2.0 system. Built on an architecture purpose-designed for L4 autonomy, the GX sets a new benchmark in intelligent driving capability.

In 2025, XPENG's overseas deliveries surpassed 45,000 units, representing a 96% year-on-year increase, ranking No.1 in overseas pure-electric sales among Chinese NEV startups. Looking ahead, XPENG will continue to deepen its investment in Physical AI technologies while accelerating the commercialization of next-generation products such as the flying car and humanoid robotics. By optimizing user mobility and life experiences through pragmatic technological innovation, XPENG aims to bring efficiency and convenience to a world powered by Physical AI.

About XPENG

Founded in 2014, XPENG is a leading AI-driven mobility company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs, catering to a growing base of tech-savvy consumers. With the rapid advancement of AI, XPENG aspires to become a global leader in AI mobility, with a mission to drive the Smart EV revolution through cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of mobility. To enhance the customer experience, XPENG develops its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and intelligent in-car operating system in-house, along with core vehicle systems such as the powertrain and electrical/electronic architecture (EEA). Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG also operates key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and Amsterdam. Its Smart EVs are primarily manufactured at its facilities in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. XPENG is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: XPEV) and Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX: 9868).

Contacts:

XPENG PR Department
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.xpeng.com/

Information Provided by PR Newswire [Disclaimer]
17:41
Tesla: Cybercab Production Commences

Tesla (TSLA.US) CEO Elon Musk said in a post that production of the Cybercab has commenced, Bloomberg reported.

Unveiled in 2024, the Cybercab is a BEV designed specifically for autonomous taxi (Robotaxi) services. The model is not equipped with a steering wheel or pedals, meaning that mass production will require specific exemptions from US regulators.

Musk stated that the business is unlikely to generate meaningful revenue until at least 2027.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Information Provided by AAStocks Financial News [Disclaimer]
17:00
MINISO Announces Annual General Meeting on June 18, 2026 and Filing of Annual Report on Form 20-F

GUANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global high-growth value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring distinctive IP designs, today announced that it will hold an annual general meeting of the Company's shareholders (the "AGM") at 11:00 a.m. Beijing time on June 18, 2026 at Flats B-D, 35/F, Plaza 88, 88 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, the New Territories, Hong Kong, for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing each of the proposed resolutions set forth in the notice of the AGM (the "AGM Notice"). The AGM Notice, the ballot, the form of proxy and other documents for the AGM are available on the Company's website at https://ir.miniso.com.

Holders of record of ordinary shares of the Company at the close of business on May 13, 2026, Hong Kong time, are entitled to notice of and to attend and vote at the AGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of ADSs as of the close of business on May 13, 2026, New York time, who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying ordinary shares must give voting instructions directly to The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the ADSs, if ADSs are held on the books and records of The Bank of New York Mellon, or indirectly through a bank, brokerage or other securities intermediary if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders, as the case may be.

The Company also announced today that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The annual report on Form 20-F, which contains the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, can be accessed on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov as well as through the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/.

The Company has also published its Hong Kong annual report today for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEX"), which can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/ as well as the HKEX's website at https://www.hkexnews.hk.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global high-growth value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring distinctive IP designs. Since opening our first store in Chinese mainland in 2013, the Company has successfully built two brands – "MINISO" and "TOP TOY". The Company's flagship brand "MINISO" has grown into a globally recognized retail brand that offers a frequently-refreshed assortment of lifestyle products through an extensive store network worldwide. The Company's products cover diverse consumer needs and consumers are drawn to MINISO for our products' trendiness, creativeness, high quality and affordability. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC and the HKEx, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about MINISO's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO's filings with the SEC and the HKEx. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

MINISO Group Holding Limited
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

Information Provided by PR Newswire [Disclaimer]
16:59
XTEP Fortifies Southeast Asia Push With 6 New Stores In Malaysia

PR Summary
XTEP International, a leading global performance running brand, has opened six new stores in key Malaysian cities, advancing its aggressive Southeast Asia expansion strategy. The launch aligns with surging running demand and government support via Malaysia Aktif and a RM580 million sports budget. XTEP introduced its 360X 3.0 running shoes tailored for local conditions and will host the XTEP 10KM TIME TRIAL. The six stores mark only the start; XTEP plans significant further retail growth to build a full running ecosystem across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XTEP International Limited, a leading global performance running brand, today announced the opening of six new stores in key commercial hubs across Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in the brand's strategic expansion across Southeast Asia. The move underscores XTEP's long-term confidence in Malaysia's dynamic running market and confirms plans to grow its retail network well beyond six locations in the country.

Photos of the newly opened Xtep store in Malaysia
Photos of the newly opened Xtep store in Malaysia

Malaysia has emerged as a high-priority market for XTEP, fueled by explosive growth in running participation and strong government support for sports development. The 2025 Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon drew a record 42,000 participants, while local race series HSNKL has expanded from 9,000 debut runners to 15,000 today. Supported by the national Malaysia Aktif initiative and a RM580 million allocation for sports development in the 2026 budget, Malaysia offers powerful tailwinds for performance running innovation and community building.

The six new stores are strategically located in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, and Shah Alam, serving as core destinations for running enthusiasts. Designed under XTEP's Retail + Community model, these spaces go beyond traditional retail to function as immersive running centers where athletes can test performance footwear, connect with local running clubs, join group training sessions, and engage with product experts.

To address the unique terrain, climate and training needs of Malaysian runners, XTEP has introduced its 360X 3.0 performance running series with the store openings. Engineered for daily training and competitive racing, the collection delivers optimized cushioning, stability and durability, reflecting XTEP's commitment to athlete-driven, localized innovation.

Complementing its retail expansion, XTEP will host the XTEP 10KM TIME TRIAL in Kuala Lumpur. With 1,500 available slots attracting nearly 10,000 registrations, the event highlights strong demand for professional, organized running competition. XTEP will provide participants with premium performance gear to support athletes in pursuing personal bests.

"Malaysia is a cornerstone of XTEP's global strategy and our gateway to Southeast Asia," said a spokesperson for XTEP International. "These six new stores are just the start. We are committed to scaling our retail footprint, building a comprehensive running ecosystem, and becoming the leading performance running brand in the region. XTEP is dedicated to empowering runners through innovative product, professional events and authentic community engagement."

With an expanding retail network, athlete-centric product design and community-focused events, XTEP is positioned to capture significant growth in Southeast Asia's rapidly expanding sports market. As the brand continues its global momentum, Malaysian runners will gain enhanced access to world-class performance running products and experiences.

Information Provided by PR Newswire [Disclaimer]
16:25
EOPTOLINK (300502.SZ) Reportedly Picks Banks for HK IPO, Aims to Raise USD3B

EOPTOLINK (300502.SZ) selected CITIC Securities and JP Morgan to advance its Hong Kong listing plan, with expected fundraising of approximately USD3 billion, Bloomberg reported, quoting people with the knowledge of the matter.

Over the past year, EOPTOLINK has seen its share price in Shenzhen proliferate, bringing its market cap to USD78 billion. The company focuses on the R&D, production and sale of various high-performance optical modules and optical components.

Buyers of optical modules include leading global technology companies such as Alphabet (GOOGL.US) and Amazon (AMZN.US), as data centers require optical modules to connect advanced chips within AI computing clusters.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Information Provided by AAStocks Financial News [Disclaimer]
13:50
CN 1Q26 Smartphone Shipments Fall 3.3% YoY, Slightly Above Expectations: IDC

In 1Q26, smartphone shipments in China totaled around 69.01 million units, down 3.3% YoY, according to the latest quarterly report released by International Data Corporation (IDC).

Shored by Huawei and Apple phones, the overall market performance for the quarter was slightly above expectations. Huawei ranked first with shipments of 13.7 million units, accounting for a market share of 19.8%, while Apple's shipments reached 13.1 million units, representing a market share of 18.9%.
~



AAStocks Financial News
Web Site: www.aastocks.com

Information Provided by AAStocks Financial News [Disclaimer]
09:42
Shanghai Electric Highlights AI-Driven Integration of Energy and Industry at Hannover Messe 2026

HANNOVER, Germany, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727), a global leader in providing integrated solutions for the energy and industrial sectors, is exhibiting at Hannover Messe 2026 under the theme of "Interlocking Energy and Industry," showcasing its green energy products, integrated energy solutions, and AI-enabled industrial application scenarios.

 
Shanghai Electric Highlights AI-Driven Integration of Energy and Industry at Hannover Messe 2026

Against the backdrop of Europe's energy transition and the rising demand for AI adoption in manufacturing, Shanghai Electric aims to explore more opportunities for in-depth cooperation. It features four exhibition zones at Hannover Messe 2026: "AI for Industry," "Zero-Carbon Parks," "POWER to X," and "IIoT Digital Foundation," showcasing multi-scenario solutions and real-world international project deployments that demonstrate Shanghai Electric's integrated strength in driving synergistic industrial chain development across its two core sectors of energy and industry.

Digital & AI integration: a new blueprint for industrial upgrading

In the "AI for Industry" exhibition zone, Shanghai Electric unveiled its "StarCloud Intelligent Manufacturing" series, which includes nearly 40 AI models and intelligent agents, covering three major manufacturing scenarios—R&D and Design, Production and Manufacturing, and Operation and Maintenance—to drive the intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry.

The "Mobile Factory" product, centered on containerized modular equipment and integrating AI with digital twin technology, enables remote maintenance and smart scheduling. It has already carried out maintenance and emergency repair missions in multiple overseas projects, including South Korea, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, its self-developed Industrial Internet Platform provides digital transformation solutions for manufacturing plants across 13 industries, including the energy and industrial sectors, and has connected over 460,000 devices.

Shanghai Electric's self-developed bipedal humanoid robot, "Suyuan," also made a global appearance at the event. Equipped with self-developed high-performance joints and intelligent control systems, it is capable of operating in complex industrial scenarios and empowering traditional industrial manufacturing.

Green energy: a new benchmark for zero-carbon parks

Leveraging its "Energy + Industry" synergies, Shanghai Electric is developing replicable zero-carbon park solutions. The company provides full-cycle customized services from planning to operation, coupled with its in-house products that cover over half of the core equipment needed, including wind, solar, storage, hydrogen, microgrids, and multi-energy coupling systems.

In the "Zero-Carbon Parks" zone, Shanghai Electric showcased its green technology leadership across wind, solar, and energy storage:

  • Wind power: Featuring the 25 MW offshore turbine, Shanghai Electric has supplied equipment and O&M services to global wind farms, including the Senj Wind Farm in Croatia, one of the largest wind projects in Central and Eastern Europe.
  • Solar power: With cutting-edge HJT photovoltaic technology and full-industry-chain supply capacity for solar thermal equipment, Shanghai Electric is presenting innovative products such as the solar-storage integrated power cabin.
  • Energy storage: The vanadium redox battery system, using a water-based electrolyte, has become one of the preferred technology routes for large-scale, long-duration energy storage.

Spearheading the new frontier of green hydrogen and green fuels

Leveraging its full-chain capabilities in new energy, smart grids, and green chemicals, Shanghai Electric has built core technologies and equipment covering the entire green fuel value chain. Shanghai Electric provides fully customized, end-to-end solutions for three major green fuels including green methanol, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which are tailored to different resource conditions and market demands.

Shanghai Electric's Taonan project in Jilin, China's first green methanol demonstration project, has achieved full-process EU ISCC certification. In March 2026, its first batch of green methanol products was bunkered to the CMA CGM vessel  "OSMIUM" at Shanghai Yangshan Port.

Information Provided by PR Newswire [Disclaimer]
09:36
PATEO (02889.HK) Rallies 11%+ after Entering Series of In-depth Partnerships with NVIDIA/ Others

PATEO (02889.HK) announced that it has entered into a series of in-depth partnerships with NVIDIA (NVDA.US) and a leading NEV OEM.

Spurred by the news, the stock price opened 14.86% higher today (24th). With gains once exceeding 23%, it peaked at HKD198.9. It last posted at HKD179.7, up 11.27%, with turnover of 648,200 shares, involving HKD122 million.

PATEO announced that the series of in-depth collaborations include the company receiving a designation notice for a new-generation intelligent vehicle model from a leading NEV OEM, as well as configuration solutions for NVIDIA's accelerated computing platform.

The cooperation involves deploying AI BOX based on the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor accelerated computing platform, providing high-performance computing power support for on-vehicle deployment of next-generation AI foundation models.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Information Provided by AAStocks Financial News [Disclaimer]
04:07
DJIA Once Slumps Max. 1.3%, Ending Down 179 pts; Software Stocks Lead Rout

Amid lingering uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks, declines in software shares, and oil price surges, US equities retreated from their peaks on Thursday.

The DJIA once sank as much as 628 points or 1.3% after midday to a bottom of 48,861. It eventually closed down 179 points or 0.4% at 49,310. The Nasdaq ended 219 points or 0.9% lower at 24,438. The S&P 500 fell 29 points or 0.4%, closing at 7,108.

Software stocks were under sell-off pressure. Microsoft (MSFT.US) slid 4%. Oracle (ORCL.US) slumped 6%. IBM (IBM.US) plunged 8.3%. While it reported forecast-beating earnings for 1Q26, growth in its software business slowed. ServiceNow (NOW.US) nosedived 17.8% after it lowered its operating margin guidance.
~



AAStocks Financial News
Web Site: www.aastocks.com

Information Provided by AAStocks Financial News [Disclaimer]
01:39
Meta Plans to Cut 8K Jobs to Offset AI Spending

Meta Platforms (META.US) plans to lay off 10% of its workforce, involving about 8,000 employees, in order to improve efficiency and offset its substantial spending on AI, foreign media quoted internal documents as saying.

In a memo to employees, the Company disclosed that the layoffs will begin on 20 May. The Company will also freeze recruitment for 6,000 positions that were originally planned to be filled.
~


AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Information Provided by AAStocks Financial News [Disclaimer]
Subscribe Newsletter
Get the latest news from us by inputing your email address here.
(Please read our Privacy Policy)