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China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller

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China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller


China’s BYD is set to overtake Elon Musk’s Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), marking the first time it has outpaced its American rival for annual sales.

On Thursday, BYD said that sales of its battery-powered cars rose last year by almost 28% to more than 2.25 million.

Tesla, which is due to reveal its total sales for 2025 later on Friday, last week published analysts’ estimates suggesting that it had sold around 1.65 million vehicles for the year as a whole.

The US firm has faced a tough year with a mixed reception to new offerings, unease over Musk’s political activities and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals.

Chinese firms such as Geely, MG, and BYD – now the country’s largest electric car company – have put pressure on Western rivals by pricing their vehicles below established brands.

In October, Tesla responded by launching lower-priced versions of its two best selling models in the US in a bid to boost sales.

Musk, who is already the world’s richest man, is tasked with significantly boosting Tesla’s sales and stock market value over the next decade to secure a record-breaking pay package. The deal, which was approved by shareholders in November, could see him getting a payout of as much as $1tn (£740bn).

As part of the agreement, Musk also has to sell a million humanoid robots over the next ten years. Tesla has invested heavily in its “Optimus” product and self-driving “Robotaxis”.

Tesla sales slumped in the first three months of 2025 after a backlash against Musk’s role in US President Donald Trump’s administration.

Besides Tesla, the multi-billionaire’s business interests also include the social media platform X, the rocket firm SpaceX and the Boring Company, which digs tunnels.

Those commitments, along with running Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), led some investors to suggest that Musk was not focusing enough on Tesla.

Since then Musk has pledged to “significantly” cut back his role in the US government.

Despite BYD’s rise in recent years, its sales growth slowed in 2025 to the weakest rate in five years, in part due to fierce competition in China, its key market.

Still, BYD remains a global EV powerhouse as its prices often undercut rival carmakers.

The Shenzhen-based company’s rapid expansion – especially in Latin America, South East Asia and parts of Europe – comes despite many countries imposing steep tariffs on Chinese EVs.

In October, BYD said the UK had become its biggest market outside China. The firm said that its sales in Britain surged by 880% in the year to the end of September, driven by strong demand for the plug-in hybrid version of its Seal U sports utility vehicle (SUV).



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Lidl begins building its first pub at site in Dundonald, Northern Ireland

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Lidl begins building its first pub at site in Dundonald, Northern Ireland



The development is an unusual consequence of Northern Ireland’s strict licensing laws.



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‘Ships continuously coming even amid blockage’: Centre assures 100% energy supplies across the country – The Times of India

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‘Ships continuously coming even amid blockage’: Centre assures 100% energy supplies across the country – The Times of India


The Centre assured that LPG supply across the country is normal, despite rising tensions in the Middle East, with shipments sailing through the Strait of Hormuz without any disruption. Dismissing fears of any shortage in the nation, petroleum and natural gas secretary Neeraj Mittal, on Thursday, said that domestic availability remains stable. “I don’t see any problem anywhere. All domestic supplies are at 100 per cent,” he stated, adding that around 70 per cent of packed LPG has already been released into the system.While acknowledging the possibility of minor, localised supply bottlenecks, Mittal said such issues are routine and managed on a day-to-day basis.He also addressed concerns over maritime movement in the region, noting that vessel traffic has not faced delays. “Ships have been continuously coming even when there was a blockage. It takes its normal travel time. We are not talking about any delay in crossing the Strait,” he said.According to Mittal, the government is closely tracking developments and remains prepared to act if needed. “The government is reviewing this on a daily basis. If any change has to be made, it will be done,” he said.Speaking at a conference on energy security and India’s growing gas demand, Mittal further emphasised the need for preparedness in light of recent global developments. He highlighted that nearly 90% of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, underlining its strategic importance.He further noted that India sources crude oil from 41 countries, natural gas from 30 countries, and LPG from 13 countries, stressing that such diversification plays a key role in shaping future energy policies.“The government is committed to ensuring that gas is available to all entities, and we are also focusing on diversification so that such crises do not impact supplies,” he said. Meanwhile, Green Asha, a fuel carrier with over 15,400 tonnes of LPG, also arrived in the country on Thursday after crossing Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.The conference, organised by the petroleum and natural Gas regulatory board (PNGRB) in partnership with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), brought together stakeholders to discuss the expanding role of natural gas in the country’s energy mix.Discussions at the two-day event focused on infrastructure investment, regulatory support, and addressing sectoral challenges, while also encouraging innovation as India works to strengthen its energy security in the face of global uncertainties.



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Iran war: Oil prices rise as traders eye fragile ceasefire deal

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Iran war: Oil prices rise as traders eye fragile ceasefire deal



The cost of crude plunged on Wednesday after a deal was announced that includes the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.



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