October gave China's carmakers plenty of reasons to celebrate. Leapmotor, Xpeng, Nio, BAIC New Energy, FAW Bestune, Lynk & Co and Dongfeng eπ all set monthly sales records. BYD and Geely also delivered strong figures.

The debate around foreign joint-venture brands in China has become increasingly negative. Many are described as past their golden age, dependent on discounts, shrinking product lines or struggling to find growth. 

 Supplier payment terms are not a narrow finance issue. In the auto industry, they can determine whether the wider supply chain remains healthy.

 FAW-Volkswagen is using China's August 18 car-buying season to promote a package of discounts, warranty benefits and finance offers across much of its line-up.

Amid sweeping change in China’s automotive market, FAW-Audi’s value system is being quietly rewritten. Price cuts are merely the most visible symptom of a far deeper transformation.