China’s share of the global electric vehicle market is booming, with Chinese-manufactured EVs growing their footprint even in countries that manufacture their own EVs, according to the Associated Press. China’s EV growth comes as EVs are accounting for a larger share of the broader automotive market, as China-made EVs offer cutting-edge technology at more affordable price points. BYD Auto is among a number of Chinese EV automakers ramping up their efforts to compete with Western and Japanese car brands in their home markets, although the current political climate has made it challenging for Chinese companies to plant a flag in the US, a GlobalData analyst tells the AP.

The competition intensifies between BYD Auto and Tesla: BYD Auto sold 1.86 mn electric and plug-in hybrid cars in 2022, which is more than the last four years of sales combined. Half of its sales were battery-only EVs. Tesla, on the other hand, sold 1.3 mn EVs, Bloomberg reports. BYD Auto has established itself in European markets through partnerships with dealership chains in countries including the UK, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Is Messi going to Saudi? Argentina’s Lionel Messi could join his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi league next season for undisclosed megabucks, AFP reports, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. Qatar-owned French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) — where Messi currently plays — neither confirmed nor denied the news, but did note that the football star’s contract expires on 30 June. Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two year contract in January with Saudi-based Al Nasser club for an annual salary of c.EUR 200 mn after leaving Manchester United in November, making him the highest paid player in football history.

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