Gasgoo Daily: BYD unveils Seal 08, Sealion 08 as new flagship models

With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

BYD unveils Seal 08, Sealion 08 as new flagship models
On Jan. 16, BYD officially announced two new flagship vehicles under its Ocean series: the Seal 08 sedan and the Sealion 08 SUV. Both models belong to the newly introduced «Ocean 8» series and are positioned as large, premium flagships that sit at the top of the Ocean lineup.

Xiaomi Auto Plans to Lower Safety Mileage Requirement for Assisted Driving
Xiaomi Auto announced on the evening of January 15 that it plans to lower the mileage threshold for new users accessing its driver-assistance features. The company said it has taken user feedback on the unlock requirements for its Xiaomi HAD City Navigation system to heart. To allow more drivers to experience the city pilot function sooner—without compromising safety—it has optimized the unlocking standard.

Valeo secures new battery cooling plate order from leading Chinese EV startup
On January 16, global automotive supplier Valeo said it has secured another major order for its battery cooling plates from a leading Chinese new-energy vehicle startup, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2026. The latest contract underscores Valeo’s growing technological edge in thermal management for electric vehicles and highlights the strong acceptance of its products among China’s top domestic EV manufacturers, a market known for rapid innovation cycles and intense competition.
Battery cooling plates are a critical component of an electric vehicle’s thermal management system. Positioned in close contact with the battery pack, they function as heat exchangers, circulating coolant through internal channels to keep cell temperatures within an optimal range. By stabilizing operating temperatures, cooling plates play a key role in ensuring battery safety while also helping to improve durability and extend overall service life.