NANJING, China— Skyworth Auto’s ambitions are visible everywhere in its electric-vehicle showroom here. A video spins the story of a founder who, like a Chinese version of Elon Musk , slept in the factory to get the company up and running. A map touts its presence in 45 countries. A new sport-utility vehicle is on display. Back in 2021, Skyworth said its main EV plant could make 100,000 vehicles a year. Its actual sales in China this year through September: 660. A brutal season has arrived in China’s car market, among the most troubled in the world. Through September, Chinese…

Want to continue reading?

Get unlimited access to The Currency and The Wall Street Journal with an annual membership – and receive a free, signed copy of Vincent Browne’s new book, Charles Haughey: Glory, Greed and Guns, delivered straight to your door.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .