UK ministers have been urged to investigate Chinese e-retailer JD.com’s Joybuy launch in Britain and its €2.2 billion bid for Ceconomy amid fears of state-subsidized unfair competition and potential takeovers of Currys, Argos and Very Group. Jeff Bezos-backed Slate converted 180,000 reservations into paid preorders for its $24,950 EV pickup, with $400/month financing and nationwide delivery slots.
Ministers are calling for a parliamentary inquiry into JD.com’s Joybuy launch in the UK over concerns the group has benefited from Chinese state subsidies. The company recently made a €2.2 billion bid for German retailer Ceconomy and has explored acquisitions of Currys, Argos and Very Group, prompting fears of an uneven competitive playing field and accelerated closure of the £135 de minimis customs loophole by October 2028.
Slate, backed by Jeff Bezos, ended last week with 180,000 reservations for its stripped-down $24,950 EV pickup and has flipped all holders to paid preorders with assigned delivery windows. The company plans to offer $400/month financing, manual windows and a BYOR radio concept, while mapping demand across major US markets from Los Angeles to New York.
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