Slate’s $24,950 EV Pickup Secures 180,000 Reservations; JD.com Eyes UK Bids
AMZN•Jeff Bezos-backed Slate converted 180,000 reservations into paid preorders for its $24,950 EV pickup with $400 monthly financing. JD.com’s Joybuy launch in the UK and potential bids for Currys, Argos and Very Group after a €2.2bn German bid could intensify competition on Amazon’s home turf.
1. Slate EV Pickup Reservations
Slate, backed by Jeff Bezos, has secured 180,000 reservations for its $24,950 EV pickup and converted them into paid preorders with assigned delivery windows. The company plans loan financing to keep monthly payments near $400 and reports strongest demand in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Texas, Florida, New York and Massachusetts.
2. JD.com UK Expansion Intensifies Retail Competition
JD.com launched the Joybuy platform in the UK and has explored takeover bids for Currys, Argos and Very Group following its €2.2bn bid for German retailer Ceconomy. UK lawmakers are calling for scrutiny of Chinese state subsidies and the government will close the sub-£135 de minimis customs duty loophole by October 2028 to protect domestic retailers.
