CATL markets itself directly to consumers in rivalry with BYD

GUANGZHOU -- Electric-vehicle battery giant CATL has opened a showroom in Sichuan province to promote domestic- and foreign-branded autos that use its batteries, stepping up competition with such rivals as BYD in the heated Chinese market.

Formally known as Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., the world's leading maker of EV batteries opened the Ning Space "new energy experience center" in Chengdu on Saturday.