Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resignation of Duan Jianjun, the first local CEO of Mercedes-Benz China, marking a significant transition in the company's leadership and strategy as it shifts from a "golden era" to a "digital transformation era" in the Chinese market [4][5][11]. Leadership Transition - Duan Jianjun resigned for personal reasons, effective February 14, 2026, and will serve as a strategic advisor until April 30, 2026 [4][5]. - Daniel Lescow, the current Sales Executive Vice President, will take over as President and CEO of the sales company starting March 1, 2026 [4]. - Zhang Mingxia, the Global Chief Marketing Officer of the smart brand, will become the Sales Executive Vice President of the sales company from April 1, 2026 [5]. Duan Jianjun's Contributions - Duan Jianjun has over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, witnessing the evolution of the Chinese market [8][11]. - He played a crucial role in establishing Mercedes-Benz as the leading luxury brand in China, integrating Confucian values into brand communication [11]. - Under his leadership, the company achieved record sales and enhanced its brand image, moving away from a cold perception to a more culturally resonant identity [11]. Challenges Ahead - The departure of Duan Jianjun presents challenges for Mercedes-Benz in maintaining its competitive edge in a market with high penetration of new energy vehicles and strong local brands [12]. - The company must navigate the complexities of digital transformation while ensuring profitability for dealers and brand premium [11][12]. - The industry anticipates that Duan Jianjun may transition to a local high-end automotive company, indicating a new chapter in his career [12].

加入轩辕同学 ， 成就新汽车人! 设 计 | 常 笑 题图 | A I 撰文 | 轩 辕 同 学 编辑 | 黄 大 路 从国外回来，学历、资历都没有问题，他唯一的困惑是如何才能打破上一代留给他的框框，打破父辈以及身边仅有的固定朋友圈，与更多 志同道合者交流，创造增长的第二曲线 。 于是，一位初出茅庐的汽车产业链二代创业者，经过往期学员现身说法的推荐，来到了轩辕同学位于虹桥枢纽的轩辕堂巨浪-铃轩联合6期 招生的面试现场。 这是全球商学院新物种轩辕同学的突破性尝试：首次将产业链旗舰"巨浪"课程，与供应链王牌"铃轩"深度融合，以9大模块的全价值链课程，与汽 车产业链与供应链的精英们，共赴产业革新的共生新局。 主零协同的学习实验 自2020年巨浪班启航，2021年铃轩班破局，轩辕同学始终以"成就新汽车人"为使命，以"流动的商学院"的独特形态，分别为主机厂领军者和供应 链革新者搭建深耕赛道的聚合赋能平台。 巨浪班以"主机厂游学+7PLUS 模块"培养产业战略视野，铃轩班以"供应链企业参访+采购研发直连"破解协作痛点，而此次巨浪-铃轩6期联合班， 正是在新时代协作背景下，对一种荣辱与共的创新共同体的呼唤。 不同于传统商学 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, particularly Robotaxi services, in the UAE, highlighting the ambitious goals set by the government and the involvement of leading Chinese tech companies in this sector [4][9][14]. Group 1: Autonomous Driving Goals and Infrastructure - The UAE aims for at least 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 15% and accident rates by 18% [4]. - The government is investing heavily in infrastructure, including 5G networks and standardized road systems, to facilitate the deployment of autonomous vehicles [11][9]. - Abu Dhabi has completed nearly 30,000 autonomous vehicle trips, covering a total distance of 430,000 kilometers, due to supportive policies and infrastructure [11]. Group 2: Chinese Companies' Involvement - Chinese companies like WeRide, Baidu, and Pony.ai are actively participating in the UAE's autonomous driving market, with WeRide launching public Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi as early as 2021 [14][16]. - By 2026, WeRide plans to expand its Robotaxi fleet in the Middle East to 1,000 vehicles, with a long-term goal of tens of thousands by 2030 [16]. - Baidu's Apollo Go has also entered the market, aiming to deploy 100 autonomous taxis by the end of 2025 and expand to at least 1,000 by 2028 [16]. Group 3: Challenges and Market Dynamics - The development of Robotaxi services in the Middle East faces challenges such as technological adaptation, operational complexity, and geopolitical uncertainties [20]. - The article notes that while the UAE presents a favorable environment for autonomous driving, the global market remains competitive, with companies needing to prove their business viability [20][27]. - The article highlights the potential job displacement for traditional drivers, but also suggests that new roles will emerge in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem [31].

Core Viewpoint - Renault has confirmed plans to produce up to 600 drones for the French Ministry of Defense at a factory in Le Mans, France, marking a significant shift towards defense manufacturing in response to heightened security concerns in Europe [5][8][22]. Group 1: Renault's Drone Production - The project will be a collaboration between Renault and defense contractor Thales, with a potential contract value of approximately €1 billion over a 10-year period [8]. - The drones produced will be similar to Iran's "Shahed" drones, intended for remote strikes, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance, reflecting the capabilities seen in the ongoing Ukraine conflict [8][25]. - Renault emphasizes that this military production will not impact its existing automotive investment plans and does not intend to become a major defense player [9][10]. Group 2: Industry Trends in Defense - Other automotive suppliers in Europe, like Valeo and Schaeffler, are also pivoting towards defense, with Valeo participating in a "defense drone agreement" and Schaeffler collaborating with a drone startup [13][14]. - The shift towards defense is not universal; some companies, like ZF Friedrichshafen, are cautiously entering the defense sector, with defense-related revenue remaining a small fraction of their overall business [18]. Group 3: European Security Concerns - The ongoing Ukraine conflict and rising uncertainties in US-EU relations have heightened security awareness across Europe, leading to increased defense budgets and procurement [20][21]. - France's defense strategy has been rapidly adjusted, with President Macron announcing a significant increase in military spending, including a plan to boost defense spending by €36.5 billion by 2030 [27]. Group 4: Automotive Industry Challenges - The European automotive industry is facing significant challenges, including weak market demand and high costs associated with electric vehicle transitions, leading to substantial profit declines and job losses [30][31]. - The defense sector presents a unique opportunity for automotive companies, offering stable government contracts and less competition from Chinese firms, making it an attractive alternative [30][31]. Group 5: Economic Implications - Increased defense spending in Germany is expected to exceed €108 billion in 2026, providing a substantial boost to the defense industry and potentially offsetting declines in traditional sectors like automotive [32][34]. - Economists anticipate that this influx of funding could lead to technological advancements and a transformation in the defense sector, similar to the historical impact of defense spending in the US [36][37]. Group 6: Risks and Challenges - Transitioning to defense manufacturing carries risks, including limited export potential for European defense products and a weaker multiplier effect on the economy compared to civilian manufacturing [40][41][44]. - The defense industry currently employs about 120,000 people in Germany, significantly less than the 800,000 employed in the automotive sector, raising concerns about the ability to absorb job losses from the automotive industry's contraction [47][49].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ambitious plans and bold personality of Yu Hao, the founder of Chasing Technology, highlighting his extravagant company culture and aggressive market strategies aimed at achieving significant growth and innovation in the tech industry [6][8][30]. Group 1: Company Background and Leadership - Yu Hao, the founder of Chasing Technology, is known for his extravagant leadership style, including gifting gold to employees and hosting lavish company events [6][9]. - The company has set ambitious goals, including plans to expand its workforce from 20,000 to 200,000 and achieve a trillion-dollar valuation within five years [8][12]. - Chasing Technology has a strong focus on innovation, having developed a high-speed digital motor that outperforms competitors like Dyson [28][30]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - Chasing Technology initially gained traction by partnering with Xiaomi, which helped it penetrate the market, but this reliance limited its pricing power and profit margins [31][32]. - The company has since transitioned to developing its own brand, DREAME, and aims to establish itself in high-end markets while maintaining a focus on innovation and quality [32][33]. - By 2025, Chasing Technology is projected to achieve a valuation exceeding 20.5 billion yuan, positioning it among global unicorns [32]. Group 3: Future Aspirations and Industry Impact - Yu Hao has announced plans to diversify into new sectors, including high-end smartphones and commercial aerospace, with a notable interest in the automotive industry [33][49]. - The company aims to redefine its identity by not only competing in existing markets but also by innovating and creating new opportunities, reflecting a broader vision for technological advancement [36][56]. - Yu Hao's approach emphasizes the importance of cross-industry knowledge and adaptability, aiming to build a "universal model" that can thrive across various sectors [36].

加入轩辕同学 ， 成就新汽车人! 设计 | 甄 尤 美 来源 | R e u t e rs ， F i n a n c i a l Ti m e s ， B l o o m b e r g ， T h e G u a r d i a n 编译 | 杜 咏 芳 编辑 | 黄 大 路 福特汽车的CEO要去麦当劳任职了。 2026年2月10日，麦当劳宣布重磅人事任命：福特汽车现任CEO吉姆·法利（Jim Farley）将加入公司担任董事，任命已于2026年2月4日正式生效。 "吉姆在平衡创新与卓越运营、提升客户体验、与独立运营商合作以及利用技术大规模改进系统方面拥有宝贵的经验。他既能优化当下业务，又能 着眼未来，这种领导力将对我们持续推动业务发展大有裨益。" 麦当劳董事长兼CEO克里斯·肯普钦斯基（Chris Kempczinski）的评价，直白地印证了这位汽车行业老兵的商业实力。 法利在行业深耕三十余年，履历足够耀眼。 在加入福特之前，他曾在丰田和雷克萨斯从事品牌营销和产品领导工作近二十年。 到福特，他执掌过欧洲、中东及非洲业务，主导过林肯品牌重塑，如今更是福特"福特+"转型战略的核心引领者，一手推动着这家百年车 ...

Core Viewpoint - The traditional luxury car dealership model in China is experiencing a systemic failure, leading to a significant decline in sales and profitability for dealers, prompting a shift towards new energy vehicle brands and a reevaluation of business strategies [12][21][41]. Group 1: Current Market Conditions - As of early 2026, luxury car dealerships are facing an unusual calm, with fewer customers and sales consultants seen in showrooms compared to previous years [6][10]. - The luxury car market, once a profit haven, has seen a drastic decline, with major dealers like Guizhou Tongyuan Group and Dong'an Holdings facing severe operational issues, leading to a "delivery crisis" for brands like BMW and Porsche [15][16][20]. - Data from the China Automobile Dealers Association indicates that nearly 15,000 dealerships have closed from 2021 to 2025, marking a continuous decline in dealership numbers [20]. Group 2: Financial Struggles of Dealerships - In 2025, luxury brand dealers reported an average inventory coefficient of 1.33 and a new car gross profit margin of -23.6%, indicating severe financial distress [24][27]. - A significant 74.4% of dealers were losing money on each vehicle sold, with nearly half experiencing losses exceeding 15% [27]. - The traditional profit model, which relied on high-margin after-sales services, is collapsing as younger consumers turn to alternative service providers, leading to a drop in customer satisfaction and loyalty [30][34]. Group 3: Shift to New Energy Brands - Many struggling dealers are transitioning from traditional luxury brands to new energy vehicle brands, attracted by better profit margins and reduced inventory risks [37][41]. - In 2025, the proportion of luxury brand dealers transitioning to new energy brands reached 37%, with independent new energy vehicle dealers achieving a profitability rate of 42.9% [41][42]. - The shift is driven by new business models that eliminate inventory pressure and provide fixed commissions, allowing dealers to focus on sales without the burden of unsold stock [38][39]. Group 4: Traditional Brands' Response - Traditional luxury brands are reducing their dealership networks to focus on more efficient operations, with BMW and Mercedes-Benz planning to cut their dealership numbers significantly [44][45]. - The luxury car market has seen a decline of approximately 28% in high-end segments, prompting brands to engage in aggressive price cuts to support struggling dealers [48][50]. - Brands are investing in research and development and localizing products to adapt to changing market conditions, with plans for new model launches in 2026 [56][59]. Group 5: Future Directions - The future of luxury car dealerships lies in redefining their roles from sales centers to user operation centers, focusing on customer service throughout the vehicle lifecycle [70][72]. - Digital transformation is becoming essential, as consumers increasingly expect transparency and efficiency in their purchasing experiences [73][75]. - The success of dealerships in the coming years will depend on their ability to adapt to new market realities, including the integration of digital tools and improved customer engagement strategies [74][76].

Core Viewpoint - Ferrari is set to launch its first all-electric sports car named Luce, emphasizing a unique design and driving interaction approach, moving away from traditional naming conventions and focusing on user experience [4][5][12]. Design and Features - The Luce will feature a return to physical buttons and knobs, minimizing the presence of large touchscreens, which is a departure from current automotive trends [8][12]. - The interior will showcase a dynamic layout with a 12-inch main display and two 10.3-inch secondary displays, utilizing advanced materials like Corning Fusion5® glass for enhanced durability and aesthetics [9][12]. - The steering wheel design is inspired by classic models, made from 100% recycled aluminum, and integrates multiple functional controls, reflecting a blend of vintage and modern design [9][10]. Development and Manufacturing - Ferrari is investing approximately €200 million in a new facility called e-building, aimed at enhancing manufacturing flexibility and reducing vehicle development time, rather than increasing production volume [14][15]. - The e-building will support the production of electric, hybrid, and traditional fuel vehicles, allowing Ferrari to maintain flexibility in its product offerings [14][15]. Performance and Specifications - The Luce is positioned as a four-door, four-seat high-performance electric vehicle, boasting over 1,000 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of under 2.5 seconds, with a battery capacity of 122 kWh [20]. - The expected range is approximately 531 kilometers (330 miles) under WLTP conditions, with a total vehicle weight slightly below 2,300 kg, making it Ferrari's heaviest production model to date [20]. Market Positioning and Pricing - The starting price for the Luce is anticipated to exceed $500,000, reflecting Ferrari's brand premium and the need to differentiate from competitors in the electric vehicle market [18][20]. - Ferrari aims to maintain its luxury status by focusing on the tactile experience and unique sound design of the vehicle, rather than solely on performance metrics [21][22].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving landscape of Over-The-Air (OTA) updates in the automotive industry, highlighting a shift from rapid growth to a more regulated and structured approach due to increased government oversight [4][7][9]. Group 1: OTA Market Trends - In 2024, 92 brands are expected to conduct 751 OTA updates, while in 2025, the number of brands will decrease to 85, with 792 updates, indicating a consolidation in the market despite the rise of smart vehicles [4]. - The first half of 2025 is characterized as a policy adaptation period with low OTA activity, while the second half sees a surge, particularly in December, where 133 brands are active, marking the peak of the year [6][7]. - By 2025, domestic brands account for 78% of OTA activities, with an average of over 12 brands pushing updates monthly, reflecting a 50% year-on-year increase [10]. Group 2: Regulatory Impact - In 2025, multiple regulatory announcements from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation aim to standardize OTA updates, requiring companies to register their OTA activities and ensure compliance with national standards [9]. - The increased regulatory scrutiny has led to a temporary decline in OTA activity as companies focus on compliance restructuring and internal process adjustments [9][10]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The article notes a significant increase in the number of AI-related features introduced via OTA, with 276 AI functionalities launched in 2025, indicating a shift towards more advanced user experiences [20]. - The growth in smart cockpit features outpaces that of smart driving, with a 39.3% increase in cockpit functionalities compared to a 10% increase in driving features, suggesting a focus on enhancing user interaction [18]. Group 4: Monetization of OTA - The trend of charging for OTA updates is emerging, with various brands introducing paid features, such as Tesla's subscription model for entertainment services, marking a shift from previously free offerings [26][31]. - By 2025, over 30 paid OTA features are reported, with hardware upgrades becoming a significant revenue source for companies [26][28]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Looking ahead to 2026, the article identifies three key trends: the drive for OTA technology innovation through large models, the integration of vehicles into a broader IoT ecosystem, and the evolution of vehicles into "intelligent agents" capable of continuous learning and adaptation [34][36]. - The competition will increasingly focus on the comprehensive capabilities of companies, including software lifecycle management, continuous delivery, and deep user insights [36].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a temporary trade agreement framework between India and the United States, focusing on the reduction of import tariffs on certain high-end fuel vehicles while excluding electric vehicles from concessions, indicating India's strategic approach to protect its domestic automotive industry [4][6][30]. Group 1: Trade Agreement Details - India will gradually reduce import tariffs on certain high-end fuel vehicles from a maximum of 110% to 30% over ten years, specifically targeting vehicles with engine displacement over 3000cc [9][11]. - The agreement will also eliminate tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which are categorized as high-end, low-volume imports, while electric vehicles remain excluded from this framework [5][20]. - The framework is expected to be signed in March 2024, but detailed terms are still being finalized [6][11]. Group 2: Market Implications - India is the third-largest automotive market globally, with projected passenger vehicle sales of approximately 4.27 million units in 2024, of which electric vehicles account for only about 2.5% [11][40]. - The high import tariffs are designed to protect the domestic automotive industry, particularly mainstream vehicles, while allowing limited access for high-end models [10][12]. - The concessions made in the agreement are seen as symbolic, providing measurable outcomes for negotiations without significantly impacting local manufacturers [15][42]. Group 3: Electric Vehicle Exclusion - Electric vehicles were explicitly excluded from tariff reductions in the agreement, reflecting India's intention to use them as a bargaining chip in future negotiations [30][32]. - The Indian government has previously discussed lowering electric vehicle tariffs but has not committed to immediate reductions, indicating a cautious approach to protect local investments in electric vehicle production [33][40]. - Domestic manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra have invested heavily in local electric vehicle production and oppose lowering import tariffs on electric vehicles [40][41].