Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz celebrates its 140th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry since the invention of the automobile by Karl Benz in 1886 [1][6]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The date January 29, 1886, is recognized as the day Karl Benz submitted the patent application for the first automobile, which is a pivotal moment in automotive history [6]. - The celebration emphasizes how transportation methods have evolved over the past 140 years, continuously reshaping global connectivity [5][6]. Group 2: Industry Recognition - Various automotive companies, including Xiaomi, Li Auto, NIO, Geely, and Cadillac, have extended their congratulations to Mercedes-Benz on this milestone, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the industry [1][6]. - Notable figures, such as Lei Jun from Xiaomi, expressed respect for industry pioneers and acknowledged the significance of Mercedes-Benz's contributions to automotive innovation [6][7]. Group 3: Future Aspirations - Mercedes-Benz's messaging reflects a commitment to innovation and a forward-looking vision, encouraging collaboration among industry peers to continue advancing automotive technology [9][10]. - The company aims to create the next iconic vehicle, reinforcing its role as a leader in the automotive sector [9].

Core Insights - Titan Lithium has signed a multi-year supply framework agreement with Mercedes-Benz to provide battery-grade lithium materials for its global electric vehicle product line, with a contract value exceeding $300 million [1] - The partnership allows Titan Lithium to officially enter the Mercedes-Benz global supply chain, aligning with the UAE's strategy to localize critical materials and transition to sustainable energy [1] - Titan Lithium's total project investment exceeds $2.5 billion, with production expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027 [1]

Group 1 - European automotive stocks experienced an increase, with BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz shares rising between 2.4% and 3.7% [1]

欧股汽车股上涨，宝马、保时捷股份、梅赛德斯-奔驰股价上涨2.4%至3.7%。 ...

Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz Group has initiated the production of the all-electric GLB compact SUV in Hungary to reduce production costs, shifting its focus from Mexico to Hungary [1] Group 1: Production Shift - The production of the GLB has been moved from Mexico to Hungary [1] - The assembly of the GLB will take place at the factory located in Kecskemét, Hungary [1] Group 2: Model Pricing and Features - The all-electric GLB is priced at approximately €59,000 (around $68,570) [1] - The company has ceased production of the B-Class station wagon at its Rastatt plant in Germany at the end of last year [1]

Group 1 - The core point of the article indicates that shares of major automotive companies, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz Group, experienced a decline ranging from 3% to 6% on January 19 [1]

Group 1 - Major automotive companies including Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz experienced a decline of approximately 3% in their stock prices on the German electronic trading platform Tradegate [1]

Group 1 - Major automotive companies including Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz experienced a decline of approximately 3% in their stock prices on the German electronic securities trading platform Tradegate [1]

Core Insights - The three major German luxury car brands, BBA (Benz, BMW, Audi), are experiencing a collective downturn in the global luxury car market, with significant declines in sales, particularly in China [1][2][3] Group 1: Sales Performance - BMW Group's global sales for 2025 are projected at 2.4637 million units, a slight increase of 0.5% year-on-year [1] - Mercedes-Benz Group's global sales are expected to be 2.16 million units, a decrease of 10% year-on-year, with a notable 19% drop in the Chinese market [3] - Audi's global sales are forecasted at 1.6236 million units, down 2.9% year-on-year, with a 5% decline in the Chinese market [7] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The combined sales decline for BBA in the Chinese market is nearly 260,000 units compared to 2024, attributed to a significant shift in the market towards electric vehicles (EVs) [2][12] - The penetration rate of new energy vehicles in China has surpassed 50%, leading to a market reshuffle where domestic brands are increasingly capturing the traditional price range of 300,000 to 500,000 yuan [2][12] Group 3: Brand-Specific Insights - Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle sales in 2025 are projected at 197,300 units, a 4% decline year-on-year, indicating challenges in adapting to the electric and intelligent transformation of the luxury car market in China [3][4] - Audi's Q6L e-tron, a key electric model, has seen limited sales of 3,201 units, highlighting the brand's struggle in the EV segment despite being a significant player in the luxury market [9][10] - BMW plans to introduce approximately 20 new models in China by 2026, aiming to enhance its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving market [11]

Core Viewpoint - The traditional luxury car brands BBA (Benz, BMW, Audi) experienced significant sales declines in China in 2025, indicating a structural loss in the face of the rising dominance of domestic electric vehicle brands and changing consumer preferences [6][10][11]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In 2025, Benz, BMW, and Audi's sales in China were 57.5 million, 62.55 million, and 61.7 million units respectively, representing declines of 19%, 12.5%, and 5% year-on-year [10][11]. - The collective decline of BBA is not a short-term fluctuation but a reflection of the structural challenges posed by the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle market, which saw a penetration rate nearing 60% in 2025 [11][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The market share of domestic brands rose to 65% in 2025, while retail sales of fuel vehicles plummeted by 30%, impacting BBA's traditional stronghold [11][12]. - The loyalty of BBA customers has significantly decreased, with less than 18% of previous BBA buyers indicating they would repurchase from the same brand [15][16]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - New energy vehicle brands like AITO, Li Auto, Tesla, and Xiaomi are capturing a significant portion of the market, with a high percentage of their new customers coming from BBA [16]. - BBA's attempts to maintain market share through price reductions and new model launches may not be sufficient to reverse the trend, as consumer preferences shift towards new energy and smart vehicle technologies [13][20]. Group 4: Future Strategies - In 2026, Audi plans to launch new models on the PPE electric platform, while Benz aims to introduce 15 new vehicles, focusing on enhancing local technological capabilities [17][20]. - BMW's upcoming iX3 model, set to launch in late 2026, will feature advanced electric drive systems and local AI functionalities, which will be crucial for its competitiveness in the new energy market [19][20].