Group 1 - Japanese automakers have recognized the urgency of the crisis in the Chinese market and are accelerating the development of electric vehicles (EVs) tailored for this market, with products expected to launch by 2025 [1][5] - Toyota and Nissan have seen significant order volumes for their EVs, with Toyota's bZ3X achieving approximately 10,000 orders by the end of April, contributing to a 21% year-on-year increase in new car sales [3][4] - The bZ3X is developed in collaboration with Guangzhou Automobile Group and features advanced driving assistance technology, with a delivery volume of around 10,000 units by the end of April [3][4] Group 2 - Price competitiveness is a key factor attracting consumers, with the bZ3X starting at 109,800 RMB, significantly lower than previous models [4] - Nissan's new electric sedan N7 also reached 10,000 orders by mid-May, despite a 16% year-on-year decline in overall new car sales for April [4][5] - Japanese automakers are shifting their development strategies to prioritize local market preferences, with Nissan's N7 featuring AI-optimized comfort and a competitive price of 119,900 RMB [4][5] Group 3 - The competitive landscape in the Chinese EV market is intensifying, with local brands like BYD enhancing their technological capabilities and engaging in aggressive price competition [5] - The total new car sales for the three major Japanese automakers in China are projected to decline by 30% from 2021 to 2024, with market share dropping from 20.6% to 11.2% [5] - Despite the strong performance of the bZ3X, it ranks only 20th among foreign brands in sales compared to local competitors, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Japanese brands [6]

Core Viewpoint - Nissan's CEO Ivan Espinosa emphasized the company's short-term focus on fixing its operational struggles to regain stability [1]. Group 1 - The company is currently prioritizing internal improvements to address its challenges [1]. - Espinosa expressed confidence in the robustness of the company's recovery plan [1].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese automakers are intensifying the development of electric vehicles (EVs) tailored for the Chinese market, with significant sales growth observed in recent months, despite facing fierce competition from local brands [1][5]. Group 1: Sales Performance - The Toyota bZ3X, launched in March, has seen over 10,000 units delivered by late April, contributing to a 21% year-on-year increase in Toyota's new car sales in April, totaling 142,800 units [3][4]. - Nissan's new electric sedan N7, introduced in late April, also reached 10,000 orders by May 15, although Nissan's overall new car sales in April declined by 16% year-on-year [4][5]. - The overall sales of Japanese automakers in China are declining, with total new car sales projected to drop by 30% from 2021 to 2024, with market share decreasing from 20.6% to 11.2% [4][5]. Group 2: Product Development and Features - The bZ3X is developed in collaboration with Guangzhou Automobile Group and features advanced driving assistance technology and fast charging capabilities, with a starting price of 109,800 RMB [3][4]. - Nissan's N7 includes AI-optimized massage seats and a built-in refrigerator, priced from 119,900 RMB, reflecting a shift towards localizing design and manufacturing processes [4][5]. - Honda's EV brand "Yay" faced challenges with its S7 SUV, which had to reduce its price by 60,000 RMB shortly after launch due to consumer feedback and competition [5][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Japanese automakers are struggling to keep pace with local competitors like BYD, which are rapidly advancing in EV technology and pricing strategies [4][5]. - The competitive environment in the Chinese market is forcing Japanese companies to adapt their strategies, including the introduction of new models and leveraging local technology partnerships [6].

Core Viewpoint - Nissan is considering selling its headquarters building in Yokohama, Japan, valued at over 100 billion yen, to reduce high operational costs associated with its factories, proposing a "sale and leaseback" arrangement to continue using the facility after the sale [1]. Group 1 - Nissan plans to reduce its global manufacturing footprint by closing seven factories, including two in Japan and several overseas, aiming to cut fixed and variable costs by a total of 500 billion yen compared to the 2024 fiscal year [2]. - The company reported a loss of 670.8 billion yen for the 2024 fiscal year, marking its first loss in four years and the third-highest loss in its history, influenced by U.S. tariff policies [2]. - The workforce reduction will exceed 20,000 employees, with an increase of over 10,000 from previous estimates, as part of the restructuring efforts [2].

Investment Rating - The report provides various investment ratings for Japanese automotive companies, including "Overweight" for Toyota Motor, Suzuki Motor, Yamaha Motor, Isuzu Motors, Denso, Aisin, and Nifco, while "Underweight" is assigned to Nissan Motor and SUBARU [5]. Core Insights - The global auto industry is expected to normalize after overcoming COVID-19 and supply chain issues, with a projected growth rate of approximately 2% CAGR from 2024 [20]. - The report highlights the complexity of the Toyota Group structure, indicating increasing cross-shareholdings among its subsidiaries [7]. - Tariff impacts are noted to be minor in the tire sector, but the competitive environment remains challenging [4]. Coverage Universe & Valuation - Nissan Motor: Underweight, Price: ¥355, Target Price: ¥320, Market Cap: ¥1,318.5 billion, FY24E P/E: NM, ROE: -1.2% [5] - Toyota Motor: Overweight, Price: ¥2,624, Target Price: ¥3,600, Market Cap: ¥41,438.1 billion, FY24E P/E: 6.9, ROE: 13.4% [5] - Mitsubishi Motors: Neutral, Price: ¥432, Target Price: ¥360, Market Cap: ¥631.1 billion, FY24E P/E: 15.4, ROE: 3.7% [5] - Mazda Motor: Neutral, Price: ¥894, Target Price: ¥1,000, Market Cap: ¥564.8 billion, FY24E P/E: 4.5, ROE: 7.3% [5] - Honda Motor: Neutral, Price: ¥1,421, Target Price: ¥1,500, Market Cap: ¥7,500.2 billion, FY24E P/E: 6.4, ROE: 7.5% [5] - Suzuki Motor: Overweight, Price: ¥1,787, Target Price: ¥2,300, Market Cap: ¥3,509.7 billion, FY24E P/E: 8.6, ROE: 14.5% [5] - SUBARU: Underweight, Price: ¥2,625, Target Price: ¥2,500, Market Cap: ¥1,923.9 billion, FY24E P/E: 5.5, ROE: 12.9% [5] - Yamaha Motor: Overweight, Price: ¥1,075, Target Price: ¥1,500, Market Cap: ¥1,103.3 billion, FY24E P/E: 9.7, ROE: 13.3% [5] - Isuzu Motors: Overweight, Price: ¥1,924, Target Price: ¥2,600, Market Cap: ¥1,372.5 billion, FY24E P/E: 9.8, ROE: 9.5% [5] - Denso: Overweight, Price: ¥1,897, Target Price: ¥2,300, Market Cap: ¥5,522.1 billion, FY24E P/E: 13.0, ROE: 8.0% [5] - Aisin: Overweight, Price: ¥1,781, Target Price: ¥2,200, Market Cap: ¥1,440.9 billion, FY24E P/E: 13.4, ROE: 5.2% [5] - Bridgestone: Overweight, Price: ¥6,106, Target Price: ¥6,500, Market Cap: ¥4,357.8 billion, FY24E P/E: 14.7, ROE: 8.0% [5] Earnings Forecast Summary - Toyota's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥45,095.3 billion, with a YoY growth of 21.4% and a net profit of ¥4,944.9 billion [17]. - Honda's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥20,428.8 billion, with a YoY growth of 20.8% and a net profit of ¥1,107.2 billion [17]. - Nissan's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥12,685.7 billion, with a YoY growth of 19.7% and a net profit of ¥426.6 billion [17]. - Suzuki's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥5,374.3 billion, with a YoY growth of 15.8% and a net profit of ¥267.7 billion [17]. - SUBARU's revenue for FY24 is projected at ¥4,702.9 billion, with a YoY growth of 24.6% and a net profit of ¥385.1 billion [17].

Group 1 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that Nissan North America is recalling 171,381 vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential issue with the rearview camera image distortion [1] - The distortion may reduce the driver's visibility of the area behind the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of collisions [1]

Group 1 - Nissan is considering raising over 1 trillion yen (approximately 49.38 billion RMB) through loans and asset sales, including a syndicated loan guaranteed by the UK government [1] - The company plans to issue convertible securities and bonds worth up to 630 billion yen (approximately 31.1 billion RMB), including high-yield dollar and euro notes [1] - Nissan is also exploring a 1 billion pound (approximately 9.68 billion RMB) syndicated loan guaranteed by the UK Export Finance, although the board has not yet approved the financing proposal [1] Group 2 - Nissan is contemplating selling portions of its stakes in alliance partner Renault and battery manufacturer Envision, as well as closing two assembly plants in Japan and overseas factories in Mexico and South Africa as part of its cost-cutting plan [3] - The company has begun offering buyout packages to U.S. workers and has suspended performance-based salary increases globally [3] - Under the new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took office in April, Nissan announced a comprehensive cost-cutting plan, including a 15% workforce reduction and a decrease in the number of global automotive plants from 17 to 10 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is leveraging its new e-Power technology to facilitate a turnaround after reporting significant financial losses, focusing on the North American market for recovery [1][2]. Group 1: e-Power Technology - e-Power is a hybrid system that utilizes both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, providing a smooth driving experience without the need for charging [1][2]. - Unlike traditional electric vehicles, e-Power generates its own charge through gasoline, making it more convenient for drivers [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Strategy - Nissan reported a $4.5 billion loss for the fiscal year ending in March, highlighting the urgent need for a successful model [2]. - The company is implementing a major restructuring plan, which includes cutting about 15% of its global workforce (approximately 20,000 jobs) and reducing manufacturing plants from 17 to 10 [3]. Group 3: Market Position and Competitors - e-Power is currently available on models like Qashqai and X-Trail in Europe and Note in Japan, with plans to launch in the U.S. in the new Rogue [4]. - The only other automaker offering a similar hybrid system is Suzuki, indicating a competitive landscape for e-Power technology [4]. Group 4: Future Developments - Nissan is also working on advanced electric vehicles and solid-state battery technology, which may replace current lithium-ion batteries [5]. - Previous merger talks with Honda were dropped, indicating a shift in strategic focus [5].

内部邮件显示，日产汽车已开始向美国员工提供买断协议，包括位于坎顿工厂的生产线工人。日产已暂 停全球范围内的绩效加薪。 ...

日产汽车股价上涨逾3%，消息称其计划筹资70亿美元。 ...