车企反内卷要用好“有形之手”

Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has criticized certain car manufacturers for engaging in disorderly competition, emphasizing the need to rectify market chaos and maintain fair competition in the automotive industry [1] Group 1: Industry Competition - The automotive industry is experiencing significant "involution" competition, characterized by companies sacrificing profits to capture market share, leading to a rise in false advertising and malicious smear campaigns [1] - In 2024, the number of discounted car models in China reached 227, significantly higher than 148 in 2023 and 95 in 2022, while the industry's profit margin fell to 4.3%, remaining below the overall industrial profit margin for three consecutive years [1] - The "theater effect" in economics illustrates that involution competition results in a zero-sum game, where no winners emerge, and all participants face increased costs and diminished experiences [1] Group 2: Industry Self-Regulation - The China Automobile Industry Association has called for car manufacturers to cease publishing weekly sales rankings, which has been positively received and may help break the cycle of "sales volume obsession" [2] - Other industries, such as solar energy and cement, have also initiated self-regulatory agreements to control production capacity and resist malicious low-price competition, indicating a trend towards establishing standards and rules within industries [1][2] Group 3: Market Regulation - The NDRC and the State Administration for Market Regulation have intensified efforts to address involution competition, including enhanced price monitoring in the automotive market and strict checks on substandard products [2] - Public opinion plays a crucial role, as car manufacturers are particularly sensitive to their reputation and public image, suggesting that a strong negative sentiment against involution competition could compel companies to avoid such practices [2]