Core Viewpoint - Midea Group and Hisense Group, traditionally competitors in the home appliance sector, have entered a strategic partnership focusing on AI applications, global capacity planning, and smart logistics [1][3]. Group 1: Strategic Collaboration - The collaboration will involve Midea's logistics subsidiary, Ande Intelligent Logistics, which is preparing for a separate listing and aims to expand its client base beyond Midea [1]. - Hisense's stable growth in large home appliances positions it as a potential key client for Ande Intelligent Logistics [1]. - The partnership aims to reduce supply chain costs through a "direct-to-consumer" model, enhancing efficiency in logistics and warehousing [1]. Group 2: Market Position and Financials - Midea Group reported a revenue of 407.1 billion yuan in the previous year, with its smart home business contributing 269.5 billion yuan [2]. - Hisense Group's revenue reached 202.2 billion yuan, with Hisense Visual (black appliances) generating 58.53 billion yuan and Hisense Home Appliances (white appliances) contributing 92.746 billion yuan [2]. - Compared to competitors like Haier and Gree, Midea and Hisense have greater collaboration potential due to their respective market positions and product lines [2]. Group 3: Global Expansion and Production - Both companies are expanding their overseas manufacturing presence in regions such as South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, indicating potential for collaborative production and order fulfillment [3]. - The partnership aligns with their strategic choice to explore broader global markets amid changing trade environments [3]. Group 4: AI and Technological Integration - The integration of AI technology in home appliances is becoming a trend, with Hisense leveraging AI in its television products, while Midea is advancing in smart home robotics [4]. - The collaboration could enhance the utilization of the Toshiba brand, as both companies have acquired different segments of Toshiba's appliance business [4]. - The partnership is seen as a move towards higher-level cooperation in the face of global market challenges, shifting from competition to collaboration [5].
从对手到盟友,美的、海信联手,家电行业竞合潮来了?