野心升级，李想抛出新故事

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the financial performance and strategic direction of Li Auto, highlighting CEO Li Xiang's significant salary and the company's shift towards AI technology in response to increasing market competition and industry challenges [2][3][10]. Financial Performance - Li Xiang's reported annual salary of 639 million yuan has drawn public attention, but the majority is attributed to stock incentives rather than base salary, which is only 2.665 million yuan [2]. - Li Auto's stock price has declined from a historical high of 182.9 HKD to approximately 103.8 HKD, reflecting investor concerns about the company's growth potential, as indicated by a PE ratio of 26 times [3]. Market Competition - The increasing competition in the new energy vehicle sector has led to a decline in Li Auto's market position, with competitors like XPeng and Leap Motor gaining traction [2]. - The entry-level model, Li L6, has become a key sales driver, but the average transaction price decline has pressured the company's gross margin [3]. Strategic Shift to AI - Li Auto aims to redefine itself as an AI technology company, with Li Xiang emphasizing the importance of AI in the company's future, allocating half of its 10 billion yuan R&D budget to AI initiatives [4][10]. - The company is developing the "VLA driver model," which aims to integrate AI into driving, positioning it as a professional production tool in the transportation sector [6][9]. Development Phases of AI - Li Auto's AI development is structured in three phases: 1. The first phase focuses on rule-based algorithms and high-definition maps, akin to "insect intelligence" [7]. 2. The second phase, starting in 2023, involves end-to-end models, approaching "mammalian intelligence" [7]. 3. The third phase, beginning in 2024, will introduce the VLA, representing "human intelligence" with advanced capabilities [8]. Future Vision - Li Auto's goal is to become a leader in both AI and automotive technology, aiming to create a comprehensive ecosystem that includes smart driving, intelligent cockpit, energy management, and vehicle networking services [9][10]. - The company plans to launch the VLA alongside its pure electric SUV, Li i8, in July 2023, with a target for mass production by 2026 [10].