Zhong Guo Jing Ji Wang·2025-05-28 13:08Core Viewpoint - The automotive market is experiencing a renewed price war, initiated by BYD's aggressive pricing strategy, which has prompted competitors like Geely and Chery to respond with their own discount campaigns [1][3][14]. Group 1: BYD's Pricing Strategy - BYD launched a "100 billion subsidy 618" campaign, offering significant discounts on 22 models, with the highest discount reaching 53,000 yuan [1][6]. - The company has previously implemented price cuts earlier in the year, but the current campaign is broader and more impactful, indicating a strategic shift to counter competitive pressures [6][8]. - BYD's sales in the first four months of the year reached 1.3809 million units, a year-on-year increase of 46.98%, but still falling short of its annual target of 5.5 million units [5][8]. Group 2: Competitors' Responses - Geely launched a "million welfare" campaign, offering discounts across its entire lineup, with the Geely Star Wish model starting at a subsidized price of 59,800 yuan [3][10]. - Chery also initiated a "100 billion factory subsidy" event, with discounts exceeding 20,000 yuan on over 30 models, including the Chery Tiggo 3X starting at 34,900 yuan [13]. - Both Geely and Chery's actions reflect a clear escalation in the price war, as they aim to reclaim market share from BYD [10][14]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Implications - The ongoing price war is expected to further erode profit margins in the automotive manufacturing sector, which have already declined from 7.8% in 2017 to 4.4% in 2024 [15]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with Geely and Chery responding to BYD's pricing moves, raising concerns about the sustainability of such aggressive pricing strategies [16][18]. - Industry experts suggest that while price wars can stimulate short-term sales, they may lead to long-term challenges for profitability and market health [15][18].