Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the significant decline of joint venture automotive companies in China, driven by the rise of domestic electric vehicle brands and changing consumer preferences [1][2][17] - Joint venture companies held over 60% market share in 2020, but this has dropped to 35% by 2024, indicating a major shift in the automotive landscape [2][21] - The decline in sales and profitability for joint venture companies has led to layoffs and operational challenges, with many companies struggling to adapt to the new market dynamics [2][8][12] Group 2 - The crisis for joint venture companies began around 2019, with a noticeable shift in financing practices as dealers sought better loan conditions from banks rather than automotive financial companies [7][8] - The pandemic exacerbated existing issues, as foreign executives were unable to gauge the rapidly changing Chinese market, leading to a lack of urgency in addressing the challenges [17][18] - The traditional decision-making structure of joint ventures, requiring consensus between foreign and local partners, has hindered their ability to respond quickly to market changes [18][19] Group 3 - The competitive landscape has shifted, with domestic brands like AITO and Li Auto gaining traction, prompting established brands to reconsider their strategies [1][27] - Joint venture companies are now exploring partnerships with local firms to leverage technology and adapt to the electric vehicle market, as seen with Audi and Toyota's recent collaborations [27][28] - The overall sentiment within the industry reflects a need for transformation, with some companies adopting a more aggressive and flexible approach to survive the current downturn [25][29]
合资车企逆风局