
Core Viewpoint - Japanese automakers are facing significant challenges in the Chinese market, with declining sales and increased competition from electric vehicles, leading to drastic price cuts and structural adjustments [5][6][9]. Group 1: Market Performance - Japanese cars held nearly a quarter of the Chinese market share in 2020, but by 2024, their overall market share has dropped by over 10 percentage points compared to 2020 [4][5]. - Nissan's sales in China for January to April 2023 were 167,600 units, a decline of 24.6% year-on-year, while Honda's sales were 202,000 units, down 28% [6][8]. - The new models from Nissan and Honda, such as the N7 and S7, have seen poor sales performance, with retail numbers of 665 and 373 units respectively in their first month [11]. Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - Nissan announced a global workforce reduction of 20,000 employees by the 2027 fiscal year, representing 15% of its total workforce, and plans to reduce its global factories from 17 to 10 [8]. - Honda has also initiated large-scale layoffs, affecting over a thousand employees, as part of its restructuring efforts [9]. - Toyota's sales in the same period were 530,100 units, a 7.7% increase, but this growth is seen as unsustainable due to heavy discounting on key models [9][10]. Group 3: Consumer Perception and Product Development - Consumers express dissatisfaction with Japanese cars, citing a lack of innovation and technology compared to domestic brands, which are perceived as more aligned with modern preferences [10][14]. - Japanese automakers are attempting to localize production and technology by partnering with Chinese companies like CATL and Huawei to enhance their electric vehicle offerings [15][16]. - Despite efforts to adapt, there is skepticism about the commitment to electric vehicle development, as seen in Honda's recent decision to cut its electric vehicle investment plan [16][17].