Ge Long Hui·2025-06-11 10:28Core Viewpoint - The Chinese automotive market is experiencing severe supply-demand imbalance and negative effects from price wars, leading to distorted business practices among listed car companies [2][4][12]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The average sales growth rate in China's domestic automotive market over the past three years is only 1.8%, with profit margins continuously declining [4][11]. - The phenomenon of "0-kilometer used cars" has emerged, where new cars are registered and then sold as used cars to alleviate inventory pressure and meet sales targets [6][9]. - The automotive industry is facing a significant overcapacity issue, with many listed companies reporting utilization rates below 50% [13][25]. Group 2: Industry Practices - Some car manufacturers and dealers engage in practices such as "virtual invoicing" to obtain subsidies, contributing to a culture of financial manipulation [6][9]. - The trend of selling "pseudo-used cars" at steep discounts (up to 30% off) is prevalent, indicating a hidden price war within the industry [7][9]. - The competitive landscape has led to a "winner-takes-all" scenario, forcing traditional automakers to downsize and restructure [15][16]. Group 3: Regulatory Response - The Ministry of Commerce has initiated discussions with major car manufacturers regarding the "0-kilometer used car" issue and is working to regulate market practices [4][22]. - There is a call for stricter regulations to address the ongoing price wars and restore healthy competition in the automotive sector [22][26]. - The government is promoting initiatives like the "2025 New Energy Vehicles Going to the Countryside" program to stimulate demand and help manufacturers reduce inventory [26][27]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The automotive industry is expected to undergo a "淘汰赛" (elimination race) in the second half of the year, which may further impact weaker companies [16]. - Despite the challenges, there are potential benefits from government initiatives aimed at boosting sales of new energy vehicles [26]. - The overall production capacity in China may exceed 50 million units, while the global automotive production is around 90 million units, highlighting a significant structural overcapacity [23][25].