以ESG之名 汽车业“反内卷”要反什么

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese automotive industry is collectively taking action against "involution" competition, with a strong emphasis on ceasing harmful price wars and fostering a sustainable competitive environment [2][3][4] Group 1: Industry Response to Involution - The automotive industry has reached a consensus that endless price wars lead to a detrimental cycle where all participants lose, significantly impacting profitability [2][3] - In 2024, the profit margin for the automotive manufacturing sector was reported at 4.3%, an 8% decline year-on-year, which is lower than the overall industrial profit margin of 5.4% [2] - The call to resist "involution" competition is becoming a collective voice and action within the automotive sector [2] Group 2: Government and Industry Initiatives - The China Automotive Industry Association has called for fair competition and adherence to legal business practices, urging companies not to engage in predatory pricing or monopolistic behaviors [3] - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology supports the initiative and plans to intensify efforts to address "involution" competition [3] - Major automotive companies have publicly opposed chaotic price wars and have committed to actions such as ensuring payment terms to suppliers do not exceed 60 days [3][4] Group 3: Defining and Addressing Involution - The industry recognizes the need for a clear definition of "involution" to effectively combat it, emphasizing that not all price reductions equate to involution [5] - A precise assessment of what constitutes "involution" is essential for comprehensive remediation efforts [5] - The automotive sector is encouraged to adopt a more scientific and comprehensive approach to identify involution behaviors, focusing on underlying factors rather than surface-level metrics [5] Group 4: ESG Framework for Evaluation - The ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework is proposed as a method to evaluate involution risks within the automotive industry, focusing on product quality, safety, and sustainable practices [6][7] - Key indicators from the ESG framework include product safety, service quality, social contributions, and climate change responses, which are critical for assessing involution risks [8][9] - Data from 2020 to 2024 indicates a rise in product complaints and an increase in payment terms to suppliers, highlighting the need for automotive companies to commit to timely payments [10][11] Group 5: Long-term Strategy and Industry Health - The automotive industry is urged to adopt long-term strategies that prioritize sustainable development over short-term gains, balancing immediate costs with future benefits [12][13] - The establishment of a standardized ESG evaluation system is seen as vital for creating a healthy competitive environment and guiding companies away from involution practices [12][13] - The ongoing refinement of the ESG framework is expected to provide clearer definitions and standards for identifying involution, ultimately fostering a more sustainable automotive industry [13]