Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-07-12 01:23Core Viewpoint - The joint venture automotive companies in China have shown a significant recovery in sales during the first half of 2025, with most brands experiencing growth after a challenging 2024, although some, like Honda and Nissan, continue to struggle [2][3]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In the first half of 2025, major joint venture brands, except for Honda and Dongfeng Nissan, achieved sales growth, with FAW Toyota leading at a 16% increase [2]. - FAW-Volkswagen sold 436,100 units, a 3.5% increase, while SAIC Volkswagen's sales reached 523,000 units, up 2.3% [3]. - GAC Toyota's sales grew by 11%, and SAIC GM saw an 8.6% increase, marking a turnaround from previous declines [2][3]. Group 2: Fuel Vehicle Recovery - Several joint venture companies relied on fuel vehicles for recovery, with FAW-Volkswagen's fuel vehicle market share increasing by 0.7 percentage points to 7.6% [3]. - The sales of classic fuel models like the Lavida and Sagitar contributed significantly to the overall sales increase [3]. - GAC Toyota's fuel models, such as the Camry and Highlander, saw a 30% increase in sales [3]. Group 3: Electric Vehicle Challenges - Despite the recovery in fuel vehicle sales, joint venture brands continue to struggle in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with a mere 5.3% penetration rate for mainstream brands compared to 75.4% for domestic brands [3][4]. - The overall market share for joint venture brands in the EV segment remains low, with only a few models like Volkswagen's ID series and Toyota's bZ series performing relatively well [4]. Group 4: Strategic Adjustments - Analysts attribute the sales rebound to strategic adjustments, particularly in enhancing the intelligence of fuel vehicles through partnerships with domestic tech companies [5][6]. - Joint venture brands are increasingly localizing their management and product development to better cater to Chinese consumers [7]. Group 5: Pricing Strategies - Many joint venture brands have shifted from aggressive price competition to a "reduce volume to maintain price" strategy, stabilizing terminal prices and improving dealer confidence [8]. - The introduction of fixed pricing models has also helped reduce consumer hesitation and increased foot traffic [8]. Group 6: Future Outlook - Despite the positive sales trends, joint venture brands face a challenging future, with predictions of market share declining from 40% to 10% over the next few years [9][10]. - The need for a robust electric vehicle strategy is critical, as many brands are reconsidering their electric vehicle timelines and focusing on maintaining profitability in the fuel vehicle market [10][11].