曾合作哪吒汽车，宁德时代滑板底盘公司开启首轮外部融资

Core Viewpoint - CATL is accelerating its skateboard chassis business, with the first round of external financing for its subsidiary, Times Intelligent, amounting to 2 billion yuan and a pre-financing valuation of approximately 9 billion yuan [2][4]. Financing and Business Development - Times Intelligent, established in 2021, focuses on battery-centric skateboard chassis products and services, and is now opening up equity to external capital for the first time [2][4]. - The financing round is led by well-known market investment institutions, with participation from both new energy industry capital and state-owned capital [2][4]. - The company aims to alleviate financial pressure due to limited group funding and previous reliance on Neta Auto for product promotion, which did not meet sales expectations [4][5]. Technological Advancements - The skateboard chassis, known as CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis), integrates battery and electric drive systems, allowing for modular vehicle design [3][6]. - Recent collaborations with various automotive manufacturers, including BAIC and Jianghuai, are expected to yield new models between 2026 and 2027 [4][5]. Market Position and Strategy - CATL's entry into the skateboard chassis market is driven by the need to bundle sales with its existing battery business and to find new growth points amid declining battery business growth [5][10]. - The company's gross margin has decreased from 43.7% in 2016 to 24.4% in 2024, with market share dropping from 52.1% in 2021 to 43.4% in the first half of this year [5][10]. Challenges and Industry Dynamics - The skateboard chassis concept, while promising, faces challenges such as integration complexity and the need for standardized interfaces among different automakers [10][11]. - The market for skateboard chassis is competitive, with many automakers, including Tesla and BYD, developing their own platforms, which may limit the market for third-party suppliers like Times Intelligent [12]. Future Prospects - Times Intelligent is also exploring international markets, with potential announcements expected soon [8]. - The skateboard chassis model could reduce development costs and time significantly, making it attractive for new energy vehicles [9][10].