Qi Lu Wan Bao·2025-10-14 14:42Core Viewpoint - JD.com has announced a collaboration with GAC Group and CATL to launch the "National Good Car," sparking speculation about JD.com's entry into car manufacturing, which the company quickly clarified it is not directly involved in manufacturing but focuses on consumer insights and exclusive sales [1][3]. Group 1: Collaboration Overview - The partnership is seen as a culmination of JD.com's ten-year strategy in the automotive sector, reflecting the ambition of internet platforms to reshape the traditional automotive industry [3]. - The collaboration involves three major players: JD.com (e-commerce), GAC Group (vehicle manufacturing), and CATL (battery technology), forming a notable "iron triangle" [4]. Group 2: Roles and Responsibilities - GAC Group is responsible for vehicle manufacturing, ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing a dedicated electric vehicle platform [5]. - CATL focuses on addressing "range anxiety" by supplying battery technology and supporting the battery swapping ecosystem [6]. - JD.com positions itself as an "ecosystem integrator," concentrating on user demand insights and sales channel operations, aiming to connect the entire production to service chain [6]. Group 3: Strategic Background - JD.com's interest in the automotive sector dates back to 2015 when founder Liu Qiangdong invested in NIO, leading to a systematic approach in the automotive industry, including launching a vehicle trading platform and establishing an independent automotive division [8]. - The company aims to redefine what consumers want in vehicles, leveraging user research to influence vehicle design and features [10]. Group 4: Advantages and Challenges - JD.com's strengths include vast consumer data and a comprehensive online sales network, with nearly 3,000 car service stores and over 40,000 partner stores nationwide [15]. - However, challenges exist in areas such as vehicle maintenance, test drive management, and after-sales service, where JD.com lacks experience [17][18]. Group 5: Business Model Comparison - JD.com adopts a different approach compared to other tech companies like Xiaomi and Huawei, focusing on an "ecosystem integration" model rather than direct manufacturing [20]. - This asset-light model may seem less risky but poses challenges in quality control and technological adaptation [21]. Group 6: Future Implications - The success of this collaboration will depend on various factors, including JD.com's ability to create a "car consumption ecosystem" that encompasses the entire customer journey from selection to after-sales service [23][24]. - If successful, JD.com could redefine the sales and service model in the automotive industry, making car buying as convenient as purchasing a smartphone [27].