2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-10-17 15:47Core Insights - The article discusses the transition of Great Wall Motors' Wei brand to a fully direct sales model, phasing out the existing dealership system and rebranding "长城智选" stores to "魏牌新能源" [2][8] - This shift aims to enhance brand identity and streamline operations, positioning Wei as the closest brand to new energy vehicle startups within Great Wall's ecosystem [2][8] Group 1: Direct Sales Model Implementation - Great Wall Motors will fully adopt a direct sales model for the Wei brand by the end of October, terminating the existing dealership model [2] - The transition includes the complete withdrawal of the Tank brand from the Wei sales channel, allowing stores to focus solely on Wei products [2][8] - The direct sales strategy is part of a broader initiative to improve customer experience and brand positioning, as articulated by company executives [7][8] Group 2: Market Strategy and Expansion - The Wei brand is expanding its direct sales presence, with plans to increase the number of direct sales stores to 500 across over 300 cities, focusing on second and third-tier markets [9] - In September, Wei delivered 11,000 vehicles, marking a 63% year-on-year increase, and a total of 64,000 vehicles delivered from January to September, representing a 96% growth [9] - The strategic shift aims to capture market share in areas where competitors like Li Auto and Aito have not yet solidified their presence [9] Group 3: Challenges and Financial Implications - The transition to a direct sales model has led to increased sales expenses, which rose by 63.31% to 5.036 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, while net profit decreased by 36.39% [9][10] - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model requires a significant organizational transformation, which poses challenges for traditional automakers compared to simply establishing direct sales outlets [10]