Core Viewpoint - Zhongtai Securities initiates a "Buy" rating for Chery Automobile, highlighting its strong export capabilities and first-mover advantage, with expectations for simultaneous growth in volume and profit due to orderly domestic new energy brand advancement and deep collaboration with Huawei [1] Group 1: Industry Analysis - The shift in core capabilities for automakers emphasizes demand control and the pace of electrification as critical for market share growth, moving away from traditional product cycles [2] - The competitive landscape has evolved post-2021, with domestic and joint ventures increasing market share through strategic adjustments [2] Group 2: Growth Review - Chery's market share has significantly increased since 2017, transitioning from reliance on low-cost vehicles to a focus on quality and exports, leading to record sales [3] - The company has experienced a growth phase from 2022 onwards, marked by technological advancements and a strong export performance, making it the top Chinese brand in exports [3] Group 3: Current Development - Chery's internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continue to perform well, with the Wind and Cloud series contributing to both volume and profit growth [4] - Financially, Chery is projected to achieve revenues of 269.9 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 65.4%, and a net profit of 14.14 billion yuan, up 18.3% [4] Group 4: Competitive Advantages - Chery's first-mover advantage in exports has created a strong competitive moat, with leading engine technology and collaboration with Huawei enhancing its smart capabilities [5] - The new Kunpeng engine boasts a thermal efficiency of 48%, with production capacity expected to reach 1 million units by 2026 [5] Group 5: Future Outlook - Chery plans to focus on the Wind and Cloud brands for market capture, with significant improvements in technology and product offerings aimed at meeting consumer demands [6] - The company has seen a 4.1 percentage point increase in domestic market share for ICE vehicles over the past three years, positioning it as the second-largest domestic brand [6] - Continued expansion in key overseas markets such as Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia is expected to contribute to profit growth [6]