Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-12-14 10:41Core Viewpoint - The National Market Supervision Administration has released a draft guideline aimed at regulating pricing behaviors in the automotive industry, focusing on compliance for manufacturers and sales enterprises to promote lawful and fair competition [1][2]. Group 1: Pricing Behavior Regulations - The draft guideline specifies compliance requirements for pricing behaviors from vehicle production to sales, including the establishment of a comprehensive pricing management system covering all aspects of sales and financial services [2][3]. - It prohibits price collusion among manufacturers and suppliers, and mandates clear communication of pricing strategies and promotional policies to ensure consumer rights are protected [2][3]. Group 2: Sales Practices - The guideline emphasizes the need for transparent pricing in new car sales, requiring accurate price displays and the prohibition of hidden fees or misleading promotions [4][5]. - It mandates that sales enterprises must not engage in predatory pricing practices aimed at eliminating competition, such as selling below cost or using deceptive discounting methods [5][6]. Group 3: Internal Compliance Management - The draft encourages automotive companies to establish internal compliance management systems to prevent pricing violations, including risk identification and emergency response mechanisms [6][7]. - It outlines six core mechanisms for effective pricing behavior management, including decision-making, contract management, and compliance training [6]. Group 4: Industry Response and Market Trends - Major automotive companies like BAIC Group and Xpeng Motors have expressed commitment to adhering to the new guidelines, aiming to enhance their pricing compliance management systems [7]. - The automotive industry has seen a significant increase in production and sales, with a record of over 30 million vehicles sold in 2023, although profit margins have declined from 7.8% in 2017 to 4.3% in 2024 due to intense price competition [8][9].