Core Viewpoint - The release of the "Automobile Industry Price Behavior Compliance Guidelines" aims to regulate pricing behaviors in the automotive industry, addressing the ongoing "involution" competition and providing a foundation for healthy market development by 2026 [2][18]. Group 1: Industry Response and Impact - Major automotive companies such as BYD, Xpeng Motors, and BAIC Group have responded positively to the guidelines, committing to eliminate price fraud and unfair competition [2][18]. - The guidelines are expected to alleviate the long-standing issue of price inversion faced by dealers, which has led to significant financial losses, with 52.6% of dealers reporting losses in the first half of 2023 [3][19]. - The guidelines explicitly prohibit selling below cost, which is seen as a protective measure for dealers and is welcomed by the majority of them [4][20]. Group 2: Pricing and Rebate Issues - The guidelines address the complex rebate structures that often burden dealers, requiring manufacturers to clarify rebate policies and respect dealers' pricing autonomy [8][24]. - A survey indicated that while half of the brands have reduced rebate payment periods to within one month, some still exceed 60 days, creating operational pressure for dealers [8][24]. - The guidelines aim to promote transparency in pricing and rebate practices, shifting the market focus from price wars to value competition [5][21]. Group 3: Regulatory Framework and Compliance - The guidelines mandate that third-party platforms involved in automotive sales must adhere to pricing regulations, ensuring consumer rights and fair trading practices [9][25]. - A multi-dimensional compliance framework is proposed, including clear pricing rules, promotional conduct, and service charges to enhance transparency in the automotive sales process [10][26]. - The guidelines encourage the establishment of internal compliance mechanisms within automotive companies to prevent pricing violations and enhance brand integrity [10][26]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Challenges - The guidelines are seen as a significant step towards curbing irrational competition in the automotive market, with expectations for improved profitability across the industry [12][28]. - However, industry experts emphasize the need for detailed implementation rules to ensure effective execution, particularly regarding cost accounting standards [13][29]. - The successful implementation of the guidelines will require collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, and regulatory bodies to foster a healthy competitive environment [15][31].