Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-12-26 20:31Core Viewpoint - The impending adjustment of the new energy vehicle (NEV) purchase tax policy from full exemption to a 50% reduction starting January 1, 2026, is prompting major car manufacturers to implement strategies to stabilize sales and manage consumer expectations during this transitional period [2][3]. Group 1: Company Responses - Major car manufacturers such as GAC Group, Seres, and Xpeng Motors are introducing purchase tax "bottom line" or equivalent subsidy schemes to offset the cost changes resulting from the policy shift, aiming to maintain sales momentum and capitalize on the limited time window before the policy change [2][3]. - GAC Group has extended its purchase tax subsidy policy until the end of 2025, allowing customers who complete orders by December 31, 2025, to receive a subsidy of up to 15,000 yuan if their vehicle delivery is delayed due to company reasons [4]. - Seres and Xpeng Motors are also implementing similar subsidy strategies, with Seres offering tax subsidies for specific models and Xpeng focusing on new products to lower the transaction threshold during the policy transition [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The combination of policy changes and corporate subsidies is beginning to show effects, with November's NEV retail sales reaching 1.354 million units, a year-on-year increase of 7% [5]. - Despite the positive short-term effects, the market is still in a transitional phase, with a decline in retail sales observed in early December, indicating that the demand recovery may be temporary rather than indicative of a long-term trend [5]. - The overall automotive market is expected to achieve growth beyond initial forecasts for 2025, driven by policies such as trade-in subsidies and NEV purchase tax exemptions, with production and sales figures showing significant year-on-year increases [6][7]. Group 3: Future Considerations - The shift from a policy-driven market to one reliant on endogenous growth remains a critical challenge for car manufacturers post-policy adjustment [3]. - The potential for diminishing returns from frequent subsidies raises concerns about consumer dependency on temporary discounts, which could lead to increased volatility in demand around policy changes [3]. - The automotive industry may face intensified price competition in early 2026, particularly affecting smaller manufacturers, necessitating a focus on technological and service differentiation rather than solely price competition [8].