Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-31 08:51Core Insights - The Chinese intelligent driving industry is experiencing both expansion and contraction, with rapid adoption of assisted driving features in mass-produced vehicles, while financing for some companies is slowing down, leading to exits from mainstream competition [1][2] - The competition in the intelligent driving sector has shifted towards large-scale delivery, cost efficiency, and long-term service capabilities, with opportunities concentrating on a few companies that can prove their value [2][4] - The industry is entering a mature phase, as evidenced by significant orders from conservative automakers like Toyota, indicating a shift from vague to definite market demand [5][6] Industry Dynamics - The competition is no longer about validating technology but about scaling delivery and maintaining cost efficiency, with survival becoming a pressing issue for mid-tier companies [2][4] - The leading companies in the assisted driving sector include Horizon, ZhiYu, Huawei, and Momenta, which have successfully transitioned from technology validation to large-scale delivery [4][5] - The gap between leading companies and newcomers is estimated to be 3 to 5 years, primarily due to data accumulation advantages and algorithm iteration capabilities [4][5] Market Trends - The assisted driving market is seeing a push towards lower-cost models, with major players like Horizon and Momenta targeting vehicles priced under 100,000 yuan, which account for nearly half of China's passenger car sales [8][9] - The competition is intensifying around cost control, as companies strive to keep the cost of assisted driving features within 3% to 5% of the vehicle's price to ensure market acceptance [9][10] - The trend towards self-developed chips is debated, with some companies believing it can lead to differentiation and lower system costs, while others see it as economically challenging [10][11] Competitive Landscape - The intelligent driving sector is unlikely to see a "winner-takes-all" scenario until the L4 or L5 stages of automation, as the current market remains fragmented with multiple strong players [8][11] - Companies that can continuously iterate, validate their solutions through mass production, and respond to market demands will be the ones to secure future growth [11] - The supply chain strategies of automakers suggest that the assisted driving market will not favor a single dominant player, as diverse needs for customization and differentiation persist [7][8]