Orient Securities·2025-08-03 09:50Investment Rating - The report maintains a neutral investment rating for the automotive and parts industry [5] Core Insights - July saw a seasonal decline in automotive sales, with a mixed performance among manufacturers. The report highlights the importance of focusing on strong alpha vehicle manufacturers and the robotics supply chain [1][11] - The report anticipates that competitive domestic brands and new forces in intelligent driving technology will continue to gain market share by 2025. It also expects some state-owned enterprises to reverse their difficulties through reforms and enhanced cooperation [14] - The report suggests continued attention to certain automotive state-owned enterprises and companies within the humanoid robotics chain, Huawei's supply chain, Xiaomi's supply chain, T chain, and intelligent driving industry chain [2][14] Summary by Sections Sales Tracking - In July, domestic narrow passenger vehicle retail sales were approximately 1.85 million units, a year-on-year increase of 7.6% but a month-on-month decline of 11.2%. New energy vehicle retail sales were estimated at about 1.01 million units, with a year-on-year growth of 15.0% and a month-on-month decline of 9.1% [8][11] - The report notes that July is traditionally a slow season for the industry, influenced by manufacturers' efforts to meet half-year sales targets in June and high temperatures in July. Overall market performance was subdued, but the second half of the year is expected to see stable growth due to consumer promotion policies and new vehicle launches [11][12] Company Performance - Among the domestic brands, only Geely reported a month-on-month sales increase in July, while other major brands like BYD, Chery, Changan, and Great Wall experienced declines. New force brands such as Hongmeng Zhixing, Leap Motor, and Xpeng saw significant sales growth, with Xpeng achieving a record monthly delivery of 36,717 units, a year-on-year increase of 229% [12][19] - The report emphasizes that in a weak overall market, companies with strong capabilities in technology, brand building, cost control, and marketing channels are likely to gain more market share [12][19] Robotics Industry - Zhiyuan Robotics received strategic investment from international groups, indicating a positive outlook for the robotics supply chain. The company is expanding into overseas markets and has begun commercializing humanoid robots in China [13][14] - The report suggests that the robotics sector is poised for a turning point, with multiple favorable developments in orders and capital, and recommends continued attention to companies in the robotics supply chain [13][14] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies such as SAIC Motor, JAC Motors, BYD, Seres, Changan Automobile, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, and Yutong Bus, as well as various parts suppliers like New Spring, Silver Wheel, and others [2][15][16]