Workflow
又一家在华运营超半个世纪的品牌退出!
第一财经·2025-07-23 11:19

Core Viewpoint - Japanese automakers, particularly Mitsubishi Motors, are accelerating their business adjustments in China due to the rapid shift towards electric vehicles in the Chinese automotive market [1][5]. Group 1: Mitsubishi Motors' Exit from China - Mitsubishi Motors has announced its exit from its joint venture in China, specifically the Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Engine Manufacturing Co., and has terminated its engine business operations [1]. - The company has completely withdrawn from all joint ventures in China, marking the end of over 50 years of operations in the region [5]. - Mitsubishi's decision to exit is attributed to a reassessment of the market environment in China, particularly the rapid transition to electric vehicles [1][5]. Group 2: Historical Context and Market Dynamics - Mitsubishi Motors began its operations in China in the 1970s, initially focusing on engine manufacturing through joint ventures [2]. - The company had significant production milestones, such as the East Mitsubishi achieving an annual engine output of over 300,000 units in 2007 and 2008, and surpassing 500,000 units in 2009 [2]. - The rise of domestic brands in China, which have made significant advancements in engine technology and electric vehicle development, has eroded the competitive advantage that Japanese automakers once held [2][3]. Group 3: Broader Industry Implications - Mitsubishi's exit reflects a broader trend among Japanese automakers in China, with companies like Suzuki also withdrawing from the market [5]. - In 2024, major Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda experienced varying degrees of sales decline in China, with Subaru's sales halving to approximately 3,600 units [5]. - The retail share of mainstream Japanese joint venture brands fell to 12% in June, a decrease of 2.3 percentage points year-on-year, indicating a challenging market environment [6]. Group 4: Strategic Shifts and Future Outlook - Japanese automakers are increasingly focusing on electric and smart vehicle transformations to regain market share in China [6]. - New electric models from joint ventures, such as the GAC Toyota and Dongfeng Nissan, are being introduced to compete in the domestic market [6]. - Collaborations with local tech companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are becoming a common strategy among Japanese automakers as they adapt to the changing landscape [6].