Core Viewpoint - Five Chinese automotive companies, including BYD and Zeekr, are facing potential fines in Australia for allegedly monopolizing after-sales services by not complying with local regulations regarding the disclosure of diagnostic software and repair parameters, which has made it difficult for independent repair shops to service these vehicles [5][7]. Group 1: Cost of Repair for New Energy Vehicles - The repair costs for new energy vehicles (NEVs) are significantly higher than those for traditional fuel vehicles, with minor accidents costing between 5,000 to 15,000 yuan for NEVs compared to 2,000 to 8,000 yuan for fuel vehicles [9]. - In severe collision cases, the repair costs for NEVs can exceed the cost of purchasing a new vehicle, while fuel vehicles can still be repaired for 50,000 to 150,000 yuan [9]. - The high repair costs are attributed to expensive parts, advanced technology, and the necessity of using official service centers to maintain warranty coverage [11][15]. Group 2: Challenges in After-Sales Services - Many automotive companies have strict warranty policies that require all maintenance and repairs to be conducted at authorized service centers, which can lead to high costs for consumers [15][16]. - Official service centers often prefer to replace parts rather than repair them, which increases overall repair costs [18]. - The integration of advanced technology in NEVs complicates repairs, as many independent repair shops lack access to necessary diagnostic tools and information [24][26]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The number of independent repair shops for NEVs is significantly lower than for traditional vehicles, with estimates of only 20,000 to 30,000 NEV repair shops compared to around 400,000 for fuel vehicles in China [37]. - The current high repair costs for NEVs are expected to persist until more vehicles are out of warranty and independent repair shops become more knowledgeable about NEV repairs [39]. - The automotive repair industry is facing challenges due to the rapid technological advancements in NEVs, which require specialized knowledge and skills that many traditional mechanics do not possess [39].
新能源车买得起,但修不起了