汽车商业评论·2025-10-28 23:08Core Viewpoint - JD.com is intensifying its efforts in the automotive sector by collaborating with GAC Group and CATL to launch a new electric vehicle, the Aion UT Super, which features a battery swapping model aimed at addressing common concerns among electric vehicle users [4][5][8]. Group 1: New Vehicle Launch and Collaborations - JD.com officially announced the launch of the Aion UT Super, a battery-swapping version of an existing model, priced around 100,000 yuan, with a debut scheduled for November 9 [4][5]. - The collaboration involves GAC Group for vehicle manufacturing, CATL for battery technology, and JD.com as the exclusive sales channel [4]. - Following the announcement, stocks of the involved companies saw varying degrees of increase [4]. Group 2: Market Context and Strategic Moves - JD.com is facing growth challenges in its core e-commerce business, with a revenue increase of only 3.7% in 2023 and a decline in operating profit margin to 2.6% [14][15]. - The company has restructured its retail operations, separating the automotive business into a standalone division to enhance focus and investment [15]. - JD.com aims to replicate its success in home appliances by providing a comprehensive sales channel for automotive manufacturers [15]. Group 3: Historical Context and Previous Attempts - JD.com has been exploring the automotive market since 2015, investing in platforms like Yiche and NIO, and launching an online vehicle sales platform in 2018 [17][19]. - The company has developed a robust after-sales service network, with over 1,500 self-operated stores and more than 40,000 partner stores across China [20][21]. - JD.com has also engaged in various automotive-related initiatives, including a vehicle trade-in program and partnerships for digital marketing tools [22][23]. Group 4: Future Prospects and Industry Dynamics - The collaboration with GAC and CATL is seen as a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for electric vehicles and battery-swapping technology [29]. - JD.com's extensive logistics and supply chain capabilities position it well to address the challenges of online vehicle sales, which traditionally face significant operational hurdles [27]. - The partnership aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for electric vehicle sales and services, potentially transforming the automotive retail landscape in China [29].