21世纪经济报道·2025-10-31 00:09Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry in China has become a crucial economic pillar, contributing approximately 10% to the national GDP, with production exceeding 20 million vehicles in the first eight months of the year, reflecting double-digit growth year-on-year [1][3]. Group 1: Automotive Production and Statistics - The National Bureau of Statistics has changed the method of calculating local automotive production from "enterprise legal person location" to "production location," impacting the rankings of provinces [3][5]. - Guangdong, which previously held the top position in automotive production for nine consecutive years, has seen a decline in its ranking due to this statistical adjustment, despite the province's automotive industry continuing to grow [5][6]. - The adjustment aims to better align with the construction of a unified national market and provides a more comprehensive understanding of regional automotive industry competitiveness [6][8]. Group 2: Guangdong's Automotive Industry Development - Guangdong is transitioning from being merely a "major automotive production province" to becoming a "major automotive industry export province," following international trends where developed automotive industries expand production capabilities abroad [6][9]. - The province's automotive industry is increasingly focused on technological competition, particularly in the field of intelligent connected vehicles, with a complete industrial chain established in this area [8]. - Guangzhou has become a leader in autonomous driving, with 1,298 test roads open for autonomous vehicles, and has achieved significant milestones in vehicle networking technology [8]. Group 3: Global Expansion and Competitiveness - Guangdong's automotive industry is leveraging its geographical advantages and deep integration with global manufacturing to expand its competitiveness internationally [9]. - Companies like Xpeng Motors and BYD are initiating localized production projects in Europe and Japan, respectively, to enhance their brand and product influence in these markets [9].