CATL(SZ:300750) 汽车商业评论·2025-12-10 23:07Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current challenges and dynamics in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, particularly focusing on the supply chain issues related to battery production and the ongoing competition between automakers and battery suppliers [4][5][7]. Group 1: Supply Chain Challenges - The recent interactions between automakers and battery manufacturers highlight the supply-demand imbalance in the battery industry, which is critical for vehicle manufacturing [5][7]. - Automakers are facing a "sweet trouble" as they set ambitious sales targets that exceed initial expectations, leading to concerns about whether suppliers can meet these demands [9][10]. - The surge in sales for models like the Chery Fengyun A9L and SAIC MG4 has exposed the limitations in battery supply, as both models experienced sales far exceeding their initial production plans [10][11][12]. Group 2: Battery Market Dynamics - The domestic power battery installation volume reached 578.0 GWh from January to October, marking a 42.4% year-on-year increase, indicating strong demand in the market [13]. - The price of lithium carbonate has seen significant fluctuations, with a recent increase causing additional challenges for battery manufacturers in managing costs and supply [16][19]. - The article notes that the lithium carbonate price has risen sharply from a low of 59,900 CNY/ton in May to 81,000 CNY/ton in August, reflecting the volatility in raw material costs [19]. Group 3: Automaker Strategies - Automakers are increasingly taking control of their battery supply chains by investing in battery production capabilities, as seen with companies like Geely and FAW [24][26]. - The trend of automakers establishing joint ventures and acquiring battery companies is aimed at ensuring a stable supply of batteries and reducing dependency on external suppliers [22][30]. - The overall profit margins for the automotive industry have been declining, with the profit rate dropping to 4.3% in 2024, prompting manufacturers to seek more control over battery costs [23]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The article raises concerns about the future of the battery supply chain as production capacity expands, questioning the sustainability of the current growth trajectory in the NEV market [30]. - The ongoing competition between automakers and battery suppliers is expected to intensify as both parties navigate the challenges of supply, pricing, and technological advancements [30].