21世纪经济报道·2026-01-28 00:53Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trend of car manufacturers offering "7-year low-interest" financing plans to stimulate consumer demand, driven by government policies aimed at boosting consumption [2][5]. Group 1: Financing Trends - Various car manufacturers, including Tesla, Xiaomi, and Xpeng, have launched "7-year low-interest" financing options, breaking away from the traditional 1-5 year loan terms [1][5]. - The financing plans are designed to lower monthly payments and initial down payments, making it easier for consumers to purchase vehicles [1][5]. - The trend is a response to government initiatives encouraging consumer spending, particularly before the Lunar New Year [2][5]. Group 2: Loan Details and Variations - The financing options vary significantly among manufacturers, particularly in terms of lending institutions, down payment requirements, and interest rates [5][6]. - Tesla offers competitive rates, with a 0.50% annual fee translating to an effective annual rate of 0.98% for those making a 25% down payment [6]. - Other brands like Li Auto and Xpeng have higher effective annual rates, ranging from 1.9% to 4.69%, indicating a broader range of financing costs [6]. Group 3: Consumer Perception and Financial Implications - Consumers generally perceive the "7-year low-interest" loans as a way to reduce monthly financial burdens, although total interest payments may increase over the loan term [8][10]. - For example, a Xiaomi YU7 financed over 7 years with a 1% annual fee results in a total interest payment of approximately 14,252.28 yuan [8]. - Some consumers express caution, preferring to pay in full rather than take on long-term debt, indicating a desire to avoid overextending financially [10]. Group 4: Risk and Valuation Concerns - The longer loan terms raise concerns about vehicle depreciation and residual values, especially for electric vehicles, which may not hold their value as well as traditional combustion vehicles [11][14]. - The article notes that the average resale value for electric vehicles is lower than that of traditional vehicles, which could pose risks for consumers taking on long-term loans [11][14]. - The article highlights that the main models offered under these financing plans have relatively high resale values, which may mitigate some concerns [11][13]. Group 5: Consumer Eligibility and Approval Process - The approval process for "7-year low-interest" loans is more stringent, requiring higher credit qualifications compared to shorter-term loans [14][15]. - Financial institutions are increasing their risk assessment criteria, necessitating thorough evaluations of consumers' long-term repayment capabilities [14][15]. - Consumers are advised to assess their financial situations carefully before opting for these extended loan terms to avoid potential rejections or financial strain [15].