证券时报·2026-02-12 08:10Core Viewpoint - The new forces in China's automotive industry have collectively entered a phase of profitability, marking a significant transition from reliance on external funding to self-sustaining growth [3][4][12]. Group 1: Profitability Milestones - NIO has forecasted a quarterly profit of 700 million to 1.2 billion yuan for Q4 2025, marking its first quarterly profit [9]. - XPeng Motors has reported a total revenue exceeding 20 billion yuan for Q3 2025, with a gross margin surpassing 20% and a significant reduction in net losses [9]. - The collective profitability of these new forces, including NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto, signifies the arrival of a new era in the automotive sector [9][12]. Group 2: Factors Driving Profitability - Key drivers behind this collective profitability include cost reduction through technological innovation and optimization of product structures [9][10]. - Vertical integration and supply chain control have been crucial, with companies like Leap Motor covering approximately 70% of their vehicle costs through self-produced components [10]. - The scale effect is seen as a foundation for profitability, with XPeng's delivery volume increasing by 126% year-on-year in 2025 [10]. Group 3: Changing Competitive Landscape - The shift from "blood transfusion" to "blood production" indicates a change in competitive logic, focusing on internal operational quality and sustainable profitability [12]. - The competition is evolving from a product-centric approach to a system capability comparison, emphasizing comprehensive assessments of product definition, cost control, and brand management [12]. - Major players are building competitive moats through distinct strategies: NIO focuses on high-end electric vehicles and battery swapping, while XPeng emphasizes smart driving and range extension [12]. Group 4: Future Challenges and Strategies - Despite achieving quarterly profitability, the sustainability of this "blood production" capability remains a challenge, with potential supply chain pressures and rising costs expected in 2026 [15]. - The rapid iteration of new automotive products poses risks, as companies may rush to market without fully validating their offerings, leading to increased costs and reduced profits [15]. - The industry anticipates a more cautious approach to growth, with a focus on high-margin markets and efficient operational models [16].