Core Viewpoint - The report from浦银国际 highlights the growing importance of intelligent driving chips in the automotive industry, particularly as the sector transitions into the second half of the new energy vehicle (NEV) development phase [1] Industry Summary - The intelligent driving chip industry is receiving an "overweight" rating, indicating strong growth potential as it becomes a core component of intelligent driving functions in vehicles [1] - The global automotive-grade SoC market is projected to grow from 57.9 billion RMB in 2023 to 205.3 billion RMB by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% [1] - China's automotive-grade SoC market is expected to increase from 26.7 billion RMB in 2023 to 102 billion RMB by 2028, capturing 50% of the global market share [1] Company Summary - The report initiates coverage on Horizon Robotics (09660) and Black Sesame Technologies (02533), both receiving "buy" ratings with target prices set at 12 HKD and 21.4 HKD respectively [1] - Domestic intelligent driving chip suppliers are anticipated to expand their market share rapidly, benefiting from competitive pricing and production experience, alongside the trend of domestic substitution [1] - The report emphasizes that both independent Chinese automakers and leading NEV companies are driving advancements in intelligent driving technology, which will enhance the demand for intelligent driving chips [1]

Core Viewpoint - The report from浦银国际 indicates that as the electric vehicle (EV) industry enters its second phase, intelligent assisted driving has become a core function of automotive intelligence, with smart driving chips emerging as a key component in the value chain [1] Industry Summary - The development of intelligent driving chips is expected to see a rise in both volume and price by 2025, driven by domestic automakers pushing for equal access to intelligent driving features and leading EV companies advancing algorithm evolution [1] - Local smart driving chip suppliers are gaining prominence, leveraging cost-effective chip products and production experience to expand their customer base, benefiting from the trend of domestic substitution [1] Company Summary - The report initiates coverage of the smart driving chip industry with an "overweight" rating and also covers companies Horizon Robotics and Black Sesame Technologies, assigning "buy" ratings with target prices of HKD 12 and HKD 21.4 respectively [1]

Investment Rating - The report gives an "Overweight" rating for the intelligent driving chip industry and a "Buy" rating for Horizon Robotics-W (9660.HK) and Black Sesame Intelligence (2533.HK) [3][7][9]. Core Insights - The intelligent driving chip market is expected to expand significantly, with the global ADAS SoC market projected to reach RMB 92.5 billion by 2028 [7]. - The penetration rate of ADAS functions in China's new energy passenger vehicles reached 82.6% in the first half of 2025, indicating a strong demand for intelligent driving capabilities [8][55]. - Domestic intelligent driving chip suppliers are gaining market share due to their cost-effective products and production experience, benefiting from the trend of domestic substitution [9]. Summary by Sections Industry Background - The automotive electronic architecture is evolving, with SoC becoming the mainstream choice for control chips in intelligent electric vehicles [13][14]. - The intelligent driving chip is a core component for achieving advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions [19]. Current Industry Status - The intelligent driving process is still in its early stages, with high-level ADAS function penetration remaining low [39]. - The global electric vehicle market is expected to exceed 20 million units in 2025, with a penetration rate of over 25% [39]. Development Trends - The intelligent driving chip market is rapidly expanding, driven by the increasing complexity of software and hardware requirements for ADAS functions [7][19]. - The market for automotive-grade SoC is projected to grow from RMB 57.9 billion in 2023 to RMB 205.3 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 29% [19]. Competitive Landscape - Domestic manufacturers are expected to capture a larger market share as they improve their production capabilities and experience [9]. - The competition in the intelligent driving chip market is intensifying, with various players entering the field [9]. Investment Value - The report is optimistic about the upgrade of ADAS capabilities and the domestic substitution trend, indicating potential long-term growth in the robotics sector [9][10]. - The intelligent driving chip market is expected to see a simultaneous increase in both volume and price due to advancements in algorithms and hardware requirements [9]. Company Coverage - Horizon Robotics-W (9660.HK) is positioned as a leading player in the domestic intelligent driving chip market, with a target price of HKD 12.0, representing a potential upside of 22% [11]. - Black Sesame Intelligence (2533.HK) is also highlighted as a key player, with a target price of HKD 21.4, indicating a potential upside of 16% [11].

Group 1 - The 2025 IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich showcased AiChip's first demonstration of its advanced driver assistance solution developed in collaboration with STRADVISION, featuring a front-view perception integration based on AiChip's M57 [1] - The solution supports various functions such as static object detection, vehicle/pedestrian detection, lane/road boundary detection, traffic sign/light recognition, and free space detection, enabling L2 level ADAS functionalities like AEB, ACC, and LCC [1] - The solution is optimized for ultra-low power consumption, making it highly competitive in the global driver assistance market, and is fully compliant with the upcoming AEB regulations in China [1] Group 2 - AiChip's important perception partner, Nulmax, also showcased its perception solution at the exhibition, which is focused on intelligent driving applications and has been validated across multiple vehicle models [2] - Nulmax's forward perception algorithm, based on M57 and its self-developed BEV-Transformer platform, features long perception distances and over 20 frames per second, enhancing 3D object detection and lane line recognition accuracy [2] - AiChip aims to expand its market beyond domestic boundaries, providing intelligent computing solutions for both domestic and international automotive manufacturers [2]

Core Insights - The 2025 IAA MOBILITY in Munich showcased Horizon Robotics' latest global collaborations, particularly with Bosch, marking significant progress in their partnership [1] - Bosch's upgraded driving assistance system, based on Horizon's Journey 6 series, has achieved project designations from multiple major automakers, indicating a shift to large-scale production [3] Group 1: Partnership Developments - Horizon and Bosch's collaboration has led to the development of an upgraded driving assistance system with computing power reaching 80TOPS or 128TOPS, successfully securing project designations from five automakers for over ten vehicle models [3] - The fourth-generation multifunction camera developed by Bosch, based on Horizon's Journey 6B, has also received multiple project designations and is expected to begin deliveries in June 2026 [3] Group 2: Market Position and Achievements - Horizon's Journey family of chips has surpassed 10 million units in production, making it the first domestic autonomous driving technology company to achieve this milestone [4] - The company supports partners like Bosch in efficiently completing the entire process from chip adaptation to system integration, facilitating rapid large-scale production and delivery of advanced driving technologies [4] Group 3: Strategic Vision - Horizon aims to continue its open collaboration strategy to promote the large-scale implementation of intelligent driving technology globally, emphasizing its commitment to creating safer, smarter, and more comfortable travel experiences for users [5]

Core Insights - The 2025 Qilu Autumn Auto Show serves as an important window to observe the Chinese automotive market, showcasing significant advancements in luxury attributes, intelligence levels, and core technology configurations of domestic brands [1][5] - Domestic brands, such as Hongqi and BYD, are proving their capabilities in both luxury and performance segments, marking a shift from following foreign brands to leading in high-end markets [2][3] Group 1: Domestic Brand Highlights - Hongqi's L5 model attracted significant attention, showcasing a blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern technology, emphasizing its high-end positioning as a symbol of domestic luxury [1][2] - BYD's Yangwang U9 demonstrated key breakthroughs in the supercar segment with advanced features like independent four-motor drive technology, highlighting the brand's performance capabilities [2][3] Group 2: Exhibition Scale and Brand Strategy - The exhibition layout revealed a strong presence of domestic brands, with BYD occupying over 3,000 square meters, showcasing its five sub-brands and innovative outdoor experience areas [3] - Chery and Changan also demonstrated significant exhibition areas, emphasizing their technological advancements and brand integration strategies [3] Group 3: Intelligent Features - The integration of intelligent driving features has become a standard across various price segments, with brands like Chery and Geely offering advanced driver assistance systems in their mainstream models [4] - The trend of localizing intelligent driving technologies is evident, with joint venture brands like GAC Toyota introducing advanced systems at competitive price points [4]

Core Insights - The 2025 Qilu Autumn Auto Show was held from September 4 to 8 at the Shandong International Convention and Exhibition Center, featuring various awards including the Annual Glory Brand Award and Best Partner Award [1] Group 1: Event Highlights - The Qilu Auto Show recognized the Lynk & Co 900 as the Most Attention-Grabbing Model Award [2] - Lynk & Co 900 is positioned as a "smart and versatile flagship six-seat SUV" targeting the 300,000 to 400,000 RMB market, emphasizing "space, intelligence, performance, and safety" [4] - The vehicle has received strong market response since its launch in April, with over 30,000 units delivered [4] Group 2: Technological Features - Lynk & Co 900 is built on the SPA Evo architecture, incorporating 864 cutting-edge technologies for enhanced safety, space, performance, and intelligence [4] - The vehicle features the LYNK Flyme Auto intelligent cockpit system powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chips, establishing a leading computational capability in the industry [4] - It includes a comprehensive intelligent safety assistance system with features like city NOA and highway NOA, supported by advanced sensors and NVIDIA DRIVE AGX chips [4] Group 3: Brand Engagement - Lynk & Co's exhibition space at the auto show was 600 square meters, designed to resonate with younger consumers and strengthen emotional connections with the brand [5]

Core Insights - The 2025 Qilu Autumn Auto Show serves as an important window to observe the Chinese automotive market, showcasing significant advancements in luxury attributes, intelligence levels, and core technology configurations [1] - Chinese brands, particularly Hongqi and BYD, have emerged as the focal points of the show, indicating a shift in market dynamics where domestic brands are leading in high-end segments [2][6] Brand Highlights - Hongqi's L5 model attracted considerable attention, with long queues of consumers eager to engage with the vehicle, highlighting its status as a symbol of domestic luxury [2][4] - BYD's Yangwang U9 demonstrated impressive performance capabilities, showcasing features typically found in top-tier supercars, marking a significant breakthrough for domestic brands in the supercar segment [6] Exhibition Scale and Brand Presence - The exhibition layout revealed a clear trend of domestic brands occupying larger spaces, with BYD leading with over 3,000 square meters, followed by Chery and Changan, indicating a natural result of technological accumulation and brand development [7] - The significant increase in exhibition space for domestic brands reflects a shift in market power dynamics, with Chinese brands making substantial advancements in the new energy vehicle sector [9] Technological Innovations - The outdoor exhibition area transformed into an interactive "technology carnival," with BYD's smart driving experience area allowing attendees to engage with advanced driving technologies [10] - Various brands showcased intelligent driving systems, with Chery and Geely presenting comprehensive solutions across their model ranges, indicating a widespread adoption of smart driving technologies [12][13] Market Trends - The presence of intelligent features in vehicles is no longer limited to high-end models but has become a standard across various price segments, indicating a transformation in consumer expectations [10][15] - The acceleration of intelligent driving technology adoption among joint venture brands suggests a recognition of the leading position of Chinese smart driving solutions, adapting to local consumer needs [15]

Core Insights - The automotive industry is experiencing a wave of smart technology adoption, particularly in intelligent driving, with China's L2-level assisted driving technology penetration exceeding 50%, leading globally [1] - Despite rapid development, the industry faces challenges such as exaggerated claims about driving capabilities, unreasonable subscription fees, data privacy concerns, and insufficient system reliability [1] - A recent survey indicates a high level of consumer interest in intelligent driving features but a low willingness to pay for them, highlighting a critical transition from technology adoption to market trust [1][2] Consumer Preferences and Payment Willingness - Key factors influencing car purchase decisions include safety performance (91.15%), after-sales service (53.64%), and intelligent technology configuration (43.08%) [2] - Over 80% of respondents are only willing to pay a minimal premium for intelligent driving features, with 40.08% unwilling to pay any extra fees [2] - 44.13% of respondents set a maximum willingness to pay at 5% of the vehicle price, indicating a strong preference for low-cost or free services [2] Safety Features and Payment Insights - Consumers show a strong preference for safety-enhancing features, with 63.61% willing to pay extra for enhanced visibility in adverse weather conditions [3] - 54.51% are willing to pay for driver health monitoring, reflecting concerns about driver safety [3] - 49.42% of respondents are interested in paying for fully automated parking, indicating significant market potential for this feature [4] Trust and Certification - A significant portion of consumers (82.68%) express concerns about system errors leading to accidents, while 63.05% worry about exaggerated marketing claims [5] - 74.24% of respondents believe that national safety certification would enhance their trust in intelligent driving technologies [5] - The recent release of standards by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology aims to strengthen the safety framework for intelligent connected vehicles [6] Responsibility and Liability - Nearly half (46.53%) of respondents believe that liability for accidents should be determined based on the cause of technical failure, while 42.87% think that manufacturers should bear full responsibility [6] - The survey indicates a need for clearer responsibility definitions to foster consumer trust and support the healthy development of the industry [6] Conclusion - The survey results reveal that while Chinese consumers are highly interested in intelligent driving features, their willingness to pay remains low, and there is a significant trust deficit regarding the technology [7] - Establishing transparent standards, clear responsibilities, and effective communication will be essential for the industry's sustainable growth and consumer confidence [7]

Core Insights - Avita Technology has officially launched the pre-sale of the Avita 07 2026 model, featuring advanced driving assistance systems and enhanced safety features [1][3]. Group 1: Product Features - The Avita 07 2026 model is equipped with Huawei's QianKun ADS 4 driving assistance system, supporting P2P 2.0 for smoother driving and lane changes [1]. - It includes 27 high-sensitivity sensors, including a 192-line LiDAR, and three upgraded 4D millimeter-wave radars, improving detection accuracy by 400% and reducing latency by 65% [1][3]. - The model features a comprehensive safety system with nine airbags, totaling approximately 360L in volume, ensuring full coverage for all passengers [3]. - The Avita 07 2026 model is powered by CATL batteries, utilizing NP non-thermal diffusion technology, with the Ultra range extender version offering a 52 kWh battery and a pure electric range of 333 km, and a combined range of 1200 km [3]. Group 2: User Incentives and Upgrades - Customers can reserve the vehicle with a deposit of 2000 yuan, receiving a discount of 5000 yuan on the purchase price [5]. - Existing Avita 07 users can upgrade their vehicles with enhanced features such as the Taihang chassis sports suspension and advanced driving assistance systems [5].