Core Viewpoint - The core feature of the automotive market in 2026 is shifting from "price wars" to "value wars," indicating that competition among car manufacturers will focus on providing better technology, superior configurations, and sustained experiences within mainstream price ranges [1] Group 1: Market Trends - In 2025, the number of models with price reductions was 177, a decrease of 42 models compared to 2024, and this number is expected to further decline in 2026, reflecting a shrinking market strategy that relies solely on price cuts [1] - Over 30% of consumers have set their budget for the next vehicle at over 300,000 yuan, indicating a growing sensitivity to the "value" of vehicles rather than just price [1] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The average retail price of domestic passenger cars has steadily increased from 151,000 yuan in 2019 to 183,000 yuan in 2023, with a forecasted average of 184,000 yuan in 2024 [1] - In December 2025, the average price rebounded to 184,000 yuan, demonstrating the stability of the consumer base [1] - According to the Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Research Report, over 63% of consumers are budgeting 300,000 yuan or more for their next vehicle [1]