Core Insights - The market share of joint venture brands has decreased from nearly 70% to below 40%, facing challenges from domestic and new energy vehicle (NEV) competitors [1] - Despite the challenges, joint venture brands have shown signs of recovery in May, with several brands reporting increased sales [2][3] Group 1: Sales Performance - In May, the total retail volume of passenger cars reached 1.932 million units, with domestic brands selling 1.26 million units (up 29% year-on-year) and mainstream joint venture brands selling 470,000 units (down 5% year-on-year) [3] - The decline in sales for joint venture brands has slowed, with the drop not exceeding 5% in recent months, compared to double-digit declines earlier in 2024 [4][5] - Specific joint venture brands reported the following sales figures in May: SAIC Volkswagen (87,000 units, up 4.3%), FAW Toyota (68,000 units, up 24%), and GAC Toyota (62,000 units, up 1.82%) [2] Group 2: Factors Influencing Sales - The "trade-in" policy has significantly supported sales, with nearly 70% of private car buyers utilizing this policy in May [6] - Many models from joint venture brands have undergone technical upgrades, contributing to sales growth [6][7] - Price competition has intensified, with discounts on B-class cars reaching up to 50,000 yuan, making them more attractive to consumers [7] Group 3: New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Development - Joint venture brands are increasingly focusing on NEVs as traditional fuel vehicles reach a sales plateau [10][11] - Recent months have seen improved sales for NEV models from joint venture brands, with GAC Toyota's Platinum 3X achieving monthly sales of over 6,700 units [11][12] - The shift in pricing strategy towards more competitive pricing for NEVs has also contributed to sales growth [12] Group 4: Future Outlook - The upcoming year is expected to be significant for joint venture brands as they plan to launch a range of new energy products [13] - The key to success in the NEV market lies in adapting to market demands and learning from successful strategies employed by domestic brands and new energy players [12][13]