Core Insights - Sharp has ventured into the automotive industry by unveiling its LDK+ electric MPV concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, which is designed to be an extension of the living room and is expected to launch in 2027 [1] - The concept features rotating seats, a retractable screen for cinema-like experiences, and AIoT connectivity that allows integration with home appliances [1] Industry Trends - The home appliance market has become increasingly competitive, prompting companies to explore new growth avenues such as automotive manufacturing [2] - Xiaomi's smart electric vehicle and AI business saw a gross margin increase to 26.4% in Q2, while its IoT and lifestyle products achieved a gross margin of 22.5%, indicating strong performance compared to other appliance manufacturers [2] Strategic Advantages - Home appliance companies possess inherent advantages in entering the automotive sector, as they can leverage their expertise in smart connectivity and the overlapping user demographics between home appliances and vehicles [3] Company Strategies - Haier has entered the used car market through its subsidiary, Katai Chi, and invested $1.8 billion to acquire a controlling stake in Autohome, further integrating into the automotive supply chain [4] - Midea focuses on core automotive components rather than manufacturing vehicles, committing $1 billion over ten years to develop leading technologies in this area [4] - Gree has invested in the bus sector, acquiring a controlling stake in Yinlong New Energy and rebranding it as Gree Titanium, with its batteries being used in public transport [4] Emerging Players - Skyworth has invested 10 billion yuan in automotive ventures, with plans to invest an additional 30 billion yuan, aiming to rank among the top 10 global automotive manufacturers [5] - Stone Technology has launched its electric vehicle, Extreme Stone 01, which has seen increasing sales, achieving 1,426 units in October [5] - New entrants like Chasing have announced plans to manufacture vehicles, targeting high-end markets with ambitions to compete with brands like Bugatti and Rolls Royce [5]