Core Insights - The energy consumption landscape during the "May Day" holiday shows strong market performance for both electric and fuel vehicles, with a 28% year-on-year increase in electric vehicle charging at highway service areas [2] - Despite advancements in charging infrastructure, 69.3% of car buyers still prefer fuel vehicles, indicating a complex market demand [2] - Major automakers are adopting a "dual-track" technology strategy to address diverse market needs, exemplified by Great Wall Motors' "pan-internal combustion engine strategy" [2] Industry Trends - The penetration rate of new energy vehicles in China reached 47.6% in 2024, a 12 percentage point increase year-on-year, yet fuel vehicles still hold significant market share due to diverse regional and usage scenarios [3] - Traditional automakers are innovating to enhance the competitiveness of fuel vehicles, with Geely's G-Power system achieving a thermal efficiency of 44.26% and Changan's new Blue Whale power platform achieving low fuel consumption [3] Technological Developments - Multinational brands are implementing differentiated technology strategies, such as Audi's integration of a 48V mild hybrid system with its EA888 Evo4 engine, reducing fuel consumption in the Q7 model [4] - Modular platforms are being developed to accommodate fuel, hybrid, and electric powertrains, allowing for a 30% reduction in single vehicle R&D costs [4] Market Dynamics - The sustained demand for fuel vehicles in China is driven by user preferences, technological complementarity, and the adaptability of the industrial base [6] - In the family first-time buyer segment, 63% of price-sensitive consumers prefer fuel vehicles due to lower purchase costs and convenience [6] - The fuel vehicle supply chain remains robust, with 75% of the 23,000 automotive parts companies focusing on fuel vehicle components [6] Global Perspective - Fuel vehicle market share remains high in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with Chinese automakers optimizing products for these markets [7] - In 2024, fuel vehicle exports from China are expected to reach 2.34 million units, a 27% year-on-year increase, with the average export price rising from $12,000 to $18,000 [7] - The market is evolving through demand segmentation, technological integration, and global expansion, indicating that the coexistence of fuel and electric vehicles will characterize the automotive industry for the next decade [7]