Core Insights - The 13th Xuan Yuan Awards ceremony was held on December 20, recognizing significant contributions to the Chinese automotive industry [1] - The Zeekr 9X won the "Car of the Year" award, with a total of ten vehicles named in the "Top 10 Cars" list [3][5] - The event highlighted the importance of independent evaluation in the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and progress in the new automotive era [8] Award Highlights - The "Car of the Year" award was won by Zeekr 9X [5] - The "Top 10 Cars" included: Zeekr 9X, new Xiaopeng P7, Zun Jie S800, new MG4, AITO M8, Geely Galaxy M9, Weipai new Gaoshan, Li Auto i6, Mengshi M817, and NIO new ES8 [3][5] - The "Best Designer of the Year" award went to Wang Tan, General Manager of Xiaopeng Automotive Design Center [3] Additional Awards - The "China Annual Joint Venture Models" included: Dongfeng Nissan N7, SAIC Audi E5 Sportback, FAW Audi new A5L, Buick Zhijing L7, FAW-Volkswagen new generation Sagitar L, and GAC Toyota Platinum 3X [3] - The "China Annual Nominated Cars" featured: iCAR Super V23, Fengyun A9L, Lynk & Co 900, Geely Galaxy Xingyao 8, Avita 07 extended version, Changan Qiyuan A06, and several others [3] Evaluation Process - The Xuan Yuan Awards were initiated by Automotive Business Review and EFS, with a rigorous evaluation process involving five technical teams and a final review by a jury [8] - The evaluation covered ten dimensions, including dynamic control, assisted driving, automatic parking, and intelligent cockpit experience [9] - Key insights from the evaluation teams highlighted trends in dynamic performance, urban navigation, and advancements in intelligent cockpit technology [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The Xuanyuan Awards serve as a prestigious recognition of the achievements in the Chinese automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of independent evaluation and the need for high-quality, sustainable development in the sector [3][4][6]. Group 1: Event Overview - The 13th Xuanyuan Annual Ceremony took place on December 20, 2025, in Beijing, highlighting the significant contributions of the automotive industry over the past year [3]. - The awards aim to guide the future direction of the Chinese automotive industry amidst a transformative period characterized by intense competition and technological diversity [3][8]. Group 2: Evaluation Principles - The Xuanyuan Awards adhere to three core principles: independence from business interests, power, and personal relationships, which are fundamental to its evaluation process [4][6]. - The awards are designed to respond to the core demands of the industry and consumers, providing a clear benchmark for product quality and innovation [8]. Group 3: Award Winners - The winners of the 13th Xuanyuan Awards include notable models such as the Zeekr 9X, AITO M8, and the new Xpeng P7, which exemplify innovation and quality in the current automotive landscape [12][30][41]. - The Zeekr 9X was recognized for its unique design and advanced technology, showcasing the latest heights of Chinese automotive engineering [24][26]. - The AITO M8 has achieved significant sales, with over 140,000 units delivered since its launch, reflecting its strong market position [32][30]. - The new Xpeng P7 was awarded for its outstanding design and technological advancements, setting a new standard in the electric vehicle segment [43][96]. Group 4: Industry Insights - The automotive industry in China is currently facing challenges such as price wars and product homogenization, necessitating a focus on high-quality, emotionally resonant products [8]. - The Xuanyuan Awards aim to establish a clear standard for product excellence, helping consumers navigate the complexities of the automotive market [8][10].

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation characterized by electrification, intelligence, and ecological integration, with companies facing strategic choices based on their understanding of the industry's essence [1][6]. Group 1: Conservative Approach - Conservative companies focus on core automotive technologies, aiming for breakthroughs in battery energy density and intelligent driving algorithms, which helps maintain profitability during market fluctuations [2]. - The conservative strategy is driven by a deep understanding of the industry and a rational focus on resources, allowing companies like Great Wall Motors and Leap Motor to establish strong user recognition in specific market segments [1][2]. - The conservative approach may lead to challenges such as price wars due to hardware standardization and global overcapacity pressures, necessitating continuous software innovation [2]. Group 2: Transformative Approach - Transformative companies view the automotive industry as part of a larger interconnected ecosystem, leveraging AI and cross-industry collaborations to create competitive advantages [3][4]. - Companies like Xpeng and Geely are investing in technologies such as intelligent robots and satellite communications to enhance their product offerings and create unique selling points [3][4]. - The transformative strategy is supported by strong capital backing and the ability to repurpose existing technology for new applications, although it carries higher risks due to significant R&D investments and complex management challenges [4][5]. Group 3: Strategic Divergence and Integration - The fundamental difference between conservative and transformative strategies lies in their strategic motivations and technological paths, with conservative firms focusing on survival and stability while transformative firms pursue growth and innovation [5]. - Companies like BYD and Huawei exemplify a blend of both strategies, integrating vertical control and ecosystem collaboration to enhance their core business while exploring new opportunities [5]. - The future of the automotive industry may see a dynamic integration of both strategies, where conservative firms extend their boundaries after achieving technological breakthroughs, and transformative firms reinforce their core strengths through ecosystem development [5][6][7].