Core Viewpoint - The global automotive industry is experiencing a shift from aggressive electric vehicle (EV) strategies to a more cautious approach, with many companies now favoring hybrid models as a transitional solution amid market challenges [2][3][4]. Group 1: Company Strategies - Mazda has paused its pure electric push and is focusing on plug-in hybrid models, reflecting a cautious strategy in response to lower-than-expected EV demand [9][10]. - Lexus has postponed its goal of full electrification by 2035, extending the lifecycle of existing hybrid and fuel models due to consumer concerns over EV range anxiety [14][15][17]. - Audi has reversed its plan to stop developing internal combustion engine vehicles, indicating a continued commitment to hybrid technology [23]. - Mercedes-Benz has adjusted its strategy to allow for a coexistence of fuel and electric vehicles, relaxing its 2030 electrification target [24]. - BMW has restarted its development of range-extended hybrid technology and lowered its sales expectations for electric models by over 20% [25]. Group 2: Market Trends - There is a growing consumer preference for hybrid vehicles, as evidenced by Ford's report of a 30% increase in traditional hybrid sales, while EV sales have declined significantly [31][32]. - The automotive industry is in a transitional phase where traditional technologies remain crucial for competitiveness and profitability, with hybrid technology reaffirming its strategic value during this period [34].

Core Insights - The European automotive market is experiencing a significant shift towards hybrid vehicles, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) leading the growth, marking 2025 as a pivotal year for the industry [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Trends - In May 2025, the market share of hybrid vehicles (including HEVs and PHEVs) reached 43.3%, surpassing traditional fuel vehicles for the first time [1] - PHEV sales saw a robust year-on-year growth of 46.9%, nearly double the growth rate of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at 25% [1] - The market share of pure electric vehicles is slowly increasing to around 15%, indicating a preference for hybrid solutions among European consumers [1] Group 2: Chinese Automakers' Performance - Chinese automotive brands achieved total sales exceeding 60,000 units in Europe in May 2025, marking an 85% year-on-year increase and a market share rise to 5.4%-5.9% from 2.9% [2][3] - BYD's registrations in the EU and UK surged by 397% in May, leveraging a strategy that combines pure electric and hybrid models to navigate impending tariffs on pure electric vehicles [2] - The export volume of Chinese PHEVs grew by 240% year-on-year in May 2025, significantly outpacing pure electric vehicle exports [3] Group 3: Strategic Shifts - Leading Chinese automakers are shifting focus from product exports to local production and ecosystem development in Europe [4] - BYD announced the establishment of its European headquarters in Hungary, with plans for manufacturing facilities to be operational by 2026-2027 [4] - A collaborative ecosystem for lithium battery production is emerging in Hungary, with major players like CATL and others establishing operations [4] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - European automakers are responding to the rise of hybrids by launching new generations of hybrid models, intensifying competition in the hybrid technology market [3] - Local manufacturers are introducing affordable pure electric models, with new entries priced between €15,000 and €30,000, which could stimulate consumer demand [6] - The market is transitioning into a post-subsidy era, presenting challenges in balancing production costs, supply chain resilience, and stringent carbon emission regulations [6]

Core Insights - Lubrizol has successfully launched a new hybrid system-specific lubricant product in collaboration with Jiangsu Longpan Technology Co., Ltd, a leading independent lubricant brand in China, showcasing its innovative technology's role in advancing the hybrid vehicle industry and low-carbon transition in China [1][3] - The new lubricant product is tailored to meet the unique requirements of hybrid systems, utilizing Lubrizol's latest PV1710 additive, which enhances core protection performance and overall product performance [3][4] - The partnership combines Lubrizol's innovation capabilities with Longpan Technology's market leadership, aiming to accelerate the transition of the automotive industry towards more efficient and low-carbon hybrid technologies [4] Company Overview - Lubrizol is a specialty chemicals company under Berkshire Hathaway, focused on providing sustainable solutions to improve mobility and enhance quality of life [5] - Established in 1928, Lubrizol operates globally with production facilities, sales, and technical offices, employing nearly 7,000 people and serving customers in over 100 countries [5]

Core Viewpoint - The global automotive industry is actively contributing to the carbon neutrality goal through diverse technological innovations and collaborative efforts across the entire industry chain [2][29]. Group 1: Market Trends and Data - By 2024, electric vehicles will account for 14% of the global passenger car power market, while hybrid models (including HEV, PHEV, REEV) will represent 16%, surpassing the share of pure electric vehicles [2]. - The hybrid technology is increasingly recognized as a key direction for the transformation and upgrading of automotive power technologies [3][29]. - The penetration rate of electric vehicles in the Chinese market is expected to reach 75% by 2030, with a global forecast of 60% [34]. Group 2: Industry Collaboration and Innovation - The fifth International Forum on Automotive Power Systems emphasized the importance of collaboration among government, industry, academia, and enterprises to drive innovation in hybrid technology [3][10]. - The Shanghai government is enhancing the business environment to support the development of green innovation and multi-technology paths for enterprises [6][8]. - The integration of various technologies and collaborative innovation is essential for the rapid advancement of hybrid technology [14][33]. Group 3: Technological Development and Future Outlook - The development of hybrid technology is seen as a critical step towards achieving low-carbon transformation in the automotive industry, with a focus on improving engine thermal efficiency and integrating electric and internal combustion technologies [16][30]. - The hybrid power system is expected to play a significant role in the global transition to electric vehicles, with a projected market share distribution of 30% for pure electric, 30% for hybrid, and 40% for fuel vehicles by 2030 [34]. - The rise of methanol-hydrogen hybrid technology is highlighted as a successful practice in diversifying low-carbon technology routes for commercial vehicles in China [25][36].

Core Viewpoint - The research on hybrid vehicles in China has shown a declining trend in the number of related academic papers from 2016 to 2024, with a projected total of 272 papers in 2024, indicating a decrease in research interest in this field [3]. Group 1: Definition and Market Trends - Hybrid vehicles are defined as vehicles that utilize two or more power sources, specifically combining traditional internal combustion engines with electric power sources [1]. - The increasing environmental awareness and rising fuel prices have led to a growing consumer preference for hybrid vehicles, which are categorized into three main types: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEV) [1]. Group 2: Research Output and Institutions - Higher education institutions are the primary contributors to the literature on hybrid vehicles, with Jilin University leading by publishing 410 related papers [5]. - The overall research output in the hybrid vehicle sector has been declining, with a notable drop in the number of papers published in recent years [3]. Group 3: Research Themes and Disciplines - Hybrid technology is identified as a popular research theme within the hybrid vehicle sector, alongside control strategies and HEV-related studies [8]. - The automotive industry is recognized as a key research discipline in the hybrid vehicle field, with significant contributions also coming from industrial economics and electric power industries [9].