Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Li Auto's four collaboration models with suppliers, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and self-research in enhancing product competitiveness and supply chain security [1][5][13]. Group 1: Collaboration Models - **Self-Research and Manufacturing**: Li Auto designs and produces key components in-house, such as the rear electric drive system for the i8, to ensure competitive efficiency and product integration [6][7]. - **Self-Research with Key Technology Lock-in**: The company collaborates with suppliers like Huichuan to co-develop critical components, such as the front electric drive, to mitigate risks and enhance supply chain security [8][9]. - **Deep Cooperation for Cutting-Edge Technology**: Li Auto invests heavily in partnerships, such as with CATL for the 5C ultra-fast charging Kirin battery, which significantly improves charging times and vehicle range [11][12]. - **Strategic Cooperation for Product Optimization**: Collaborations with companies like Horizon and Hesai lead to customized components that meet specific technical requirements, enhancing overall product performance [12][14]. Group 2: Supply Chain Strategy - **Investment in Core Technologies**: Li Auto focuses on self-research in critical areas like battery cell technology while outsourcing manufacturing to specialized firms, ensuring advanced technology without heavy capital investment [14]. - **Dynamic Supplier Management**: The company maintains a flexible supplier base of approximately 500, aiming to streamline this number for better cost efficiency and competitive advantage [14]. - **Balancing Self-Research and Outsourcing**: Li Auto adopts a dual approach of self-research and external procurement to foster healthy competition among suppliers, ensuring continuous technological advancement and cost optimization [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic supply chain management of Li Auto, emphasizing its focus on self-research and manufacturing of key components, particularly the rear electric drive system for the i8 model, to enhance product competitiveness and ensure supply security [2][12][14]. Group 1: Company Overview and Performance - Li Auto's partner, United Power, has completed its IPO registration, marking a significant step in its listing process, with revenue growth from 2.9 billion yuan in 2021 to 16.2 billion yuan in 2024 [2]. - Li Auto has crossed the milestone of one million sales and over 100 billion yuan in revenue, positioning United Power among China's leading suppliers of core components for electric vehicles [3]. Group 2: Supply Chain Strategy - Li Auto's strategy prioritizes supply chain construction, aiming for rapid technological innovation and efficient product iteration through deep collaboration with suppliers [4][5]. - The company employs a four-tier supplier management system, ranging from self-research and manufacturing of core components to strategic partnerships for optimizing product definitions [6][12][19]. Group 3: Self-Research and Manufacturing - The rear electric drive system for the i8 is developed in-house, utilizing silicon carbide technology to enhance efficiency, which is crucial for maximizing internal space [13][16]. - Li Auto has invested in a production line capable of producing one million electric drives annually, ensuring supply security and competitive advantage [14][15]. Group 4: Collaborative Development - For critical components, Li Auto opts for self-research followed by joint manufacturing with suppliers, exemplified by the partnership with United Power to develop the front electric drive [15]. - The collaboration with semiconductor company Sico has led to the production of silicon carbide power modules, significantly improving vehicle range and design flexibility [16]. Group 5: Strategic Partnerships - Li Auto has engaged in deep cooperation with battery suppliers like CATL and Xinwanda, establishing dedicated teams to enhance integration and data sharing for quality control [17][18]. - The company has also partnered with Horizon Robotics for advanced chip technology, ensuring that its vehicles meet high-performance standards [19]. Group 6: Market Positioning and Risks - Li Auto's supply chain strategy is influenced by the need to balance self-research and external procurement, ensuring competitive pricing and technological advancement [21][22]. - The company has faced challenges, including production halts and sales fluctuations, which have impacted its supply chain and financial performance [24][25][26].