Core Viewpoint - The China Automobile Industry Association (CAAM) has released the "Supplier Payment Norms Initiative" to standardize payment practices between automobile manufacturers and suppliers, aiming to protect the rights of suppliers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, and promote a healthier automotive industry ecosystem [3][9]. Group 1: Initiative Details - The initiative outlines norms for order confirmation, delivery and acceptance, payment and settlement, and contract duration between automobile manufacturers and suppliers [3]. - In the order confirmation section, it specifies that both parties must agree on order details and any changes must be mutually consented [3]. - For delivery and acceptance, manufacturers are required to complete acceptance within three working days and notify suppliers of any discrepancies [6]. Group 2: Payment Terms - The initiative states that payment terms should not exceed 60 calendar days from the date of delivery and acceptance [6][9]. - For continuous supply from non-small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturers can negotiate concentrated billing periods [6]. - If pricing is not agreed upon, manufacturers should make an initial payment based on the most recent contract price, with adjustments made once a price is established [6]. Group 3: Industry Context - The automotive market has become increasingly competitive, leading to pressure on suppliers through lower procurement prices and extended payment periods, negatively impacting the supply chain [7]. - In the first four months of this year, China's automotive production and sales exceeded 10 million units, but industry profit margins have declined to 4.1% despite increased sales [7]. - The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation between manufacturers and suppliers, with 17 major manufacturers committing to the 60-day payment term [9][10].

Group 1: Automotive Industry - 17 automotive companies have committed to implementing the payment initiative for suppliers, responding to the call from the China Automobile Industry Association to ensure timely payments and protect supplier interests [2][2][2] - These companies have publicly pledged that the payment period for suppliers will not exceed 60 days and will adhere to the requirements in key areas such as order confirmation, delivery, acceptance, and payment [2][2][2] Group 2: Battery Materials - Enjie Co., Ltd. reported stable growth in demand and orders from downstream customers, with high capacity utilization and industry-leading product quality [5] - Yahua Group plans to start the construction of a pilot line for sulfide solid-state electrolytes in 2026, focusing on the development and industrialization of key materials [7] - Zijin Mining has launched a lithium carbonate project in Argentina with an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons, with plans for further expansion to 60,000-80,000 tons [9] - Tianhua New Energy intends to acquire 75% of Suzhou Tianhua Times for 1.254 billion yuan, enhancing its long-term development strategy in overseas lithium resource investment [11] - Taihe Technology is in the pilot testing phase for its solid-state electrolyte lithium aluminum titanium phosphate, with no current sales or partnerships established [14] Group 3: Equipment and Financing - Aotewei plans to invest 144 million yuan to increase its stake in its subsidiary, Wuxi Songci Electromechanical Co., Ltd. [16] - Dutch startup LeydenJar has completed a financing round of 13 million euros (approximately 108 million yuan) to finalize the construction of its silicon anode factory [18] - Mercedes-Benz announced successful long-distance road tests of its solid-state battery-equipped EQS vehicle, achieving a range of 1205 kilometers without recharging [19]