Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding Zeekr's sales practices, particularly the sale of "0-kilometer used cars," which the company denies, asserting that the vehicles in question are exhibition cars that have not been registered as used cars [1][2]. Group 1: Company Response - Zeekr officially denied allegations of selling "0-kilometer used cars," stating that the vehicles are exhibition cars that have never been registered or issued retail invoices, maintaining their status as new cars [1]. - The company emphasized that exhibition cars, which typically have a storage age of 3-5 months, are sold at a discount based on their display history, and buyers enjoy full rights as the first owner of a new vehicle [1]. - Zeekr has established a special team to investigate and improve the issues related to the reported sales practices to enhance consumer purchasing experience [1]. Group 2: Industry Context - An investigation revealed that since May, Zeekr has been accused of selling previously insured inventory vehicles as new cars, leading to numerous consumer complaints [2]. - In December of the previous year, Zeekr experienced a significant surge in sales in Shenzhen and Xiamen, with sales increasing by 377.5% and 647.8% respectively, alongside a record delivery of 27,190 vehicles, marking a 102% year-on-year growth [2]. - The term "0-kilometer used car" refers to vehicles that have completed registration but have very low or zero mileage, often stemming from manufacturers clearing old stock or dealers pre-registering vehicles for sales incentives [2][3]. Group 3: Regulatory Attention - The issue of "0-kilometer used cars" has drawn attention from industry leaders and regulatory bodies, with Great Wall Motors' chairman highlighting it as a market disruption [3]. - The Ministry of Commerce has expressed support for the development of the used car market and is working on regulations for used car exports, aiming to ensure quality and safety in the sector [3].

Group 1 - The core issue in the electric vehicle industry is the emergence of irrational competition methods such as "price wars" and "0-kilometer used cars," which disrupt market order and affect sustainable development [2] - "0-kilometer used cars" refer to vehicles with mileage between 0-1000 kilometers that are registered but sold as used cars, allowing manufacturers to enhance sales data and brand influence [2] - The practice of selling "0-kilometer used cars" is widespread, with reports indicating that thousands of companies are involved in this market, often pricing these vehicles significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price [2][9] Group 2 - Zeekr brand recently faced public scrutiny over allegations of selling "0-kilometer used cars," but clarified that the vehicles in question were normal display cars and not classified as "0-kilometer used cars" [3][4] - Zeekr emphasized that their display cars are legally considered new vehicles as they have not been registered or issued retail invoices, and they maintain consumer rights similar to new car buyers [4][7] - The distinction between display cars and "0-kilometer used cars" is legally significant, as registration status is the key factor in defining a used car [7] Group 3 - The phenomenon of "0-kilometer used cars" is seen as a symptom of deeper issues within the automotive industry, reflecting pressures of internal competition and inventory clearance strategies by dealers [10] - The Ministry of Commerce is actively engaging with industry associations and companies to address the "0-kilometer used car" issue and promote healthy development in the used car market [10][11] - Proposed regulations, such as a ban on transferring new cars to used car status within six months of registration, aim to curb the circulation of "0-kilometer used cars" and restore market order [11]

Core Viewpoint - Zeekr has issued a statement clarifying media reports regarding "0-kilometer used cars," emphasizing its commitment to a fair and transparent business environment and denying any involvement in selling such vehicles [1][2]. Group 1: Company Response - Zeekr supports national calls for a transparent business environment and opposes the sale of "0-kilometer used cars," stating that the vehicles in question are exhibition cars that have never been registered or sold as used cars [1]. - The company ensures that consumers are informed about the nature of the vehicles, with clear labeling on the purchase app and a secondary reminder before finalizing the order [2][8]. - Zeekr has established a special team to investigate and improve any issues related to consumer complaints about vehicle sales [2]. Group 2: Industry Context - The term "0-kilometer used car" refers to vehicles that have been registered but not used, often sold at significantly lower prices than new cars, leading to consumer complaints and confusion [8]. - Reports indicate that many consumers across various regions have encountered issues with purchasing what they believed to be new cars, only to find out they were previously registered [8]. - The phenomenon of "0-kilometer used cars" is recognized as a growing issue in the industry, with estimates suggesting that such vehicles may account for 5% to 8% of the total used car market [9].

Core Viewpoint - Zeekr has been accused of selling previously insured and registered vehicles as new cars, leading to numerous consumer complaints and allegations of misleading sales practices [1][4][5]. Group 1: Consumer Complaints - Consumers in multiple regions, including Guizhou, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, discovered that the "new cars" they purchased had already been insured and registered, effectively making them "used cars" [4][5]. - When consumers sought refunds or compensation, they often faced evasion or denial from the company [5][11]. - Affected consumers reported that sales personnel misrepresented vehicle information, claiming the cars were new and had not been insured [10][11]. Group 2: Sales Practices and Market Impact - The practice of selling "0-kilometer used cars," which are vehicles that have been registered but not used, has emerged as a tactic to inflate sales figures and create a false sense of demand [8][12]. - Industry experts suggest that some automakers are using these tactics to manipulate financial reports and mislead the capital market regarding actual supply and demand [12]. - Data from the China Passenger Car Association indicates that Zeekr's production in 2024 exceeded its sales, suggesting a need to offload excess inventory [11]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Zeekr reported a total sales volume of 43,012 units in June, but the core brand's delivery was only 16,702 units, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 17% [13]. - The company has accumulated significant net losses over the years, totaling 26.22 billion yuan from 2021 to 2024, with a slight reduction in losses in the first quarter of 2025 [13]. Group 4: Industry Context - The rise of "0-kilometer used cars" is attributed to increased competition and inventory pressure within the automotive market, leading manufacturers to adopt aggressive sales strategies [15][17]. - The China Automobile Dealers Association reported that the national used car transaction volume reached 19.61 million units in 2024, with an estimated 5% to 8% of these being "0-kilometer used cars" [18].

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is experiencing a supply-demand imbalance, leading to a phenomenon known as "0-kilometer used cars," where new cars are registered but never driven, creating a secondary market that significantly undercuts new car prices [3][58]. Group 1: Price Dynamics - The price of new cars has drastically dropped, with models like the BMW 3 Series 2024 originally priced at 390,000 yuan now selling for 220,000 yuan, representing a significant discount [4]. - "0-kilometer used cars" are being sold at prices 20%-30% lower than new cars, with some models seeing price cuts of up to 70% off the suggested retail price [8][21]. Group 2: Market Mechanisms - The phenomenon of "0-kilometer used cars" has led to a complex export trade, particularly to markets like Russia, where these vehicles are sold under the guise of used cars to avoid taxes [10][18]. - The automotive industry has seen a surge in exports, with over 1.93 million Chinese cars exported from January to April this year, highlighting the growing interest in "0-kilometer used cars" [19]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Wei Jianjun, chairman of Great Wall Motors, criticized the chaotic nature of the "0-kilometer used car" market, indicating that thousands of companies are involved in this practice, which has prompted regulatory discussions [13][16]. - The Ministry of Commerce has convened meetings to address the "0-kilometer used car" issue, indicating a recognition of the need for regulation in this area [16][50]. Group 4: Consumer Concerns - Consumers face risks when purchasing "0-kilometer used cars," particularly regarding warranty issues, as many manufacturers only provide coverage for the first owner [42][43]. - There are concerns about the condition of these vehicles, as they may have been idle for extended periods, leading to potential safety issues [44][45]. Group 5: Industry Challenges - The automotive industry is currently facing a price war, with many manufacturers reducing prices to stimulate sales, which has led to a perception of "0-kilometer used cars" as a means to offload unsold inventory [50][51]. - The oversupply in the market has created a competitive environment that may harm product quality and long-term industry health [55][57].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and implications of "0-kilometer used cars" in the automotive market, highlighting how this phenomenon disrupts traditional sales practices and affects both consumers and manufacturers [3][5][50]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The concept of "0-kilometer used cars" refers to vehicles that have been registered but are sold as used cars, often with minimal mileage, creating confusion in the market [3][10]. - The number of used car transactions has surpassed new car registrations for four consecutive years, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards used vehicles [14][15]. - The rise of "0-kilometer used cars" is attributed to changes in supply, with a significant influx of both traditional and new energy vehicles into the used car market [14][15]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly opting for "0-kilometer used cars" as a cost-effective alternative, especially among young graduates and middle-aged workers who seek both affordability and status [20][21]. - The perception of buying used cars has shifted from "buy new, not old" to "having a car is sufficient," reflecting changing attitudes towards vehicle ownership [15][20]. Group 3: Industry Practices - Some manufacturers engage in practices that inflate sales figures by registering vehicles under their names before selling them to used car dealers, contributing to the "0-kilometer" phenomenon [35][46]. - The article highlights that "0-kilometer used cars" serve as a financial tool for manufacturers and dealers, allowing them to meet sales targets and clear inventory while benefiting from government subsidies [46][47]. Group 4: Challenges and Risks - The proliferation of "0-kilometer used cars" has led to price wars, impacting the profitability of traditional car manufacturers and dealers [49][50]. - The reliance on inflated sales data and the neglect of product experience have drawn criticism from industry observers, indicating potential long-term risks for the automotive sector [50][51].

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "0-kilometer used cars" is disrupting the automotive sales market, leading to distorted sales data for car manufacturers and creating challenges for traditional car sales practices [4][5][36]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - "0-kilometer used cars" are defined as vehicles with mileage between 0 and 1000 kilometers that are sold as used cars despite being nearly new [7][11]. - The second-hand car market has seen a significant shift, with the volume of second-hand car transactions surpassing new car registrations for four consecutive years since 2020, indicating a change in consumer preferences [11][12]. - The appeal of "0-kilometer used cars" lies in their cost savings, as they can save buyers on purchase tax and insurance premiums, making them attractive to various consumer groups, including young graduates and middle-aged workers [16][17]. Group 2: Industry Practices - The rise of "0-kilometer used cars" is partly driven by car manufacturers and dealers engaging in practices to meet sales targets, such as registering vehicles under company names to inflate sales figures [25][28]. - Some manufacturers tie warranties and services to the first owner, creating a situation where second-hand buyers, especially those purchasing for ride-hailing services, do not benefit from these protections [23][24]. - The market for "0-kilometer used cars" has also attracted international buyers, particularly from Central Asia and Africa, who are less concerned about the vehicle's registration status [19][35]. Group 3: Market Impact - The proliferation of "0-kilometer used cars" is leading to price wars, affecting the profitability of traditional car manufacturers and dealers, as these vehicles can be sold at significantly lower prices than new cars [36][37]. - The reliance on "0-kilometer used cars" as a financial tool for manufacturers and dealers is creating a cycle of pressure that ultimately harms the market, as it shifts focus from genuine sales to speculative practices [36][37]. - The market is witnessing a decline in the number of young buyers opting for "0-kilometer used cars," as many are becoming more rational in their purchasing decisions due to price adjustments by manufacturers [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "0-kilometer used cars" in the automotive industry, highlighting the confusion and controversy surrounding this practice, which involves new cars being sold as used cars shortly after registration, creating a chaotic market environment [1][31]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The term "0-kilometer used cars" refers to vehicles that are registered but quickly returned to dealers, creating a misleading perception of being used while they are essentially new [1][21]. - A recent closed-door meeting convened by the Ministry of Commerce included car manufacturers, industry associations, and even platforms like Douyin, indicating the widespread concern over this issue [3][29]. - The practice has led to a significant backlash from dealers, with many expressing their grievances publicly, suggesting a divide between regulatory scrutiny and market practices [4][16]. Group 2: Market Implications - The article notes that the availability of "0-kilometer used cars" is partly driven by manufacturers wanting to boost sales figures and clear out inventory, which can distort the traditional pricing structure in the automotive market [21][24]. - The phenomenon has also been fueled by high consumer subsidies for electric vehicle replacements, leading to a surge in demand for these vehicles, which dealers exploit for profit [24][26]. - The article highlights that some vehicles are being exported as "0-kilometer used cars," where they can fetch higher prices abroad, further complicating the domestic market dynamics [28][29]. Group 3: Consumer Considerations - Consumers are cautioned about the potential risks associated with purchasing "0-kilometer used cars," particularly regarding warranty issues and the possibility of hidden debts tied to these vehicles [30][31]. - The article emphasizes the need for consumers to be vigilant and compare configurations, as some "0-kilometer used cars" may have reduced features compared to new models [30][31]. - Overall, the surge in "0-kilometer used cars" reflects deeper structural issues within the automotive industry, raising questions about the necessity and methods of regulation [31].

Group 1 - The automotive market is experiencing a new round of price wars, with significant price reductions on various models, such as the Geely Emgrand at 29,900 yuan and the Chery Tiggo 3X at 34,900 yuan [1][2] - Following BYD's promotional campaign on May 23, other brands like Geely and Chery quickly adopted similar strategies, but the discounts often involve repackaging existing subsidies rather than genuine price cuts [2][3] - Sales personnel from various companies indicate that the current price reductions are primarily aimed at clearing inventory and boosting sales, rather than reflecting a true decrease in vehicle prices [2][8] Group 2 - Geely's recent "Million Welfare" campaign offers subsidies ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan, with the Geely Star Wish priced at 59,800 yuan, positioning it competitively against BYD's models [5] - Chery has also launched a "100 Billion Factory Subsidy" initiative, with the Tiggo 3X starting at 34,900 yuan, indicating that price reductions are often tied to subsidies [5][8] - The pressure to meet sales targets is evident, with reports of single vehicle profits being as low as 2,000 yuan, as manufacturers strive to improve sales figures before the end of the first half of the year [8][12] Group 3 - The automotive industry is seeing a decline in the number of models experiencing price cuts, with only 14 models reduced in April compared to 41 in the previous year, suggesting a cooling of the price-cutting trend [13] - Despite the price reductions, consumer sentiment is mixed, with some potential buyers expressing concern over the quality of vehicles due to fears of further price drops [15] - Industry experts suggest that while price promotions can temporarily boost sales, they are not sustainable long-term and may hinder overall industry growth [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "0-kilometer used cars" has emerged as a significant issue in the automotive industry, reflecting deeper structural contradictions within the sector [1][5]. Group 1: Industry Context - "0-kilometer used cars" refer to vehicles that are registered but not genuinely sold, often returning to used car dealers, creating a chaotic market environment with thousands of dealers involved [1]. - The concept is not new and dates back over a decade to the early implementation of subsidies for new energy vehicles, where companies registered new cars to inflate sales figures and obtain more subsidies [1]. - The recent attention on "0-kilometer used cars" has prompted the Ministry of Commerce to convene a meeting with car manufacturers and industry associations to discuss the implications and promote the circulation of used cars [1]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - In the domestic market, "0-kilometer used cars" can be categorized into three main types: 1. "Resource cars" sold in bulk by manufacturers, often consisting of older or unsold models [4]. 2. "Volume cars" that authorized 4S dealerships register in advance to meet sales targets [4]. 3. "Return cars" where dealers take over payments for vehicles that customers have backed out of [4]. - This practice allows manufacturers to quickly recover funds and improve sales figures while maintaining stable pricing within their distribution networks [4]. Group 3: Risks and Implications - The rise of "0-kilometer used cars" poses risks to industry development and consumer interests, such as the potential for dealers to fraudulently claim government subsidies [5]. - These vehicles, while technically new, lack official manufacturer warranties and may carry hidden risks, including debt issues related to the vehicle's ownership [5]. - The increase in "0-kilometer used cars" highlights the survival pressures faced by manufacturers amid market saturation and the need for industry transformation, suggesting that such practices undermine fair competition and could have long-term negative impacts on brands and consumers [5].