Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to BYD (1211 HK), Desay SV (002920 CH), and Contemporary Amperex Technology (300750 CH) [54][60][65]. Core Insights - The China auto market has shown another double-digit year-on-year growth, with wholesale unit deliveries reaching 2.5 million units in June, marking a 14.5% increase year-on-year and a 7.8% increase month-on-month [1][7]. - The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing suboptimal growth, with EV penetration at 52.7% in June, which is below expectations and historical highs [1][7]. - Concerns are raised regarding the slowing growth of EV penetration, potentially due to aggressive pricing strategies from internal combustion engine (ICE) car manufacturers and the upcoming 50% cut to EV purchase tax exemptions starting next year [2][7]. Summary by Sections China Auto Market Performance - In 1H25, the China auto market reported a total of 13.5 million wholesale shipments, reflecting a 12.9% year-on-year growth, while retail sales (excluding minivans) reached 10.9 million units, up 10.8% year-on-year [8]. - The overall growth momentum in 1H25 was slightly above expectations, supported by government subsidies for scrapping and trade-in programs [8]. Electric Vehicle Market - Monthly retail sales of PV EVs reached 1.1 million units in June, representing a 30.2% year-on-year increase [1][9]. - The report highlights that BEVs outperformed PHEVs/EREVs in terms of growth, with BEVs showing 45% year-on-year growth in wholesale shipments during 1H25 [9]. OEM Strategies and Market Dynamics - OEMs are currently preparing their strategies for 2H25, with expectations of model launches and adjustments in response to government policies against over-competition [3]. - BYD remains a top pick due to its strategies aimed at regaining market share, including reducing SKUs and improving model features without price increases [4]. Battery Market Insights - EV battery installations grew by 35.9% year-on-year to 58.2 GWh in June, with total installations for 1H25 reaching 300 GWh, a 47.3% increase year-on-year [5]. - CATL and BYD maintained their market leadership in the battery sector, holding 43.7% and 21.5% market shares, respectively [5]. Lithium Market Trends - The price of lithium carbonate in China rebounded from a low of CNY 60,000 per tonne in late June to CNY 63,000 per tonne in early July [5][48]. - The report anticipates potential downside risks to lithium production in July due to weakened demand and government interventions [5][48].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 reached RMB 1.2 billion, a 30% increase year over year [19] - Sales of goods revenue was RMB 879 million, up 16% year over year [19] - Gross profit for the quarter was RMB 243 million, up 19% year over year, resulting in a gross margin of 19.8% [20][21] - Adjusted EBITDA loss improved significantly compared to a loss of RMB 224 million during the same period last year [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipments surged to 684,000 units, a 35.8% increase year over year [6][10] - Software license revenue increased by 148% year over year, driven by higher demand and a one-time contract [20] - Service revenue rose to RMB 157 million, up 49% year over year, primarily due to design and development contracts [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global vehicle sales fell by 5.6% year over year, while the China market grew by 12.9% year over year [5] - The company serves 18 OEMs across 28 brands globally, indicating a growing scale and trust from global automakers [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for intelligent solutions in the automotive industry, focusing on innovative product offerings and strategic global partnerships [4][5] - Plans to establish a global supply chain center and engineering center in Singapore to enhance international operations and support global customers [17][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in capturing opportunities as the automotive industry transitions to software-defined intelligent vehicles [18] - The company highlighted a robust pipeline of new projects and ongoing global expansion, with a positive outlook for 2025 [9][18] Other Important Information - The company achieved a significant milestone with the successful integration of intelligent driving and parking capabilities into its Antora platform [15] - The company has expanded its intellectual property portfolio to 705 registered patents and 778 pending applications as of March 31, 2025 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Skyline's recent orders and profitability - Management reported good orders for Skyline in Q1, with fair market gross margins and confidence in maintaining goals for the product line [30] Question: Additional pressure for annual cost down - Management indicated that they are competitive in the China market and have achieved yearly cost reductions from OEM customers [31] Question: Involvement in the Cheney Hong Han H3 program - Management stated they are close partners with GD and are engaged in the ADAS roadmap, but did not provide specific details on the H3 program [32] Question: New business within automakers for SPV - Management confirmed a partnership with Volkswagen Group and highlighted strong performance from GD's product lines [37] Question: Impact of US tariffs on supply and chip supply - Management acknowledged significant challenges from US tariffs but noted that they use contract manufacturing, which mitigates the impact [41][70] Question: Outlook for partnerships with international OEMs - Management sees strong interest from global automakers and highlighted ongoing collaborations, particularly with Volkswagen for launches in Brazil and India [49][50] Question: Establishment of supply chain and engineering center in Singapore - Management elaborated on plans for the Singapore center to enhance global supply chain activities and support international markets [53][54] Question: Integration of driving and cabin features - Management confirmed that the Antora platform is designed for integration of cockpit and ADAS features, with ongoing interest from customers [60] Question: Sustainable demand for Geely Galaxy - Management expressed optimism about sustained demand for Geely Galaxy models, supported by strong market performance [62]