Group 1 - European stocks are expected to open higher, with the U.K.'s FTSE index and Germany's DAX projected to rise by 0.4%, France's CAC 40 by 1.1%, and Italy's FTSE MIB by 0.5% [1] - The positive market sentiment follows a mixed closing on Wednesday as investors evaluated a series of corporate earnings reports [2] - A busy earnings day is anticipated, with major companies such as Siemens, L'Oreal, Anheuser-Busch Inbev, British American Tobacco, Mercedes-Benz Group, Adyen, and Deutsche Borse set to report [2] Group 2 - Japan's Nikkei 225 index reached 58,000 for the first time, marking a continuation of its post-election rally [3] - U.S. futures related to the Dow Jones Industrial Average showed little change after the index's three-day winning streak ended [3]

Core Insights - The German luxury-car maker plans to launch over 40 new models by 2027, indicating a strong commitment to innovation and expansion in its product lineup [1] - The company is currently operating on three shifts to meet the high demand for its vehicles, reflecting robust market interest and sales performance [1]

Core Insights - The automotive industry is witnessing a shift in consumer preferences, with a focus on vehicle quality and pricing being crucial for long-term sales predictions [1] Group 1: Ford Motor Company - Ford's F-150 has been ranked as the best full-size pickup for 2026 by Consumer Reports, highlighting its reliability and strong powertrains [3] - Full-size pickups are significant profit drivers for Detroit automakers, as they command higher price tags and margins compared to passenger cars [4] - Ford has taken a $19.5 billion charge to adjust its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, indicating a pivot towards hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles [5][7] - Ford's hybrid sales increased nearly 22% for the full year 2025, achieving a record in fourth-quarter sales, with one in every four F-150 trucks being a hybrid [8] Group 2: Tesla - Tesla's Model Y has been recognized as the best electric vehicle for 2026 by Consumer Reports, emphasizing its importance to Tesla's sales, as the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck contribute only about 3% of global sales [11] - Tesla is transitioning its production focus, ending the Model S and Model X to make space for its Optimus robot assembly line, which introduces uncertainty but also potential upside in AI and robotics [9][11] Group 3: Industry Trends - The current market trend shows that automakers focusing on hybrids are in a favorable position, as evidenced by Consumer Reports' rankings where nine of the top ten vehicles have hybrid options [7][12] - Investors need to monitor which automakers are effectively responding to consumer demand rather than their own projections, as this will influence future vehicle success [12]

Core Viewpoint - US lawmakers are advancing the SAFE Exit Act, which mandates manual releases for vehicles with electrically powered door handles, potentially affecting designs popularized by Tesla Inc. [1] Group 1: Legislative Progress - The SAFE Exit Act has been forwarded to the full committee by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce during a markup session, but it still faces several legislative hurdles before it can become law [2]. - The bill was introduced by Representative Robin Kelly, aiming to enhance vehicle safety following incidents where individuals were trapped in vehicles with malfunctioning electric door handles [3]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Reports indicate at least 15 fatalities in incidents where occupants or rescuers were unable to open Tesla doors during emergencies, prompting investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into potential defects in Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles [4]. - Representative Debbie Dingell emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that as vehicles increasingly rely on electronic door latches, a manual backup must be available to prevent fatalities [5]. Group 3: Comparative Legislation - Kelly highlighted that the US is lagging behind China and the European Union in door safety regulations, noting that China has banned concealed door handles [6]. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis expressed support for the bill's intent but suggested that safety experts should be allowed to conduct research to establish flexible standards, avoiding unintended consequences [6].

Group 1 - The core announcement is that Dongfeng Motor Group (00489.HK) and the offeror Dongfeng Motor Group (Wuhan) Investment have completed all prerequisites for the privatization of Dongfeng Group shares through a merger and the spin-off of Lantu Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. (Lantu) for a public listing, moving into the final execution phase [1][2]. - According to the merger agreement, the offeror will pay a cash consideration of HKD 6.68 per H share to all H share shareholders. After the merger conditions are met, Dongfeng Group will apply for voluntary withdrawal of its H share listing status on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [1][2]. - Dongfeng Group will distribute its shares in Lantu to existing shareholders and apply for Lantu's H share to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through an introduction, with this spin-off not involving fundraising [1][2]. Group 2 - The announcement reveals that Lantu has completed the filing procedures for the introduction listing with the International Cooperation Department of the China Securities Regulatory Commission and has obtained the principle approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the introduction listing [3]. - In addition to the approvals from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, all three merger prerequisites have been fully met [3]. - A comprehensive document detailing the privatization plan, shareholder meeting notice, and independent financial opinions will be sent out within seven days [4].

2月12日，乘联分会数据显示，1月新能源乘用车出口28.6万辆，同比增长103.6%。占乘用车出口 49.6%，较去年同期增长12.5个百分点；其中纯电动占新能源出口的65%（去年同期67%），作为核心焦 点的A00+A0级纯电动车占纯电动出口的50%（去年同期41%）。伴随着中国新能源车的规模优势显现 和市场扩张需求，中国制造的新能源品牌产品越来越多地走出国门，在海外的认可度持续提升。其中插 混占新能源出口的33%（去年同期32%），虽然近期受到外部国家的一些干扰，但自主插混出口发展中 国家增长迅猛，前景光明。 1月厂商新能源出口方面优秀的企业是：比亚迪汽车（96,859辆）、特斯拉中国（50,644辆）、吉利汽车 （32,117辆）、奇瑞汽车（27,033辆）、零跑汽车（14,523辆）、上汽乘用车（13,071辆）、上汽通用五 菱（11,097辆）、东风汽车（6,745辆）、长城汽车（6,102辆）、长安汽车（4,952辆）、光束汽车 （3,713辆）、长安马自达（3,391辆）、沃尔沃亚太（3,316辆）、小鹏汽车（3,204辆）、极星汽车 （2,758辆）、赛力斯汽车（湖北）（2,108辆）、智马达 ...

Mercedes-Benz Group expects margins to remain under pressure this year as it grapples with tariffs and fierce competition in China https://t.co/CUUzz0EPcq ...

New Car Transaction Situation - In December, Beijing's new car transactions reached 73,700 units, a month-on-month increase of 14.7% but a year-on-year decrease of 2.98% [3] - From January to December, the cumulative new car transactions in Beijing totaled 681,400 units, a year-on-year decline of 2.57%, underperforming the national sales growth by 9.2 percentage points [3] Imported Car Sales Situation - In December, Beijing's imported car transactions were 2,441 units, showing a month-on-month growth of 17.7% but a year-on-year decline of 23.29% [7] - The total imported car transactions in Beijing for the year reached 28,000 units, a year-on-year decrease of 21.83% [7] New Energy Vehicle Sales Situation - In December, Beijing's new energy vehicle transactions totaled 49,800 units, with a month-on-month increase of 11.56% and a year-on-year increase of 18.56%, accounting for 67.59% of total new car transactions [12] - For the entire year, new energy vehicle transactions in Beijing reached 422,200 units, a year-on-year growth of 17.95%, representing 61.97% of total new car transactions [12] Used Car Transaction Situation - In December, Beijing's used car transactions were 57,000 units, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 2.08% but a year-on-year decrease of 2.54%, with a new-to-old car ratio of 1:0.77 [15] - The cumulative used car transactions in Beijing for the year were 664,900 units, showing a year-on-year growth of 0.28%, with a new-to-old car ratio of 1:1 [15] December Market Overview - December saw a peak in new car sales at 73,700 units, influenced by policy changes regarding scrapping and replacement subsidies, despite a year-on-year decline [20] - The new energy vehicle market in Beijing solidified its dominant position, achieving a market share of 61.97% for the year, with significant growth driven by policy support [20] - The imported car market faced a continuous decline, with a total market share dropping below 4.11%, marking a historical low due to competition from domestic high-end brands [20]

Core Insights - Mercedes-Benz reported a 57% drop in full-year operating earnings for 2025, highlighting challenges from competition in China and high tariffs [1] - The company's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were 5.8 billion euros ($6.88 billion), significantly below the forecast of 6.6 billion euros and down from 13.6 billion euros the previous year [1] - Revenue for the year was 132.2 billion euros, a 9% decrease year-on-year, and slightly below the expected 134 billion euros [1] Financial Performance - Operating earnings fell to 5.8 billion euros, a 57% decline compared to the previous year [1] - Revenue decreased to 132.2 billion euros, down 9% from the prior year [1] - The EBIT forecast was missed by 0.8 billion euros, indicating a more challenging financial environment than anticipated [1] Market Environment - The company faces stiff competition in the Chinese market, which has impacted its earnings [1] - High tariffs have added to the financial pressures on the company, contributing to the significant drop in earnings [1] - CEO Ola Kaellenius emphasized the company's focus on efficiency, speed, and flexibility in navigating a dynamic market environment [1]

Market Overview - The major U.S. indices showed slight declines, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at 50,121.40, down 0.13%, the S&P 500 at 6,941.47, down 0.34 points, and the Nasdaq Composite at 23,066.47, down 0.16% [2] - This dip followed a strong January jobs report that initially boosted optimism but raised concerns about the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans [2] Energy Sector - Following a U.S. military strike and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump announced plans to "unlock Venezuela's vast crude oil reserves," leading to a surge in the S&P 500 energy index by 2.7% [3] - Major companies like Chevron and Exxon Mobil saw significant stock increases, with Chevron rising 5.1% and Exxon Mobil increasing by 2.2% [3] - However, oil prices fell shortly after the announcement, with Brent crude futures dropping 0.5% to $60.39 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude decreasing 1.4% to $56.36 per barrel [5] Corporate Reactions - Industry executives from Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil reportedly denied having discussions about investing in Venezuela, indicating a disconnect between presidential aspirations and corporate realities [6] - Chevron's stock is currently at $182.28, and Exxon Mobil is at $156.57, reflecting a +3.31% move since the market opened [6] Tariff Implications - The Trump administration's proposed tariffs on Canadian aircraft and auto imports have raised concerns in the automotive sector, with potential cost increases of $5 billion annually for the Canadian automotive industry [8] - General Motors' stock was down 8% following initial tariff news but rebounded 4% on speculation of delays, currently trading at $80.36 [9] Economic Predictions - Trump's prediction of the Dow reaching 100,000 by 2029 is viewed as ambitious, given the current level around 50,000 [11] - The automotive sector is particularly sensitive to tariff threats, with analysts warning that tariffs could lead to inflation and reduced car sales [8][10]