Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of domestic new energy vehicles (NEVs) is notable, but there remains a significant demand for domestic fuel vehicles, indicating a complex market landscape [1]. Sales Performance - The best-selling fuel vehicle is the Xingrui, accounting for one-third of monthly sales, followed by Boyue L and Emgrand [3]. - The overall sales of fuel vehicles have remained stable compared to last year, but there is increased pressure from the growing interest in NEVs [4]. - The most popular fuel vehicles in the store include the M8, GS8, M6 series, and the Ying Su series, with Ying Su selling around 18-20 units monthly [6]. - The top-selling fuel cars are the fourth-generation CS75PLUS, CS55PLUS, and Yidong PLUS, collectively selling about 35 units monthly, representing over 65% of total sales [9]. Customer Demographics - Fuel vehicle buyers are predominantly middle-aged, with a mix of professions including factory workers, nurses, and teachers, often requiring vehicles for long-distance travel [3]. - The customer base for the Ying Su is diverse, including first-time buyers and retirees, with a general preference for the reliability of fuel vehicles over NEVs [6]. - Younger customers, often purchasing their first car, primarily consider fuel vehicles, with some interest in plug-in hybrids [10]. Market Trends - There is a noticeable decline in overall sales compared to last year, with profit margins also decreasing, leading to a push for additional services [7]. - The acceptance of NEVs is increasing, with customers recognizing the advantages in product configuration and overall purchase experience [7]. - The market for fuel vehicles is expected to improve slightly next year due to potential changes in tax policies and the reduction of subsidies for NEVs [13][15]. Competitive Landscape - Competing fuel vehicles include popular models like the Langyi and Suteng, with domestic brands such as Chery, GAC, and Changan being compared within similar price ranges [3]. - The lack of competitive pricing and product offerings in the NEV segment is noted, particularly in the 150,000 yuan price range, which is currently underserved [7]. - The best-selling fuel vehicles in the store include the Aiyue 5 and Aiyue 8, appealing to younger consumers due to their affordability and design [12].

Core Insights - The sales of traditional fuel vehicles in China have shown a significant increase, with August sales reaching 902,000 units, marking a year-on-year growth of 13.5% and indicating a third consecutive month of growth [2][3] - This resurgence in fuel vehicle sales reflects a broader trend among automakers to revitalize their fuel vehicle offerings, as evidenced by Porsche's decision to delay some electric vehicle launches in favor of more fuel models [2] - The current growth in fuel vehicle sales raises questions about whether this is a temporary market fluctuation or a sign of a more sustainable recovery [2] Fuel Vehicle Market Dynamics - The overall sales of traditional fuel vehicles in China for 2024 are projected to be 13.989 million units, a decline of 17.3% year-on-year, while the sales from January to August 2023 showed only a slight decrease of 0.3% [3] - The negative contribution of fuel vehicles to overall market growth has significantly decreased, indicating a potential recovery in the market [3] - The market is witnessing a clear division between joint ventures and independent brands, with the latter gaining ground in the fuel vehicle segment [4] Joint Venture Performance - Major joint ventures like SAIC Volkswagen and SAIC General Motors continue to lead in sales, with SAIC Volkswagen achieving a sales volume of 523,000 units in the first half of the year, a 2.3% increase [4] - Japanese brands are experiencing a split performance, with GAC Toyota showing growth while Dongfeng Nissan's market share continues to decline [4] Independent Brand Growth - Independent brands are increasingly investing in fuel vehicles, with executives from companies like Great Wall Motors and Geely emphasizing their commitment to this segment [4] - Geely's fuel vehicle sales reached 684,000 units in the first half of the year, with significant contributions from its China Star series [4] - Changan and Chery also reported strong sales figures, indicating a robust performance from independent brands in the fuel vehicle market [4] Technological Advancements and Market Trends - The fuel vehicle market is experiencing a technological upgrade, with improvements in smart features and safety, which are enhancing their appeal to consumers [8] - The average transaction price of joint venture fuel vehicles has decreased by 8.2% from January to July, suggesting that price competition is a significant factor in the current sales growth [11] - The market is witnessing a shift in consumer perception, with a growing skepticism towards the cost advantages of electric vehicles, particularly regarding their depreciation rates [7] Future Market Outlook - The automotive market is expected to see a coexistence of fuel vehicles and electric vehicles, with predictions indicating that by 2025, electric vehicle sales may surpass those of fuel vehicles [14] - Industry experts suggest that the market will evolve into a multi-power structure, with fuel vehicles, hybrids, and electric vehicles coexisting for the foreseeable future [15][17] - The transition towards electric vehicles is anticipated to accelerate, but fuel vehicles are expected to maintain a significant market share, particularly in specific segments [15][18]

Core Insights - The domestic automotive market in September 2025 shows a dual trend of growth in both new energy vehicles (NEVs) and traditional fuel vehicles, with significant competition among new energy brands and a structural recovery in fuel vehicles [1][7]. New Energy Vehicle Market - Leap Motor achieved a record monthly delivery of 66,657 units in September, marking a 97% year-on-year increase and becoming the top new energy brand [2]. - Other leading brands like Hongmeng Zhixing, Xiaopeng, and Xiaomi also reported monthly deliveries exceeding 40,000 units, indicating a heightened competitive threshold in the new energy sector [2]. - NIO and Li Auto delivered 34,749 and 33,951 units respectively, with NIO showing a 64% year-on-year growth, while Li Auto's deliveries rebounded with a 19% month-on-month increase [3]. Traditional Fuel Vehicle Market - The fuel vehicle market is experiencing a structural recovery, with approximately 9 models selling over 10,000 units in September, accounting for about 20% of total fuel vehicle sales [4][7]. - Notable models include the Nissan Sylphy, which sold 16,900 units, followed by the Geely Boyue L and Volkswagen Lavida [4]. - Traditional automakers like Changan and Chery reported significant growth in their fuel vehicle sales, with Changan's sales reaching 266,000 units, a 25% year-on-year increase, and Chery's sales exceeding 280,000 units, up 14.7% [3]. Market Dynamics and Trends - The fuel vehicle market is seeing increased concentration, with a few top models dominating sales, while lower-ranked models struggle to compete [7]. - The sales of fuel vehicles have been supported by price reductions and policy incentives, with some brands offering substantial discounts to stimulate demand [5][6]. - The transition to new energy vehicles is posing challenges for traditional fuel vehicle manufacturers, who must innovate and adapt to new standards to remain competitive [8].

Core Insights - The domestic automotive market in September 2025 shows a dual trend of growth in both new energy and traditional fuel vehicles, with significant competition among new energy brands and a structural recovery in fuel vehicles [1][6][11] New Energy Vehicle Market - Leap Motor achieved a record monthly delivery of 66,657 units in September, marking a 97% year-on-year increase and becoming the top new energy brand [2] - Other leading new energy brands, such as Hongmeng Zhixing and Xiaopeng, also reported monthly deliveries exceeding 40,000 units, indicating a heightened competitive threshold in the market [2][4] - Xiaomi's automotive division has raised its annual delivery target from 300,000 to 350,000 units, with over 250,000 units delivered by September [2] Traditional Fuel Vehicle Market - The fuel vehicle market is experiencing a structural recovery, with approximately 9 models selling over 10,000 units in September, accounting for about 20% of total fuel vehicle sales [6][10] - Notable models like the Nissan Sylphy and CR-V are capitalizing on family user needs, with competitive fuel efficiency [9] - Traditional automakers are seeing growth in their new energy models, with Changan and Chery reporting significant year-on-year increases in sales [4][5] Market Dynamics - The fuel vehicle market is becoming increasingly concentrated, with a few top models dominating sales, leading to challenges for smaller brands [10][11] - The recovery of fuel vehicles is supported by price reductions and policy incentives, which have stimulated demand [7][9] - Future competitiveness for fuel vehicles will depend on their ability to innovate and differentiate in terms of technology and user experience, rather than relying solely on price competition [11][12]

Core Insights - The Chinese automotive market has shown strong performance in the first half of 2025, with retail sales of narrow passenger cars reaching 10.901 million units, a year-on-year increase of 10.8% [1] - Domestic brands have captured a significant market share of 64%, indicating their dominance in the Chinese market [1] - BYD leads the sales chart with 2.146 million units sold, while Geely has seen a remarkable growth rate of 47% year-on-year [1][12] - New energy vehicle sales are on the rise, with companies like Leap Motor and XPeng showing significant growth [1][19] Group 1: Overall Market Performance - As of June 2025, the cumulative retail sales of narrow passenger cars in China reached 10.901 million units, reflecting a 10.8% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Domestic brands have increased their market share to 64%, solidifying their position in the market [1] - BYD has achieved a sales volume of 2.146 million units, maintaining its position as the top seller [12] - Geely's sales have surged by 47%, prompting the company to raise its annual sales target to 3 million units [1][12] Group 2: Performance of New Energy and Emerging Brands - Leap Motor has emerged as a leader among new energy vehicle manufacturers, with monthly sales nearing 50,000 units [1] - XPeng has also shown impressive growth, selling more vehicles in the first half of 2025 than in the entire previous year [1] - The new energy vehicle segment is experiencing rapid growth, with companies like BYD and Geely leading the charge [12][19] Group 3: Traditional Automakers' Performance - Some traditional automakers are showing signs of recovery, with brands like FAW-Volkswagen and SAIC Volkswagen reporting positive year-on-year growth [1][9] - FAW Toyota has seen a significant increase of 16% in sales, indicating a rebound in the joint venture segment [1][9] - However, brands like GAC are struggling, with a decline in sales, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional automakers [1][9] Group 4: Export Performance - SAIC has become a leader in overseas sales, with 494,000 units sold, accounting for nearly 25% of its total sales [10] - Changan has also made strides in international markets, with overseas sales exceeding 300,000 units, a growth of over 45% [10] - GAC has reported a 45.6% increase in overseas sales, completing 55% of its annual export target [10]

Core Viewpoint - The report from China Merchants Securities International indicates that Geely Automobile (00175) is expected to raise its annual sales target due to the launch of significant new models from Galaxy, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr in the second half of the year, which could act as a catalyst for the stock price [1] Group 1: Sales Performance - In May, Geely's total wholesale volume reached 235,000 units, marking a year-on-year increase of 46.4% and a month-on-month increase of 0.5%, setting a historical record [2] - The cumulative wholesale volume from January to May was 1.17 million units, up 49% year-on-year, achieving approximately 43% of the annual sales target of 2.71 million units, with potential for exceeding the target [2] - In May, the wholesale volume of new energy vehicles (NEVs) was 138,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 178% and a month-on-month increase of 9.9%, significantly outpacing the industry growth [2] - NEVs accounted for 58.7% of total sales in May, up 22.2 percentage points year-on-year [2] - Cumulative NEV wholesale from January to May reached 602,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 137%, representing 51% of total sales [2] - The high-end fuel vehicle, China Star, saw sales of 87,000 units in May, with the high-end series achieving a year-on-year growth of 21% [2] Group 2: Product Launches and Innovations - The company plans to launch multiple significant new models in the second half of the year, including the Galaxy A7 mid-size sedan and a rugged SUV, enhancing its product matrix [3] - The high-end flagship SUV Lynk & Co 900 had nearly 5,600 units delivered in May, with a strong order backlog, and the Lynk & Co hybrid Z10 is set to launch in the second half [3] - Zeekr's new model 007GT is performing well, with additional luxury SUVs set to launch in Q3 and Q4 [3] - The fuel vehicle Star series is leveraging the new energy platform for shared benefits, with the Star Yue L model performing well since its March launch [3] Group 3: International Expansion - The company is accelerating its overseas layout, with the first EX5 produced at the Indonesian KD factory and plans for a light asset model in Latin America and Central Asia [3] - The Galaxy E5 and Star Wish are set to enter multiple markets in the second quarter, with an acceleration of overseas expansion planned for the second half of the year [3]

Core Viewpoint - Chinese automotive brands are redefining market standards by offering high configurations at competitive prices, challenging traditional pricing and technology barriers in the automotive industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Product Logic Innovation - Chinese brands are adopting a new product logic where base configurations are equivalent to high configurations, making advanced features standard in entry-level models [3][4]. - For example, the 2025 IM L6 starts at 204,900 yuan, including features like an 800V high-voltage platform and Huawei ADS 3.0 driving system, which would typically cost an additional 200,000 yuan in traditional luxury brands [3]. - The coverage of intelligent configurations in Chinese brands is 2.3 times that of joint venture brands, enhancing user experience and pushing competitors to accelerate technological upgrades [3][5]. Group 2: Value Standard Reconstruction - The traditional vehicle classification system is being disrupted, with models like Chery Fengyun A9L offering C-class space standards at a 200,000 yuan price point, equipped with high-end technologies [4][5]. - The Aito M9, priced at 469,800 yuan, surpasses the value standards of luxury brands like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, showcasing a shift in high-end vehicle pricing and features [4][6]. Group 3: Cost Control and Pricing Strategy - Chinese brands achieve competitive pricing through cost control strategies, including supply chain integration and independent software development, resulting in a 30% reduction in battery costs [6][7]. - The implementation of transparent pricing strategies, such as nationwide uniform pricing, enhances competitiveness by returning consumer power to users [7][8]. - The transformation in pricing strategies is leading to a redefinition of market dynamics, as evidenced by a 7.3% year-on-year increase in China's automotive exports in Q1 2025 [7][8]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The ongoing transformation in the automotive industry is expected to continue, with Chinese brands needing to focus on technological innovation and global expansion to maintain their competitive edge [8]. - The ultimate goal for the Chinese automotive industry is to redefine global automotive value standards, transitioning from a "big automotive country" to a "strong automotive country" in the era of smart electric vehicles [8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the automotive industry as of May 18, 2025 [1] Core Insights - The automotive industry is experiencing a positive retail trend, with passenger car retail sales reaching 574,000 units from May 1 to May 11, 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 12% and a month-on-month increase of 34% [7][61] - The cumulative retail sales for the year have reached 7.446 million units, showing an 8% year-on-year growth [61] - The report highlights the significant impact of the "old-for-new" vehicle subsidy policy, with applications exceeding 10 million since its implementation in 2024, and 3.225 million applications recorded by May 11, 2025 [7][48] - The report emphasizes advancements in smart vehicles, particularly the launch of Horizon's L2 urban assisted driving system, which is expected to enhance vehicle computing platforms [7][64] Summary by Sections Passenger Vehicles - Retail sales for passenger vehicles from May 1 to May 11, 2025, were 574,000 units, up 12% year-on-year and 34% month-on-month [61][62] - Cumulative wholesale for the year reached 8.932 million units, with a 12% year-on-year increase [62] - Key companies to watch include BYD, Geely, Xpeng, SAIC, Changan, GAC, and Leap Motor [62] New Energy Vehicles - Retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles reached 294,000 units from May 1 to May 11, 2025, marking a 32% year-on-year increase [63] - The retail penetration rate for new energy vehicles is 51.3%, with cumulative sales of 3.618 million units for the year, reflecting a 35% year-on-year growth [63] - Recommended companies include BYD, Geely, Huayu Automotive, and others [63] Smart Vehicles - The report discusses the launch of Horizon's L2 urban assisted driving system, which will be mass-produced in September 2025 [64] - Companies with technological advancements in smart driving algorithms and sensors are highlighted, including BYD, Geely, and various component manufacturers [64] Heavy Trucks - In April, heavy truck sales were approximately 88,000 units, with a year-on-year increase of 6.5% [11][65] - The report notes a significant rise in new energy heavy truck sales, which reached 15,800 units, a 245% year-on-year increase [11][65] - Companies to monitor include Weichai Power, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, and Tianrun Industrial [65] Robotics - The report mentions the "Digital China Construction 2025 Action Plan," which aims to enhance AI applications and develop intelligent manufacturing equipment [66] - Companies involved in humanoid robotics and AI technology are recommended, including Top Group, Sanhua Intelligent Controls, and others [66]

Core Viewpoint - The article provides an overview of new vehicle models set to launch in May 2025, highlighting specifications, pricing, and market segments for various manufacturers including Geely, Zhiji, Great Wall, Leap Motor, and Changan. Group 1: Geely Automotive - Geely's Galaxy Star Yao 8 is scheduled for release on May 9, 2025, with a price range of 125,800 to 165,800 CNY. It features a 1.5L plug-in hybrid engine and offers electric ranges of 60 km and 130 km [6][5]. - The Geely Boyue L will launch on May 13, 2025, priced between 99,900 and 126,900 CNY, equipped with a 1.5T engine and a DCT7 transmission [14][13]. Group 2: Zhiji Automotive - Zhiji's L6 model is set to debut on May 13, 2025, with a price range of 219,900 to 279,900 CNY. It is a fully electric vehicle with a maximum power output of 245 kW and a torque of 500 Nm [22][21]. Group 3: Great Wall Automotive - Great Wall's WEY Gaoshan 8 will be available on May 13, 2025, priced at 309,800 CNY. It features a 1.5T plug-in hybrid engine and offers an electric range of 172 km [31][28]. - The WEY Gaoshan 9 will also launch on May 13, 2025, with a price of 353,800 CNY, featuring similar specifications to the Gaoshan 8 but with a larger battery capacity and an electric range of 201 km [39][36]. Group 4: Leap Motor - Leap Motor's C10 is scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, with prices ranging from 122,800 to 142,800 CNY. It offers both pure electric and range-extended versions, with electric ranges of 530 km and 605 km respectively [47][44]. Group 5: Changan Automotive - Changan's Q07 model will launch on May 16, 2025, with a price range of 129,800 to 139,800 CNY. It features a 1.5L plug-in hybrid engine and offers an electric range of 145 km [55][52].

Group 1 - Geely Holding Group announced the integration of its battery business, establishing a new battery industry group called Jiyao Tongxing, unifying its existing brands into the Shendun Jinzhuan battery brand [1] - The company will open its battery bottom safety patent collection to the entire industry, providing a systematic solution for vehicle battery safety design and technology validation [1] - Geely's global safety testing center, the largest single safety testing laboratory, is set to be completed this year and will also be open to the entire industry [1] Group 2 - The Shendun Jinzhuan battery brand reflects Geely's commitment to vehicle safety, with the Shendun short blade battery being 40% shorter than long blade batteries and having a thickness of 18.2mm, enhancing battery stability [2] - Geely's decision to pursue the "short blade" route aims to find the optimal solution for power batteries, with the core purpose of ensuring vehicle safety through the opening of battery bottom safety patents [2] - The patents include designs for a protective battery pack bottom plate, an integrated battery pack crash beam, and a bottom collision testing device, all aimed at enhancing safety for users [2] Group 3 - Geely emphasizes that safety is the top priority, particularly regarding intelligent driving safety, stating that unsafe intelligent driving is akin to a shaky foundation [3] - The company believes that innovative technologies should not be tested in the market, and recent regulatory enhancements on intelligent driving are seen as beneficial for the industry's stability [3] - Geely stresses the importance of honesty in marketing intelligent driving features, advocating for a focus on safety rather than exaggerated claims [3]