Group 1 - Zhejiang Shibao (01057) saw a stock price increase of over 5%, closing at 5.22 HKD with a trading volume of 39.09 million HKD [1] - The company announced during an analyst meeting that it has strong technological reserves in steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering, with multiple mainstream automakers already designated for these technologies [1] - The first mass production project for steer-by-wire is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, while the rear-wheel steering project is anticipated to start mass production in Q4 of this year [1] Group 2 - The steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering products are primarily aimed at L3+ autonomous driving vehicles and high-performance luxury models, indicating high technical barriers and a broad market outlook [1] - CITIC Securities noted that regulatory focus on the safety of autonomous driving is increasing, leading to stricter requirements for L2 level assisted driving from promotion to operational aspects [1] - It is expected that L3 will become the main upgrade direction for intelligent driving from Q4 2025 to 2026, with commercial solutions requiring high redundancy for system safety, which will significantly enhance the value of intelligent driving components [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing accessibility and adoption of advanced automotive technologies, particularly rear-wheel steering, which was once exclusive to high-end luxury and performance vehicles. Group 1: Technology Accessibility - Many high-end features that were once exclusive to luxury vehicles are now becoming standard in various models, including electric vehicles [1][2] - Technologies such as air suspension and advanced driving assistance systems have seen significant growth in recent years [2] Group 2: Rear-Wheel Steering - Rear-wheel steering, previously found in high-end models like Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Aventador, is now being standard in many domestic electric vehicles at lower price points [5][7] - Examples include models like the Tengshi N9 and Xiaopeng X9, which offer rear-wheel steering at prices around 400,000 and 300,000 respectively, with some models even exceeding 200,000 [8][10] Group 3: Benefits of Rear-Wheel Steering - Rear-wheel steering significantly enhances maneuverability, allowing larger vehicles to have a turning radius comparable to smaller cars, improving parking and navigation in tight spaces [10][13] - The technology also enables advanced features like crab walking, which relies on rear-wheel steering [14] Group 4: Market Penetration and Challenges - Despite its advantages, rear-wheel steering has a low global penetration rate of only 1.2%, indicating limited adoption compared to other technologies [17] - The complexity and cost of implementing rear-wheel steering systems, along with the need for additional space and maintenance considerations, hinder widespread adoption [53][67] Group 5: Historical Context and Evolution - The evolution of rear-wheel steering began in the late 19th century, with early attempts using simple mechanical systems, leading to its application in agricultural and military vehicles during the 20th century [18][22][24] - The transition to passenger vehicles occurred in the late 20th century, but early systems were passive and had reliability issues, prompting the development of more advanced active systems [29][32] Group 6: Future Prospects - Despite current challenges, domestic companies are investing in rear-wheel steering technology, which may lead to increased accessibility and innovation in the future [70][72] - The potential for domestic suppliers to disrupt the market and drive down costs is highlighted, suggesting a promising outlook for the technology's adoption [72][73]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the company, indicating an expected stock performance that exceeds the benchmark index by more than 10% over the next six months [1][3]. Core Insights - The company, Nastec, has a rich history dating back to 1906 and has established itself as a global leader in steering systems, with a diverse product range including electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire systems, and software solutions [2][5]. - Nastec's revenue in the Asia-Pacific region has been growing consistently since 2020, with expectations for continued investment in new product development and customer expansion in this market [2][16]. - The company is projected to achieve revenues of $4.5 billion, $4.8 billion, and $5.1 billion for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with net profits of $147 million, $169 million, and $193 million for the same years [3][60]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Nastec has become a global steering system company serving over 60 clients, with a focus on next-generation technologies like steer-by-wire systems that enhance driving experiences and support advanced autonomous driving [2][3]. Financial Projections - Revenue is expected to grow from $4.276 billion in 2024 to $5.113 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9% from 2020 to 2024 [10][61]. - The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to see significant growth, with revenues projected to rise from $1.338 billion in 2024 to $1.879 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 12% [60][61]. Product Development and Market Position - Nastec has secured multiple contracts for steer-by-wire systems, including significant orders from leading OEMs, indicating a strong market position and technological leadership in the steering systems sector [26][62]. - The company is set to leverage its new Changshu factory to produce high-value products, enhancing its competitive edge in the Asia-Pacific market [25][62]. Market Trends - The report highlights a shift in the steering system landscape, with a growing adoption of electric power steering (EPS) systems in China, where the penetration rate is nearing 99% [27][62]. - The steer-by-wire technology is expected to create substantial market opportunities, with projections indicating a market size of approximately 53 billion RMB by 2025, growing to 261 billion RMB by 2030 [57][58].