Core Insights - Mercedes-Benz is facing significant backlash from customers due to widespread vehicle system failures, particularly affecting navigation and CarPlay functionalities, with no official response from the company [1][3][12] - The failure is attributed to a potential error during an OTA update that may have deleted essential system files, leading to a lack of communication from Mercedes-Benz regarding the issue [3][4] - The incident highlights Mercedes-Benz's struggles in digital transformation and smart technology integration compared to competitors like Volkswagen and BMW, who are actively collaborating with local tech firms [4][8] Group 1: System Failures and Customer Reactions - Numerous Mercedes-Benz owners reported issues with their vehicle systems, including navigation and voice control, with some expressing frustration over the lack of timely resolution [1][4] - Initial communications from the company suggested a temporary backend issue, but no concrete timeline for resolution was provided, leading to further dissatisfaction among customers [3][4] - The incident marks a significant failure for a traditional automaker like Mercedes-Benz, which is expected to have more reliable systems compared to newer entrants in the market [4][5] Group 2: Challenges in Digital Transformation - Despite significant investments in R&D in China, totaling over 14 billion RMB, Mercedes-Benz's progress in smart technology and electric vehicle development appears stagnant compared to its German counterparts [1][5] - The company has ambitious plans to launch 36 new models between 2025 and 2027, but delays in the development of its proprietary MB.OS operating system have hindered these efforts [7][9] - Competitors like Audi and BMW are actively engaging with local technology firms to enhance their product offerings, while Mercedes-Benz's collaborations have not yielded substantial results [8][9] Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Position - Mercedes-Benz's shift from an "electric-first" strategy to a more balanced approach, including the development of fuel vehicles, reflects challenges in maintaining profitability amid declining sales [9][11] - The company's financial outlook for 2024 indicates a decline in key metrics, with revenue and profit margins expected to drop significantly, particularly in the Chinese market [11][12] - The struggles faced by Mercedes-Benz in the electric vehicle segment are evident, with sales of pure electric models in China falling dramatically, highlighting the need for a more effective strategy [9][11]

2025.05. 02 本文字数：2600，阅读时长大约4分钟 作者 | 第一财经 武子晔 "这次来中国主要有三个关注点。一是想要了解整个市场、媒体、消费者对奥迪新产品的反馈；二是 关注竞争对手及其产品和技术；三是了解未来应该将什么样的产品投放到中国市场上，希望能够更深 入纯电市场，充分满足中国消费者多样化的需求。"奥迪股份公司管理董事会销售及市场董事石柏涛 近日对第一财经记者表示。 时隔4年后，石柏涛再次到访中国市场，中国新能源车市场发展的迅速超过了他当时（2021年）的预 期，新能源车如今已经占据了半壁江山。更令豪华车巨头感到紧迫的是，过去一年，ABB（奥迪、 奔驰和宝马）销量和利润集体下滑，而新势力打造的部分高端产品正在占领消费者的心智。 上海车展首日，奥迪、宝马和奔驰等德系车企的老板和高管们都很忙，他们开完自家的新闻发布会后 随即接受中外媒体的采访，参观老对手的展台，与最新的合作伙伴进行交流，密集走访新势力展台成 为近两年来车展的常规日程计划。 车展上，豪华车企开启了最强产品阵容，打造中国专属车型，同时把压箱底的技术拿了出来，并且明 确了未来的战略方向。无一例外，德系豪华车企对中国市场的重视程度是前所 ...

Core Insights - The German luxury car manufacturers are increasingly focused on the Chinese market, recognizing its rapid growth and the need to adapt to local consumer demands [1][2][4] - The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is critical, as traditional sales and profits for brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have declined, prompting a reevaluation of their strategies in China [1][3][4] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Chinese electric vehicle market has grown significantly, with EVs now accounting for a substantial portion of total vehicle sales [1] - German luxury brands are facing pressure from new entrants in the market, which are capturing consumer interest with high-end products [1][3] - The competitive landscape is evolving, with traditional luxury brands needing to innovate rapidly to keep pace with local competitors [4][7] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - German automakers are showcasing new models and technologies specifically designed for the Chinese market, indicating a shift in their product strategies [2][4] - Companies like BMW are investing heavily in new platforms and technologies, including the sixth generation of electric drive technology [4][8] - Audi has introduced a dual-brand strategy to better cater to different consumer segments in China, focusing on both traditional luxury and tech-savvy younger consumers [4][8] Group 3: Collaboration and Local Adaptation - There is a growing emphasis on partnerships with local suppliers and technology firms to enhance responsiveness and innovation [7][8] - German manufacturers are establishing R&D centers in China to localize product development and integrate cutting-edge technologies [8] - The approach to market entry and product development is shifting from a global standard to a more localized strategy, reflecting the unique demands of the Chinese market [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Beijing Automotive's performance in 2024 shows a significant decline in net profit and revenue, primarily driven by the poor performance of its luxury brand Beijing Benz and the ongoing losses of Beijing Hyundai [2][5][10]. Group 1: Beijing Automotive's Financial Performance - In 2024, Beijing Automotive reported a revenue of 192.5 billion yuan, a decrease of 2.8% year-on-year, with a net profit of 9.56 billion yuan, down 68.5% from the previous year [2]. - The revenue from fuel vehicles increased slightly by 1.2% to 184.97 billion yuan, while revenue from new energy vehicles plummeted by 50.7% to 7.53 billion yuan [2]. - Overall gross profit fell by 19.4% to 30.89 billion yuan, with a significant drop in gross profit from fuel vehicles and continued losses in the new energy sector [2][3]. Group 2: Beijing Benz's Impact - Beijing Benz, a key profit contributor, experienced a revenue decline of 3.36% to 21.75 billion euros, with net profit dropping by 18.5% to 2.44 billion euros, resulting in a loss of over 2 billion yuan in net profit contribution to Beijing Automotive [6][11]. - The sales volume of Beijing Benz fell by 7.3% to 683,600 units, significantly exceeding the global decline of 3% for the Mercedes-Benz brand [7]. - The price war in the market led to substantial discounts on key models, which did not translate into increased sales, damaging the brand's reputation [7][8]. Group 3: Beijing Hyundai's Performance - Beijing Hyundai has faced continuous losses, with a cumulative loss of 13.08 billion yuan over three years, and a significant drop in sales from 300,000 units to just 154,200 units in 2024, a decline of 36.02% [10][13]. - The company has not launched any electric vehicles, contributing to its declining market presence and financial struggles [12][13]. Group 4: Increased Expenditures - Despite declining profits, Beijing Automotive's capital expenditures rose by 9.8% to 53.8 billion yuan, and R&D expenditures increased by 20.2% to 4.29 billion yuan, attributed to investments in new energy vehicle development [14].