Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the findings of the "July 2025 China Car Retention Rate Research Report," highlighting the importance of retention rates in assessing brand strength and guiding various automotive business strategies [2][4]. Policy Direction - The recent consumption tax reform targets ultra-luxury vehicles, expanding the tax range to include cars priced over 900,000 yuan, which is a significant reduction from previous thresholds. This reform aims to improve fiscal revenue and stimulate domestic demand [5][6]. Market Trends - The automotive market has seen a price war in the first half of the year, prompting government and industry responses to curb chaotic competition. Although price wars have lessened, a stable market norm has yet to be established [9]. Supply and Demand - There has been a slight decrease in car supply, indicating reduced new car replacements. The second-hand car market benefits from car loans, with a reported loan balance of 78.381 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 26.06% [12]. Valuation Insights - In the second-hand market dominated by fuel vehicles, new car prices significantly influence second-hand prices. Notably, small sedans and mid-to-large SUVs have shown strong performance in retention rates due to limited new car supply [16]. New Energy Vehicle Developments - The construction of high-power charging facilities is gaining support, addressing previous compatibility issues with the power grid. This shift towards organized development is expected to enhance the promotion of new energy vehicles and charging infrastructure [19]. Market Activity - New car replacement transactions are crucial for stimulating the second-hand market. However, with a slight increase in new car prices and the suspension of subsidies, replacement transactions have not seen sustained growth. The second-hand market remains stable, with plug-in hybrid models facing consumer hesitation [22][23].

Summary of Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The global automotive industry, particularly focusing on the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sector, is experiencing significant growth, with a notable increase in exports and a shift towards localization in production [1][6]. Key Points on Chinese EV Exports - In the first half of 2025, China's EV exports reached 1 million units, marking a 70% year-on-year increase, primarily driven by BYD's doubling of exports, while other manufacturers remained stable or saw slight declines [1][3]. - The total passenger car exports for 2025 are projected to be around 5.2 million units, reflecting an approximate 11% year-on-year growth, although this is below initial expectations [1][5]. - The decline in the Russian market, with a 25% drop in exports to CIS countries, has impacted overall growth, attributed to increased vehicle scrappage tax and stricter controls on parallel imports [3]. BYD's Performance - BYD's exports in the first half of 2025 approached 500,000 units, representing a 130% increase, with significant growth in the European market [4][10]. - Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for about 40% of BYD's sales in Q1 2025, a 30 percentage point increase from 2023 [10]. - BYD is accelerating its overseas production base layout, with expectations to reach an overseas capacity of 1.5 million units by 2027 [4][10]. Leap Motor's International Strategy - Leap Motor, through its joint venture with Stantys, has launched the T03 and C10 models in Europe, maintaining monthly retail sales around 2,000 units [1][7]. - The wholesale monthly export figures are approximately 3,000 units, with a peak of 6,000 units in April 2025 [7]. - The company aims for its export business to break even by 2025, focusing on increasing market share and establishing a robust overseas presence [8]. SAIC's Adaptation to EU Tariffs - SAIC has adjusted its product structure to mitigate the impact of EU tariffs by increasing the share of HEV models, which accounted for 41% of its exports to the EU in the first half of 2025 [11]. - This strategy has allowed SAIC to achieve positive growth despite tariff challenges, with expectations for steady profit improvement [11]. Localization and Production Challenges - Chinese passenger car manufacturers are entering a localization phase similar to Japan's automotive industry development, facing challenges in managing relationships with local unions and governments [6][12]. - The need for patience and time is emphasized as companies navigate these complexities while establishing local production capabilities [6][13]. Other Notable Companies - Besides BYD and Leap Motor, companies like Great Wall, Geely, and Chery are also actively expanding into overseas markets, compensating for declines in the Russian market through diverse energy vehicle offerings and partnerships with multinational firms [12]. Conclusion - The Chinese automotive industry, particularly in the EV segment, is poised for growth with increasing exports and a strategic shift towards localization, although challenges remain in navigating international markets and regulatory environments [1][6][12].

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is witnessing a shift towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as companies adapt to consumer preferences and market dynamics, leading to larger fuel tanks in electric vehicles to alleviate range anxiety [4][17][39]. Group 1: Market Trends - Audi has retracted its plan to stop developing fuel vehicles by 2033, indicating a need for a diverse product lineup that includes electric, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine models [4]. - The retail sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles increased by 28% in the first five months of the year, reaching 1.69 million units, with a projected growth of 76.9% in 2024, significantly outpacing pure electric vehicle growth [5][39]. - The proportion of plug-in hybrids in the overall new energy vehicle sales rose to 42.1%, an increase of 8.6 percentage points year-on-year [5]. Group 2: Vehicle Specifications - New energy vehicles are now equipped with larger fuel tanks, with some models exceeding their traditional fuel counterparts. For instance, the Lynk & Co 06 has a fuel tank capacity of 51 liters, up from 35 liters, and the BYD Seal 06 DM-i features a 65-liter tank [6][7]. - The average fuel tank capacity of new energy vehicles in China has increased by 52.6% from 2017 to 2024, reaching 58 liters, which is comparable to traditional fuel vehicles [14]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Consumer concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety are driving the demand for vehicles with larger fuel tanks, as the current charging infrastructure is insufficient to meet the growing number of electric vehicle users [17][18]. - The psychological aspect of range anxiety is significant, leading manufacturers to prioritize the development of hybrid vehicles with larger fuel tanks to address consumer needs [18][42]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - The battery technology has matured, allowing plug-in hybrid vehicles to achieve electric ranges exceeding 300 kilometers, significantly improving their market positioning [4]. - The cost of battery materials, particularly lithium, has decreased, providing manufacturers with the opportunity to install larger batteries and fuel tanks in their vehicles [24][26]. Group 5: Policy Impact - The discontinuation of national subsidies for new energy vehicles has leveled the playing field between plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles, encouraging the growth of plug-in hybrids [39]. - The extension of tax exemptions for new energy vehicles until the end of 2027 further supports the market for plug-in hybrids, as they now enjoy similar benefits as pure electric vehicles [39].

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is witnessing a shift where traditional fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles (NEVs) are increasingly incorporating larger fuel tanks, reflecting a compromise between idealism and practicality in consumer preferences [3][4][5]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Audi has retracted its plan to cease development and sales of fuel vehicles by 2033, indicating a need for a diverse product lineup that includes electric, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine models [3][4]. - Many Chinese automakers, initially focused on pure electric vehicles, are now pivoting towards plug-in hybrid models, recognizing the importance of fuel tanks in consumer purchasing decisions [4][5]. - The retail sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles (including range-extended models) increased by 28% year-on-year in the first five months of this year, reaching 1.69 million units, with a projected growth of 76.9% in 2024 [5][40]. Group 2: Technical Developments - The advancement in battery technology has led to plug-in hybrid models achieving electric ranges exceeding 300 kilometers, significantly improving their market positioning [4][5]. - The fuel tank sizes of new energy vehicles are now often larger than their traditional fuel counterparts, with some models featuring tanks up to 91.5 liters [5][6][13]. - The average fuel tank capacity of new energy vehicles in China has increased by 52.6% from 2017 to 2024, reaching 58 liters, aligning closely with traditional fuel vehicles [15][22]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Consumer anxiety regarding charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to the adoption of electric vehicles, prompting manufacturers to enhance fuel tank capacities as a practical solution [18][19]. - The shift in consumer preference towards larger fuel tanks in new energy vehicles is driven by the need for convenience and reliability in refueling options [19][43]. - The introduction of policies that treat plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles equally in terms of subsidies has further accelerated the growth of plug-in hybrid models [40][43].

Group 1 - The overall score of the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry reached 806 points in 2025, marking the first time it has surpassed 800 points since the research began in 2021, with all factor scores increasing by more than 12 points [1] - The research evaluates owner satisfaction across 11 performance categories and 45 elements, covering 122 models from 48 brands, serving as a crucial reference for manufacturers in designing and developing new energy products [1] - The market is shifting from "incremental logic" to "stock reconstruction," with first-time buyers now accounting for less than 60% of the EV market, while domestic new force brands have achieved breakthroughs in both sales and product appeal scores [1] Group 2 - The continuous rise in overall scores is attributed to advancements in battery technology, with mainstream models priced under 300,000 yuan showing improvements in battery capacity to meet user demands for extended range [2] - User expectations have shifted from focusing on technical parameters to overall trust in usability, with scores for range economy and charging experience increasing by 22 and 18 points respectively compared to last year [2] - The proportion of plug-in hybrid vehicle users increased by 9 percentage points from 2024 to 41.5%, indicating a growing acceptance of hybrid technology, with perceived experience differences between hybrid and pure electric models narrowing to within 2 points [3]

Core Insights - The fifth International Forum on Automotive Power Systems was held in Shanghai, focusing on the diverse development of global automotive power systems [1] - Xu Changming presented a keynote report on the current status and future prospects of the hybrid vehicle market in China and abroad [1] Hybrid Vehicle Market in China - Since 2021, China's hybrid vehicle sales (including HEV, PHEV, REEV) have experienced exponential growth, with an annual growth rate of at least 50%, increasing from less than 1 million to nearly 6 million units [3] - PHEVs have seen a rapid increase in market share, reaching 62.6% last year and 62.7% in the first four months of this year, while HEV's share is declining [3] - The rapid development of PHEVs and range-extended vehicles is attributed to three main factors: supply-side push from brands like BYD and Li Auto, consumer preference for better economy and driving experience, and supportive government policies [3][4] Government Policies and Future Outlook - PHEVs and range-extended vehicles enjoy similar incentives as pure electric vehicles, with expectations that these policies will remain largely unchanged or slightly adjusted in the next 2-3 years [4] - There is a potential for PHEVs and range-extended vehicles to surpass pure electric vehicles in market share in the short term [4] Global Hybrid Vehicle Market Trends - The hybrid vehicle market overseas has also seen rapid growth, with a growth rate of 20%-30% in 2023, slightly lower than China's market [4] - In the overseas market, HEVs dominate with a share of about 78%, while PHEVs account for approximately 20% [4] - The only regions where hybrid vehicles have a higher market share than in China are Japan and South Korea, where hybrids account for about one-third of the market [4] Opportunities for Chinese Hybrid Vehicles Abroad - Chinese hybrid vehicles are expected to play a significant role in the global hybrid market, with Brazil projected to have the highest sales of Chinese brand hybrids at 59,000 units in 2024, primarily PHEVs [5] - Future opportunities for Chinese hybrid vehicles lie in countries with good home charging conditions and younger populations, such as Brazil, Russia, and Uzbekistan [5]

Core Viewpoint - The forum emphasizes that hybrid powertrains are essential for achieving net-zero emissions in the automotive industry [1] Company Overview - Horse Powertrain was established in May 2024 and has its global headquarters in London, UK, with 17 manufacturing bases and 5 R&D centers [3] - The company employs 19,000 staff globally, including 3,000 engineers, and has an annual revenue of €15 billion (approximately ¥123.3 billion) [3] - Horse Powertrain's annual sales reach about 8 million powertrains, including engines, transmissions, and batteries [3] Product Portfolio - The company offers a diverse product range, including fuel engines, hybrid engines, plug-in hybrid engines, and transmissions [3] - Horse Powertrain can produce energy power systems using gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and methanol [3] Market Insights - By 2040, it is projected that around 50% of vehicles in the global market will still be internal combustion engine vehicles, equating to approximately 54 million vehicles annually [4] - The global stock of fuel vehicles exceeds 1 billion, with an average lifespan of 15 years, indicating a prolonged presence of internal combustion engines in the automotive industry [4] Technological Approach - The company believes that the transition to electrification should not focus on a single technology but rather embrace a multi-path development strategy [4] - Horse Powertrain aims to provide hybrid solutions that complement the development of pure electric vehicles, facilitating the transition for consumers hesitant about electrification [5] Energy Solutions - The company is exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and synthetic fuels, which are expected to gain widespread use in the future [5] - Current challenges include high production costs for synthetic fuels, necessitating ongoing policy support for large-scale production and application [5] Future Developments - At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Horse Powertrain will showcase alternative fuel solutions, including methanol, ethanol, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels [6] - The company has improved the combustion efficiency and emissions treatment of methanol engines, achieving a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional gasoline engines [6] - Horse Powertrain aims to become an ecological coordinator and system integrator, developing a flexible and sustainable power technology platform tailored to regional fuel preferences [6]