Core Insights - Chery has successfully launched its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, achieving a market capitalization of HKD 184 billion, marking it as the largest IPO of a car company in Hong Kong for 2025 [1] - The company has transformed its image from being perceived as low-quality to a competitive player in the global automotive market, with products now recognized for their design and technology [1][3] Design and Aesthetics - Chery's recent models, such as the Starway and Arrizo 8, showcase significant improvements in design, moving from a previously unappealing aesthetic to a more modern and attractive look [1] - Compared to competitors like Geely and Changan, Chery's design transformation has been noted as particularly successful, appealing to younger consumers [1] Interior and Space - The interior of Chery vehicles has evolved, featuring high-quality materials, advanced technology like large central displays, and spacious seating arrangements, making them more family-friendly [3] - The introduction of the Lion Smart Cloud system enhances user experience with quick voice recognition and OTA updates, setting it apart from competitors [3][4] Powertrain and Performance - Chery's 1.6T engine has received accolades for its efficiency and performance, with the Arrizo 8 achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just over 7 seconds [4] - The company is also advancing in hybrid technology, offering models with impressive fuel economy and electric range [4] Technology and Safety - Chery has integrated L2-level driver assistance features across its lineup, including adaptive cruise control and automatic parking, enhancing safety and user confidence [5][7] - The focus on practical and reliable technology implementation positions Chery as a mature player in the automotive industry [7] Global Expansion - Chery has maintained its position as the top Chinese brand in passenger car exports for 21 consecutive years, with plans to allocate 20% of its IPO proceeds to international markets [8] - The company's strategy emphasizes building a strong global presence based on product quality and service rather than resorting to price cuts [8] Market Reaction - The IPO has generated positive sentiment among investors, with the stock price surging on the first day, although some existing customers expressed frustration over the depreciation of older models [8][9] - The rapid product iteration and technological advancements have led to concerns about the resale value of older vehicles, highlighting the competitive nature of the automotive market [9] Conclusion - Chery has successfully navigated a challenging path to establish itself as a formidable player in the automotive industry, characterized by self-research, global expansion, and brand revitalization [11] - The company now boasts a strong portfolio of attractive, technologically advanced vehicles, positioning itself well against established competitors like BYD, Geely, and Changan [11]

Core Viewpoint - Chery Automobile successfully listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 25, raising approximately HKD 9.145 billion, marking the largest IPO for a car company in Hong Kong in 2025 [1][4] Group 1: Company Background and Development - Chery Automobile was founded by Yin Tongyue in 1995, starting from a small team in Wuhu, and has grown into a global automotive group [2][3] - The company has been the top exporter of Chinese passenger cars for 22 consecutive years, showcasing its leadership in the international market [1][5] Group 2: IPO Journey - The IPO journey faced multiple challenges, including complex equity relationships and external economic factors, delaying previous attempts in 2004, 2008, and 2016 [3][4] - The successful IPO in 2025 is seen as a significant milestone for Chery, providing necessary capital for its transformation and growth [1][4] Group 3: Financial Performance - Chery's revenue has shown significant growth, with figures of CNY 926.18 billion in 2022, CNY 1,632.05 billion in 2023, and CNY 2,698.97 billion in 2024, alongside net profits of CNY 58.06 billion, CNY 104.44 billion, and CNY 143.34 billion respectively [7] - The company’s overseas revenue reached CNY 1,008.97 billion in 2024, accounting for 37.4% of total revenue, with total sales reaching 2.6039 million units, a year-on-year increase of 38.4% [6][7] Group 4: Strategic Focus and Challenges - Chery is focusing on innovation and technology, with R&D investments projected to increase from CNY 4.128 billion in 2022 to CNY 10.544 billion in 2024 [5][6] - Despite strong sales growth, Chery faces challenges in the new energy vehicle sector, with a significant portion of revenue still coming from traditional fuel vehicles [7][8] - The company aims to enhance its high-end market presence, but struggles with the performance of its core brand, Exeed, and its collaboration with Huawei [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Chery Automobile is facing significant challenges in its IPO process, with a substantial reduction in expected fundraising amounts and concerns over its low R&D investment and profitability compared to leading competitors in the industry [1][3][9]. Financial Performance - Chery's revenue and net profit have shown consistent growth from 2022 to 2024, with revenues of 926.18 billion yuan, 1,632.05 billion yuan, and 2,698.97 billion yuan, and net profits of 58.06 billion yuan, 104.44 billion yuan, and 143.34 billion yuan respectively [3][5]. - In Q1 2025, Chery achieved a revenue of 682.23 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 24.2%, with a net profit of 47.26 billion yuan, up 90.9% year-on-year [3]. Market Position and Sales - In 2024, Chery sold 2.604 million vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 38.4%, making it the second-largest domestic brand in terms of sales [5][10]. - Despite strong sales, Chery's average vehicle price was 10.36 million yuan, with a net profit of approximately 0.55 million yuan per vehicle, the lowest among major competitors [11][12]. R&D and Technological Transition - Chery has committed to increasing R&D investment, with planned expenditures of 1 billion yuan over five years for smart technology development, but the effectiveness of these investments remains questionable [6][9]. - The company’s R&D spending from 2022 to Q1 2025 was 41.28 billion yuan, 68.49 billion yuan, 105.44 billion yuan, and 27.61 billion yuan, but the proportion of R&D investment relative to revenue has been declining [7][9]. Challenges in Electrification and High-End Market - Chery's transition to electric and smart vehicles has been slow, with only 30% of total sales being electric vehicles as of 2025, despite the domestic market's rapid growth in this segment [6][9]. - The partnership with Huawei to develop high-end models has not yielded expected results, with the models failing to gain traction in the market [2][13]. Overseas Market Performance - Chery has emphasized its strong export performance, claiming to be the top exporter for 22 consecutive years, but the average selling price of its vehicles in overseas markets is significantly lower than competitors [10][11]. - In 2024, Chery's overseas sales reached 1.1446 million units, with a year-on-year growth of 21.4%, but the average selling price was only 8.8 million yuan, raising concerns about its competitiveness [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - Chery has established a domestic business group to streamline its brand structure and enhance operational efficiency ahead of its IPO in Hong Kong, aiming to boost investor confidence in its management and profitability [3][10]. Group 1: Organizational Changes - Chery has formed a domestic business group that includes four divisions: Xingtu, Aihui, Fengyun, and QQ, with a focus on high-end, classic, new energy, and small car products respectively [1][3]. - The Xingtu brand, previously operating independently, has been integrated into the domestic business group, with its marketing center manager now serving as the executive vice president of the Xingtu division [4][5]. Group 2: Sales Performance - The Xingtu brand has struggled to meet sales expectations, with a target of 60,000 units annually, but only achieving 51,000 units in 2022 and 125,500 units in 2023, marking a year-on-year increase of over 130% [5][6]. - The new Xingji series, launched in 2023, has not yet reached a monthly sales target of 10,000 units since its introduction [5][6]. Group 3: Financial Overview - Chery's revenue for the first three quarters of 2024 reached 182.15 billion yuan, a 67.7% increase year-on-year, with significant growth in new energy vehicle sales, which rose by 231% [14][16]. - Despite the rapid growth in new energy vehicle sales, traditional fuel vehicle sales remain the primary revenue source, accounting for 74.8% of total sales in the first three quarters of 2024 [16]. Group 4: Market Position and IPO Strategy - Chery is positioned as the second-largest independent passenger car brand in China and the eleventh globally, as per sales data [15]. - The company aims to complete its IPO by 2025, focusing on brand enhancement, internationalization, and management improvements [10][20].