Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the sales performance and customer demographics of the Chery Tiggo 5X, highlighting its appeal among budget-conscious consumers in lower-tier cities, particularly focusing on the vehicle's pricing and configuration options [2][4][9]. Sales Performance - In a four-tier city, a Chery dealership sold 62 vehicles last month, with only 10 units being the Tiggo 5X, indicating limited interest compared to other models [2]. - The dealership has 18 units in stock, primarily the 1.5L CVT Excellent Edition and the 1.5T CVT Comfort Edition, with colors predominantly in white and gray [2]. Customer Demographics - The majority of customers (over 90%) are males aged 28-35, including factory workers and small business owners, often motivated by government subsidies for vehicle trade-ins [4]. - Customers often compare the Tiggo 5X with models like the Geely Bin Yue and Wuling Xingchi, with many opting for the Tiggo 5X due to its affordability and acceptable features [6]. Competitive Analysis - The most common competitor for the Tiggo 5X is the Geely Bin Yue, with customers often perceiving Geely as a more reputable brand despite the price difference [9]. - The article notes that many potential buyers are deterred from purchasing the Tiggo 5X due to brand perception issues, even when the price is competitive [9]. Pricing and Discounts - The dealership offers discounts of ¥8,000 on the Excellent Edition and ¥9,000 on the Comfort Edition, with stable pricing trends observed [11]. - A financial breakdown for the Excellent Edition shows a total cost of ¥24,900 after discounts and financing options [14]. Configuration Preferences - The best-selling configuration is the 1.5L CVT Excellent Edition, accounting for 70-80% of sales, while the 1.5T CVT Comfort Edition struggles due to its higher price and perceived maintenance costs [15]. - Customers prefer white vehicles, which are chosen by 80% of buyers for their visual appeal [15]. Customer Feedback - Common complaints include the low brightness of halogen headlights in the Excellent Edition, which customers describe as inadequate [17]. - Maintenance costs for the Excellent Edition are approximately ¥260 per service, while the Comfort Edition incurs an additional ¥100 [18]. Product Insights - The Comfort Edition's design is criticized for being outdated, as it is essentially a rebranded version of a previously unsuccessful model [19]. - The vehicle's infotainment system is also a point of contention, with customers finding it outdated and unattractive compared to competitors [20].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show reflects a significant shift in the automotive industry, where traditional competition based on speed and concepts is replaced by a focus on product quality, technology, brand strength, and comprehensive capabilities. The transition to electric and intelligent vehicles is now a consensus, but many companies face survival challenges in an increasingly competitive market [1][27]. Group 1: Absence of Brands - Several notable automotive brands, including Beijing Hyundai, Kia, and luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini, were absent from the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, indicating strategic decisions or difficulties in surviving a highly competitive market [1][5]. - Neta Auto, once a rising star in the new energy vehicle sector, has faced severe operational challenges, with sales plummeting to just 487 units in January and February 2025, and no data available for March [3][5]. Group 2: Traditional Brands Struggling - Korean brands like Beijing Hyundai and Kia have seen a significant decline in market presence, with their absence from the auto show marking a historic low since entering the Chinese market in 2002. Their slow adaptation to the electric vehicle market has contributed to their decline [5][7]. - French brands under Dongfeng, such as Citroën and Peugeot, are also struggling, with their market share falling behind Korean brands and facing challenges in keeping up with the rapid pace of model updates in the domestic market [7][9]. Group 3: New Forces and Market Dynamics - The automotive market is witnessing a clear divide among leading players, with companies like BYD and Huawei maintaining strong market presence and technological innovation, while some new entrants are facing resource constraints and market exits due to financial difficulties [9][27]. - The trend of "reverse joint ventures" is gaining momentum, with companies like Toyota and BMW shifting decision-making power to their Chinese teams to better align with local market demands [10][12]. Group 4: Technological Competition - The auto show has transformed into a platform for technological competition, with advancements in charging speed, battery technology, and autonomous driving systems becoming critical for market success. L2-level driving assistance systems are becoming standard, with a penetration rate exceeding 65% [18][20]. - The presence of international technology suppliers at the auto show highlights the growing importance of global collaboration in the automotive supply chain, with many foreign companies showing keen interest in Chinese innovations [20][22]. Group 5: Global Expansion - Chinese automotive companies are increasingly focusing on global markets, with Chery and SAIC Motors leading the way in exports. Chery has become the top exporter of Chinese brands, while SAIC plans to launch 17 new models for overseas markets in the next three years [22][24]. - The presence of overseas dealers and media at the auto show indicates that international markets will be a key growth driver for Chinese automotive companies moving forward [26]. Conclusion - The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show signifies a critical juncture for the automotive industry, where the competition is intensifying, and companies must adapt to new technologies and market dynamics to survive. The industry is poised for a significant transformation, with potential for higher quality and performance vehicles for consumers in the future [27].