1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core Views of the Report - On December 4, the main nickel contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange fluctuated within a range. With a weak nickel fundamental and inventory pressure, along with the repeated expectations of the Fed's interest - rate cuts, after the price recovered from a low level, nickel prices are expected to fluctuate within a range. The trading strategy is to wait and see [1][2]. - On December 4, the main stainless - steel contract also fluctuated within a range. Given the loose fundamentals and weakening cost support, stainless - steel prices are expected to fluctuate weakly. The trading strategy is to short on rallies [2]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Nickel Market Futures Market - On December 4, the closing prices of Shanghai nickel futures contracts generally decreased. For example, the closing price of the near - month contract was 117,600 yuan/ton, down 260 yuan from the previous day. The trading volume of Shanghai nickel futures was 103,322 lots, a decrease of 9,126 lots, and the open interest of the active contract decreased by 577 lots [2]. - The inventory of Shanghai nickel futures increased, with the inventory on December 4 being 32,595 tons, an increase of 2,501 tons from the previous day [2]. Spot Market - The average price of SMM 1 electrolytic nickel increased by 400 yuan compared to the previous day. The basis (spot - to - futures) widened, with the basis of SMM 1 electrolytic nickel average price minus the closing price of the active nickel futures contract being 2,130 yuan on December 4 [2]. Supply and Demand - Supply side: Nickel ore prices remained flat. The arrival volume of nickel ore at ports increased last week, and port inventories decreased. The loss of nickel - iron plants deepened, with domestic and Indonesian nickel - iron production schedules decreasing in December. The domestic electrolytic nickel production schedule increased in December, and the loss of electrolytic nickel imports narrowed [2]. - Demand side: Ternary material production decreased; stainless - steel plant production schedules decreased; alloy and electroplating demand remained stable [2]. Inventory - The inventory of the Shanghai Futures Exchange, LME, and social inventory increased, while the bonded - area inventory decreased [2]. Stainless - Steel Market Futures Market - On December 4, the main stainless - steel contract fluctuated within a range. The trading volume was 84,742 lots, an increase of 4,381 lots, and the open interest decreased by 871 lots [2]. - The inventory of stainless - steel futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange decreased, with the inventory on December 4 being 62,157 tons, a decrease of 180 tons from the previous day [2]. Spot Market - Spot market trading was weak, and the basis premium widened. For example, the basis of the average price of 304/2B coil - cut edge (Wuxi) minus the active contract price was 775 yuan on December 4 [2]. Supply and Demand - Supply side: Stainless - steel production decreased in December, and the production schedule of the 300 - series stainless - steel decreased [2]. - Demand side: Terminal demand was weak [2]. Cost - The price of high - grade nickel pig iron decreased, while the price of high - carbon ferrochrome remained flat [2]. Industry News - After the EU officially issued the new battery passport policy, the Indonesian nickel industry has once again become the focus. The full implementation of the policy is scheduled for February 2027. The preparation levels of Indonesian nickel producers vary, and the real challenge lies with producers in the early stage of development [2].

Report Title - Nickel and Stainless Steel Daily Review 20251205: Range-bound after Recovery [1] Market Data Summary Shanghai Nickel Futures - On December 4, 2025, the closing price of the near - month contract was 117,600 yuan/ton, down 260 yuan from the previous day. The trading volume was 103,322 lots, a decrease of 9,126 lots, and the open interest decreased by 577 lots. The inventory was 32,595 tons, a decrease of 2,501 tons [2]. - The price differences between different contracts and the basis between spot and futures also showed certain changes, such as the basis of SMM 1 electrolytic nickel average price - Shanghai nickel active contract closing price was 2,130 yuan/ton [2]. LME Nickel - The LME 3 - month nickel spot official price was 14,830 US dollars/ton on December 4, 2025. The trading volume was 5,302 lots, a decrease of 3,162 lots. The inventory was 253,116 tons, an increase of 126 tons [2]. Shanghai Stainless Steel Futures - On December 4, 2025, the closing price of the near - month contract was 12,260 yuan/ton, down 30 yuan from the previous day. The trading volume was 84,742 lots, an increase of 4,381 lots, and the open interest decreased by 871 lots. The inventory was 62,157 tons, a decrease of 180 tons [2]. Core Views Nickel - On December 4, the main nickel contract oscillated within a range. The supply side had stable nickel ore prices, increased nickel ore arrivals at ports last week with inventory depletion at ports. Nickel - iron mills' losses deepened, with domestic and Indonesian production schedules decreasing in December. Electrolytic nickel production schedules increased in December, and the import loss of electrolytic nickel narrowed. The demand side saw a decline in ternary precursor production, a decrease in stainless - steel mill production schedules, and stable alloy and electroplating demand. With inventory increasing in SHFE, LME, and the social sector, and decreasing in the bonded area, the nickel fundamentals are weak with inventory pressure. Considering the repeated expectations of the Fed's interest - rate cuts, after the price recovered from a low level, nickel prices are expected to oscillate within a range [2]. Stainless Steel - On December 4, the main stainless - steel contract oscillated within a range. The spot market had weak trading, and the basis premium widened. Inventory in SHFE decreased, and the 300 - series social inventory last week was 630,500 tons, an increase of 10,100 tons. In terms of supply, stainless - steel production decreased in December, and the 300 - series production schedule declined. The terminal demand was weak. The high - grade ferronickel price decreased, and the high - carbon ferrochrome price remained stable. With loose fundamentals and weakening cost support, stainless - steel prices are expected to oscillate weakly [2]. Investment Strategies Nickel - The trading strategy is to wait and see, with a view score of 0 [2]. Stainless Steel - The trading strategy is to short on rallies, with a view score of 0 [2]

Group 1 - The China International Commercial Vehicle Exhibition, the only national-level commercial vehicle exhibition in China and the largest professional platform in Asia, commenced on November 10 in Wuhan, focusing on "high-end, intelligent, and green" themes [1] - XWANDA Power showcased its comprehensive electric commercial vehicle ecosystem solutions, highlighting its core technologies and complete product layout in electric heavy trucks, light trucks, construction machinery, and ships [1] - The exhibition featured XWANDA's systematic advantages and continuous innovation capabilities in commercial vehicle electrification solutions through a matrix of battery systems and ultra-fast charging technologies [1] Group 2 - XWANDA Power presented three core segments of commercial vehicle solutions: a complete battery product matrix from 3.5C ultra-fast charging to 1C standard charging, key electronic components including platform-based PDU products and self-developed BMS systems, and digital innovations such as battery passports for lifecycle management [1] - For heavy trucks, XWANDA introduced solutions covering seven standard box types with various layout options, providing three system solutions (vehicle-pile-battery collaboration) and featuring four large-capacity battery cells [3] - The light truck solutions emphasized lightweight design, fast charging, and optimized structure, catering to diverse scenarios such as urban delivery and logistics, with four standard box types covering a battery range of 102 to 140 kWh [3] Group 3 - XWANDA Power has established a nationwide service network for commercial vehicles, adhering to the principle of being close to customers and markets, and actively expanding certified service centers [5] - The company commits to a 12/48 principle for rapid response to customer needs, aiming to continuously optimize and upgrade service capabilities [5] - XWANDA Power aims to provide safer, more durable commercial vehicle solutions, supporting the transition of China's commercial vehicle industry towards green, efficient, and intelligent development [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of a "Battery Passport" by European automakers, particularly Kia, as a response to new EU regulations aimed at enhancing battery transparency and traceability throughout the battery lifecycle [4][5][13]. Group 1: Battery Passport Implementation - Kia Europe is conducting a public trial of the "cell-level" battery passport on the EV3 model, which allows real-time tracking of battery health and maintenance diagnostics [5][8]. - The battery passport will be mandatory for all electric and hybrid vehicles sold in Europe by February 2027, exceeding the basic regulatory requirements by integrating additional safety-related data [5][10]. - The system enables data collection from each battery cell, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the battery's lifecycle, which can benefit vehicle owners by extending battery life and reducing maintenance costs [8][10]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - The EU's new battery regulation (EU 2023/1542) mandates that all electric vehicles with a capacity greater than 2kWh must have a digital battery passport by February 18, 2027 [13][14]. - The regulation outlines over 100 data attributes that the battery passport must include, covering aspects such as carbon footprint, recycling content, and performance [13][14]. - The focus has shifted from whether to comply with regulations to how to effectively implement the necessary systems and data management [15][16]. Group 3: Industry Collaboration and Future Prospects - Kia's initiative is part of a broader industry trend, with other automakers like Volvo also planning to implement battery passports in alignment with EU regulations [20][21]. - The collaboration among various stakeholders, including academic institutions and technology providers, is crucial for the successful deployment of the battery passport system [10][22]. - The battery passport is expected to evolve beyond compliance, impacting after-sales services and financial aspects such as second-hand vehicle valuations and warranty pricing [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - The global energy circular economy plan, driven by Chinese enterprises, is emerging as a global platform for creating circular economy solutions, with significant participation from leading companies in the automotive industry and battery sectors [1][5]. Group 1: Industry Participation and Collaboration - Major automotive companies like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are actively responding to the global energy circular economy plan, recognizing the substantial opportunities it presents [1]. - The plan aims to establish a new value ecosystem that spans materials, batteries, vehicles, and users, leveraging digital tools like the "battery passport" [1][5]. - The initiative has entered a substantive advancement phase, with industry leaders emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address supply chain and quality management challenges [3][5]. Group 2: Resource Independence and Compliance - Europe currently relies heavily on imports for lithium (98%) and natural graphite (80%), creating geopolitical risks that the global energy circular economy plan seeks to mitigate through battery recycling [3]. - BASF aims to meet 14% of the EU's lithium and 25% of its cobalt demand through recycling by 2030, enhancing the autonomy of the European automotive industry [3]. - The EU's new battery law imposes mandatory requirements on carbon footprints and the use of recycled materials, prompting companies to develop closed-loop systems [3][4]. Group 3: Cost Reduction and Market Opportunities - The cost of battery recycling is significantly lower than that of primary mineral extraction, with recycling costs potentially below $9 per kWh compared to manufacturing costs of $95 per kWh [3]. - Goldman Sachs predicts that the average battery price will drop to $80 per kWh by 2026, largely due to contributions from recycled materials, presenting substantial cost-saving opportunities for automakers [4]. - The global energy circular economy plan is projected to create a market space worth over 1.2 trillion yuan by 2040, generating more than 10 million jobs in the battery value chain [5]. Group 4: Standardization and ESG Integration - The plan aims to establish unified standards for circularity, which is crucial for identifying performance in sustainability efforts across the industry [6]. - The "battery passport" serves as a core tool for the initiative, providing lifecycle data that enhances transparency and efficiency in the supply chain [7]. - The initiative's focus on creating a closed-loop ecosystem aligns with the environmental (E) metrics of ESG ratings, potentially attracting more social capital and higher valuation premiums for participants [6][8]. Group 5: Future Directions and Global Impact - The global energy circular economy plan is open to all stakeholders, facilitating information sharing and collaboration in a challenging international trade environment [8]. - The initiative is set to conduct pilot projects with global partners to explore comprehensive solutions, supporting the green transformation of the automotive industry [8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the mechanical industry [1] Core Viewpoints - The mechanical industry is experiencing a recovery in demand, particularly in the engineering machinery sector, driven by significant projects such as the construction of the Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project, which is expected to generate substantial new demand for engineering machinery [14][15] - The humanoid robot sector is poised for a breakthrough in 2025, with mass production expected to drive down costs and enhance data collection capabilities, thus promoting wider adoption [6] - Liquid cooling technology is becoming increasingly important due to the rising power consumption of chips, with a projected increase in the adoption of liquid cooling systems in data centers [7][8] Summary by Relevant Sections Humanoid Robots - Significant investments in humanoid robotics have been made, including a nearly 1 billion yuan A+ round financing for a startup focused on embodied intelligence [4] - The year 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for humanoid robot mass production, with expectations of overcoming data scarcity issues [6] Liquid Cooling - Innovations in liquid cooling technology are being driven by the need for efficient thermal management in high-performance chips, with a notable shift towards liquid cooling systems in new data centers [7][8] Engineering Machinery - The engineering machinery sector is benefiting from the commencement of major infrastructure projects, with domestic sales of excavators showing a year-on-year increase of 14.8% in August 2025 [15] - The report highlights the potential for continued growth in the engineering machinery sector due to policy support and the ongoing internationalization and electrification trends [15] Robotics and Automation - The report notes a significant increase in the sales of various types of forklifts, with a year-on-year growth of 14.4% in July 2025, indicating a robust market for automated solutions [16] - The penetration rate of unmanned forklifts is expected to rise significantly, with a projected 39.3% increase in sales in 2025 [16] Semiconductor Equipment - The report discusses the acceleration of domestic substitution for semiconductor equipment due to geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturers [18][19] New Energy Equipment - The report highlights advancements in battery technology, including the introduction of solid-state batteries, which are expected to revolutionize the energy storage market [21][22]

Group 1: Event Overview - The 2025 Munich International Motor Show, themed "'Moving' Everything," took place from September 9 to 14, attracting around 750 exhibitors from over 30 countries, with 116 Chinese exhibitors, marking a historical high in participation [2][3] - The event showcased the global shift towards electric, intelligent, and low-carbon mobility, with significant attention on new products and technologies from Chinese companies [2][5] Group 2: Industry Trends - The International Energy Agency's report indicates that global electric vehicle sales surpassed 4 million units in Q1 2025, with an expected annual total exceeding 20 million units, representing a 25% year-on-year increase and accounting for 25% of global new car sales [2] - By 2030, the number of public charging stations worldwide is projected to increase nearly eightfold to approximately 40 million [2] Group 3: Innovations and Technologies - Major automotive manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are focusing on electric and intelligent development, with BMW showcasing the new iX3 model capable of over 900 km range and rapid charging [3][4] - Bosch and ZF presented advanced driver assistance systems and software-defined vehicle solutions, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technology in automotive design [4][8] Group 4: Chinese Brands and Contributions - Chinese exhibitors, including BYD and GAC Group, showcased innovative models and technologies, such as BYD's ultra-fast charging technology and GAC's first mass-produced flying car [5][6] - BYD announced plans to establish a factory in Hungary by 2025, emphasizing its commitment to the European market and localizing production and services [5][6] Group 5: International Collaboration - The automotive industry is characterized by high globalization, with German companies relying on global supply chains and partnerships with Chinese firms for technological innovation and product development [7][8] - Companies like CATL and EVE Energy are focusing on localizing production in Europe, with CATL investing in a testing center in Germany to support green transformation efforts [7][8]

Core Insights - The global electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing significant growth, with sales expected to exceed 20 million units in 2023, a 25% increase year-on-year, accounting for 25% of global new car sales [1][4] - The Munich Motor Show showcases the shift towards electrification and smart technology in the automotive industry, with major manufacturers and suppliers focusing on innovative solutions [1][2][4] Group 1: Electric Vehicle Market Trends - The International Energy Agency predicts that the number of public charging stations will increase nearly eightfold by 2030, reaching approximately 40 million [1] - Major automotive brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are unveiling new electric models and technologies, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and connectivity in future mobility [1][4] Group 2: Chinese Brands and Innovations - Chinese exhibitors at the Munich Motor Show are showcasing advancements in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery production, and smart driving software, with a record participation of 116 companies [4][6] - BYD's new models and its fast-charging technology, which allows for 2 kilometers of range in just 1 second of charging, highlight the company's commitment to the European market [3][6] Group 3: Industry Collaboration and Innovation - The automotive industry is increasingly characterized by global collaboration, with German and Chinese companies working together on technology innovation and supply chain cooperation [7] - Companies like CATL and EVE Energy are focusing on localizing production in Europe, enhancing their competitive edge and supporting the region's green transition [7][6]

Core Trends in Automotive Industry - The Munich Auto Show highlights three major trends in the automotive industry's technological transformation: deepening electrification, software-defined digitalization, and AI-driven intelligence [1] Electrification Deepening - Electrification is no longer an emerging trend but is developing more deeply in both technology and market aspects. Battery technology and alternative power systems are emphasized as core components for future vehicles [2] - Chinese companies showcased significant innovations, such as BYD's 1 MW charging platform, achieving the highest mass production charging power globally, and CATL's NP3.0 battery safety technology that prevents fire and smoke during thermal runaway [2] - Major German manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen presented new electric vehicle models, with Mercedes-Benz debuting the pure electric GLC SUV featuring an 800V architecture [2] Alternative Power Systems - Hydrogen energy and solid-state batteries emerged as important topics at the show, with companies like Renault and Rimac presenting hydrogen fuel cell range-extended concept cars and solid-state battery units [3] Software-Defined Digitalization - Digitalization is a key driver in the entire mobility ecosystem, with software-defined vehicles being a significant technological focus. ZF Group showcased software-defined chassis and electric mobility technologies [4] - Bosch presented a product lineup that includes high-performance onboard computers and flexible vehicle infrastructure to accelerate automotive digitalization [4] - Nvidia emphasized the shift from horsepower reliance to computational power, showcasing a comprehensive safety system integrating vehicle architecture, AI models, and software [4] Intelligence Development - The show indicated that automotive intelligence is advancing towards AI-driven and software-enabled stages, with smart driving moving from concept to large-scale production [5] - XPeng Motors exhibited a range of technologies, including smart electric vehicles and flying cars, highlighting the importance of AI in the automotive sector [6] - The establishment of dedicated testing areas for L3 and L4 autonomous driving capabilities on real roads demonstrated various applications of vehicle-road collaboration [6]

Core Insights - The 2025 Munich International Motor Show highlights three major trends in the automotive industry: deepening electrification, software-defined digitalization, and AI-driven intelligence [1][3][9] Electrification - Electrification is no longer an emerging trend but has developed more deeply in both technology and market aspects. Battery technology and alternative power systems are now core focuses, with safety and sustainability of power battery systems being emphasized at the show [3][4] - Chinese companies showcased significant innovations, such as BYD's 1 MW charging platform, achieving the world's highest mass production charging power and speed [4] - Other notable exhibits include CATL's NP3.0 battery safety technology and EVE Energy's standardized cylindrical batteries with digital identification [4] Digitalization - Digitalization is a key driver of the entire mobility ecosystem, with software-defined vehicles being a major technical focus. ZF Group presented software-defined chassis and electric mobility technologies [6][7] - Bosch showcased high-performance onboard computers and flexible vehicle architectures to accelerate automotive digital transformation [7] - NVIDIA emphasized the shift from horsepower to computing power in vehicles, integrating comprehensive safety systems for autonomous driving [7] Intelligence - The show indicates a new phase of automotive intelligence driven by AI and software, with smart driving moving towards large-scale production. Chinese companies are emerging as significant players in this field [9][10] - XPeng Motors displayed a range of technologies, including smart electric vehicles and flying cars, highlighting their advanced technological layout [9] - Yuanrong Qihang presented its latest auxiliary driving platform, showcasing its ability to adapt to various traffic systems and cultures [10]