Core Insights - The Ford Focus, after 27 years and approximately 12 million units sold, has officially ceased production as of November 15 [1] - The decline in sales began with the fourth generation of the Focus, attributed to several factors including a misstep with the three-cylinder engine strategy, chip shortages, economic downturns, and competition from electric vehicles [1][2] - Ford's market position in Europe has significantly weakened, dropping from the second largest car brand in 2015 to the twelfth position last year, with market share nearly halved [1] Company Strategy - To revitalize its European operations, Ford has developed a strategic plan to return to mainstream sales, appointing Jim Baumbick as the first dedicated head of European operations in three years [2] - Baumbick's primary responsibility will be to create products that meet the needs of European consumers [2] Industry Context - The discontinuation of the Ford Focus reflects the broader trend of the automotive industry's shift towards electrification, highlighting the challenges faced by even previously successful models in adapting to market changes [2]

Core Viewpoint - Joint ventures in the automotive industry are facing challenges, leading to strategic contractions, with recent rumors about the merger of Jiangling Ford and Changan Ford being denied by both parties [1][3]. Group 1: Company Statements - Jiangling Motors stated that it has no plans for asset restructuring or integration, emphasizing its focus on maintaining competitiveness and enhancing operational efficiency with partners [3]. - Ford China reiterated its commitment to building a sustainable sales service network and improving overall profitability through collaboration with joint venture partners and dealers [3][5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Ford achieved a net profit of approximately $600 million (around 44.09 billion RMB) in the Chinese market in 2024, marking its first profit in China in seven years [1][6]. - Jiangling Ford's sales reached nearly 50,000 units, while Changan Ford's sales rebounded to 247,000 units in 2024 [6]. Group 3: Strategic Changes - Ford has shifted its strategy to focus on profitability over volume, discontinuing low-margin small cars and concentrating on high-margin larger vehicles [5]. - The company has also expanded its growth avenues by developing an export business, with 168,000 units expected to be exported in 2024 [5]. Group 4: Historical Context - Jiangling Motors has been collaborating with Ford since 1995, with Ford holding a 32% stake in Jiangling as of 2024 [4]. - The partnership has evolved over the years, with Jiangling Ford focusing on off-road SUVs and pickup trucks, while Changan Ford specializes in sedans and urban SUVs [4].

Key Points - ByteDance attempted to acquire the Manus team last year but was rejected due to a low offer of $30 million, and subsequent financing efforts failed as the founder was unwilling to relocate from Wuhan [3][4] - Leap Motor achieved a net profit of RMB 80 million in Q4 2024, becoming the second new car manufacturer to turn profitable, with a pre-sale of the Leap B10 exceeding 15,010 orders in just one hour [6] - Manus disclosed that its base model is based on the American Claude and Alibaba's Qwen after its code was leaked by a user [9][10] - SAIC Volkswagen's general manager stated that their automotive standards are higher than domestic brands, and there are significant cost reduction opportunities in China [11][12] - Yush Robotics is accelerating its global market expansion by entering Alibaba's cross-border platform AliExpress, supported by a substantial subsidy [14] - Reports indicate that the domestic ERP software giant Yonyou is undergoing layoffs, affecting at least 2,000 employees due to significant losses [15][16] - Ferrari's F1 aerodynamic expert has joined Xiaomi as the chief aerodynamic engineer for its automotive division [17] - Ford's Focus and Mazda 6 have both been announced for discontinuation, marking the end of an era for these iconic models [33][34] Domestic News - Leap Motor's Q4 2024 net profit marks a significant milestone, with founder Zhu Jiangming highlighting the recognition of their product quality [6] - Yush Robotics has captured 60%-70% of the global quadruped robot market, showcasing its competitive pricing against foreign counterparts [14] - Yonyou's projected losses for 2024 are between RMB 1.72 billion and RMB 1.92 billion, with a revenue decline of 6.1%-7.1% expected [15][16] International News - Ford and Mazda's decision to cease production of the Focus and Mazda 6 reflects changing consumer preferences and market dynamics [33][34] - Tesla's stock plummeted by 14% amid a significant drop in sales, with February's wholesale figures showing a 49% year-on-year decrease [35] - Apple is reportedly developing smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods, expected to launch in 2027, indicating a focus on visual technology [36][37]