Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report is that the automotive market in 2026 will be influenced by multiple factors, with a focus on the rise of new energy vehicle penetration, exports, and the advancement of intelligent high-end vehicles despite uncertainties in the vehicle replacement policy and the reduction of purchase tax [1][2] - The automotive industry is experiencing a divergence in performance, with the auto parts sector outperforming the vehicle manufacturing sector due to the acceleration of automotive intelligence and the development of the robotics industry, as evidenced by a 34.76% increase in the auto parts index compared to a 0.40% decline in the passenger vehicle index from January 1 to December 12, 2025 [1] - The passenger vehicle sector is seeing revenue growth driven by the "old-for-new" policy, but profitability is declining due to intensified competition, while the auto parts sector benefits from scale effects and demand from emerging industries [1] Group 2 - The outlook for 2026 indicates that while the "old-for-new" policy has not yet been implemented, there are still growth opportunities in automotive exports, particularly for new energy vehicles, which are expected to show strong competitive advantages [2] - The penetration rate of L2+ intelligent driving functions is projected to reach 48% by 2024, with the year 2026 anticipated to be a critical point for the commercialization of L3 autonomous driving systems [2] - The intelligentization of chassis systems is becoming a key focus area to ensure the reliability of advanced autonomous driving, with domestic companies breaking through technical barriers in core components [3] Group 3 - The development of braking and steering systems is progressing towards electronic control, supported by national standards set to be implemented in 2026, which will facilitate the application of electronic braking and steering systems [4]

Core Viewpoint - The recent approval of L3-level conditional autonomous driving vehicles by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) marks a significant step towards the commercialization of advanced autonomous driving technology in China [2][5]. Group 1: L3 Autonomous Driving Approval - Changan Automobile and BAIC BluePark Magna Automotive have submitted applications for L3-level conditional autonomous driving vehicles, which have been approved by MIIT in the 401st batch of announcements [2][3]. - L3 autonomous driving allows for conditional self-driving within a limited operational range, differing fundamentally from L2 assistance systems [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Intelligent Chassis - The approved vehicles include Changan's Deep Blue product and BAIC's Arcfox Alpha S (L3 version), which features a high-performance redundant sensor system with 34 sensors, including three LiDARs [3][4]. - The commercialization of L3 is expected to accelerate the application of intelligent chassis technologies, such as active suspension, electronic brake-by-wire (EMB), and steer-by-wire (SBW) systems [3][4]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The approval of L3 vehicles provides policy support for the popularization of high-level autonomous driving, benefiting companies actively engaged in this sector [5]. - Key investment areas include vehicle application, where leading companies are establishing advantages in training data and smart driving ecosystems, and the intelligent chassis sector, which is expected to see rapid mass application by 2026 [5].

Core Viewpoint - The approval of L3-level autonomous driving vehicles by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) marks a significant step towards the commercialization of L3 autonomous driving in China, which is expected to accelerate the adoption of smart chassis technologies [1][2][3]. Group 1: Event Summary - The MIIT has granted conditional approval for Changan Automobile and BAIC BluePark Magna Automotive to produce L3-level autonomous vehicles, following the submission of their applications [2]. - The approval is part of the 401st batch of announcements by the MIIT, indicating a regulatory framework supporting the introduction of L3 autonomous driving products in the market [2][3]. Group 2: L3 Commercialization Impact - L3 autonomous driving allows for conditional self-driving capabilities, where the system controls vehicle movement and responds to environmental stimuli within a limited operational range, requiring driver intervention outside this range [3]. - The vehicles approved include Changan's Deep Blue model and BAIC's Arcfox Alpha S (L3 version), which features a high-performance sensor system with 34 sensors, including three LiDARs, ensuring comprehensive safety and redundancy [4]. Group 3: Smart Chassis Development - The commercialization of L3 driving is expected to drive the mass application of smart chassis technologies, including active suspension, electronic brake-by-wire (EMB), and steer-by-wire (SBW) systems [4][5]. - Active suspension systems will integrate air springs and variable damping to enhance vehicle handling and comfort, while EMB represents the future direction of braking systems, supported by mandatory national standards set to take effect in 2026 [4][5]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - The approval of L3 vehicles provides policy support for the widespread adoption of advanced autonomous driving technologies, benefiting companies that are actively investing in this sector [6]. - Key investment opportunities include automakers collaborating with Huawei, such as Seres, JAC Motors, BAIC BluePark, SAIC Group, and Changan, as well as companies in the smart chassis supply chain like Baolong Technology and Top Group [6].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the automotive industry, indicating an expectation of performance that exceeds the market benchmark by more than 5% [3][19]. Core Insights - The commercial application of L3 level conditional autonomous driving is expected to accelerate, with more vehicles equipped with L3 features likely to receive regulatory approval in the future [1][2]. - The introduction of L3 systems is anticipated to drive the mass application of intelligent chassis technologies, including active suspension, electronic brake-by-wire (EMB), and steer-by-wire (SBW) systems, which are crucial for higher levels of autonomous driving [2][9]. - The report highlights the significant advancements in hardware and software for automotive intelligence, suggesting a robust growth trajectory for companies involved in these technologies [2][9]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The automotive industry consists of 232 listed companies, with a total market capitalization of approximately 46,540.79 billion and a circulating market value of about 36,782.9 billion [4]. - The average price-to-earnings ratio for the industry stands at 31.78 [4]. Key Developments - The report notes that the recent approval of L3 autonomous vehicles by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology marks a significant step towards the commercialization of advanced driving technologies in China [1][2]. - The intelligent chassis is seen as the final piece in the puzzle for L3 and higher-level autonomous driving, with a focus on the upcoming mass production of active suspension, EMB, and SBW systems [2][9]. Investment Strategy - The report suggests focusing on two main areas for investment: the complete vehicle application sector, where leading companies are establishing advantages in training data and ecosystems, and the intelligent chassis sector, which is poised for rapid growth due to regulatory support and technological advancements [2][9].