Core Viewpoint - The decision to halt the merger between Dongfeng and Changan reflects a pragmatic approach to respect the actual circumstances and allows both companies to continue their strategic development independently [1][3][5]. Group 1: Company Performance - Dongfeng's new energy vehicle sales are projected to reach 860,000 units in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 64.4% [1]. - From January to May 2024, Dongfeng's cumulative sales of new energy vehicles reached 299,000 units, a staggering increase of 118.1% year-on-year [1]. - Changan's cumulative sales in 2024 are expected to hit 2.684 million units, marking a 5.1% year-on-year increase, the highest in nearly seven years [2]. - Changan's new energy vehicle sales reached 735,000 units in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 52.8% [2]. - In May 2024, Changan's single-month sales of new energy vehicles surpassed 94,800 units, with a year-on-year increase of 70% [2]. Group 2: Strategic Development - The cessation of the merger allows both Dongfeng and Changan to maintain their strategic stability and focus on their respective market demands and innovation [4]. - The restructuring of Changan's controlling shareholder to an independent central enterprise enhances decision-making efficiency and resource allocation flexibility [4]. - Both companies are positioned to explore collaborative opportunities in technology innovation and market expansion, particularly in new energy technology development and international market penetration [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The automotive industry is undergoing significant transformation towards new energy and intelligent technology, necessitating companies to respond swiftly to market changes [3]. - The decision to stop the merger aligns with the trend of "professional integration" in the industry, as the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) emphasizes focusing on core responsibilities [3].

Core Viewpoint - The new energy vehicle (NEV) market is experiencing a significant reshuffle, with new forces gaining market share and traditional automakers accelerating their transformation, indicating a deep adjustment period in the industry [3]. Group 1: New Energy Vehicle Sales Data - In May, NEV retail sales in China are expected to reach 980,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 22%, with a penetration rate of approximately 52.9% [2]. - The top new energy vehicle companies by sales in May are as follows: - Leap Motor: 45,000 units, up 148% year-on-year [4] - Li Auto: 41,000 units, up 17% year-on-year [4] - Seres: 37,000 units, up 35% year-on-year [4] - Xpeng Motors: 34,000 units, up 230% year-on-year [4] - Xiaomi Auto: 28,000 units, up 224% year-on-year [4] - NIO: 23,000 units, up 13% year-on-year [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Company Performance - Leap Motor has maintained its leading position for three consecutive months, driven by popular models like the C10 and C11, with the C10 accounting for 30% of total sales [6][7]. - Li Auto's sales were boosted by the launch of the smart refresh version of its L series, with weekly sales exceeding 10,000 units [7]. - Seres' sales growth was supported by the successful launch of the 2025 version of the M9 model, which contributed significantly to its overall sales [7]. - Xpeng Motors' sales recovery is attributed to the introduction of lower-priced models, although it faces increasing pressure from competitors [8]. - NIO is undergoing internal restructuring to enhance brand synergy, aiming for a monthly sales target of 50,000 units by Q4 [9]. Group 3: Traditional Automakers' Performance - BYD remains the leader among traditional automakers, with May sales of 382,000 units, a 15% increase year-on-year, and a cumulative sales figure of 1.763 million units for the first five months, up 39% [12]. - Geely's May sales reached 138,000 units, a 135% increase, with the Galaxy series being the main sales driver [13]. - Changan Automobile sold 95,000 NEVs in May, a 70% increase, with significant contributions from its Changan Yuyuan and Deep Blue brands [14]. - SAIC-GM-Wuling sold 74,000 NEVs in May, primarily focusing on small electric vehicles, with expectations for further growth due to upcoming promotional activities [15]. - Chery's NEV sales in May were 63,000 units, a 48% increase, with a cumulative growth of 112% for the first five months [16]. - GAC Aion's sales declined by 33% in May, indicating challenges in its recovery phase [17]. - Other traditional brands like Extreme Fox and Lantu also reported significant sales growth in May, with Extreme Fox achieving a 200% increase [18].

Core Insights - The domestic electric vehicle (EV) market experienced significant growth in May, with retail sales expected to reach 980,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 22%, and an EV penetration rate of approximately 52.9% [2] - A competitive reshuffling is occurring in the market, with new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers and traditional automakers adjusting their strategies amid a deep industry transformation [2] New Energy Vehicle Manufacturers - Leap Motor led the new energy vehicle segment in May with sales of 45,000 units, a 148% increase year-on-year, driven by popular models like the C10 and C11 [5][4] - Li Auto followed closely with 41,000 units sold in May, a 17% increase, supported by the launch of the upgraded L series [5] - Aito's sales reached 37,000 units in May, marking a 35% increase, with the M9 model contributing significantly to its performance [5] - Xpeng Motors sold 34,000 units, a 230% increase, attributed to the introduction of lower-priced models [6] - Xiaomi Motors maintained sales at 28,000 units, preparing for the launch of its second model, the YU7 [6] - NIO delivered 23,000 units, a 13% increase, while undergoing internal restructuring to enhance brand synergy [7] Traditional Automakers - BYD remained the leader among traditional automakers with sales of 382,000 units in May, a 15% increase, and a cumulative total of 1,763,000 units for the year [9] - Geely sold 138,000 NEVs in May, a 135% increase, with the Galaxy series being the main contributor [10] - Changan Automobile reported sales of 95,000 units, a 70% increase, with significant contributions from its various models [10] - SAIC-GM-Wuling sold 74,000 units, a 50% increase, focusing on small electric vehicles [10] - Chery's sales reached 63,000 units, a 48% increase, marking it as the fastest-growing traditional automaker [11] - Great Wall Motors sold 33,000 units, a 32% increase, with notable growth in its WEY brand [11] Emerging Brands - Emerging brands like Arcfox and Lantu also showed growth, with Arcfox selling 14,000 units (200% increase) and Lantu selling 10,000 units (122% increase) [12]

Group 1 - Changan Automobile appointed two new product CEOs for its brands, Ingrity and Qiyuan, to enhance sales by integrating product and marketing functions [1] - The company aims to achieve a sales target of 3 million vehicles by 2025, with specific contributions from its brands: Deep Blue and Avita are expected to contribute 500,000 and 220,000 units respectively, while the Changan brand will account for the remaining 2.28 million units [1][4] - In 2024, Changan's total sales are projected to be 2.68 million vehicles, with Ingrity contributing 1.21 million units, highlighting its critical role in meeting the overall sales target [2] Group 2 - Deep Blue and Avita, as newer brands under Changan, are under scrutiny for their profitability, with Deep Blue expected to break even at a monthly sales volume of 30,000 units, while Avita is projected to reach breakeven by 2026 [3] - Changan's total revenue is expected to reach 300 billion yuan by 2025, with a target of 1 million units in new energy vehicle sales [4] - The company is undergoing a restructuring process with Dongfeng Group, which is not expected to alter its strategic direction or brand development plans [3]