Core Insights - The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation towards electrification and intelligence, prompting joint ventures to clarify their direction and accelerate their transition [1][2] - The shift from "manufacturing in China" to "designing for China" and "defining by China" marks the emergence of the "Automotive Joint Venture 2.0" era, emphasizing deep collaboration and ecosystem integration [1] Market Dynamics - The market environment for joint venture car manufacturers has changed significantly, with their market share in China's passenger car market dropping from 61.6% in 2014 to an estimated 31.5% in 2024 [2] - The number of joint venture brand 4S networks is projected to decline, with a total of 7,744 joint venture brand outlets in 2024, a year-on-year decrease of 13.5% [2] Pricing Strategies - Joint venture car manufacturers are breaking away from traditional pricing models, with companies like SAIC Volkswagen adopting a "one-price" marketing strategy to enhance price transparency and convenience for consumers [3] - The "one-price" model has shown positive market performance, indicating a recovery in sales [3] R&D Innovations - Joint ventures are restructuring their R&D models, moving from unilateral input to collaborative output, with increased investment in local R&D centers [4][5] - Toyota has established a dedicated electric vehicle and battery R&D center in Shanghai, emphasizing local market needs and integrating Chinese engineers into the development process [4] - Nissan plans to invest 10 billion yuan in electric vehicle R&D over the next two years, aiming to accelerate technology iteration and product launch [4] Local Ecosystem Integration - The development of a robust smart electric vehicle supply chain in China is facilitating the transition of joint ventures towards electrification and intelligence [6] - Joint ventures are increasingly collaborating with local suppliers to enhance product offerings and meet consumer demands, particularly in smart technology and user experience [6][7] Strategic Partnerships - Many joint ventures are expanding their partnerships with local suppliers to leverage their technological strengths, which helps in quickly adapting to market changes and improving product competitiveness [7] - Executives from major automotive companies express a commitment to showcasing the competitive advantages of China's electric vehicle supply chain on a global scale [7]