Core Viewpoint - European automakers are responding to the strong competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD by planning to launch a series of low-cost small cars to enhance their competitiveness [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - BYD has become the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, surpassing Tesla last year, and recently launched the compact hatchback "Dolphin Surf" in Europe, with a starting price of €22,990 (approximately ¥188,500) and a range of 322 km [1]. - The compact segment is seen as the "next frontier" for electrification in Europe, with significant potential for growth [1]. - The European electric vehicle market is accelerating this year, driven by EU emissions regulations that require a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions for new cars and trucks compared to 2021 levels, increasing to 55% by 2030 [4]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Analysts indicate that BYD's entry into the small car market is a strong signal, with the potential to disrupt the small car market due to its competitive pricing [2][4]. - European consumers prefer small electric vehicles for practical, environmental, and price reasons, with a demand for cars priced below €25,000 (approximately ¥205,000) [5]. - The introduction of Chinese models like Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03, priced below €20,000 (approximately ¥164,000), is pushing European manufacturers to focus on developing smaller, more affordable electric vehicles [5]. Group 3: Future Projections - By 2028 or 2029, the cost of small electric vehicles is expected to equal that of internal combustion engine vehicles, revitalizing the small car market [4]. - The small electric vehicle market is projected to continue expanding, with prices approaching €20,000 [7]. - Despite facing challenges from European manufacturers, Chinese companies like BYD are expected to maintain a competitive edge due to lower production costs and a broader vehicle lineup [8][9].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the electric power equipment industry is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights a significant increase in BEV sales among major automakers in Europe, indicating a strong trend towards electrification in the automotive industry. Renault's BEV sales grew by 88% year-on-year, Volkswagen's by 113%, and BMW's by 64% in Q1 2025 [4][14][23] - The introduction of new electric vehicle models is expected to sustain the electrification trend, with various automakers planning to launch competitively priced electric vehicles in the coming years [6][37] - The report discusses the implications of carbon emission regulations, noting that a shift to a three-year average assessment period for emissions targets could alleviate pressure on automakers and allow for better planning and execution of new model launches [53] Summary by Sections Sales Performance - In Q1 2025, Renault's BEV sales increased by 88% year-on-year, with a penetration rate of 17.1% [15] - Volkswagen's BEV deliveries in Europe rose by 113%, achieving a market share of approximately 26% [19][21] - BMW's BEV sales in Europe grew by 64%, with a penetration rate of 18.7% [23] New Model Launches - Stellantis plans to introduce multiple new models priced below €25,000, which are expected to boost sales in Q2 2025 [40] - Renault's new model, the Renault 4, is set to launch in Q2 2025, building on the success of the Renault 5 [41] - Volkswagen will showcase a new range of entry-level BEVs in September 2025, with the ID.2 model expected to launch in 2026 [45] Carbon Emission Regulations - The European Parliament has approved a revision of carbon emission regulations, shifting to a three-year average assessment, which is seen as beneficial for the industry [53] - Stellantis believes that relaxing the assessment timeline can prevent panic pricing strategies in late 2025 [54] - BMW is confident in meeting the revised emission targets, having already exceeded previous goals [58] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends investing in companies involved in lithium batteries, such as CATL and Yiwei Lithium Energy, as well as companies producing lithium materials and components [59]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the electric power equipment industry is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Insights - The report highlights a significant increase in BEV sales among major automakers in Europe, indicating a strong trend towards electrification in the automotive industry. Renault's BEV sales grew by 88%, Volkswagen's by 113%, and BMW's by 64% in Q1 2025 [4][14][23] - The introduction of new electric vehicle models is expected to sustain the electrification trend, with Stellantis and Renault planning to launch multiple affordable B-segment electric vehicles by the end of 2024 [6][37] - The report discusses the impact of carbon emission regulations, noting that the EU has revised its assessment method to consider a three-year average from 2025 to 2027, which may alleviate immediate pressure on automakers [53] Summary by Sections Sales Performance - In Q1 2025, Renault's BEV sales increased by 88%, with a penetration rate of 17.1% in Europe. The Renault 5 model was the best-selling B-segment electric vehicle [15][18] - Volkswagen's BEV deliveries in Europe rose by 113%, achieving a market share of approximately 26% [19][21] - BMW's BEV sales in Europe grew by 64%, with a penetration rate of 18.7% [23][25] - Chinese automakers are increasing PHEV exports to mitigate the impact of tariffs, with BYD's sales in Europe rising by 124% [5][32] New Model Launches - Stellantis plans to launch several new models priced below €25,000, which are expected to boost sales in Q2 2025 [40] - Renault's new model, the Renault 4, is set to launch in Q2 2025, building on the success of the Renault 5 [41] - Volkswagen will showcase a new range of entry-level BEVs in September 2025, with the ID.2 model expected to launch in 2026 [45] - BMW is set to begin production of the iX3 by the end of 2025, with a series of NEUE KLASSE models to follow [46] Carbon Emission Regulations - The EU's revised carbon emission assessment method is expected to provide automakers with more time to meet targets, with a focus on increasing BEV penetration rates [53] - Stellantis believes that the revised timeline will prevent panic pricing in Q4 2025 [54] - Renault emphasizes the importance of reducing costs to maintain competitiveness in the electric vehicle market [55] - Volkswagen anticipates continued pressure in 2025, despite the regulatory changes [57] - BMW expresses confidence in meeting carbon emission targets due to its current BEV penetration rate [58] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends investing in companies involved in lithium batteries, such as CATL and Yiwei Lithium Energy, as well as companies producing lithium materials and components [59]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the electric equipment industry is "Positive" (maintained) [2] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights that Renault Group is launching an electrification offensive based on its pure electric platforms, with multiple competitive models expected to be released between 2025 and 2026, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the European electric vehicle market [8][30] - The report emphasizes the expected increase in BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) penetration rates, with Renault achieving a BEV penetration rate of approximately 9% in 2024, and a significant increase to over 12% in Q4 2024 [20][57] Summary by Sections Renault Group Overview - Renault Group's total global sales in 2024 are projected to be 2.265 million units, a year-on-year increase of 1.3%, with 1.599 million units sold in the European market [17][22] - The group consists of four brands: Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize, each with complementary positioning [17] Electrification Strategy - Renault plans to launch around nine models based on its AmpR platforms (AmpR Small for B-segment cars and AmpR Medium for C-segment cars) from 2022 to 2031 [23][29] - The first generation of pure electric models will be concentrated in 2025-2026, with a sales target of approximately 300,000 electric vehicles in 2025 [30][31] Model Highlights - The Renault Megane E-Tech, launched in mid-2022, is a C-segment car with a starting price of €41,000 and is among the top 20 best-selling BEVs in Europe [35][38] - The Renault Scenic E-Tech, set to launch in early 2024, will have a starting price of €40,000 and is expected to sell approximately 21,000 units in 2024 [41][47] - The Renault 5 E-Tech, launching in Q4 2024, has a starting price of €28,000 and is projected to become the best-selling electric vehicle in France [54][57] - The Renault 4, expected to launch in 2025, will have a starting price of €29,000 and is already accepting orders [61][63] - The Alpine A290, a performance hatchback, will launch in 2024 with a starting price of €39,000 [68][70] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends several companies that are expected to benefit from the growth of the electric vehicle market, including battery manufacturers like CATL and Yiwei Lithium Energy, as well as lithium material suppliers and electric drive system providers [8]