Core Viewpoint - The renewal of Berndt's contract for three more years indicates Volkswagen Group's commitment to its strategic restructuring in China and emphasizes support for localized development in the Chinese market [1][4]. Group 1: Leadership and Management - Berndt has been with Volkswagen Group since 1993 and has held various management positions, including CEO of Volkswagen brand and Group representative [1]. - Since August 1, 2022, Berndt has served as Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group (China), overseeing all operations and brands within the region [1]. Group 2: Strategic Developments - The restructuring of management in China aims to grant greater autonomy to the region, reinforcing Volkswagen's leadership in the dynamic Chinese automotive market [1]. - The new management structure, led by Berndt, focuses on integrating brand technologies and accelerating innovation tailored for the Chinese market [1]. Group 3: Product and Technology Innovations - At the Shanghai Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled three concept models specifically designed for Chinese customers, showcasing a new design language and innovative technology [3]. - The launch of an advanced driver assistance system, developed by CARIAD and CARIZON, highlights Volkswagen's technological capabilities in the competitive Chinese market [3]. Group 4: Sales Performance and Future Plans - In the first half of 2025, Volkswagen Group delivered 1.31 million vehicles in China, with a notable monthly delivery of 247,000 units in June, reflecting a 9% year-on-year increase [4]. - Starting from the second half of 2025, the group plans to deliver a new generation of smart connected vehicles, including over 20 new models by 2026 and approximately 50 models by 2030, with a focus on electric vehicles [4].

Core Viewpoint - The large six-seat SUV market is experiencing intensified competition, with Deep Blue Automotive acknowledging a loss of pricing power for its new model, the Deep Blue S09, which was launched later than initially planned [1][2]. Company Summary - Deep Blue S09 was launched with a price range of 239,900 to 309,900 yuan, aiming for a sales share of 20% to 30% in the large six-seat SUV segment, with current orders at 17,000 units [1][2]. - The CEO expressed concerns about brand strength and the need for promotional strategies, including subsidies and a price guarantee policy, to attract target consumers [2]. - The average age of Deep Blue S09 users is around 37 years, which is younger compared to the overall demographic in the large six-seat SUV market [2][3]. Industry Summary - The large SUV market has seen limited competition, with only seven models recording sales, primarily dominated by the Aito M9 and Li Auto L9, which are projected to sell 156,000 and 85,000 units respectively in 2024 [3]. - The market is expected to see a surge in six-seat SUV launches this year, with a potential new blue ocean market for economical models priced around 200,000 yuan, while high-end models above 300,000 yuan may face fierce competition [4].

Group 1 - The core strategy of Volkswagen in China, "For China, In China," has been fully implemented, showcasing new concept vehicles at the Shanghai Auto Show [1][2] - Volkswagen plans to launch 11 new energy vehicles by 2026, with the three concept cars presented reflecting the brand's design DNA and alignment with Chinese market demands [2][3] - The collaboration with local partners, such as SAIC Volkswagen, enhances the development of new models by leveraging local market knowledge and technology [3] Group 2 - Volkswagen's CEO in China, Meng Xia, emphasizes the importance of local collaboration to overcome barriers between global technology and local market needs, significantly reducing product launch cycles [2][3] - The ID. ERA concept car is noted as Volkswagen's first range-extended vehicle, with ongoing debates about the technology's role in the market [3] - Despite achieving the highest market share in fuel vehicles since 2005, Volkswagen faces significant challenges in the competitive Chinese market [6] Group 3 - In 2022, Volkswagen sold 2.2 million vehicles in China, with fuel vehicles accounting for approximately 2 million, indicating that fuel vehicles remain the core business [6] - The company anticipates a 5% growth in the Chinese automotive market this year, projecting total sales of around 24 million vehicles [6] - Volkswagen aims to balance cost control and product value in the electric vehicle sector, focusing on battery technology and low-cost materials to improve profitability [6] Group 4 - Volkswagen has over 3,000 engineers in China, with a total of more than 8,000 personnel involved in product development, enhancing its competitive strength in the market [6] - The company prioritizes product quality and value over sales volume, aiming to avoid price wars while investing in platform development and innovation [6] - Volkswagen is committed to maintaining its collaborative model with Chinese partners to provide competitive smart electric products in the future [6]