Core Insights - The long-standing dominance of Japanese automakers in Southeast Asia's automotive market is being challenged as demand shifts towards electric vehicles, with Chinese brands like BYD gaining significant traction [1][4] Group 1: Market Overview - In Q3 2023, total automotive sales in the five major Southeast Asian markets reached 731,900 units, a year-on-year decline of 4% but a quarter-on-quarter increase of 4% [4] - Indonesia's automotive sales fell by 17% year-on-year to 184,403 units, marking a 26% drop compared to two years ago, significantly impacting Japanese manufacturers who hold 90% market share [4] - Toyota remains the market leader in Indonesia with a 33.4% market share, but its Q3 sales dropped by 26%, while Daihatsu's sales fell by 24% [4] Group 2: Brand Performance - BYD's Atto 1 electric vehicle surpassed Toyota's Innova and Avanza in sales for the first time in October, with 9,396 units sold [4] - Astra International, Indonesia's largest automotive dealer, reported a 20% year-on-year decline in sales to 34,888 units, with market share dropping from 54% in September to 47% [4] - In Malaysia, automotive sales increased by 3% year-on-year to 201,588 units, supported by a 5.2% GDP growth [5] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Chinese automakers are reshaping the Malaysian market, with Chery's sales reaching 25,631 units in the first ten months of the year, a 78.2% increase year-on-year, while BYD's electric vehicle sales grew by 56.5% [5] - Chery's growth began in Q3 2023, and it has surpassed Mitsubishi in sales for the first time in Q1 2024, and is on track to overtake Mazda in Q3 2024 [8] - The shift in consumer preference from sedans to SUVs is evident, with Chery's competitively priced models attracting buyers who previously considered Japanese sedans [8]