Core Viewpoint - Qingdao is positioning itself as a leader in the automotive industry, particularly in the field of smart connected new energy vehicles, as part of its "10+1" innovative industrial system [1] Group 1: Overall Layout - Qingdao's automotive industry has developed a multi-point layout with distinct characteristics, with Jimo District being the most concentrated area, housing major production bases [2] - In 2024, Jimo's automotive industry is expected to produce over 450,000 vehicles, with new energy vehicles accounting for over 20% [2] - Qingdao has 8 qualified vehicle manufacturers and over 300 automotive enterprises, establishing a complete industrial chain [2] Group 2: Jimo Cluster - Jimo District is the core area of Qingdao's automotive industry, with a significant cluster effect, achieving a vehicle output value of 36.877 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.5% [3] - Chery Automobile has emerged as a leader in Jimo, surpassing FAW-Volkswagen and FAW Jiefang in production for the first time in 2024 [3] - FAW Jiefang produced 72,200 vehicles in the first half of 2025, with a value of 23.849 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9.22% [3] Group 3: Supporting Efforts - Qingdao is building a collaborative automotive industry chain across the city, with Jimo District focusing on attracting component manufacturers [4] - Jimo aims for a local matching rate of over 40% for core components by 2025, while also enhancing the introduction of key components [4] - The establishment of the Qinfeng Automotive Component Industrial Park is a response to the demand for automotive parts [4] Group 4: New Energy Transition - The rise of new energy vehicles is a key variable for Qingdao's automotive industry, with Chery producing over 92,700 new energy vehicles in 2024, accounting for more than half of the city's total [6] - FAW Jiefang has been focusing on new energy since 2021, with plans for a micro commercial vehicle project that allows for the production of both fuel and new energy vehicles [6] - The West Coast New Area is also actively planning the introduction of new energy vehicle models [6] Group 5: Technological Breakthroughs - Innovations in lightweight materials and new technologies are enhancing the value of automotive products, with FAW Jiefang's new model achieving a weight reduction of 400 kg [7] - Local suppliers are supporting these innovations, with companies like Qingdao Yuyuan New Materials becoming key suppliers for major manufacturers [7] - Qingdao Lind Technology is focusing on lightweight components for new energy commercial vehicles, planning significant R&D investments [7] Group 6: Challenges and Future - The automotive industry in Qingdao is on a growth trajectory, but faces challenges such as the need for improved local matching rates and accelerated transitions to smart connected new energy vehicles [8] - The city aims to leverage regional advantages for collaborative development, targeting a vehicle output of over 1.3 million by 2027, with new energy vehicles making up over 40% [9] - The automotive industry is advancing through comprehensive layout, vehicle-driven growth, supporting follow-ups, new energy transitions, and technological innovations [9]