26 March 2026 Global Autos Global Autos: High oil prices reshape demand (over time) — Boost for Chinese EVs and Japanese hybrids, Headwinds for U.S. gas- guzzlers Masahiro Akita +81 3 6777 6998 masahiro.akita@bernsteinsg.com Venugopal Garre +65 6326 7643 venugopal.garre@bernsteinsg.com Stephen Reitman +44 20 7762 5535 stephen.reitman@bernsteinsg.com Harry Martin, CFA +44 20 7676 8965 harry.martin@bernsteinsg.com While rising oil prices cool appetite for cars overall ... Auto sales have typically exhibited a ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the automotive industry in Europe, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices on the cost competitiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) [1] Core Insights and Arguments - Fuel prices in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Spain have increased significantly, with respective rises of 15.3%, 17.9%, 15.8%, and 19.5% as of January [1] - The oil-to-electricity cost ratio in Germany is projected to be 1.5 by March 2026, indicating that the operating cost of gasoline vehicles will be 50% higher than that of electric vehicles [1] - Other European countries show varying oil-to-electricity cost ratios, with Denmark at 2.7, Belgium at 2.1, and Austria at 1.8, suggesting a growing economic advantage for BEVs and PHEVs [1] - The increasing oil prices are expected to boost the sales of PHEVs, which are seen as more fuel-efficient alternatives [1] Additional Important Insights - The sustained high prices of crude oil are anticipated to enhance the competitiveness of both pure electric and PHEV models globally [1] - Chinese automotive companies are expected to leverage their technological advantages to increase their global market share [1] - Recommended companies for investment include BYD, Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motors, Xpeng Motors, and Leap Motor, indicating a focus on firms that are well-positioned to benefit from these market dynamics [1]

Group 1 - Commodity prices have significantly increased and are stabilizing at higher levels, benefiting the basic materials sector, particularly aluminum, copper, and lithium suppliers [1] - Companies such as China Aluminum (02600), China Hongqiao (01378), and Zijin Mining (02899) are rated "Buy," along with pure copper firms like Minmetals Resources (01208), Luoyang Molybdenum (03993), and Jiangxi Copper (00358) [1] - Gold jewelry manufacturers will benefit from rising gold prices, while the increase in copper prices will expand the profit margins of copper-clad laminate (CCL) producers like Kingboard Laminates (01888) [1] Group 2 - Automotive manufacturers will face pressure due to rising material costs, with expected increases of approximately RMB 6,565 for BEVs and RMB 4,310 for PHEVs [1] - Smaller companies like Xpeng Motors (09868) and GAC Group (02238) are more vulnerable due to lower average selling prices, while larger firms like BYD (01211) and Geely (00175) can pass on over 50% of cost increases to upstream suppliers [1] - The battery industry’s second-tier companies are expected to face short-term pressure, while CATL (03750) has pricing power and is more defensive due to the expected resumption of its Jiangxi lithium mica mine in Q2 [2] Group 3 - Sales of energy storage systems are anticipated to experience margin compression, particularly in Q2, initiating a 90-day negative catalyst observation for the industry [2] - In the solar industry, component manufacturers are more susceptible to rising silver costs, which account for about 30% of their production costs, potentially compressing profit margins [2] - Among Chinese power equipment manufacturers, Pinggao Electric (600312.SH) is most sensitive to increases in copper and aluminum costs [2]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Buy" [2] Core Viewpoints - The report discusses the impact of rising raw material costs on passenger car manufacturers, particularly focusing on the effects of copper, aluminum, and lithium prices on vehicle production costs [5][8][11][14] - It highlights that the cost increase for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is significantly influenced by the prices of copper and lithium, with estimated cost increases of approximately 2,300 RMB for EVs and 1,600 RMB for PHEVs due to copper price hikes, and 3,200 RMB for EVs and 1,500 RMB for PHEVs due to lithium price increases [5][11] - The report quantifies the cost impact on various manufacturers, indicating that companies like Chery, Geely, and Great Wall Motors experience relatively smaller increases in average vehicle costs due to their sales structure and the types of vehicles they produce [15][17] - It outlines five strategies that manufacturers can employ to mitigate the impact of rising raw material costs, including cost reductions through enhanced features, annual cost reductions, technological advancements, scale effects, and structural adjustments [22][23] Summary by Sections Section 1: Impact of Raw Material Price Increases - The report estimates that the increase in copper prices will raise the production costs of fuel vehicles, EVs, and PHEVs by approximately 800 RMB, 2,300 RMB, and 1,600 RMB respectively, while aluminum price increases will add about 700 RMB, 900 RMB, and 900 RMB to the respective vehicle types [5][8] - Lithium price increases are projected to raise costs by 3,200 RMB for EVs and 1,500 RMB for PHEVs, assuming a price of 160,000 RMB per ton [11][14] Section 2: Cost Pressure by Manufacturer - The report analyzes the cost pressure on manufacturers based on their sales structure, concluding that companies like Chery, Geely, and Great Wall Motors face smaller increases in average vehicle costs due to their diverse product lines and sales strategies [15][17] Section 3: Strategies to Mitigate Cost Increases - Manufacturers are expected to implement various strategies to counteract the impact of rising raw material costs, including: 1. Enhancing features while maintaining competitive pricing 2. Achieving annual cost reductions of around 2% 3. Utilizing technological advancements to lower costs 4. Leveraging scale effects to dilute fixed costs 5. Adjusting product structures to focus on higher-end models and exports [22][23] Section 4: Investment Recommendations - The report suggests a "shelf-style" investment approach, recommending attention to various companies within the passenger vehicle chain, including Geely, BYD, Chery, and others for potential investment opportunities [25]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Zhonghang Securities indicates a strong recovery in the sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in nine European countries, projecting sales of 2.885 million units in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 32.6%, with a penetration rate of 29.0%, up by 6.7 percentage points [1][2]. Summary by Sections Overall Market Outlook - In 2025, NEV sales in nine European countries are expected to reach 2.885 million units, representing a 32.6% increase year-on-year, with a penetration rate of 29.0%, up 6.7 percentage points [2]. - The sales of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are projected at 1.892 million units, a year-on-year increase of 30.6%, while Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to reach 992,000 units, up 36.6% year-on-year [2]. Country-Specific Insights - **Germany**: The BEV sales are projected at 545,000 units, a 43.2% increase year-on-year, and PHEV sales at 311,000 units, up 62.3%. Germany will restart EV subsidies in January 2026, including Chinese brands [2][3]. - **United Kingdom**: BEV sales are expected to be 473,000 units, a 23.9% increase, and PHEV sales at 225,000 units, up 34.7%. EV subsidies will resume from July 2025 [2][3]. - **France**: BEV sales are projected at 326,000 units, a 12.1% increase, with December sales reaching 42,000 units, up 37.7%. Subsidies will continue into 2026 with increased standards [3]. - **Italy**: BEV sales are expected to be 95,000 units, a 44.2% increase, and PHEV sales at 99,000 units, up 89.4%. EV subsidies will be effective from October 22, 2025 [3]. - **Spain**: BEV sales are projected at 102,000 units, a 77.2% increase, and PHEV sales at 124,000 units, up 111.7%. The MOVES III subsidy plan will drive sales [3]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that the EU's proposal to adjust the 2035 emission reduction targets will not hinder the long-term trend of electrification in Europe. Instead, it will promote sales of small electric vehicles [4]. - Investment recommendations include: - **Lithium Batteries**: Recommended companies include CATL, Yiwei Lithium Energy, and Xinwangda [4]. - **Lithium Materials**: Recommended companies include Hunan Youneng and Tianci Materials [4]. - **Lithium Battery Structural Components**: Recommended companies include Minglida and Minth Group [4]. - **Power/Drive Systems**: Recommended companies include Weimaisi and Fute Technology [4]. - **Automotive Safety Components**: Beneficiary companies include Zhongrong Electric and Zhejiang Rongtai [4]. - **Charging Stations and Modules**: Recommended companies include Youyou Green Energy and Tonghe Technology [4].

Core Viewpoint - The report from GF Securities predicts a 15.0% year-on-year increase in the battery capacity of new energy passenger vehicles in 2026, driven by changes in policy, supply, and demand [1]. Group 1: Key Drivers for Battery Capacity Increase - The first driver for the increase in PHEV battery capacity is the new energy vehicle purchase tax adjustment requirements and the launch of long-range PHEVs priced below 200,000 yuan, which will enhance user experience by reducing charging frequency [2]. - The second driver for PHEV battery capacity increase is the concentration of supply for large battery PHEVs priced above 200,000 yuan, as consumers in this segment are less price-sensitive and prefer better daily usage experiences [2]. - For EVs, the first driver is the decrease in the proportion of low-end pure electric vehicles due to the subsidy policy, while the second driver is the competitive strategy of leading manufacturers to "enhance features and raise prices" in response to rising raw material costs [2]. Group 2: Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on right-side targets in the passenger vehicle chain, including Geely, BYD, Chery, Seres, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Leap Motor, while left-side targets include Great Wall Motors and Changan Automobile [3]. - For upstream and downstream chains, right-side targets include Minth Group, Yinlun, Bertli, Top Group, Aikodi, Fuyao Glass, and others, while left-side targets include Yongda Automobile and New Coordinates [3]. - Companies at an inflection point include SAIC Motor, with potential opportunities identified in various segments of the industry [3].

Core Insights - The report highlights a sustained high growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales across nine European countries in November 2025, with a total of 281,000 new energy vehicles sold, representing a year-on-year increase of 38.6% and a penetration rate of 34.3%, up by 9.0 percentage points [1][2]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In November 2025, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached 190,000 units, marking a year-on-year increase of 40.5%, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales totaled 91,000 units, up by 35.0% [1][2]. - Germany's BEV sales were 56,000 units, a significant year-on-year increase of 58.5%, and PHEV sales were 32,000 units, up by 57.4% [2][3]. - France's BEV sales reached 34,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 47.5%, with a penetration rate of 25.8%, an increase of 8.4 percentage points [3]. Group 2: Market Drivers - The implementation of subsidies in France and Italy has led to a rapid increase in BEV sales, with Italy experiencing a remarkable year-on-year growth of 131.4% in BEV sales, totaling 15,000 units [3]. - The UK has restarted EV subsidies and is under pressure from zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets, which is expected to sustain growth in EV sales in the coming months [2][3]. - Norway is anticipated to see a surge in electric vehicle purchases as the year-end approaches, driven by consumer demand [1][2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The European Commission's proposal to adjust the 2035 emission reduction targets is not expected to hinder the long-term trend of electrification in Europe; instead, it may promote sales of small electric vehicles [4]. - New generations of pure electric models are set to be launched by various automakers from late 2025 to the first half of 2026, which is likely to boost the European EV market [4]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - Investment recommendations include companies involved in lithium batteries, lithium materials, battery structural components, power/electric drive systems, automotive safety components, and charging infrastructure [4]. - Specific companies recommended for investment in lithium batteries include CATL, EVE Energy, and Xinwangda, while lithium material companies include Hunan Youneng and Tianci Materials [4].

Core Viewpoint - The new "Energy-saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Roadmap 3.0" outlines the development blueprint for China's automotive industry towards 2040, emphasizing low-carbon, electrification, and intelligence as key directions for growth [1][2]. Group 1: Future Development Directions - The automotive industry in China is set to focus on "low-carbon, electrification, and intelligence," with a significant enhancement in global competitiveness by 2040, positioning itself among the world's leading automotive powers [2]. Group 2: Expected Technological Breakthroughs - Intelligent connected vehicles are expected to enter a rapid market development phase within the next 5 to 15 years, with high-level autonomous driving vehicles achieving large-scale application. Solid-state batteries are anticipated to see small-scale application by 2030 and large-scale global promotion by 2035 [3]. Group 3: Environmental Key Indicators - A new key indicator for carbon emission intensity has been introduced, aiming for a 60% reduction in average carbon emission intensity of passenger vehicles by 2040 compared to 2024. This shift indicates a broader evaluation of environmental impact, focusing on carbon metrics rather than just energy consumption [4]. Group 4: Future Vehicle Composition - The future automotive landscape will not see a complete replacement of fuel vehicles by new energy vehicles; instead, a "coexistence" of oil and electricity is expected. By 2040, the penetration rate of new energy passenger vehicles is projected to exceed 85%, with pure electric vehicles (BEV) accounting for 80%. Internal combustion engines will still play a significant role, with their sales proportion in new passenger vehicle sales remaining around one-third [5][6].

Investment Rating - The report provides a positive investment rating for the industry, indicating a growth potential in the upcoming years [5][10][22]. Core Insights - The industry is projected to experience significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10.5% from 2021 to 2025 [8][18]. - The market for electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to expand, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) showing a notable increase in sales, projected to reach 80.2 million units by 2025 [10][11]. - The report highlights a shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) also gaining traction [10][11]. Summary by Sections Market Overview - The total market size for the industry is expected to reach approximately $1,814 billion by 2025, with a growth rate of 12.4% [5][6]. - The market for SUVs and MPVs is projected to grow significantly, with SUVs expected to dominate the market share [5][6]. Sales Projections - Sales of BEVs are anticipated to grow by 35.9% year-on-year, reaching 80.2 million units by 2025 [10][11]. - The report indicates that the sales of EREVs will also see a substantial increase, with a projected growth of 21.0% [10][11]. Regional Insights - The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead the market, accounting for over 50% of the total sales by 2025 [10][11]. - North America and Europe are also projected to show significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles [10][11]. Competitive Landscape - The report identifies key players in the industry, highlighting their market shares and growth strategies [10][11]. - It emphasizes the importance of innovation and technology in maintaining competitive advantages within the market [10][11].

Core Insights - The fifth International Forum on Automotive Power Systems was held in Shanghai, focusing on the diverse development of global automotive power systems [1] - Xu Changming presented a keynote report on the current status and future prospects of the hybrid vehicle market in China and abroad [1] Hybrid Vehicle Market in China - Since 2021, China's hybrid vehicle sales (including HEV, PHEV, REEV) have experienced exponential growth, with an annual growth rate of at least 50%, increasing from less than 1 million to nearly 6 million units [3] - PHEVs have seen a rapid increase in market share, reaching 62.6% last year and 62.7% in the first four months of this year, while HEV's share is declining [3] - The rapid development of PHEVs and range-extended vehicles is attributed to three main factors: supply-side push from brands like BYD and Li Auto, consumer preference for better economy and driving experience, and supportive government policies [3][4] Government Policies and Future Outlook - PHEVs and range-extended vehicles enjoy similar incentives as pure electric vehicles, with expectations that these policies will remain largely unchanged or slightly adjusted in the next 2-3 years [4] - There is a potential for PHEVs and range-extended vehicles to surpass pure electric vehicles in market share in the short term [4] Global Hybrid Vehicle Market Trends - The hybrid vehicle market overseas has also seen rapid growth, with a growth rate of 20%-30% in 2023, slightly lower than China's market [4] - In the overseas market, HEVs dominate with a share of about 78%, while PHEVs account for approximately 20% [4] - The only regions where hybrid vehicles have a higher market share than in China are Japan and South Korea, where hybrids account for about one-third of the market [4] Opportunities for Chinese Hybrid Vehicles Abroad - Chinese hybrid vehicles are expected to play a significant role in the global hybrid market, with Brazil projected to have the highest sales of Chinese brand hybrids at 59,000 units in 2024, primarily PHEVs [5] - Future opportunities for Chinese hybrid vehicles lie in countries with good home charging conditions and younger populations, such as Brazil, Russia, and Uzbekistan [5]