Core Insights - Smart brand is facing declining sales despite launching new models and a limited edition vehicle, indicating challenges in the competitive electric vehicle market [2][4][6] Group 1: Sales Performance - Smart brand's retail sales in China were 42,292 units in 2023, a decline of over 7% from the previous year, and are projected to drop by 21.3% to 33,280 units in 2024 [2][4] - The limited edition "Year of the Horse" version of the Smart 1, priced at 139,900 yuan, has sold only 20-30 units since its launch, primarily due to its exclusion from tax exemption lists and local subsidies [1][6] - The traditional two-seater Smart 1 remains the best-selling model, with cumulative sales of 20,836 units in 2025, while larger models like Smart 3 and 5 have significantly lower sales [5][6] Group 2: Strategic Shift - Smart is transitioning from its traditional microcar image to focus on compact and mid-size SUVs, launching models like Smart 3 and 5 to capture a larger market share [3][4] - The upcoming Smart 6, a luxury hatchback exceeding 5 meters in length, aims to provide a unique experience in a crowded market and is set to launch in mid-2026 [4][6] Group 3: Market Positioning - Smart's strategy includes maintaining a premium brand image while adapting to consumer demands for larger vehicles and enhanced features, as the microcar segment is deemed insufficient for sustainability [3][4] - The brand is also facing increased competition from domestic manufacturers, which are gaining recognition for their technological advancements in electric vehicles [10][11] Group 4: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - Smart has implemented pricing strategies to boost sales, including significant price reductions for models like Smart 1 and 3, and has introduced promotional offers to attract buyers [7][8] - The brand acknowledges the emotional concerns of existing customers regarding new features being offered for free in newer models, indicating a need for better communication and engagement with loyal customers [8][9]

中经记者 郭阳琛 石英婧 上海报道 "精灵#1马年开运版上市近一个月，我们门店卖出二三十辆，但目前还有现车。主要原因在于这款车型 未进入2026年减免车辆购置税的新能源汽车车型目录，同时无法享受上海市以旧换新补贴政策。"1月28 日，smart上海闵行全功能体验店工作人员李维（化名）表示。 《中国经营报》记者注意到，smart精灵#1马年开运版于2026年元旦推出，限量1000辆，售价13.99万 元，是该车型的历史最低价。 "这个限量版反响不错，只是为了回馈smart车友，并非参与'价格战'。"1月30日，smart品牌方面向记者 回应，当前情绪价值备受用户关注，通过马年开运版这种特别个性化的版本，可以吸引更多用户，增强 用户黏性。 smart品牌过去以"两座微型车"著称，但在电动化转型过程中开始转向更主流的紧凑型和中型SUV市 场，接连推出精灵#3和精灵#5两款大车。已在工信部备案、即将在2026年上市的精灵#6，车长甚至超过 了特斯拉Model Y。 但smart品牌已经连续两年销量下滑。相关数据显示，2025年，smart品牌在中国市场零售销量为30799 辆，同比下降超7%。2023年，smart品 ...

Core Viewpoint - The smart brand has officially launched its first plug-in hybrid SUV, the 5EHD Super Electric Hybrid, with a starting price of 169,900 yuan and offers up to 70,000 yuan in benefits for buyers [1][3]. Group 1: Product Launch and Features - The smart 5EHD Super Electric Hybrid is positioned as a "new luxury electric hybrid large five-seat SUV," integrating Mercedes-Benz's global design and Geely's advanced hybrid technology [5]. - The vehicle is based on the latest Raytheon Electric Hybrid 2.0 technology, featuring a comprehensive range of 1,615 km under CLTC standards and a fuel consumption of only 4.4L/100km when the battery is depleted [6]. - The car includes over 120 luxury configurations and offers a spacious interior with a high space utilization rate of 85%, along with a variable trunk capacity of 625L to 1,525L [8]. Group 2: Technological and Luxury Aspects - The smart 5EHD Super Electric Hybrid combines luxury and intelligence, featuring an immersive AMD5 screen smart cockpit and the smart Pilot Assist intelligent driving system [8]. - The vehicle offers five new exterior colors and two new interior styles, emphasizing a unique personality and high-quality materials that provide a luxurious experience [8]. - The car is designed to deliver an optimal driving experience, addressing common consumer concerns about hybrid vehicles by providing both efficiency and enjoyment [10]. Group 3: Strategic Goals and Future Plans - The launch of the 5EHD Super Electric Hybrid marks the entry of smart into a dual technology route of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, enhancing its global presence [3][11]. - The company aims to accelerate its global layout with the introduction of this new model, which is expected to begin domestic deliveries in mid-November [11].

Core Insights - The collaboration between Yuanrong Qihang and Smart has been terminated due to unmet performance expectations of Yuanrong's perception products and insufficient customization support [1] - Yuanrong Qihang has denied the termination claims, labeling them as "false news" and has reported the matter to the authorities [1] - Smart's market performance has been declining, with a 19.37% year-on-year drop in sales in China, failing to meet its annual target [2] Group 1: Company Collaborations and Performance - Yuanrong Qihang and Smart initially announced a strategic partnership to develop an AI-driven intelligent driving system, focusing on end-to-end algorithm models [1] - Smart's global sales are projected to increase by 7% to 129,700 units in 2024, but the Chinese market is struggling significantly [2] - The collaboration termination reflects the challenges faced by intelligent driving suppliers in meeting automotive manufacturers' expectations [3] Group 2: Industry Trends and Challenges - The intelligent driving industry is experiencing a shift, with automotive companies increasingly investing in self-developed driving solutions while also seeking external partnerships [3] - Predictions indicate that by 2025, the penetration rate of partially and conditionally automated vehicles in China will exceed 50%, and by 2030, it is expected to surpass 70% [2] - The competition among automotive manufacturers is evolving from merely having advanced features to focusing on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of those features [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article provides an overview of new vehicle launches in the Chinese automotive market, focusing on specifications, pricing, and market segments for various manufacturers, particularly electric and hybrid vehicles. Group 1: NIO Automotive - NIO is launching the ET5 and ET5T models on July 4, 2025, with a price range of 316,000 to 374,000 CNY [6][14] - The ET5 features a length of 4,790 mm, width of 1,960 mm, height of 1,499 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,888 mm, with a power output of 360 kW and torque of 700 N·m [6][14] - The ET5 offers battery capacities of 75 kWh and 100 kWh, with electric ranges of 585 km and 740 km (CLTC) respectively [6][14] Group 2: Chery Automotive - Chery is set to release the Fengyun A9L on July 8, 2025, with a price range of 149,900 to 207,900 CNY [30] - The Fengyun A9L has dimensions of 5,018 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm [30] - It features a 1.5T plug-in hybrid engine with a total power output of 115 kW for the engine and 160 kW for the electric motor, offering an electric range of 151 km to 193 km (WLTC) [30] Group 3: Geely Automotive - Geely's Emgrand 400 Million Commemorative Edition will launch on July 9, 2025, with prices ranging from 68,900 to 86,900 CNY [35] - The vehicle dimensions are 4,638 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm [35] - It is equipped with a 1.5L engine, producing 88 kW and 150 N·m of torque [35] Group 4: Leap Motor - Leap Motor will introduce the C11 model on July 10, 2025, with a price range of 149,800 to 165,800 CNY [41] - The C11 has a length of 4,780 mm, width of 1,905 mm, height of 1,658 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,930 mm [41] - It offers both a range-extended version with a 1.5L engine and a pure electric version, with electric ranges of 300 km (range-extended) and 640 km (pure electric) [41] Group 5: Smart Automotive - Smart is launching the Smart EQ 3 on July 10, 2025, with prices ranging from 165,900 to 259,900 CNY [49] - The vehicle dimensions are 4,400 mm in length, 1,844 mm in width, and 1,556 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,785 mm [49] - It features a power output of 200 kW and torque of 343 N·m, with battery capacities of 49 kWh and 66 kWh, offering ranges of 415 km to 555 km (CLTC) [49]

Core Viewpoint - The smart brand's luxury mid-size SUV, smart精灵5, has won the 2025 Red Dot Design Award, a prestigious international design accolade recognized as the "Oscar of Design" [1][3]. Design Achievements - The smart精灵5 is part of a series of models, including smart精灵1 and 3, which have also received design awards, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovative design [3][13]. - The design team from Mercedes-Benz has emphasized the evolution of the smart brand's design philosophy, focusing on the principles of "love, purity, and surprise" [5][13]. Product Features - The smart精灵5 features a unique boxy design, maximizing interior space with a length of 4,705 mm and a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality [11][12]. - The interior of the smart精灵5 is equipped with advanced technology and high-quality materials, including a dual 13-inch AMOLED display, providing a luxurious driving experience [12][14]. Market Strategy - The smart brand is expanding its global presence, currently operating in 38 countries and regions, with plans to introduce the smart精灵1, 3, and 5 to more international markets [15].

Core Viewpoint - The company smart is transitioning from being perceived as a small car brand to a more mainstream compact and mid-size SUV market, emphasizing a lifestyle approach rather than just small vehicles [1][2] Group 1: Product Strategy - Smart has introduced multiple models such as the 1, 3, and 5, with the 5 exceeding 4.7 meters in length, indicating a shift towards larger vehicles [1][2] - The brand aims to release a new model each year to cater to various market segments while maintaining its core values of "inspirational co-creation, warm technology, and new luxury" [2] - Despite the shift to larger vehicles, smart maintains a focus on design aesthetics and user experience, opting not to excessively increase vehicle dimensions for profit [3] Group 2: Market Positioning - Smart's CEO emphasizes that relying solely on the small car segment is insufficient for sustaining the brand, highlighting a broader lifestyle vision [2][3] - The company acknowledges the competitive landscape, where traditional brands like NIO are also exploring smaller vehicle markets, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [3] Group 3: Global Expansion - Smart is implementing a "Southward and Westward" global expansion strategy, targeting markets in ASEAN, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa, with plans to enter more than 10 overseas markets by 2025 [6][7] - The brand has already entered 37 global markets and aims to enhance its presence through partnerships with local dealerships [7] Group 4: Sales Performance - In 2024, smart's global sales reached 129,700 units, a 7% increase year-on-year, while sales in China fell by 19.37% to 33,427 units, missing the annual target of 50,000 units [6][7] - To boost sales in China, smart has introduced a fixed-price purchasing strategy for its models, aiming to attract more customers [7]