Core Insights - The ongoing competition among automakers in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector has led to a "purchase tax subsidy war" as companies aim to capture market share before the upcoming tax policy changes in 2026 [1][2][3] Group 1: Purchase Tax Policy Changes - Starting January 1, 2026, the purchase tax for NEVs will shift from exemption to a 50% reduction, with the maximum tax reduction amount decreasing from 30,000 yuan to 15,000 yuan [1][4] - The new policy will require plug-in hybrid vehicles to have a pure electric range of at least 100 kilometers to qualify for tax exemptions, which is a significant increase from the previous requirement of 43 kilometers [2][7] Group 2: Automaker Responses - Sixteen automakers, including Xiaomi, Li Auto, and Tank, have introduced "cross-year purchase tax subsidy plans" to incentivize customers to place orders before the policy change [1][3][4] - These subsidy plans are primarily aimed at new and popular models, with companies offering to cover the tax difference for vehicles delivered in 2026 [4][5] Group 3: Market Impact and Sales Projections - The new tax policy is expected to boost NEV sales in the short term, with projections indicating that total vehicle sales in China could exceed 34 million units in 2025, an increase of 1 million from earlier estimates [6] - The impending policy changes may lead to a surge in sales of lower-range electric vehicles as automakers push to clear inventory before the new regulations take effect [2][6] Group 4: Industry Transformation - The tightening of tax exemption criteria is seen as a move towards creating a more competitive environment between NEVs and traditional fuel vehicles, promoting technological upgrades within the industry [7][9] - The new technical requirements for NEVs are expected to accelerate the elimination of outdated production capacities and drive companies to enhance their research and development efforts [8][9]