China Merchants published a research report indicating that the automobile industry in China is advancing in electric development, with increasing competition in technology and costs. The next stage is expected to be a competition in automobile intelligence, where leading manufacturers will create a positive cycle of data, training and sales, thus establishing industry barriers.
The firm currently forecasts that the automobile industry will grow by 3.1% year-on-year next year, mainly driven by a 16% increase in overseas markets, while the domestic market is expected to grow slightly by 0.2%.
In the electric development of the automobile industry, China Merchants prefers Geely Automobile (00175.HK), bullish on its new technology framework that enhances integration capabilities to help reduce costs and improve profit margins. The firm also sees BYD (01211.HK) favorably, believing that Geely and BYD are the biggest beneficiaries of national policies, both receiving 'Shareholding' ratings.
As for new car manufacturing forces, China Merchants is more optimistic about Xiaopeng-W (09868.HK)(XPEV.US) and Li Auto-W (02015.HK)(LI.US). The preferred auto parts company is FUYAO GLASS (03606.HK), while attention in auto exports is focused on Chang'an Automobile (02333.HK).