Soochow Securities has released a strategic research report suggesting that the automotive industry in 2026 may mirror pivotal transition years like 2011 or 2018 (as a baseline scenario), standing at a new crossroads. While the electrification boom nears its end, intelligent transformation is gaining momentum, with commercial vehicles/two-wheelers emerging as complementary investment areas. The firm proposes two key approaches: 1) Identifying cyclical resilience (α plays), and 2) Capitalizing on next-gen trends (smart tech + robotics/AIDC). Key insights include:
**2026 Auto Sector Outlook** 1) **Passenger Vehicles**: Domestic demand is projected at 22M units (-3.5% YoY), with NEVs accounting for 13.2M (+6.4%). Export demand may hit 6.41M (+12%), including 3.52M NEVs (+43.9%), impacted by a 5% NEV purchase tax. 2) **Heavy Trucks**: Neutral forecast anticipates 1.16M wholesale sales (+1.5%), with domestic at 770K (-5.5%) and exports at 390-400K (+18.8%). 3) **Buses**: Domestic-export synergy continues, with exports likely growing >30% (faster for NEVs). Domestic sales: 81K (+3%); exports: 76.4K (+30%). 4) **Motorcycles**: Total sales may reach 19.38M (+14%), including 1.26M large-displacement bikes (+31%). Domestic: 3.99M (-9%); exports: 15.39M (+21%).
**Value Picks (Cyclical Resilience)** - Buses: Yutong Bus (priority), King Long Motor. - Motorcycles: CFMOTO, Loncin Motor. - Heavy Trucks: Sinotruk Hong Kong, Weichai Power. - Passenger Vehicles: BYD (top pick), JAC Motors. - Components: Fuyao Glass, Lingyun Industrial, Minth Group.
**Growth Themes** 1) **L4 RoboX**: Focus on B2B software over B2C hardware. - HK Connect: XPeng + Horizon Robotics + Pony.ai/WeRide + CaoCao/Black Sesame. - A-shares: Qianli Tech + Desay SV + JINGWEI Hirain. 2) **Robotics/AIDC**: Overseas Optimus V3 finalization in 2026 may accelerate Tesla supply chain scaling (1→10); domestic players diversify with faster capital inflows. - Robotics & Cooling: Top Group (top pick). - Robotics: Joyson Electronics (priority), Xingyuan Zhuoma, YAPP. - Cooling: Yinlun, Feilong Auto Parts.
**Risks**: Subpar trade-in policies; escalating trade wars; price wars; lagging smart-tech innovation/regulation; delayed robotics mass production.
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