Greater China Auto, EV and EV battery (H): 2026 BofA China Conference: key takeaways from China auto meetings

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Greater China Auto, EV and EV battery (H): 2026 BofA China Conference: key takeaways from China auto meetings

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Greater China Auto, EV and EV battery (H)

2026 BofA China Conference: key

takeaways from China auto meetings

Industry Overview

OEMs: upbeat on export; robotaxis: regulatory headwind 19 May 2026

We hosted meetings at our China Conference (11-13 May) with firms across auto OEM Equity

(BYD, Chery, Geely, Leapmotor, GWM, GAC, Seres), auto parts (Fuyao, Minth, Nexteer, Greater China

RoboSense), auto dealer (Zhongsheng, Yongda, Meidong), and battery (CALB), as well as Autos

robotaxi (Pony AI, WeRide), EVTOL (Ehang), and E2W (Yadea) segments. Major auto Ming Hsun Lee, CFA >>

OEMs are positive on the export growth momentum and will continue to expand sales Research Analyst

channels, production capacity, and product line-ups overseas. In the domestic market, Merrill+852 3508Lynch5006(Hong Kong)

competition remains intense, while more efforts on premium brands could lift unit profit Joey Yang, CFA >>

per vehicle and a robust model pipeline could help drive sales volume growth in China. Research Analyst

Merrill Lynch (Hong Kong)

Robotaxi companies Pony AI and WeRide expect the recent regulatory headwinds caused +852 3508 4021

by the accidents in Wuhan to have little long-term impact. Both companies would Fiona Liang >>

enlarge their fleet size, increase utilization rate, and covered areas to post unit economy Research Analyst

breakeven. +852 3508 4390

Auto parts: mixed update along with pricing pressure JessieResearchLoAnalyst>>

Merrill Lynch (Singapore)

Auto parts suppliers are navigating a mixed outlook. While mix upgrade, global expansion, +65 6678 1134

and new technologies offer support, industry-wide pricing pressure continues to cap

margin upside.