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Field Notes: Finding Growth “Under the Hood” in China

Global Team Perspectives by Nick Niziolek and Jay Stewart

In this next installment of our series on how we incorporate top-down insights into our investment process, we’ll share some thoughts on trends in the Chinese auto sector. Members of our team recently finished up a visit to China. One highlight was the Beijing auto show, which brought together both global and Chinese manufacturers to show off a variety of cars, from the latest models to future prototypes.

From the Floor of the Beijing Auto Show car collage beijing auto show
Clockwise from top: (1) SUV from local Chinese start-up (2) interior of an electric car designed by local Chinese company exclusively for Chinese market, (3) electronic vehicle from global luxury car brand (4) SUV from a Chinese manufacturer, one of the global leaders in electrical vehicles (5-6) an electric car designed by a Chinese company exclusively for the Chinese market, 6. Prototype electrical vehicle from a local Chinese start up.

We met with company management teams and spoke with representatives from many manufacturers. We also had lively discussions with industry experts and fellow attendees, which solidified many insights, including:

There are new tailwinds for global manufacturers. Our trip was timely because it coincided with the announcement of new policies that can directly benefit global manufacturers selling into China. In addition to a planned reduction in auto import tariffs, the government removed its requirement that foreign auto manufacturers forge joint ventures with local companies if they wished to do business in China. Frequently, these joint ventures have involved onerous partnerships with state owned enterprises. Removing these impediments creates a better landscape for global manufacturers.

“Made in China” push means that local businesses won’t be boxed out. Although global businesses will benefit from the removal of the joint venture impediment, that doesn’t mean our team is counting local companies out. The Chinese government is showing no sign of letting up on its drive to create a domestic and globally competitive supply chain for auto parts.

China’s commitment to renewable and alternative energy sets the stage for significant opportunities. When most people think of China and the environment, they probably think first of the notorious air pollution in urban areas. However, one of the most striking takeaways from our trip was China’s commitment to getting new energy vehicles (NEVs) on the road. NEVs include not only plug-in electric vehicle hybrids and battery electric vehicles, but also hydrogen fuel cells and other developing technologies. At the show, there were 174 NEVs models on display—17% of the models at the event. Many of these are prototypes but even symbolically, the large NEV representation speaks to the momentum we are likely to see in the coming years, especially given policy tailwinds. The Chinese government has passed regulations that incentivize domestic NEV companies to achieve efficiency standards more in line with U.S. and European manufacturers. Consumers get tax breaks for purchasing NEVs rather than traditional cars. Chinese drivers can also use their electric cars more. In Beijing and Shanghai for instance, drivers are only allowed to use their cars on certain days, depending on their license plates. NEV owners, in contrast, face no such restrictions.

China Fuels Global Demand for Electric Vehicles Electric vehicle share of total new car sales electric vehicle share of total new car sales
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance. April 10, 2018, excludes China commercial vehicles and low speed EVs.

Conclusion

Certainly rising affluence in China will translate into growth opportunities for auto parts suppliers and manufacturers—both those domiciled in China and around the world. But there will be winners and losers, and that’s where our multifaceted approach makes all the difference in the world. We’re scrutinizing company specific data in the context of broader influences, such as how government policy is influencing the supply chain and foreign investment. One area that we like in particular is Chinese auto dealers, where we’ve found companies that are set to benefit as lower tariffs help reduce import car pricing and abundant NEV offerings drive foot traffic at the dealerships.



    Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations.

    As a result of political or economic instability in foreign countries, there can be special risks associated with investing in foreign securities, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, increased price volatility and difficulty obtaining information. In addition, emerging markets may present additional risk due to potential for greater economic and political instability in less developed countries.

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