The 2025 edition of the New Energy Vehicle Blue Book: China New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Report has just been published by the China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC), marking 13 consecutive years of this influential industry guide. Released in late 2024, it covers 2024 market performance, policy trends, international dynamics, and forward-looking insights for China's "15th Five-Year Plan" period (2026-2030). Meanwhile, Porsche faces mounting dealer closures in China due to a 28% sales plunge, while Ford delays its UEV EV platform rollout in Europe amid fierce Chinese competition—highlighting global EV market turbulence.
China's NEV Blue Book: A Comprehensive Industry Roadmap
This year's Blue Book introduces a new "Demonstration Case Study" chapter, showcasing real-world examples of electricization, intelligentization, and vehicle-energy integration from local governments and enterprises. Key sections include:
- Total Report: Reviews 2024 NEV operations and forecasts growth through 2030.
- Industry & Policy Chapters: Analyze development status, challenges, and trends.
- International Chapter: Examines policies in developed nations and de-globalization impacts on China's auto sector.
- Hot Topics: Dives into anti-involution strategies and eVTOL (flying cars).
- Expert Insights: Features views from 9 industry leaders.
As a key think tank resource, the Blue Book has guided government decisions and corporate strategies for over a decade, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and green development.
Porsche's China Crisis: Dealer Closures and Sales Slump
Contrasting China's NEV boom, luxury brand Porsche is reeling from a sharp downturn. In 2024, global deliveries fell 3% to 310,700 units, with China—once a powerhouse—dropping 28% to just 56,800 vehicles (18.31% of global share). Q1-Q3 2025 saw another 26% decline to 32,195 units.
Dealers are bearing the brunt:
- Multiple Porsche 4S stores, including "Zhongyuan Porsche," have abruptly closed, leaving exhibit halls empty.
- Customers report unpaid deposits (5-10万元 or ~$700-$1,400 USD), undelivered cars, and unfulfilled lifetime maintenance promises.
- Sales pressure from Porsche China includes forced inventory buildup, especially for loss-making pure EVs, sparking protests to German HQ.
This dealer fallout underscores luxury EV struggles in a price-sensitive, BYD-dominated market.
Ford's European EV Rethink: Delaying UEV Amid Chinese Pressure
Global ripples from China's EV dominance are evident in Ford's strategy shift. Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick announced delays for the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform in Europe, citing massive engineering and capital costs for compact EVs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform Focus | Flexible architecture for mid-size pickups (US debut 2027), smaller EVs later. |
| Past Partnerships | VW MEB (Explorer, Capri); future Renault AmpR from 2028 for two models. |
| Rationale | Lower risk via alliances; Chinese rivals force cost efficiencies. |
| CEO Farley Quote | "China's competition in Europe is not to be underestimated." |
Ford scrapped large EV SUVs/trucks, redirecting to UEV with in-house software and supply chains, prioritizing US validation first.
Global Implications: Why This Matters for the EV Market
China's NEV ecosystem thrives with structured foresight like the Blue Book, powering 60%+ global EV sales dominance. Yet, it pressures incumbents: Porsche's China woes signal luxury segment vulnerabilities, while Ford's caution reflects broader Western OEMs' pivot to partnerships and cost-cutting against BYD, NIO, and XPeng incursions. De-globalization and anti-involution debates in the Blue Book highlight needs for resilient supply chains and innovation.
Looking Ahead: China's EV Leadership in the 15th Five-Year Plan
The Blue Book urges collaborative green innovation for the 2026-2030 era, positioning China to lead in intelligent EVs and V2G tech. Porsche may optimize its network, Ford could accelerate UEV post-US success, but Chinese brands' affordability edge will intensify. Watch for policy-driven NEV mandates and eVTOL breakthroughs—shaping a $1T+ global market.
