China's auto sector is likely to face multiple challenges this year, Bernstein analysts say, maintaining a cautious outlook. The reduction in government subsidies and a 5% purchase tax hike on EVs are expected to slow market momentum, following a high base with demand pulled forward into 2024-2025. Macro headwinds and weak consumer sentiment persist, they note. The auto sector will likely also face pressure from material cost inflation headwinds, they say. Sector sales volumes could fall between

China's auto sector is likely to face multiple challenges this year, Bernstein analysts say, maintaining a cautious outlook. The reduction in government subsidies and a 5% purchase tax hike on EVs are expected to slow market momentum, following a high base with demand pulled forward into 2024-2025. Macro headwinds and weak consumer sentiment persist, they note. The auto sector will likely also face pressure from material cost inflation headwinds, they say. Sector sales volumes could fall between 4% and 8%, to 28 million to 29 million units this year, they add. Among the EV makers, Bernstein rates BYD and Xiaomi at outperform