CCTV reports on frontline business formats; TuHu (09690) is focusing on the standardized upgrade of the aftermarket for new energy vehicles.

The number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China continues to rise, driving the automotive aftermarket into a phase of rapid expansion. With the implementation of new regulations, consumption upgrades, and adjustments in talent structure, the NEV maintenance and repair industry is bidding farewell to its extensive development model and is comprehensively moving towards a new stage characterized by standardization and compliance. Recently, CCTV conducted on-site reports of frontline industry scenarios, coupled with numerous newly introduced policies, clearly outlining the current transformation trends and pain points in the automotive aftermarket. The industry is welcoming a critical policy turning point for standardized development. On August 1, the national standard for "Safety Requirements for New Energy Vehicle Maintenance Operations" officially came into effect, setting hard limits for the industry from three dimensions: personnel qualifications, operational processes, and equipment. It clarifies that personnel involved in electrical maintenance must hold certification, high-voltage repairs should be conducted in pairs, and dedicated workstations with explosion-proof facilities are required for battery maintenance. Prior to this, the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments had issued relevant measures to continuously activate consumer potential in the automotive aftermarket and open up development space for the new energy after-sales market. Under this series of policy measures, there is a general consensus within the industry that the entry threshold for the auto repair industry has significantly increased, placing noticeable pressure on small and medium-sized repair shops that lack compliance conditions. The current market demand explosion and the shortage of professional talent in the industry have also been corroborated by CCTV's on-site reports. On July 31, reporters from CCTV News "Morning News" visited the Tuhu Auto Maintenance (09690) workshop store located in Beijing's Daxing District to conduct on-site interviews about the development of auto beauty and new energy repair services. The report found that the demand for personalized beauty services and light modifications from NEV owners continues to rise, with related orders at this store increasing by 25% year-on-year. NEV models have become the main source of market increment, highlighting the issue of tight labor for frontline technicians. Relevant industry data shows that this year, the demand for positions related to new energy vehicles has increased by nearly 50% year-on-year, with a prominent gap in professional talent for battery maintenance, charging pile operation, and battery assessment. The continuous penetration of maintenance services into county markets has further exacerbated the contradiction between the supply and demand of talent in the industry. The shortage of professional talent has become a core shortcoming hindering industry development. Against the backdrop of industry transformation, the compliance layout and talent reserve advantages of leading chain platforms are gradually becoming prominent. As a representative of leading platforms, Tuhu Auto Maintenance completed its layout for the new energy after-sales system even before the new regulations took effect. It is understood that this platform has cooperated with more than ten mainstream vehicle manufacturers and power battery companies, completing nearly 100,000 power battery maintenance operations, and has established a comprehensive service system covering battery, motor, and electronic control, capable of undertaking NEV maintenance operations in multiple scenarios. In response to the common talent gap issue in the industry, leading platforms are also continually addressing this shortcoming. Leveraging a specialized training system, Tuhu Auto Maintenance has completed specialized training in new energy repair for over 4,000 technicians, with more than 1,200 technicians obtaining low-voltage electrician certification, ensuring that personnel qualifications fully meet the new national standard requirements. At the same time, the company actively participates in the formulation of national standards for new energy vehicle maintenance, providing practical references for the standardized and regulated development of the industry. Industry analysts point out that the aftermarket for new energy vehicles has entered a new stage of simultaneous inventory competition and standardized development. Continuous regulatory policies are reshaping the industry ecosystem, and market demand is being released constantly. In the future, formal platforms equipped with compliance systems, technical capabilities, and a reserve of professional talent will continue to dominate the market, promoting high-quality and standardized development in the new energy vehicle after-sales industry.