8:01 AM | Porsche Cancels New Year Gifts for Car Owners and Annual Test Drives; Table Tennis Association Says It Agrees to Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng Withdrawing from World Rankings; Tesla Launches New Feature to Prevent "Door-Opening Accidents"
Listing in Progress
Saimu Technology
36Kr has learned that according to the documents of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Beijing Saimu Technology Co., Ltd. will issue 33 million shares with a price range of HK$12.0 - HK$18.0 per share. The company will raise up to HK$600 million and is expected to start trading on January 15. China Everbright Bank International is the sole sponsor.
Conch Materials Technology
36Kr learned that Conch Materials Technology announced in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that it plans to globally offer 144,974,000 H shares for the Hong Kong IPO; the offering price will be HK$3.0 - HK$3.3 per offering share, and the trading unit for each lot is 1,000 shares; CSC International is the sole sponsor; it is expected that the H shares will begin trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Bluco
36Kr learned that Bluco announced in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that it plans to offer 24,120,300 shares for the Hong Kong IPO. The offering period is from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025; the offering price will be HK$55.65 - 60.35 per share. The trading unit is 300 shares per lot. Goldman Sachs and Huatai International are the joint sponsors; it is expected that the shares will begin trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on January 10, 2025.
TOP 3 Big News
Porsche Suddenly Closes Stores in Multiple Locations, Cancels New Year Gifts and Annual Test Drives for Car Owners
At the end of 2024, the crisis of Porsche in China continues. Following the rumors of large-scale layoffs in Porsche China, Sina Technology has learned:
First, recently, many offline stores of Porsche across the country have suddenly closed, including in Yiwu, Tangshan, Zhengzhou, etc. Statistical data shows that the sales of Porsche in various regions have decreased, with a generally year-on-year decline of 30%. Second, Porsche has unjustifiably canceled the New Year gifts for car owners. Previously, Porsche had promised that car owners who purchased a car within three years could receive a New Year gift. Third, Porsche's most valued test drive event, "Ice Force", has been canceled. This event has been held since it entered China in 2011 and has become an annual test drive "feast" for car owners.
In response, Porsche stated that the distribution of New Year gifts is determined according to the specific circumstances of the company and the market each year, and the "Ice Force" event is indeed not being held this year. (Sina Technology)
Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng officially withdrew from the world rankings, and the Table Tennis Association stated that it agreed with the withdrawal of the three.
On December 31, 2024, according to the latest world rankings of the International Table Tennis Federation, Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng officially withdrew from the world rankings. The Chinese Table Tennis Association and the Chinese Table Tennis Team understand and respect the decision of the three athletes to withdraw from the world rankings, agree with the withdrawal of the three from the world rankings, and have completed all relevant procedures. The association will also continue to pay attention to the follow-up development of the three athletes. Whether they choose to return to the international arena in the future or not, they will provide them with the greatest support to ensure that they maintain a good state in training and domestic competitions.
In response to the relevant demands put forward by the athletes recently, the Chinese Table Tennis Association has been actively communicating and coordinating with international organizations such as the International Table Tennis Federation and the WTT World Table Tennis Federation while abiding by the rules, promoting the reasonable adjustment of the competition rules, and ensuring that the legitimate rights and interests of the athletes are fully guaranteed. (Jiupai News, Table Tennis World)
Tesla Model 3 Can Warn Against Door-Opening Accidents After Update
Tesla Vice President Tao Lin posted that Tesla not only focuses on the safety of occupants inside the vehicle but also cares about the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. In the latest remote software upgrade, we have launched the Parked Blind Spot Warning function to effectively prevent "door-opening accidents".
After this update, the current Model 3 can warn against "door-opening accident" scenarios. When a fast-moving object from the rear side is detected, the vehicle will alert the occupants through the blind spot warning light and sound alarm. At this time, no matter which position the occupant is in, when the door opening button is pressed for the first time, the door will not open. The door can be opened only when the button is pressed for the second time, thereby minimizing the possibility of "door-opening accident" incidents. (Sina Technology)
Big Companies/Big Events
The South Korean court approves the arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol
On December 31, 2024, the South Korean court approved the arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol. This is the first time in the constitutional history of South Korea that an arrest warrant has been issued against the current president. The validity period of the arrest warrant is 7 days from the date of issuance; it is not yet clear when it will be executed and whether the presidential security department will cooperate. Previously, the South Korean investigation agency had repeatedly summoned Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for the investigation of the emergency martial law incident, but Yoon Suk Yeol's side has been resisting. (CCTV News)
ByteDance Denies Report of Spending $7 Billion to Purchase NVIDIA Chips: The Report is Untrue
According to media reports, as informed sources disclosed, ByteDance recently informed suppliers that they plan to spend up to $7 billion to purchase NVIDIA chips in 2025. ByteDance stated in response that the information provided in The Information's report is "untrue". (Sina Technology)
Two planes at US airport narrowly avoided collision, and the Aviation Administration has launched an investigation
According to reports from the Associated Press and the New York Post on December 30 local time, two planes nearly collided on the runway at Los Angeles International Airport a few days ago. One plane was still moving on the runway while another flight was taking off, and the air traffic controller shouted for it to stop. In response to this incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation.
The report said that in response to this matter, Gonzaga University said in an email on the afternoon of the 30th: "We are aware that the incident at Los Angeles International Airport is under investigation, and we will review it after obtaining relevant information. The team members on our plane were not aware of what happened, and we are grateful that the incident ended safely". "Key Lime Air" did not immediately respond to the Associated Press' request for comment. A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines said that there were no problems with its planes, and the company will cooperate with the investigation. (Global Network)
The Ministry of Transport of South Korea says it will investigate the facilities at the end of the airport runway
In the Jeju Air crash in South Korea, the concrete building at the end of the runway of Muan International Airport has raised more and more questions. In this regard, David Learmount, a well-known British aviation safety expert, pointed out in an interview with Sky News UK on December 29, 2024 local time that he believes that the inability to lower the flaps and landing gear when the plane landed "is not the cause of the death of 179 people on board", and the concrete facility that should not have appeared there in the form of a solid building at the end of the runway is the "real culprit". (CCTV International Affairs)
The 10th C919 of China Eastern Airlines is delivered and enlisted
The 10th C919 of China Eastern Airlines, painted with the "Shining Chinese Red" of CCTV News, is officially enlisted. At 9:59 am on the same day, this C919 operated the MU500 ferry flight, taking off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 10:14, officially joining the China Eastern Airlines fleet. This is the 6th C919 received by China Eastern Airlines, the global launch user of the domestic large aircraft, in 2024. The size of the China Eastern Airlines C919 fleet has increased to 10, making it the largest C919 fleet at present. (CCTV News)
Shanghai: During the maternity leave and childbirth leave of female employees, the social insurance premiums paid by the employer can be applied for a subsidy at a rate of 50%.
36Kr has learned that the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government has issued a notice on the "Several Measures of Shanghai to Accelerate the Improvement of the Fertility Support Policy System and Promote the Construction of a Fertility-Friendly Society". In combination with the economic and social development and the fiscal revenue and expenditure situation of our city, a fertility subsidy system is established. A reasonable cost-sharing mechanism is established. For employers that meet certain conditions, the social insurance premiums paid by the employer during the maternity leave and childbirth leave of their female employees can be applied for a subsidy at a rate of 50%. The policies of special additional deductions for individual income tax for the care of infants and young children under the age of 3 and children's education are implemented.
The Import and Export Tariff Schedule of the People's Republic of China (2025) Announced
36Kr has learned that, according to the Ministry of Finance, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Tariff Law of the People's Republic of China, the Tariff Commission of the State Council has issued the Import and Export Tariff Schedule of the People's Republic of China (2025), which will be implemented from January 1, 2025.
Global Production of 8 Japanese Automakers including Toyota Drops Consecutively
According to the report of "Nikkei Industrial Daily" in Japan, the latest production, sales and export data of 8 Japanese passenger vehicle manufacturers including Toyota released in November show that the global production of the 8 automakers is 2,122,162 vehicles, a year-on-year decrease of 11.0%, and it has decreased year-on-year for 7 consecutive months. Some analysts believe that the fierce market competition and the tightened loan review in countries such as Thailand have affected the production and sales of Japanese automakers. Reuters earlier quoted a Japanese government official as saying, "The global automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation. With the rise of Chinese automakers, there are still too many of the 8 domestic automakers in Japan, and it is difficult to improve the industrial competitiveness." The report believes that in order to maintain the competitiveness of the automotive industry, the 8 domestic automakers in Japan are likely to further integrate in the future. (Global Network)
The Greek government will take measures to regulate minors' internet access
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis said in Athens on the 30th that the Greek government is promoting a series of measures to regulate the behavior of minors under the age of 15 in using the Internet and social media, in response to phenomena such as internet addiction and cyberbullying. In the spring of 2025, the Greek government will also launch a new platform to further strengthen the parental control function to monitor the online interaction of minors and avoid potential risks. To prevent students from being addicted to mobile phones, starting from the new school year in September 2024, the Greek government has required a complete ban on mobile phones in primary and secondary school classrooms across the country. (Xinhua News Agency)
The "Beijing Autonomous Driving Vehicle Regulations" will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
On the morning of December 31, the "Beijing Autonomous Driving Vehicle Regulations" were voted and passed by the 14th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 16th Municipal People's Congress and will come into effect on April 1, 2025. The "Regulations" consist of 7 chapters and 48 articles, clarifying the overall requirements for autonomous driving work; clarifying the policy measures to encourage and support technological innovation and industrial development of autonomous driving vehicles; making provisions for infrastructure construction from the perspective of encouraging the integrated development of multiple technical routes; regulating the entire process of autonomous driving innovation application activities, and implementing inclusive and prudent supervision; clarifying the relevant requirements for the safety guarantee of autonomous driving vehicles to better balance the relationship between promoting industrial development and ensuring the safety of the capital. (Jiemian News)
Air Travel Zongheng: In 2024, the civil aviation industry in China operated approximately 5.5 million passenger flights, with a year-on-year growth of 10.5%.
According to the 2024 civil aviation data report released by Air Travel Zongheng, the civil aviation transportation market in 2024 was highly dynamic, with the passenger transportation demand fully released. It showed a high operating trend during key time periods such as the Spring Festival travel rush, May Day, summer travel season, and National Day. The performance of million-level airports was stable, and the growth of small and medium-sized airports was significant. The market presented the characteristic of "a more prosperous peak season", with the passenger transportation level exceeding expectations. The scale of air passenger transportation is expected to comprehensively surpass the level of 2019. In 2024, the civil aviation industry in China operated approximately 5.5 million passenger flights, with a year-on-year growth of 10.5%; the cumulative number of passengers transported by the civil aviation industry in China exceeded 700 million, with a year-on-year growth of 18.1%, and a growth of 10.7% compared to 2019. (Jiemian News)
The First "Pang Donglai" Adjustment Store of Yonghui in Guangzhou Boosts the Initial Economic Growth, with Daily Average Sales Increasing by 6 Times
36Kr has learned that on December 27, the first "Learning from Pang Donglai" independently adjusted store of Yonghui Supermarket opened in Nansha Wanda Plaza in Guangzhou. From December 27 to 29, the cumulative sales of Yonghui Supermarket in Nansha Wanda Store in the three days after its opening reached 6.5 million yuan, the customer flow explosion rate reached 316%, the daily average sales exceeded 2.1 million yuan, and the daily average sales were 6 times that before the adjustment. The adjusted Yonghui Supermarket in Nansha Wanda Store has comprehensively transformed to quality retail in terms of commodities and services, promoting people's livelihood consumption. It is understood that in the future, more "Learning from Pang Donglai" independently adjusted stores of Yonghui will open in Guangzhou.
The Forefront of AI
Antitrust investigation passed, NVIDIA officially completes the acquisition of AI startup Run:ai
Confirmed by the two companies on December 30, 2024, NVIDIA has completed the acquisition of the Israeli AI startup Run:ai. The founder of Run:ai stated in a blog post that the company plans to open-source its software, "Although Run:ai currently only supports NVIDIA's GPUs, open-sourcing the software will enable it to expand to the entire AI ecosystem". NVIDIA and Run:ai announced the deal at the end of April 2024, but the transaction price was not disclosed. The European Commission announced the unconditional approval of the acquisition proposal on December 20, believing that the transaction will not cause competition problems in the European Economic Area. Previously, media reports said that the US Department of Justice had also launched an antitrust investigation into this transaction. (Jiemian News)
Tongyi Qianwen Visual Model Drops by 80%, Processing 1,700 Images Costs Only 1 Yuan
36Kr learned that on December 31, Alibaba Cloud announced the third round of large model price reduction this year. The price of Tongyi Qianwen visual understanding model has been reduced by more than 80% across the board. Among them, Qwen-VL-Plus has dropped by 81%, and the input price is only 0.0015 yuan per thousand tokens, setting the lowest price on the entire network; the more high-performance Qwen-VL-Max has dropped to 0.003 yuan per thousand tokens, with a reduction of up to 85%. According to the latest price, 1 yuan can process up to about 600 720P images or 1,700 480P images at most.
The Japanese government plans to start developing AI for autonomous driving to make up for the lack of road and traffic condition data
It is reported that to make up for the lack of road environment and traffic condition data, the Japanese government will start developing artificial intelligence that can generate virtual data and improve both the quality and quantity. Including other autonomous driving-related support, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan has secured 7 billion yen (approximately 320 million yuan) in the supplementary budget for the fiscal year 2024. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan explains that this will help achieve the goal of putting autonomous driving taxis into practical use in local areas after the fiscal year 2027, and that Japanese cars equipped with autonomous driving systems will account for 30% of global sales by 2030. (Jiemian News)
Sam Altman Confirms Next Year's OpenAI New Products, Including AGI, Agents, and Adult Mode
OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman announced on social media the technical products that OpenAI is about to release in 2025. They are: AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), Agents, a better upgraded version of GPT-4o, better memory storage, better context window, Adult Mode, deep research feature functions, a better Sora, and better personalized customization. (Yicai Global)
AI Edge-side Application Accelerates Implementation, Intense Competition in AI Glasses Emerges
Recently, Baidu, Rokid, INMO Technology, Emdoor Information, and others have released AI glasses-related products. Many domestic technology companies have also announced that they will launch new AI glasses products at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) to be held from January 7 to 10, 2025. Industry insiders say that with the accelerated implementation of AI applications on the edge side, the "Intense Competition in AI Glasses" has quietly begun. Institutions predict that AI glasses have become a new trend in the smart wearable market and are expected to lead the next-generation terminal revolution. (China Securities Journal)
Investment and Financing
"Qiaojieshuwu" Completes Multi-Million Yuan Angel Round Financing
36Kr has learned that recently, "Qiaojieshuwu", a R & D provider of the "cerebellum" for general-purpose robots, announced the completion of tens of millions of RMB in angel round financing. This round of financing is jointly led by Zhengxuan Investment and Fosun Chuangfu. EC Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for Qiaojieshuwu in this transaction. Qiaojieshuwu received a seed round investment from MiracleWorks founded by Dr. Lu Qi at the end of 2023.
"BerZhen Bio" Completes Series A+ Financing
36Kr learned that recently, BerZhen Biotechnology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. announced the completion of tens of millions of yuan in Series A+ financing. This round of financing is exclusively invested by AstraZeneca CICC Healthcare Industry Fund. The new round of financing will mainly be used for the expansion of domestic and overseas markets, the construction of production bases, the development of innovative technologies, etc., to provide a full-process solution for organoids.
Sorting｜Wang Xinyi