UOB Kay Hian has released a research report indicating that sales performance among the top five Chinese automakers was mixed in June, with robust export growth offsetting persistent domestic weakness.

BYD COMPANY (HK: 01211) and GEELY AUTO (HK: 00175) outperformed their peers, supported by overseas sales and strong electric vehicle performance. Conversely, GWMOTOR (HK: 02333) and LI AUTO-W (HK: 02015) saw sales fall short of expectations due to domestic pressure and model transition effects.

XPENG-W (HK: 09868) benefited from its new GX model, delivering a better-than-expected performance for the month. However, overall sales for the first half of 2026 remain soft, and the outlook diverges: the view on BYD and Geely is positive, while the prospects for Li Auto and Great Wall Motor are more uncertain.

UOB Kay Hian maintains a "Market Weight" rating on the sector. Its top "Buy" recommendations are Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.,Ltd. (SZ: 300750), BYD COMPANY, GEELY AUTO, MINTH GROUP (HK: 00425), and Ganfeng Lithium Group Co.,Ltd. (HK: 01772). The price target for BYD has been raised from HK$120 to HK$135, while the target for Great Wall Motor has been lowered from HK$15 to HK$12.

The firm's preferred "Sell" recommendation is LI AUTO-W, with a price target of HK$40.