0253 GMT - Global auto sales will likely decline by 4% this year due to weakness in China, Daiwa analyst Kelvin Lau writes in a note. Global auto sales will likely remain sluggish next year, with weakness persisting through 2029, he adds. An increasing number of automakers are using their current technology and capital to develop new segments such as humanoid robots to maintain long-term profitability, he adds. Among the automakers, Daiwa's top picks are BYD, Hyundai Motor and XPeng under the transformation theme. XPeng plans to ultimately sell part of its humanoid robot business in the coming 18 months, but remain a controlling shareholder.