0917 GMT - Chinese brands have been major beneficiaries of Asean's EV transition, Bernstein analysts say in a note. Technology and cost leadership, combined with a growing number of competitively priced EVs, have driven adoption, they add. BYD has quickly emerged as the region's EV leader, capturing 26% of Asean EV sales, they say. Nonetheless, Bernstein maintains its cautious outlook for the auto sector overall. The reduction in subsidies has slowed market momentum, following strong demand pulled forward into 2024 and 2025 and a high base of comparison, they say. Berstein rates BYD and Xiaomi at outperform.