BYD, First Hydrogen, Deutsche Lufthansa - Mobility trends create potential

BYD - Seagull appeals to a new group of buyers

BYD (Build Your Dreams) was founded in February 1995 as a battery manufacturer and is now a leading high-tech company specializing in technological innovations for a sustainable livelihood. The Company plays a significant role in electronics, automotive, renewable energy and rail transit. With an early focus on electric vehicles and revolutionary technologies such as the Blade Battery, BYD has gained a significant development lead. With the innovative e-platform 3.0, high production capacities, and a strong global presence in over 70 countries, BYD has established itself as a serious competitor in the international electric vehicle market.

BYD recorded a remarkable increase in vehicle sales of 23.64% since the beginning of the year, reaching 936,446 units. In particular, sales of pure electric vehicles rose by 17.77% to 434,579 vehicles, while plug-in hybrids, which account for around half of total sales, climbed by 29.22% to 501,867 vehicles. In April, total sales increased by 50% year-on-year, with 313,245 units sold, including a 28.8% increase in electric vehicles and a 69% increase in hybrids. The new, low-cost electric vehicle model "Seagull", in particular, is causing quite a stir.

Despite its low price of around USD 12,000, it is considered by many experts to be of high quality, even compared to more expensive US models. The upcoming expansion to the UK in 2025 promises further market opportunities. Despite existing trade barriers, analysts and industry experts see BYD as a serious competitor in the international market. With solid financial figures and continuous innovation, BYD remains attractive, even though Waren Buffet sold a large part of his shares last year. The share is currently trading at EUR 24.43.

First Hydrogen - Letter of intent with a German car manufacturer

First Hydrogen specializes in the development and integration of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. The Company aims to develop sustainable transportation solutions that reduce CO2 emissions while improving the efficiency and range of light commercial vehicles. By using hydrogen technology, the Company aims to play a key role in the future of zero-emission mobility. The demo vehicles already developed are road-legal, and extensive test drives have recently been carried out in London with the Company's own hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles.

These tests were carried out for a large multinational logistics company whose partners use vans for parcel deliveries. During the tests, the FCEV was in use for up to 8 hours a day, demonstrating its ability to deliver consistent performance. Particularly impressive was the short-term power output of 60 kW during acceleration and a maximum range of 630 km per tank. These results confirm that the vehicles are not only suitable for everyday use but also offer reliable performance in more demanding conditions, such as transporting heavy loads or driving over hilly terrain.

The positive test results and the market relevance of the technology have piqued the interest of a major German car manufacturer. As a result, First Hydrogen has signed a non-binding letter of intent to supply electric vans, subject to a final agreement. These vans will subsequently be equipped with First Hydrogen's hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The partnership also includes access to technical support and certifications from the German manufacturer, which will facilitate and accelerate the integration process. This will also allow the Company to scale its technology, which would contribute significantly to the Company's future growth and ensure stable revenues. The share has already jumped after the announcement and is currently trading at EUR 0.683 in Germany, an increase of almost 6%.

Deutsche Lufthansa - Struggling with challenges

Deutsche Lufthansa has set ambitious climate protection targets: halving net CO2 emissions by 2030 and CO2 neutrality by 2050. To this end, Lufthansa promotes the development of sustainable aviation fuels, offers CO2 compensation via the Compensaid platform, and provides rail alternatives for feeder flights to Frankfurt. Lufthansa is also involved in the employee initiative Help Alliance and is a member of the MSCI Global Sustainability Index for sustainable companies. However, the share has recently entered a downward trend.

The Company recorded an increase in revenue of 5% to EUR 7.4 billion in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year's figure of EUR 7.0 billion. Despite this positive development, the Company reported an operating loss of EUR 849 million due to strikes and a normalization of the logistics business following the exceptional economic situation during the pandemic. Strike-related charges of EUR 350 million led to a deterioration in the Adjusted EBIT margin to -11.5%. Overall, the Company result amounted to EUR -734 million, a significant decline compared to the previous year's loss of EUR 467 million.

The Company is optimistic for the full year 2024 and expects an Adjusted EBIT of around EUR 2.2 billion. Bookings for the summer flight schedule are 16% above the previous year's level, which indicates continued strong demand for vacation travel. Nevertheless, the problems continue. On May 26, a flight had to be aborted due to smoke in the cockpit of a Lufthansa aircraft. In addition, there are delays in deliveries from Boeing and Airbus, and, most recently, it was announced that the merger between ITA Airways and Lufthansa is being examined in detail by the European Commission due to possible effects on the aviation market. At EUR 6.47, the share price is just above the low for the year of EUR 6.30.

In summary, it can be said that the mobility of the future will be shaped by sustainable technologies. BYD impresses with its affordable electric vehicle, Seagull, and global expansion. First Hydrogen achieves success with hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and partnerships for zero-emission technology. Deutsche Lufthansa pursues ambitious climate targets but is struggling with operational problems. These companies demonstrate how innovations can make mobility more environmentally friendly and efficient.