March 4th, 2025 | 08:00 CET
Used car boom and electric offensive: Credissential, BYD, and VW in the race for the future
In the US and Europe, high inflation is causing a loss of purchasing power. The used car market is becoming increasingly attractive for balancing price and performance in times when money is tight. Related topics such as financing and insuring vehicles must also be smartly considered. This is where the tech company Credissential comes in, with a platform solution that meets the modern purchasing behavior of Gen Z. Optimized for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, Credissential provides millions of US users with digital access to connected used car dealers. In the future, financial and insurance issues will also be seamlessly integrated with Credissential. Meanwhile, electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is dominating the new car market with affordable EVs. Potential buyers are impressed by the modern technology, but the Chinese manufacturer faces regulatory hurdles. The Volkswagen Group, once an industry giant, is struggling with declining market shares in China and consumer protection allegations, as recent Italian investigations into battery longevity show. For investors, the picture is clear: those who can strike the right balance between cost awareness, sustainability, and innovation could lead the way in the future. Who will win the race for price-sensitive, modern buyers?
time to read: 4 minutes
|
Author:
Juliane Zielonka
ISIN:
CREDISSENTIAL INC | CA22535J1066 , BYD CO. LTD H YC 1 | CNE100000296 , VOLKSWAGEN AG VZO O.N. | DE0007664039 , BYD CO. LTD ADR/2 YC 1 | US05606L1008
Table of contents:
"[...] We know exactly what we are doing and are implementing what we consider to be a proven technology in an industrially applicable and scalable way. [...]" Uwe Ahrens, Director, Altech Advanced Materials AG
Author
Juliane Zielonka
Born in Bielefeld, she studied German, English and psychology. The emergence of the Internet in the early '90s led her from university to training in graphic design and marketing communications. After years of agency work in corporate branding, she switched to publishing and learned her editorial craft at Hubert Burda Media.
Tag cloud
Shares cloud
Credissential is revolutionizing the used car market: AI, flexibility, and 'Buy Now, Pay Later' for Generation Z
Credissential is shaking up the car buying process: The Company aims to conquer the used car market with AI tools. The digital platform is a blessing in times of inflation. Used cars are booming. According to Cox Automotive, prices will remain stable in the US in 2025. One ray of hope for private investors: Credissential could benefit from the demand for affordable vehicles.
The idea is simple – digital solutions for the modern buyer who wants to save. If the breakthrough is successful, growth beckons, but established banks could pose a threat. However, platform providers enjoy the trust of consumers. Compared to US peers like Carvana, which dominates the online used car trade with its own inventory, Credissential relies on partnerships with dealers and AI-driven financial solutions.
This could be an advantage: flexibility instead of storage costs – success depends on how quickly Credissential gains market share against such players. A few days ago, Credissential announced the integration of "Buy Now, Pay Later" into its Antenna platform, with encrypted security. If used, the Antenna platform can be used to help with down payment assistance for cars in installments while dealers receive the full amount immediately.** The target group is familiar with installment payments from payment service providers such as PayPal. This is another plus for Credissential's customer-oriented user-friendliness.
BYD continues its success story: Record figures and new model boost investor confidence
BYD continues to impress with strong numbers: In 2024, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer surpassed the 4.3 million vehicles sold worldwide. Now the Company has this week unveiled its model "Qin L EV", an electric vehicle with the "God's Eye" driving system for safe driving and parking. It offers engines with 148 or 215 hp and ranges of 470 to 545 km, making it ideal for the mass market. The "Dragon Face" design and size of 4.7 m appeal to customers. Teasers suggest that the launch is imminent – presenting a strong investment opportunity for BYD investors.
The potential easing of the trade dispute between the US and China has further boosted BYD's investment potential. US President Donald Trump hinted on February 21, 2025 that a trade deal with China could be possible. This movement comes at the right time for BYD. The cooperation with the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has already pushed the electric vehicle manufacturer's shares to a record high.
An extended trade agreement could further boost BYD's export opportunities and profits, providing even more incentives for investors. Meanwhile, Trump is threatening Europe with further tariffs on "cars and all other things", as he announced at his first cabinet meeting. This could weigh on European markets but also strengthen BYD further. The trade wars have begun.
Is Volkswagen facing an Electrogate after Dieselgate?
The competition authority in Italy has launched investigations against automakers such as Volkswagen, Tesla, BYD, and Stellantis. The accusation: A violation of consumer protection rules due to unclear and possibly misleading information about the range of their electric vehicles. The authority criticizes the fact that the advertising messages on the companies' websites and sales brochures are far too vague or contradictory. It also claims that the information on battery wear is insufficient.
Apparently, the manufacturers have failed to clearly communicate which factors influence the range and how much these can reduce the actual driving performance, the regulatory authority complains. In addition, there is a lack of precise information on how the battery performance of EVs deteriorates over time under regular use. The lifespan of electric vehicle batteries depends on temperature and charging habits. Therefore, there are fluctuations depending on the country and climate region. Too many uncertainties about reliability arise for consumers, question marks that deter them from making a purchase.
It is now being investigated whether the companies deliberately deceived their buyers. For the companies concerned, this could have legal and financial consequences. This is nothing new for Volkswagen. In the Dieselgate emissions scandal, the Company installed cheating software in around 11 million diesel vehicles. This came to light in 2015 through the US Environmental Protection Agency. Volkswagen incurred billions of dollars in damages, including fines and vehicle recalls. The stock is currently trading at EUR 104.45.
Inflation is driving up prices, and car buyers are rethinking: used cars are in demand – affordable, sustainable, and practical. Credissential scores here with smart AI that makes used car buying easier and keeps budgets under control. The digital end-to-end platform is designed to appeal to Gen Z with flexible financial solutions, such as "Buy Now, Pay Later" financing. The platform, which is constantly being expanded, can offer investors a lucrative investment opportunity by getting in early. BYD is holding its own with affordable electric vehicles like the "Qin L EV" model and is rising ever higher in the consumer popularity rankings thanks to record sales figures. Trade agreements with the US could increase export opportunities. Its strong market position and innovation make BYD a favorite as long as geopolitical risks remain manageable. However, even here, battery performance information should be taken cautiously. These are currently under scrutiny by an Italian authority, along with Volkswagen's batteries. The Company is facing the potential for further loss of trust. After Dieselgate, there is now the risk of a possible "Electrogate". The Company is a risk for private investors: falling market shares in China and consumer protection issues are dampening forecasts. Those who appeal to today's price-conscious buyers could be one step ahead.
Conflict of interest
Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as "Relevant Persons") may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a "Transaction"). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company.
In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships.
For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest.
The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies.
Risk notice
Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on news.financial. These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such.
The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user.
The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use.
