#China #Beijing #Autohome #Yun Chen #CARTECH

Autohome Inc. Reports Share Transfer Completion and New Leadership Appointments

Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM; HKEX: 2518), recognized as the leading online hub for automotive consumers in China, has announced a substantial shift in its ownership and leadership structure. As of August 27, 2025, the company completed a critical share transfer arrangement originally set forth in a sale agreement dated February 20, 2025, involving Yun Chen Capital Cayman and CARTECH HOLDING COMPANY, a subsidiary of Haier Group Corporation.

Share Transfer Details

The completion of this share transfer sees Yun Chen relinquishing its status as the controlling shareholder. Following the transaction, Yun Chen holds approximately 5.1% of the newly issued shares, which translates to 23,916,500 ordinary shares. Contrastingly, CARTECH has acquired 200,884,012 shares, positioning it as the new controlling shareholder with roughly 43.0% of Autohome's total shares outstanding.

Resignations in the Leadership

With the completion of the share transfer, a notable reshuffling in management has occurred. Mr. Song Yang, until now the Director and Chief Executive Officer, will continue contributing to the company as Senior Vice President. His departure from the executive role emphasizes a new direction for Autohome's governance. Additionally, Ms. Keke Ding and Dr. Fan Lu have also resigned from their respective positions on the Board of Directors. Autohome expressed its gratitude to these leaders for their invaluable service during their tenures.

New Appointments

In tandem with these changes, Autohome is pleased to announce new appointments that promise fresh perspectives for the company's strategic management. Mr. Chi Liu has stepped into the roles of Chairman of the Board, Director, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of both the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee. His extensive corporate management experience, particularly within Haier Group, positions him well to steer the company towards a new era.

Other key appointments include Mr. Haishan Liang as a Director, Ms. Cuimei Zhang as a Director, Mr. Shenglei Zhou as a Director, and Mr. Xing Fang who will also serve as a Director. The Board is confident that the diverse qualifications and experience these individuals bring will significantly benefit the company.

Formation of the Compliance Management Committee

Moreover, the establishment of a Compliance Management Committee marks an essential step for Autohome as it seeks to enhance its governance. This committee, consisting of Ms. Cuimei Zhang, Mr. Shenglei Zhou, and Mr. Tianruo Pu, will oversee compliance and risk management strategies, demonstrating the company's commitment to maintaining industry standards and managing potential risks effectively.

Profiles of Key Appointees

• - Mr. Chi Liu: With over 20 years in corporate management, Mr. Liu has a rich history within Haier Group, serving in various pivotal capacities and offering a strong foundation in both product management and operational execution.
• - Mr. Haishan Liang: Bringing over three decades of leadership experience, Mr. Liang has held many integral positions within Haier Group, evidencing a wealth of knowledge in enterprise management and quality oversight.
• - Ms. Cuimei Zhang: Her expertise spans over 20 years in compliance and legal risk management, making her an asset in navigating regulatory landscapes and corporate governance.
• - Mr. Shenglei Zhou: With robust experience in cross-industry management and strategic planning, Mr. Zhou's role centers on developing Autohome's automotive industry internet platform.
• - Mr. Xing Fang: A seasoned human resources expert, Mr. Fang will utilize his skills in organizational development and incentive systems to foster a robust team environment at Autohome.

Autohome’s Vision

As the leading online platform for automobile consumers in China, Autohome continues to strive to innovate and enhance the auto purchasing and ownership experience. The company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology enables it to reduce transaction costs and improve the user experience significantly. Autohome remains dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and services tailored to the automotive market, accommodating a vast and engaged user base and allowing businesses to efficiently reach potential customers.

In conclusion, these changes represent both a challenge and an opportunity for Autohome as it adapts its leadership structure to align with its ambitious goals. With a solid team of new leaders and an emphasis on compliance and governance, Autohome is anticipated to flourish in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.