Auto China 2026, also known as the Beijing Motor Show, opened in China, the world’s largest electric-vehicle market. This year’s show spotlighted Chinese automakers rolling out new artificial intelligence and autonomous-driving technologies, while global carmakers sought to keep pace. German, South Korean and Japanese brands pushed deeper “In China for China” strategies, tailoring products and operations to the local market.
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, or CAAM, said in its “2026 China auto market outlook report” that it expects total vehicle sales this year to rise 1.2% from 34.40 million to 34.80 million. New energy vehicles, or NEVs, are projected to account for 19.00 million units, up 15.2% from 16.49 million a year earlier. That would lift NEV penetration to 54.7% from 47.9%, positioning 2026 as a turning point when NEVs become the market standard. As the EV market enters a mature phase, competition is expected to intensify as companies fight to survive.
Chinese brands used the show to highlight advances in AI, self-driving systems and battery performance as they aim to move further into the premium segment. Xiaomi drew attention with a marketing display that suspended a cutaway model of its self-developed NEV, exposing the battery and motor structure and the placement of thousands of parts. The display was seen as a way to show how software tightly controls hardware, reinforcing the idea of the car as “AI on wheels,” built on the company’s smartphone software experience.
Geely Automobile Group’s premium brand Zeekr unveiled the “8X,” a premium sport utility vehicle with a claimed maximum output of 1,380 horsepower. Xpeng introduced the “GX” with Level 4 autonomous-driving technology. Nio displayed its three brands — Nio, Onvo and Firefly — and showed new models including the Nio ES9 and ET9 equipped with its self-developed smart-driving chip.
Established automakers also emphasized technology shifts. Mercedes-Benz showcased its history from horse-drawn carriages to the latest Maybach electric vehicle, while placing the results of its collaboration with China’s Huawei prominently on the stand. BMW and Audi also drew attention for integrating autonomous-driving technologies developed with Chinese partners such as Momenta and Huawei into new models.
Battery technology, linked with AI, emerged as a key battleground. CATL, the world’s top battery maker, said its third-generation “Shenxing” battery can charge to 98% in 6 minutes 27 seconds. BYD demonstrated technology that it said boosts energy density and can charge a battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes even in extreme conditions below minus 30 degrees Celsius. An industry official said, “Once the EV market fully enters maturity, only companies with software-defined vehicle technology will survive.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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