Auto China 2026: How China's auto giants are rewriting Europe's car market

By Mereuyert Zhakiyanova

Published on 27/04/2026 - 10:43 GMT+2•Updated 10:47

Navigating the overcrowded halls of Auto China 2026 in Beijing requires stamina due to the immense number of cars that are attracting Europeans.

For the first time, the event spanned two sites — the China International Exhibition Center and the Capital International Convention and Exhibition Center — together covering a record 380,000 sq. metres.

Under the theme “Lead the Era, Intelligent Future,” the conference underscored China’s drive on electrification and vehicle intelligence, drawing intense international attention.

Scale and highlights

The show draws together more than 1,450 vehicles — among them 181 world premieres and 71 concept cars — as both homegrown and international manufacturers competed for attention across the 10-day showcase.

Chinese brands dominated the exhibition floor. BYD arrived in force, presenting its full stable of marques — Dynasty, Denza, Yangwang and Fangchengbao — alongside dedicated booths highlighting its Flash Charge and Sky Eye technologies.

Rival Chery was equally ambitious, grouping its iCAR, EXEED, Jetour and Zongheng labels under one roof while unveiling fresh metal, including the EXEED EX7, available in fully electric and range-extended variants priced between 194,900 and 258,900 yuan, and the rugged Weilin R08 PRO pickup.

Meanwhile, Geely grouped Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Geely Galaxy and China Star in a semi‑exclusive hall to unveil All‑Domain AI 2.0, Safety 2.0 tech systems and a new tech‑ecosystem booth (Super Eva, Qianli Haohan G‑ASD 4.0, Intelligent Egg Cabin).

Roewe revealed an artificial intelligence‑focused “Jiayue” product series developed with Volcengine.

Xiaomi showcased its production lineup, including the new‑generation SU7, YU7, and SU7 Ultra, and staged the Asian debut of its Vision Gran Turismo concept after the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona reveal, underlining tech firms’ growing influence on automotive design.

Global heavyweights including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Toyota, Volvo and Ford also presented flagship models, ensuring the event retained its status as a truly international stage.

Chinese cars in Europe

China’s automotive industry has become increasingly export‑oriented. Leveraging strengths in batteries, software and connected services, Chinese automakers offer competitive pricing and rapid product cycles.

“Every second European consumer is open to buying a Chinese car as the next car,” said Georg Mrusek, automotive and China expert at management consultancy firm Horváth, on the sidelines of the show.

Horváth’s analysis shows Chinese passenger‑car market share in parts of Europe already above 10% (Norway, the United Kingdom, and Italy), with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for roughly 14% of the European BEV market.

Mrusek expects the Chinese share in Europe to reach 15–25% within four to five years. European markets should expect intensified competition on price, features and digital services, plus more Chinese production and local partnerships.

If current trends continue, Chinese brands could capture more than 30% of the European market over the next decade, provided they address after‑sales, localisation and regulatory challenges.

Beyond vehicles

At Auto China 2026, industry professionals stressed that Chinese firms are not just selling cars but integrated digital platforms.

“Automotive manufacturing is no longer just about the car. The car is becoming a technology platform that connects people’s lives,” James Pearson, founder and CEO of advertising agency Lionheart Global. He added that legacy manufacturers must keep pace as Chinese cars rapidly integrate AI, services, and broader ecosystems.

Auto China 2026 opens to the public on April 28. The show alternates annually between Beijing and Shanghai.