Chengdu Motor Show to turn up heat on China's auto industry

The Chengdu Motor Show 2026, which is expected to kick off on Aug 21, will bring together nearly 120 major domestic and international automakers, said one of the annual event's organizers on Wednesday.

Liu Guoliang, general manager of Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, said the event, where around 1,600 vehicles will be exhibited, will highlight the latest developments in vehicle electrification, intelligent technologies and product innovation.

Chinese automakers, including both established giants and startups, will take center stage at this year's show, with major independent brands making a large-scale appearance.

Among others, BYD Group will occupy a dedicated exhibition hall, showcasing its latest models and advanced technologies.

Chery Group will bring its full brand lineup, including Chery, iCAR, Exeed and Jetour.

Great Wall Motor will display models from its brands including Haval, Tank, Wey, Ora and GWM Pickup.

NEV startups are expected to further expand their growing presence.

Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance will showcase its five-brand lineup — Shangjie, Luxeed, Stelato, AITO and Maextro.

XPeng's G9L and Li Auto's new L9 Livis will make appearances, while Xiaomi will unveil two new smart SUVs. Leapmotor's A05 will also make its debut at the show.

Luxury brands and mainstream joint-venture automakers are expected to bring differentiated product portfolios to the exhibition.

The all-new long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV will make its global debut, while the long-wheelbase BMW iX3 based on BMW's Neue Klasse platform will open for pre-sale.

FAW Audi will showcase both internal combustion engine and pure electric models, while the AUDI brand will present new versions of the E5 Sportback and E7X.

Meanwhile, Freelander, a new brand jointly developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, will debut its first model at the event.

The show will also highlight products manufactured in Chengdu.

The production version of the Dongfeng-Huawei jointly developed full-size flagship SUV Yijing X9 will begin deliveries during the exhibition.

Jetta will display its first new energy concept vehicle, the Jetta X, along with the Jetta M6 built on the company's independently developed pure electric architecture.

Other Chengdu-produced models, including Volvo EX90, Volvo ES90, Zeekr X, Lynk & Co Z20 and Lynk & Co 06 EM-P, will also be exhibited.

Liu said the Chengdu Motor Show, as the first A-class auto exhibition in the second half of the year, benefits from its timing ahead of the traditional peak sales season of September and October.

"The performance of automakers at the show will, to a large extent, signal the direction of the auto market in the second half of the year. The event will serve as the first mirror reflecting market trends," Liu said.

He added that the event is not only a showcase but also a test of automakers' capabilities.

"This year's Chengdu Motor Show is not only a stage for new vehicle launches, but also a testing ground for technological strength, product competitiveness and brand value," Liu said.