Amazing Beijing
BEIJING, China–Two years ago, organizers of the Beijing Auto Show (BAS), also known as Auto China 2026 or the 19th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition held their event at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi), where the show has usually been held biannually since 2008.
This year, they added the newly-built Capital International Exhibition Center just next to it. This further builds it up to a total of 380,000sqm of floor space, thus making it the biggest auto show on the planet.
The BAS will be held from April 24 to May 3, with a total of 1,451 vehicles on display, including 181 global and China premieres, along with 71 concept cars introduced. A total of more than 200 press conferences took place during the first two days, attended by countless Chinese and international journalists, as well as key opinion leaders (KOLs).
Despite the magnitude of the event, the bigger elephant in the room is the ongoing war in the Middle East that impacts the rest of the world. Back at home, the brunt on our shoulders is bearing the steep fuel prices caused by the logistical nightmare at the Strait of Hormuz, hence a decline in usual car sales–yet a surge in demand for electrified vehicles (xEVs).
For China, in particular, it’s likewise a double-edged sword.
They navigate the severe logistics disruptions in the Middle East while simultaneously benefiting from an accelerated shift toward new energy vehicles (NEVs).
The rapid adoption of NEVs in China has lessened the impact of rising oil prices on its domestic economy. With NEVs making up over half of passenger vehicle sales, the dependence on petroleum has decreased, helping to stabilize the sector.
Chinese auto exports in March also saw over 140 percent compared to the same period last year. And with China being the biggest automotive market in the world, with total sales of 34 million vehicles last year, a nine percent increase compared to the previous year, you more or less get a grasp of how the show is.
China’s biggest passenger vehicle exporter
For 23 consecutive years, Chery Auto has led China in international sales, selling, for example, 1.34 million units in 2025.
At the show, expect this auto giant to come out with a bang. True enough, they did.
Chery Group appeared with its full brand lineup, including Chery, Exeed, iCAUR, Omoda & Jaecoo, Lepas and Jetour.
A total of about 20 models made their global debut. The event alone welcomed over 4,000 guests from more than 100 countries, setting a new record for Chery in both scale and international reach. And this was only at the booths under Chery.
The company presented breakthrough technologies and a forward-looking strategy.
With a five-brand portfolio developed through years of overseas experience, Chery has formed a multi-scenario ecosystem. Each brand targets specific segments, shifting from broad coverage to precise positioning. Key debuts included Tiggo V, ES GT, EX8, Omoda 4, and the right-hand-drive V27
For Jetour, the brand introduced the mid-to-large SUV, T8, and the badass F700 with its 6×6 pickup version, potentially built for markets in the United Arab Emirates and other parts of the Gulf region.
Electrified offroaders
Founded in 1958, Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC, formerly Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) is the sixth biggest vehicle manufacturer in China, selling 1.723 million units in 2021.
For BAS 2026, state-owned BAIC introduced a diverse lineup of new electrified off-roaders.
Officially unveiled as the brand’s first “tactical boxy model,” which can tackle all kinds of terrains, is the BAIC Beijing B-02. This was the centerpiece of BAIC’s parade at the show and will be available to the Chinese market by August this year, and at the latter part of 2026 for other international markets.
Meanwhile, a flagship large-size range-extended electric (REEV) off-road vehicle built on BAIC’s new platform, the BAIC Beijing BJ60e (or BJ60 Thunder), features a boxy “Emotional Block” design and is optimized for high low-speed torque while eliminating range anxiety with its fuel-replenishment system.
New variants of the BJ30e (EREV) are also being showcased, alongside the existing internal combustion engine version.
BAIC is likewise highlighting its shift toward electrification with the B81 and B70 electrified 4×4 SUVs.
The Beijing X55 Plus, meanwhile, is a bold, tech-heavy SUV, featuring a futuristic cabin with a panoramic display and a dynamic turbocharged engine.
Changan’s Deepal makes a case
Deepal is out to help carry the Changan flag in the local market determine to carve a niche in range extension with an array of rEEV vehicles. After presenting the S05 and G318 models to kickstart brand presence in the Philippines, three possible models that will follow – the larger S07 compact SUV, S09 full size SUV and the stylish L06 were showcased.
Deepal is one of the emerging brands making a big push for attention from the premium market buyers looking for options price points considered.
The Deepal L06 mid-size sedan is the first model of any Changan brand to be introduced after Changan became a state-owned company last year.
China’s Kylie Jenner
It wouldn’t be a Chinese auto show without the country’s most popular EV manufacturer.
In Hall E4 of the convention center, BYD’s expansive display was laid out. Introduced there was the larger Great Tang, set to come with the marque’s ‘second-generation’ blade battery, with a capacity of 130kWh. Also, continuing their oceanic car names is the Sealion 8, a seven-seat, plug-in hybrid SUV designed to sit above the Sealion 5.
Countless others
Aside from these, there are also GWM, Geely, Zeeker, Arcfox and countless others to mention.
There are also Japanese, American and European vehicle brands present. And these are just one of the few of the more than 1,400 vehicles on display at this year’s Beijing Auto Show 2026.
To cap off, it is noteworthy to mention that this colossal of an auto show just exactly reflects how massive of a powerhouse China truly is.
And amid this ongoing crisis, their auto market might be temporarily struggling. But in the long run, the tides are even veering towards their favor, set to make them even more powerful than ever.
