At the Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development High-Level Forum (2026) held on April 11-12 at the Beijing National Convention Center, the focus was on advancing the intelligent, green, integrated, and international development of new energy vehicles.
Xu Jia, General Manager of JD Car Care's chain business, stated that by the end of last year, the penetration rate of new energy vehicles had exceeded 50%. However, the number of terminal after-sales service outlets for these vehicles remains significantly low, accounting for only about 5% of that penetration rate. He noted that this stark contrast means many NEV owners face limited options and constraints when seeking maintenance services, despite a smooth purchasing experience.
Xu also pointed out that while many automakers are actively addressing issues related to vehicle sales and after-sales support, consumer feedback indicates persistent challenges in NEV servicing. On one hand, the safety and component quality of new energy vehicles have improved, leading to a lower probability of accidents. Nevertheless, when issues do arise, the cost of repairs per vehicle remains high. On the other hand, after-sales outlets are predominantly concentrated in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, providing convenience for urban buyers. However, in lower-tier markets such as counties and smaller cities, owners often need to travel to provincial capitals or larger urban centers for maintenance.
Additionally, he mentioned that despite growing NEV sales, the circulation of parts and the mobility of skilled technicians have not yet reached a scalable level. Xu proposed that the industry should pay more attention to the after-sales sector, particularly in parts distribution and technical talent development. He emphasized that while vehicles are becoming increasingly intelligent, the adaptation of repair personnel to these advancements still has a long way to go.
In conclusion, Xu described the new energy vehicle after-sales business as a challenging and slow-growing field, despite the glamour of vehicle sales. He expressed hope that more industry partners would join efforts to focus on improving after-sales services, especially for the growing number of NEV owners.
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