According to a research report by CITIC SEC, the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, scheduled to open on April 24, highlights three major trends: increased supply of large five- and six-seater SUVs over 5.2 meters in length, the growing standardization of 800V architecture combined with large-capacity batteries in vehicles priced around 300,000 yuan, and the emergence of AI as a key selling point and central theme in automaker marketing. The firm believes that the launch of several high-profile new models at the Beijing Auto Show this year could help domestic demand take over from exports as a significant catalyst for the automotive sector in the second quarter of 2026. Key viewpoints from CITIC SEC are outlined below:
Expectations are high that the Beijing Auto Show will stimulate domestic demand, serving as a major catalyst for the sector in Q2 2026. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows that from January to March 2026, automobile production and sales reached 7.039 million and 7.048 million units, respectively, down 6.9% and 5.6% year-on-year. Domestic sales totaled 4.823 million units, a decline of 20.3% compared to the same period last year, while automobile exports reached 2.226 million units, up 56.7% year-on-year. In March alone, export sales hit 748,000 units, an increase of 82% year-on-year. Since the beginning of the year, domestic sales have faced notable pressure, largely due to the time required for local governments to implement vehicle replacement subsidy policies. In addition, under current industry trends that emphasize direct consumer engagement in new car marketing, customers have become aware of automakers’ new vehicle launch schedules earlier in the year. These factors have collectively contributed to delayed purchasing decisions among consumers. CITIC SEC anticipates that the introduction of multiple major new models at the Beijing Auto Show will help domestic demand replace exports as a key growth driver for the auto sector in Q2 2026.
The 2026 Beijing Auto Show reflects three core trends: flagship models from the "9 Series," large batteries paired with fast-charging capabilities, and the integration of AI in automobiles. There has been a noticeable increase in the supply of large five- and six-seater SUVs exceeding 5.2 meters in length. The Li Auto L9 Livis is tasked with reshaping the brand’s pricing structure and optimizing its product lineup. The AITO M9 mid-cycle facelift features comprehensive upgrades to both interior and exterior design. New entrants such as the Wey V9X (pre-sale price 371,800–411,800 yuan), XPeng GX (pre-sale price 399,800 yuan), Leapmotor D19 (price 219,800–269,800 yuan), and BYD Datang (estimated price around 400,000 yuan) are intensifying competition in this segment. Although the Nio ES9 (5.3 meters long, 3.2-meter wheelbase) is priced slightly above 500,000 yuan, its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan lowers the entry threshold to 420,000 yuan.
The combination of 800V high-voltage platforms and large-capacity batteries is increasingly becoming standard in vehicles priced around 300,000 yuan. This configuration, once exclusive to flagship models, has now become a common strategy among automakers, with both domestic and joint-venture brands adopting it widely. Key new models from major manufacturers such as BYD, Li Auto, AITO, and XPeng all support 800V technology.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a major selling point for new models and a central theme in automaker marketing campaigns. At this year's Beijing Auto Show, AI serves as the core narrative in promotional efforts across domestic, emerging, and joint-venture brands. Automakers are integrating capabilities such as cabin features, intelligent driving, chassis control, and energy management under the AI umbrella, which not only reduces consumer cognitive load but also helps build a high-tech, premium brand image. This strategy has become essential for creating product differentiation and justifying price premiums.
Risk factors include potential underperformance of the domestic macroeconomy, insufficient overseas demand, weak domestic consumption, or lower-than-expected government investment. Additional risks involve potential shortfalls in vehicle production due to chip supply constraints, significant price increases in key raw materials, and substantial valuation declines for companies related to autonomous driving incidents.
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