The 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition is scheduled to take place from April 24th to May 3rd. This edition marks the first time the event will be held across two venues simultaneously: the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi) and the Capital International Conference Center, resulting in a total exhibition area of 380,000 square meters, setting a new global record for auto shows. The stage is set for an industry showcase centered on technological innovation, brand elevation, and the reshaping of market dynamics.
As a leading domestic automaker, BYD COMPANY (01211) has exclusively reserved the E3 hall to display its complete brand portfolio and core technological capabilities. Following the March release of its second-generation Blade Battery and flash-charging technology, BYD will feature a dedicated flash-charging zone at the show. The company aims to construct 20,000 flash-charging stations by the end of this year, having already commissioned 5,000 stations with plans confirmed for an additional 5,000 megawatt-level charging points. While BYD faced sales pressure domestically in the first quarter, the rollout of new models equipped with the second-generation battery and charging tech is expected to positively impact sales from April onward. The Tang, the first D-class full-size flagship SUV under BYD's Dynasty series featuring this technology, will be unveiled at the show and is anticipated to launch officially in May. Furthermore, BYD has raised its annual global export target from 1.3 million to 1.5 million vehicles. Its overseas manufacturing footprint is expanding rapidly, with its Hungary plant expected to commence operations in the third quarter, and plans are underway for the large-scale deployment of BYD flash-charging stations in international markets.
In the W3 hall, Huawei's smart car solutions unit will anchor a pavilion focused on technology, joined by its partner automakers, including Jieyue, Yijie, Mengshi, and Avatr. The "Two Realms" brands, Jieyue and Yijie, will respectively showcase the Jieyue GT7 shooting brake and the Yijie X9 large six-seater SUV. On April 23rd, Huawei is set to officially unveil technological achievements such as ADS 5.0 and HarmonySpace 6.0. Its partner automakers will be categorized into three tiers based on collaboration depth: Full-Stack, Three-Intelligence/Dual-Intelligence, and Components. This structure encompasses the brands exhibiting alongside Huawei and also includes mainstream marques like Hongqi and Audi. Beyond the "Two Realms," the Harmony Intelligence alliance will exhibit in the B4 hall under the theme "Convergence of the Five Realms," featuring multiple global debut models, including the new AITO M9 and the Zhijie V9, the alliance's first MPV. The Xiangjie, Shangjie, and Zunjie brands are also expected to reveal new models, building a product matrix that covers multiple market segments.
Geely Auto, occupying half of the A1 hall, is riding strong momentum after becoming the sales leader among Chinese automakers in the first quarter with cumulative sales of 709,400 units. At the show, Geely will present its full brand lineup, complete product portfolio, and comprehensive technological architecture, highlighting achievements from its strategic transformation. Similarly, Chery Auto and Great Wall Motors, each commanding half a hall, will also showcase their entire brand families. Chery's Chairman Yin Tongyue began the year with the slogan "AI must continue to be unapologetic." Located in the E1 hall, Chery will comprehensively display its all-domain technology and product strength, continuing this assertive development trajectory. Notably, Zongheng, Chery's new luxury hybrid off-road brand, will make its Beijing Auto Show debut. Great Wall Motors will occupy the B5 hall with its five automotive brands—Haval, Tank, ORA, Wey, and长城炮—alongside its motorcycle brand, Soul. More information regarding its ultra-luxury brand may be released during the event.
Dongfeng Motor and GAC Group are situated adjacently in the A3 hall. In March, Voyah Auto was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, filling a gap in the capital market for premium new energy brands from central state-owned enterprises. At this show, the Voyah Tanshan X8 will make its official debut, with its intelligent features developed in cooperation with Huawei being a core selling point. GAC Group, viewing this as a "year of self-reinvention," will present the results of its reforms, with its Trumpchi, Aion, and Hyper brands likely to unveil new products.
The new EV makers—Nio, XPeng, Li Auto, and Leapmotor—along with Xiaomi Auto, are distributed across the A4 and E2 halls, traditionally high-traffic areas at the show. Dreame Technology, a later entrant into the automotive sector, will make its first appearance with an independent booth, displaying three models: the Interstellar T08, Interstellar T08L, and Interstellar D09.
Facing intense competition in the Chinese market, joint venture brands are arriving at the show with targeted strategies, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a presence. Hyundai Motor, stating it "does not want to give up on China," is located in the E4 hall. Its electrification brand, IONIQ, is officially entering the Chinese market, with two new energy concept cars, the VENUS CONCEPT and EARTH CONCEPT, making their global debut. The plan is for the IONIQ brand to launch a series of pure electric and extended-range vehicles covering medium and large segments, including SUVs and coupes, over the next three years. After a three-year absence, Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile (DPCA) returns to the Beijing Auto Show, signaling a closer partnership with Dongfeng Motor. Meanwhile, rumors persist about potential collaborations between Stellantis Group and Chinese automakers, with more signals expected to emerge during the event.
Additionally, as supply chain companies gain increasing influence in automotive manufacturing, several prominent suppliers have been allocated prime spots in the exhibition halls. Examples include Black Sesame Technologies and Zongmu Technology sharing a hall with Chery; Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) exhibiting alongside BMW; and Bosch, Zoyu, SenseAuto, and EVE Energy Co., Ltd. featured in the same hall as Audi.
According to the organizers, the total number of exhibit vehicles will reach 1,451, including 181 world premieres and 71 concept cars, significantly surpassing the numbers from the previous Beijing Auto Show. From the technological breakthroughs and premium positioning of domestic automakers, to the electrification transition and localization efforts of joint ventures, and the ecosystem empowerment from tech firms like Huawei, exhibitors are collectively propelling the automotive industry toward an era defined by electrification, intelligence, and globalization.
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