During the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, NIO Inc.'s Co-Founder and President, Qin Lihong, spoke with media outlets including Securities Times about the frequent launch of new models by automakers. He responded that it is difficult for car companies to decide which new products to release next month based on short-term market trends, as new vehicle launches are the result of long-term preparation. If different automakers are introducing a high volume of new products around the same time, it indicates that their strategies aligned two to three years ago, and the entire industry has collectively entered a period of accelerated development.
Qin Lihong stated that although new car releases are密集, these products represent innovative technologies and new quality productive forces, primarily focusing on intelligent and new energy vehicles with higher cost-effectiveness and superior features. Therefore, the recent集中爆发 of SUV models signifies a leap forward for China's automotive industry.
"Looking back years from now, people will certainly remember and cherish this period. If one day China becomes a widely recognized automotive powerhouse, it may be closely linked to the密集发布 season of March and April 2026," Qin Lihong believes.
During the interview with Securities Times, Qin Lihong provided a counterexample: if the same intensity of new product launches were happening elsewhere instead of China, we would merely be spectators. "Just like ten or twenty years ago when internal combustion engine vehicles were frequently updated, the most exciting events were the Geneva, Frankfurt, and Paris auto shows. But today, the most vibrant shows are in Beijing and Shanghai. This year's Beijing auto show is the largest in human history and the one with the highest technological content—this is our fortune," he said.
Qin Lihong noted that, tactically, automakers and their products must face any challenges that arise. "In the past couple of years, some felt that NIO's product definitions were not precise enough, so we refined them. On a micro level, car companies must work diligently, advancing technology, improving products, enhancing services, and excelling in daily operations. On a macro level, working on smart electric vehicles in China during this era is particularly rewarding. Although it can be tiring at times, these are temporary phases. I believe the 2026 Beijing Auto Show will be a moment remembered for many years to come."
Regarding whether rapid product iterations and price reductions could disadvantage existing vehicle owners, Qin Lihong emphasized that sound and stable operations are the greatest responsibility a car company has towards its users.
He acknowledged that due to technological advancements and product updates, some customers might experience temporary disappointment, which may be unavoidable. However, companies cannot halt product innovation simply to ensure past customers always feel their vehicles are the most advanced. NIO will actively listen to and understand feedback from its user community, striving to address concerns appropriately.
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