Gasgoo Munich- The 2026 China Auto Chongqing Summit took place from June 12 to 13, where Luxeed Executive Director and Executive Vice President Zhao Changjiang took the stage at the closing plenary. In his remarks, Zhao emphasized that long-termism is defined by trade-offs and focus, noting that mid-to-high-end brands still have a window of opportunity. He argued that the old model of profiting from 'information gaps' is no longer viable; instead, automakers must pivot to a user-centric, systematic approach to survival.
Image Credit: China Auto Chongqing Forum
Zhao shared his insights through three distinct lenses: the industry, the automakers, and the users.
From an industry perspective, China’s auto sector is shifting from sheer scale expansion to high-quality development and global deployment. The market has entered the second half of the cycle, characterized by saturated competition where intelligence and cross-sector integration are key. Zhao underscored the belief that "there is no stability without a domestic base, and no strength without a global reach," projecting that exports of Chinese brands could reach 15 million to 20 million units by 2035.
Regarding automakers, the "winner-takes-all" dynamic will intensify, with a few giants and top brands in vertical niches emerging. Zhao believes profitability must evolve from standalone vehicle sales to comprehensive service capabilities, building a system that covers the entire user lifecycle.
On the user front, Zhao anticipates three shifts: brands moving from trust to emotional resonance; experiences evolving from technical specifications to scenario-based and cross-scenario ecosystem synergy; and a user focus leaning more toward the vehicle's long-term value.
During the forum, multiple industry executives reached a consensus: the auto industry has entered an "era of thin margins." Companies are shifting from a price war to a value war, making systematic competitiveness the key to weathering market cycles.
