Gasgoo Munich- The 2026 China Auto Chongqing Summit wrapped up on June 13 at the Chongqing Yuelai International Convention Center. In a closing address, Leapmotor Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Xu Jun argued that the auto sector is shifting from an era of "high dividends" to a "normalized era of thin margins." The development logic differs sharply: the dividend era rewarded boldness and speed, but the era of thin margins is akin to surfing—fraught with uncertainty and demanding extreme coordination and flexibility from companies.
Image Credit: China Auto Chongqing Summit
To navigate this low-margin landscape, Xu Jun outlined three core capabilities. First, the competitive logic must pivot from spec-sheet comparisons to scenario definitions—abandoning redundant configurations and gimmicks to build products around genuine user needs. Second, product strategy must evolve from relying on a single blockbuster to a systematic capability of sustaining a matrix of hits. He highlighted his IPMS (Integrated Product Marketing and Sales) process, which, through deep integration with IPD (Integrated Product Development), aims to ensure "zero failures" across eight models. Third, automakers must leverage "time dividends." Thanks to a decade of full-stack self-research, Leapmotor has already established a foothold in core European markets like Germany, France, and Italy.
On the topic of intelligentization, Xu Jun offered a stark prognosis: "The first half is defined by hardware; the second half is defined by relationships." He argued that future competition won't be about who boasts the most advanced autonomous driving hardware, but rather who maintains the closest connection to the user.
Public data indicates Leapmotor has held the top spot among China's emerging EV makers for consecutive months since early 2025. Full-year deliveries surpassed 590,000 units in 2025, while May 2026 alone saw 81,569 deliveries—a new record high. On the international front, the Stellantis joint venture "Leapmotor International" shipped more than 40,000 vehicles to Europe in 2025.
