Chengdu Motor Show 2023: a thriving stage for NEV thrust

Serving as a "compass" for the central and western China's automotive market, the Chengdu Motor Show 2023 is set to kick off on August 25th, running for a span of 10 days. This year's exhibition will feature a staggering 129 automobile brands, showcasing nearly 1,600 global premieres, new market releases, concept cars, and trending best-sellers.

Amidst the rivalry of Chinese domestic new energy vehicle (NEV) players, heavyweights like BYD’s FANGCHENGBAO BAO 5 and IM Motors’ LS6 will make their appearance

Latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers ("CAAM") reveals that during the Jan.-Jul. period of this year, total automobile sales in China reached 15.626 million units, marking a 7.9% year-on-year increase. Among these, NEV sales tallied 4.526 million units, with a market share of approximately 29%. Furthermore, China’s domestic brands have been securing over 50% of monthly market share throughout the first seven months, and even reaching 57.2% in July. Against this backdrop, indigenous brands, particularly those in the NEV sector, are expected to shine at this year's Chengdu Motor Show. Brands like BYD, Li Auto, NIO, XPeng, Leapmotor, VOYAH, GAC AION, ZEEKR, IM Motors, AVATR, ORA, ARCFOX, NETA Auto, AITO, GAC AION, Deepal , Hyper, and Yuanhang are all set to take part.

BAO 5; photo credit: BYD FANGCHENGBAO

By the insights we have, BYD is set to bring its four major brands, namely DENZA, Yangwang, BYD, and FANGCHENGBAO, to the Chengdu Motor Show for the first time as a group. Among these, the newly launched upscale brand, FANGCHENGBAO, will showcase its debut model, the off-road SUV "BAO 5."

IM Motors' LS6; photo credit: IM Motors

The LS6, a fire new SUV equipped with an 800V fast charging system, will make its debut on the stage of IM Motors, a premium NEV brand co-backed by SAIC Motor, Zhangjiang High-Tech, and Alibaba Group. Sources suggest that the LS6 will offer four exterior color options: Ferdinand Pink, Monet Green, Vermeer Yellow, and Raphael Brown. This new model is positioned as a mid-to-large full-electric SUV, boasting an acceleration time from 0 to 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds.

Yuanhang H8; photo credit: Yuanhang

Under the banner of Yuanhang, a brand under Dayun Auto, two new models, the Yuanhang H8 and Y6, are set to officially hit the market on the Chengdu Motor Show's opening day. According to previous reports, the Y6 will come with five trim levels, with pre-sale prices ranging from 329,800 yuan to 529,800 yuan, while the H8 will offer five variants with pre-sale prices ranging from 349,800 yuan to 559,800 yuan.

KAOLA; photo credit: ARCFOX

In addition, ARCFOX, the premium NEV brand under BluePark-Magna, has gone the extra mile to prepare an "interactive parent-child park," the first-ever automobile-themed park of its kind, with presale of the KAOLA, an electric vehicle that provides comprehensive solutions for traveling with infants, to kick off on spot. Geely's ZEEKR brand will display a lineup embracing all of its models, namely, the ZEEKR 001, the ZEEKR 009, and the ZEEKR X. HiPhi will showcase the HiPhi Y SUV, whose entire series will come standard with the second-gen NT intelligent gull-wing doors and all-speed active rear wheel steering system. Besides, presale of Geely’s Galaxy L6 will begin, and SAIC Maxus’ Dajia MIFA7 MPV will make its debut…

Global carmakers accelerate e-mobility pace in China

Facing the rise of China's domestic brands, global brands like Volkswagen, Peugeot, Citroën, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia continue to bolster their presence in the Chinese market. Beyond traditional oil-fueled vehicles, they are accelerating their foray into electric vehicles to enhance their competitive edge on the track. Additionally, ultra-luxury and luxury brands are not to be outdone. Brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Lincoln, Jaguar Land Rover, Cadillac, Volvo, Genesis, and INFINITI are also set to make their mark in this year's Chengdu Auto Show.

BMW iX1; photo credit: BMW Group

Among them, BMW Group is launching a new electric offensive, releasing five innovative NEV models including the BMW iX1, the BMW i7 M70L, the all-new BMW M760Le, the BMW XM Label Red limited edition and the BMW XM 50e. These five models will simultaneously go on sale during the show.

Genesis G90; photo credit: Genesis

The Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept car is set to debut at the Chengdu Motor Show. In the meantime, the Genesis G90 and its long-wheelbase version will hit the market at the show.

Moreover, Mercedes-Benz is poised to put three new models onto the market at the Chengdu Motor Show: the new GLE Coupe, the new GLB, and the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL 63. Kia will only see the EV6 hit the market, but also debut the EV5's mass-produced version with the presale beginning at the same time. The domestically produced new Jaguar E-PACE will make its premiere at the Chengdu Motor Show...

Overall, whether domestic or foreign, all brands are launching new offensives. The auto show not only showcases the battle for dominance and competition but also reflects the vitality and consumer trends of the automotive market. The influx of new vehicles from the Chengdu Motor Show is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the "Golden September and Silver October", a traditional peak season for car shopping in China.