Chinese EV makers take centre stage at Beijing auto show as global rivals struggle to keep up

China’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry is set to command global attention as the world’s largest auto exhibition opens in the capital, highlighting the country’s growing dominance in next-generation mobility.

The Auto China show, which begins on Friday, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, with more than 1,400 vehicles on display across a vast exhibition area spanning roughly 380,000 square metres. The event will initially host industry professionals and media before opening to the public later in the week.

Domestic manufacturers are expected to lead the spotlight, reflecting a broader shift in the automotive landscape. Companies such as BYD, Xiaomi and Xpeng have gained significant ground in recent years, outpacing traditional international brands that once held a dominant position in the Chinese market.

Foreign automakers, including Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW, are now facing intensifying competition as local firms capitalise on early investment in electric vehicles and competitive pricing strategies. Chinese brands have also moved aggressively into integrating artificial intelligence and advanced driver-assistance systems, strengthening their appeal in a market increasingly defined by technological innovation.

Exhibitors are expected to showcase developments in autonomous driving, battery efficiency and next-generation vehicle design. Xpeng, one of the newer entrants in the sector, has indicated it will present advancements in smart driving systems alongside experimental technologies such as robotics and airborne mobility concepts.

International manufacturers are responding by deepening partnerships with Chinese technology and battery suppliers in an effort to remain competitive. BMW has strengthened ties with battery producer CATL, while Audi and Volkswagen are collaborating with domestic firms on software integration and electric vehicle development.

Industry analysts suggest that competition is also shifting towards vehicle size and comfort, particularly in the growing market for larger sport utility vehicles. Demand is increasingly driven by consumers upgrading existing vehicles, rather than first-time buyers, prompting manufacturers to focus on interior space and user experience.

The Chinese market has seen an influx of new electric vehicle brands in recent years, intensifying competition and triggering aggressive pricing strategies. Discount programmes and trade-in incentives have become widespread, leading regulators to call for closer oversight of pricing practices to ensure long-term market stability.

At the same time, external factors are reinforcing the transition towards electric mobility. Rising global oil prices, influenced in part by geopolitical tensions, are encouraging consumers to move away from conventional fuel-powered vehicles.

Manufacturers are also competing on vehicle range, a key factor in consumer decision-making. In a recent demonstration, Xiaomi’s chief executive completed a long-distance journey between Beijing and Shanghai in an electric sedan with only a single charging stop, underscoring improvements in battery performance.

As the exhibition unfolds, the prominence of Chinese electric vehicle makers is expected to underline a broader transformation in the global automotive industry, where technological capability, cost efficiency and rapid innovation are reshaping competitive dynamics.