2026 China Auto Chongqing Forum Focuses on Industry Transformation and High-Quality Growth

The 2026 China Automotive Chongqing Forum was held from June 12 to 13, 2026, at the Chongqing Yuelai International Convention Center. Under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Industry in an Era of Transformation,” the forum was jointly organized by the Automotive Division of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the Automotive Chamber of Commerce of China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), and the Organizing Committee of the Chongqing International Automobile Exhibition, with support from the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government. The forum focused on three major shifts currently facing the automotive industry: the market transition from scale-based competition to value-driven competition; overseas expansion evolving from one-way exports to ecosystem-based coexistence; and technological transformation shifting from electrification and intelligence toward AI-driven reshaping. Nearly 100 global automotive leaders and over 1,000 professionals participated in discussions on core industry contradictions, challenges, and opportunities. At the opening ceremony, Wang Xia posed three critical questions: Is the “value war” merely a trendy slogan or a genuine developmental necessity? Is globalization an optional extra or a new core curriculum? Is AI an upgrade of intelligent technologies or the next phase of a technological revolution? He stressed the need to maintain a “wolf-like” drive in technological innovation while upholding rationality and balance in strategic planning. Chen Jian noted that internal competition (“involution”) is not a new issue and should be addressed through reform and openness, warning against exporting involution overseas. Li Yanxia stated that future competition will center on innovation systems, industrial ecosystems, and comprehensive capabilities, advocating a shift from product exports to systemic globalization. Wang Han revealed that Chongqing produced 2.788 million vehicles in 2025—the highest among all Chinese cities—with 1.296 million being new energy vehicles (NEVs), a 30-fold increase since 2020, as the city accelerates its development into a hub for smart, connected NEVs. Zhou Qing summarized seven key trends in China’s auto industry during the first five months of the year: robust domestic demand, strong exports, NEV leadership, shrinking ICE vehicle sales, declining foreign brand presence, accelerated technological iteration, and rising industry concentration—amid ongoing price wars and profit pressure. He noted that “global expansion, innovation-driven growth, and opposition to involution” have become industry consensus. During the plenary session, Zhao Fei outlined three overarching trends: deepening intelligent transformation, full-scale AI empowerment, and overseas expansion as the core growth path. He called for strengthening safety foundations, adhering to long-termism, embracing technological innovation, and promoting collaborative globalization. Zhang Xinghai emphasized that safety is the prerequisite for premiumization, noting that EV safety now encompasses multidimensional systems including batteries, software, networks, and AI. Li Ming shared that JAC prioritizes both independent innovation and open collaboration, maintaining R&D investment intensity above 9% for two consecutive years, and partnering with Huawei to develop premium NEV models. Wu Jian stressed that the industry must “prevent errors rather than trial-and-error,” urging a push toward “systemic globalization” over the next 5–10 years. Peter Lösch highlighted Audi’s focus on three pillars—brand, products, and technology—integrating safety and quality, with driving dynamics rooted in technological heritage. On globalization, Liu Xinyu stated Nissan is shifting from “for China” to “from China to the world,” with China now serving as a key export and innovation base, exporting nearly 2 million parts annually, and emphasized localizing talent overseas. Xue Xu predicted that Chinese automakers are entering a golden window for brand internationalization, with exports potentially exceeding 10 million units over the next decade. Jiang Jian noted Bosch is intensifying investments in e-drive and intelligent systems, upgrading its organization and talent to support Chinese companies’ global expansion. Ni Wei stressed that component capabilities form the foundation of OEMs’ global competitiveness, requiring enterprises to globalize their mindset and philosophy. Cai Ming argued that intelligence is key to the “second half” of overseas expansion, with Banma Smart Mobility serving both Chinese brands and international automakers across 16 countries. Meng Qingxin emphasized data compliance as the “entry ticket” for going global, necessitating localized deployment. Lu You revealed that ZhiJia XinCheng is advancing mass production alongside Chinese automakers in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia–New Zealand, requiring overseas cloud infrastructure. Liu Xiaobei pointed out that 30%–40% of exported vehicles go to fleet operations but remain unconnected, urging early deployment of connected intelligent infrastructure. On AI integration in vehicles, Liu Yutong proposed that next-generation cars will be “evolving intelligent agents” centrally orchestrated across six domains. Zhang Junbo argued that once L3/L4 autonomous driving frees human drivers, in-cabin services will become a primary revenue stream. Zhang Jingfeng noted AI must break down domain silos, with intelligent cockpits as the interaction gateway and intelligent driving as the main direction. Chen Yuan suggested that leveraging redundant computing power via software can enhance “intelligence density.” Zhang Wenguo identified four core user needs: safety, mental relief, intelligent mobile space, and superior experience—with AI and intelligent driving as dual drivers. Wang Ke introduced Qianrui Power’s focus on L4 autonomous heavy trucks, aiming to eliminate human drivers and reshape cost structures. Regarding corporate values and market dynamics, Li Shufu stressed that safety, health, and sustainability are fundamental to enterprises, and innovation must withstand scrutiny. Wu Zhoutao noted that technology democratization leads to product homogenization, yet safety remains an inviolable red line. Yang Yuanyuan observed consumers shifting from cost-performance to quality-price ratio and even “intelligence-price ratio.” Ma Lin argued users now prioritize brand substance, with China emerging as the global pricing origin. Zhang Xiaocong noted explosive overseas market growth, prompting the industry to shift toward strategic focus and platformization. Zhang Junbo reiterated that AI boosts software development efficiency, with future revenue increasingly coming from ADAS subscriptions and in-cabin services. On chips and supply chain security, Dong Yang suggested automotive chips could follow the successful path of power batteries, cautioning against excessive involution. Ling Heping highlighted the significant spillover effects of flash-charging integrated energy storage tech. Hu Wen predicted vehicle chips will trend toward centralization, sharing, and integration. Deng Kun advocated clear division of labor between chipmakers and automakers, with self-developed results shared externally. Jin Li noted China’s massive vehicle production provides stable order support for domestic chip firms. Xue Baihua predicted traditional CAN buses will be replaced by high-bandwidth buses and optical communication. Jiang Hanping reminded that automotive-grade chips require long lifecycles and high investment, urging domestic players to build dedicated architectures. Shi Yunpeng stated Changan prioritizes chip application and integration, emphasizing symbiosis between OEMs and chip suppliers. At the closing session, Li Bin judged the industry has entered its “final stage,” forecasting annual sales may drop 15%–20%, with pure electric trends irreversible and competition becoming systemic. Wang Hui cited data showing technology influences car purchases far more than price, urging a return to value-based competition. Wan Liangyu emphasized that luxury brands’ moat lies in irreplaceable value. Liu Jiaming noted China’s complete supply chain and largest market create a unique window for industrial transformation. Xu Jun predicted the industry is entering a low-margin era, requiring sustained blockbuster creation capability. Zhao Changjiang projected Chinese brands will export 15–20 million vehicles annually by 2035, necessitating a shift to user-centric business models. Song Gang stated Xiaomi Auto treats manufacturing as its “third engine,” insisting on in-house R&D in core areas while collaborating broadly elsewhere. Yu Peng proposed building AI chassis systematically to enable unified vehicle motion decisions. Liu Liguo believes the next decade will be a “battle for survival,” with cars gaining human-like capabilities. Yu Kai declared the industry has entered a “delivery phase,” with capital markets now focused on operational metrics, calling for collective efforts to mainstream domestic chips. In conclusion, the forum underscored that amid uncertainties of the coming decade, the industry must persistently explore and stay on the right course.