Guangzhou calling! 🇨🇳🚘 CAR Director Beatrix C. Keim had the chance to visit the Guangzhou International Motor Show - Find her three key takeaways below. We wish you a pleasant and productive week!
3 Key Takeaways from the Guangzhou International Motor Show: Sleek and Cool Design Takes the Spotlight Supercars, hypercars, and vehicles featuring iconic elements like wing doors are becoming the "IT cars." They seem to target buyers of established brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Corvette. A clear sign that even luxury market leaders need to stay vigilant. Prioritizing Space and Functionality There's a strong focus on spacious designs: MPVs catering to growing families and "soft box"-styled EVs like the Wey or smart #5. The "Third Space" concept—a vehicle that doubles as a mobile living or working space—is gaining traction as a design philosophy. The Boot Takes Center Stage A surprising trend: the spotlight on trunk design. In decades of attending car shows, it's rare to see so much attention paid to the functionality and appeal of the boot. Practicality, it seems, is now a major selling point. Observations from the Show: The Guangzhou International Motor Show, one of China's oldest and largest annual auto events, continues to be a critical milestone between major shows like Shanghai and Beijing. Taking place in Guangdong Province, one of China’s most affluent regions, it naturally draws huge attention, even during media days. Global Automakers Responding to Competition Foreign carmakers signaled their intent to compete in the market with both combustion engine models and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). While Chinese manufacturers focus heavily on NEVs, internal combustion engines (ICEs) still account for about 50% of the market, maintaining relevance. Brand Strategy and Differentiation Challenges A key differentiator for automakers will be how they manage their brand portfolios. However, for younger companies, the proliferation of brands under a single OEM umbrella could backfire due to high costs and communication efforts, potentially undermining profitability. Professionalism on Display Whether it’s traditional brands, established NEV startups, or newer names like Roboverse (极越), the presentation was consistently top-tier. Even small details, like spotless car displays maintained by dedicated cleaning crews, contributed to an impressive overall experience. For those interested in the future of the auto industry, this show—and others like it in China—are well worth a visit. Mark your calendars for the next big events!
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