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Chery, China's top car exporter, announced plans to establish an R&D center in Paris to develop a Europe-specific small city car tailored to local consumer preferences. The move marks Chery's strategic pivot from its SUV-focused European entry—via Omoda and Jaecoo brands—into the continent's iconic compact segment. "We want to build a French car for the French," stated Hanbang Yu, Chery France director, emphasizing the company's commitment to understanding regional design tastes. The initiative targets France's significant small car market, positioning Chery to compete against established European urban runabouts like the Fiat Cinquecento and Renault Twingo on their home terrain.

NIO unveiled its new flagship ES9 electric SUV at Auto China 2026, positioned in the premium EV segment with pre-sales now open across three variants priced from RMB 528,000 to RMB 658,000, or RMB 420,000 to RMB 550,000 under the BaaS battery subscription model, with official launch scheduled for late May. The vehicle adopts the Shark Nose design language with a one-meter-high front fascia and 216L frunk. Side profile features flush window glass, concealed beltline, and intelligent power doors, with dimensions of 5,365×2,029×1,870mm and a 3,250mm wheelbase, riding on 23-inch forged wheels. Rear design incorporates SuperRed ultra-red LED full-width light strip and 600L cargo capacity. Lighting system features HDPL intelligent high-definition projection headlights with 600-meter high-beam range. Pre-order customers receive RMB 5,000 deposit offset against RMB 10,000 purchase price.

BYD unveiled the Seal 08 at Auto China 2026 as the flagship sedan of its Ocean Network, measuring 5,150×1,999×1,505mm with a 3,030mm wheelbase in the mid-to-large sedan segment. The model features wave-shaped DRLs and full-width tail lamps, with an Ocean Aesthetics 2.0 flagship cockpit incorporating a full LCD instrument cluster, floating central touchscreen, and column-mounted gear selector. Powertrain options include PHEV and BEV variants: the BEV utilizes an 800V architecture with second-generation Blade Battery and flash-charging technology, with AWD output potentially exceeding 480kW and sub-5-second 0-100km/h acceleration; the PHEV pairs a 115kW 1.5T engine with a 200kW drive motor and 45.36kWh LFP battery, delivering 270/300km WLTC and over 400km CLTC electric range. The Seal 08 also features rear-wheel steering and DiSus-A intelligent body control system.

The all-new Lexus ES officially launched at Auto China 2026 in a single variant priced at RMB 299,900. Based on the LF-ZC concept's Clean Tech x Elegance design language, the new model features a softened spindle grille replaced by a closed-off panel and trapezoidal air intake, with the hybrid variant adding a elongated upper intake. Dimensions measure 5,140×1,920×1,555mm with a 2,950mm wheelbase, while dual-tone aerodynamic elements on the fenders and side skirts enhance the sporty profile. The rear adopts a fastback silhouette with full-width light strip and illuminated Lexus emblem. Powertrain options initially comprise a 2.0L hybrid system, with a BEV variant featuring 21-inch wheels to follow. The previous-generation ES200 will continue sales alongside the new model.

At Auto China 2026, SAIC Audi presented its second model—the Audi E7X—with pre-sales commencing on May 8. The vehicle retains the brand's familial design language, featuring dot-matrix surround lighting strips and vertically arranged digital matrix LED headlights, with dimensions of 5,049×1,997×1,710mm and a 3,060mm wheelbase. FAW Audi showcased its full star lineup including the all-new A6L, A6L e-tron, Q5L, and Q6L e-tron. The all-new S5 Avant made its Chinese market premiere, while the updated SQ8 launched simultaneously at RMB 1,139,800.

Changan officially launched the Eado HEV and CS75PLUS HEV at Auto China 2026. The Eado HEV compact sedan is priced from RMB 89,900 to RMB 104,900, with pre-order pricing from RMB 79,900 to RMB 94,900. It features a boundless front grille, star-ring full-width light strip, and three-section air intake for enhanced visual distinction. The CS75PLUS HEV ranges from RMB 124,900 to RMB 142,900, with pre-order offers from RMB 116,900 to RMB 134,900 and a special "True Value" fixed price of RMB 109,900. Both models utilize the Blue Whale Super Range hybrid powertrain, expanding Changan's new energy vehicle portfolio.