China’s annual major auto show this year was a showcase for the rise of ever-cheaper, ever-better EVs and more confident local brands in the world’s biggest market for cars.
Chinese automakers are now the benchmark; they have surpassed most of their western counterparts. The pace of innovation there seems to have quickened, with new products launched, partnerships announced, and viral videos everywhere.
This week’s newsletter is focused on what the DVN team witnessed there. The products are amazing. Chinese customers love electronics, touchscreens, stylish things, comfort, personalization, and features-features-features!
One of the takeaways is that people are voluntarily spending a significant amount of spare time in their car relaxing while parked (while charging, or simply for a nap), and that reflects in the interior features. It includes relaxing seats, audio, lighting, camping modes, displays everywhere (rear, visors, consoles…), gaming, and the like.
In-car experiences, and new levels of luxury are evident in most of the vehicles, including already well-known brands, like BYD, Geely, Chery, Nio, and Leapmotor, as well as European brands trying to become Chinese (VW, Audi), and digital heavies like Huawei and Xiaomi.
If you’re not present in China yet, or not convinced, come attend the DVN-EAC cooperative event, Enmore, in Hangzhou next month. Details here. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely yours,
