Chinese Market Q1 2026
Full stack AI on board; all-solid-state/sodium-ion batteries; advanced AD trials; green regulations
Summary
This report summarizes the main developments in the Chinese market for Chinese and non-Chinese automakers in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, and analyzes the important trends during this period. In addition, this report summarizes the 2025 sales volume and performance and 2026 sales targets of major Chinese OEMs, as well as provides an overview of major automotive-related policies announced in Q1.
Chinese manufacturers are accelerating the deployment of "full-stack AI + advanced autonomous driving". SAIC, Geely, and Chery have successively announced upgrade strategies related to AI, promoting integration in areas such as cockpits, autonomous driving, and chassis. BAIC's ARCFOX has started a large-scale demonstration test of L3 compliant vehicles, while Changan has obtained a test license for its L4 Robotaxi. Regarding solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, automakers such as BYD, Chery, Changan, and BAIC are accelerating their R&D and industrialization plans.
Non-Chinese OEMs continue to promote the localization of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and intelligentization. VW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM and others are accelerating the implementation of highly autonomous driving and AI cockpits through partnerships with tech companies such as Huawei, Momenta, and Baidu. Conversely, the announcement of the Skoda brand's withdrawal from the Chinese market reflects the current situation where some foreign brands are shrinking amidst the electrification competition.
In terms of policy, the emphasis is on "demonstration of intelligentization + data governance + green recycling". China is promoting the testing and evaluation of Intelligent Connected Vehicles (ICVs) and public road demonstrations, strengthening the opening up of public transportation data and mechanisms for transferring automotive data from China to other countries. It is also accelerating the decarbonization and resource recycling of the automotive industry chain through policies such as new regulations for drive battery recycling and the construction of zero-carbon factories.
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