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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.

Porsche celebrated 25 years in mainland China and 75 years of motorsport heritage at Auto China 2026, with the all-electric Cayenne Turbo making its Asian premiere. The dual-motor AWD system delivers up to 850kW (1,156PS) and 1,500Nm in Turbo configuration, achieving 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds, 0-200km/h in 7.4 seconds, and a top speed of 260km/h; normal driving mode outputs 630kW (857PS). Rear-axle motor oil-cooling technology ensures sustained high output and thermal efficiency. The display also featured the China 25th Anniversary Collection 911 GT3 Sonderwunsch and the legendary 919 Hybrid Evo race car making its Chinese debut.

The Roewe M7 DMH Black Knight Edition officially launched during Auto China 2026, offered in five variants with limited-time pricing from RMB 89,800 to RMB 115,800 and MSRP from RMB 97,800 to RMB 123,800. The special edition features an exclusive blue-black paint finish utilizing an eight-layer advanced spray process that appears deep black in low light and shifts to dynamic blue under illumination. Design elements include a blacked-out waterfall grille, window trim, side skirts, and 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, paired with rear privacy glass offering 88.5% UV and 79% IR protection. The 160km Enjoyment and Premium variants offer an optional "Black Knight Prestige Package." Concurrently, the 2026 Roewe D6 launched from RMB 79,800 with benefits including zero-interest financing up to RMB 80,000 over 24 months, RMB 4,000 trade-in subsidy, and lifetime battery warranty. The Jiayue 07 concept also made its debut.

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.

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.