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Chinese automobile brands are gaining traction - both on the Highways and at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA)

A surge in Chinese participation at the Mobility Fair commencing in Munich on Tuesday is unprecedented, along with a record-breaking number of Chinese-registered vehicles in Germany.

Booming Chinese Automobile Brands - Progress on the Highways and at the IAA Showcase
Booming Chinese Automobile Brands - Progress on the Highways and at the IAA Showcase

Chinese automobile brands are gaining traction - both on the Highways and at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA)

In the bustling world of automobiles, the upcoming IAA Mobility auto show in Germany promises to be a significant event, with a record number of exhibitors from China set to make their mark.

According to Jato Dynamics, Chinese brands already hold a notable share in Europe, with over 5 percent of the market in the first half of the year. This trend is reflected in Germany, where the number of Chinese cars registered has roughly doubled compared to the same period last year, representing 1.9% of the total market.

The Chinese brand with the most new registrations in Germany in 2021 was MG Roewe, with 15,600 new registrations. Other Chinese brands such as BYD and Xpeng have also seen a significant increase in registrations, with BYD registrations more than quintupling, reaching around 8,500.

While German brands like VW, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz typically have several hundred sales outlets, Chinese brands are relatively new to the German market. As of spring, MG Roewe had around 150 dealers, BYD fewer than 30, and Xpeng currently 35.

The IAA 2025 is shaping up to be a "German-Chinese battle for dominance in the electric vehicle sector". Chinese manufacturers are coming to the show with confidence and plans for much cheaper electric cars in some cases. If Volvo and Polestar, which belong to the Chinese conglomerate Geely, are included, the share of Chinese cars in Germany is over 4%.

Toyota and Tesla combined have a lower market share in Germany than Chinese brands, including Volvo and Polestar, when considering registrations from January to August. This shift in the market dynamic is a clear indication that Chinese brands are making their presence felt in the German car market.

The IAA Mobility auto show, being the most diverse platform for automobile corporations in its history, will undoubtedly provide an exciting stage for these emerging brands to showcase their offerings and compete with the established German giants. The show, set to take place in 2025, promises to be a fascinating spectacle of the evolving global automobile industry.

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