Chinese cars start Euro onslaught at IAA

THE European intentions of Chinese car makers is clear judging by the number of “Middle Kingdom” brands and models at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA Mobility) in Munich.

The expo, which has morphed from its motor show roots in Frankfurt to a more environmentally acceptable festival for all forms of mobility, showed clearly that Chinese-made cars are here, and here to stay.

The irony of such an occurrence can hardly be ignored as Germany is the epicentre of European automotive manufacturing and is increasingly under a cloud from inflation (and margin boosting) price increases, suffocating supply chain problems (still) and rising energy costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine… among other things.

As if in reply to the penetration of China by European brands, Chinese automakers were there in the thick of it with myriad and far cheaper electric vehicles targeting European buyers. Some suggest the IAA Mobility marked the start of a Chinese “onslaught” on the European market.

Continental Chinese EV sales rocketed by nearly 55 per cent to about 820,000 vehicles in the first seven months of 2023, making up about 13 per cent of all new car sales.

Seven Chinese brands attended including: BYD, Dongfeng, HiPhi, Leapmotor, MG, Seres and Xpeng, while two Geely brands, Smart and Polestar showed models built in China.

However, notable absences were Nio and Aiways along with some other front-line brands but adding Tesla into the mix more than takes their place.

Adding an element of hoopla to the event was the appearance of Elon Musk, usually a no-show at such soirees but in the case of the 2023 IAA Mobility; he made an exception as it was Tesla’s first appearance there since 2013.

In an interesting twist, China’s electric mobility trade show called the World New Energy Vehicle Congress, was held on September 6, also in Munich, the day after the IAA opened and for the first time outside of China.

According to news sources, 41 per cent of exhibitors at the industry fair have their headquarters in China.

BYD

The Tesla rival rolled out a full range of models for Europe that included the launch of the Seal mid-size sedan and the Seal U mid-size SUV.

These were joined by the previously shown Han large sedan and Tang large SUV, the Atto 3 compact SUV and the Dolphin compact hatchback.

The manufacturer also introduced its sub-brand Denza, a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz focussed on the Denza D9, a seven-seat luxury van.

Dongfeng

Dongfeng is making a move into Europe after joint ventures with Honda, Nissan, Renault and Stellantis, among others.

It used the IAA Mobility for the official launch of the U-Tour V9 MPV, the Leiting, the Youting (Yacht), and T5 models.

Additionally, a teaser for the brand's first all-electric sedan was revealed at the event.

Hiphi

The premium EV “start-up” debuted its Z model while out at Munich Airport, it had the X and Y models on display along with a smaller mid-size sedan with gullwing rear doors.

Leapmotor

Another Chinese “start-up” with potential European carmaker JVs including VW which wants to use a new platform developed by Leapmotor for a Chinese Jetta. Stellantis is also in the JV picture with the T03 minicar.

Leapmotor used the show to launch its C10 SUV.

MG

MG is Europe’s leading Chinese brand and used the show to display its highly anticipated Cyberster full-electric sports car.

Other vehicle displayed were the MG4 Electric XPower, a high-performance variant of the compact EV and the MG Marvel R, an all-wheel drive, high-performance version of the electric SUV.

Seres

Owned by mobile phone company Huawei, Seres showed two models it is selling in Europe: The Seres 5 mid-size coupe SUV (known as the Aito M5 in China) and the smaller Seres 3 crossover.

Xpeng

With strong VW financial links, the company displayed the P7 mid-size sedan which it has just started delivering in Europe.

The G9 mid-size SUV, was also on display and available for test drives through the streets of Munich.

With Automotive News Europe.