Key Announcements from Major Chinese Carmakers for 2026

 

🚗 Key Announcements from Major Chinese Carmakers for 2026

🚙 Volkswagen + FAW
– The FAW‑Volkswagen joint venture plans to launch 11 new models in the Chinese market starting in 2026:
 • 6 BEVs (battery electric vehicles),
 • 2 PHEVs (plug-in hybrids),
 • 2 EREVs (extended-range electric vehicles),
 • and 1 ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle.
– Wolfsburg also announced a "wave of new NEVs" (new energy vehicles) for China in 2026, including the Jetta BEV.
– Additionally, two brand-new SUV models (VW-branded) are being co-developed with XPeng, focusing on software and autonomous driving technologies.

NIO – Firefly (Hybrid)
– NIO will launch its first hybrid under the new Firefly brand — targeting export markets (Europe, Middle East, North Africa).
– Launch planned for late 2026, with sales beginning in 2027.

Leapmotor → Hongqi
– Leapmotor plans to provide its B10 electric platform for a new electric SUV from Hongqi.
– Production will begin in the second half of 2026 in Hangzhou.
– Both BEV and EREV versions are expected, featuring advanced ADAS systems and lidar sensors.

Avatr (Huawei partnership)
– Avatr (current lineup: E11, 12, 07, 06) will expand its range with two new models:
 • G618 – a flagship full-size SUV (NEV),
 • D706 – a flagship MPV (NEV),
– Both are expected by mid-2026.

Xpeng – AeroHT “Flying Pickup”
– Xpeng AeroHT, a division of Xpeng, is preparing for mass production of a six-wheeled pickup truck with an integrated eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing unit), showcased at CES.
– Mass production is expected to begin in 2026.

Xpeng – G9 Second Generation
– Another new release from Xpeng: the updated second-generation G9,
– Launch also targeted for 2026.

Chery and Other SUVs
– By 2025–2026, Chery will release the Fulwin A9L (PHEV) — a large plug-in hybrid sedan, already partially available.
– Additional upcoming models include A9L, Tiggo 5L/7L/9L, Fulwin T9/T11, and more new SUVs for 2025–2026.

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📈 Context and Outlook

– Between 2024 and 2026, Chinese manufacturers are expected to launch around 330 new models, the majority being SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs).
– Growth in hybrids, range extenders, and autonomous driving systems is a clear and continuing trend.