The 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, also known as the Beijing Auto Show 2024, concluded this month, marking the end of its impressive 10-day run. This highly anticipated event served as a platform for unveiling cutting-edge trends and innovations within the automotive industry.
As a prominent B2B tech communication agency, we had the privilege of closely observing the exhibition and have identified several crucial points that will significantly impact B2B players in the industry. Drawing from our extensive media observations and onsite communication with the professionals during the event, we are delighted to offer valuable insights on three essential themes and their profound implications for international B2B companies aspiring to flourish in the Chinese market.
The Beijing Auto Show, a prominent event in the automotive industry, witnessed the participation of multinational car manufacturers and showcased a remarkable presence of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands. This unique composition of the show provides foreign B2B suppliers with a significant opportunity to connect with Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and gain insights into the Chinese market and emerging trends.
Among the Chinese brands that were prominently present at the show with their EV offerings were leading names such as Xiaomi, BYD, and Chery. These domestic EV manufacturers showcased their cutting-edge technologies, innovative designs, and impressive performance, signaling the rapid growth and potential of the Chinese electric vehicle market.
Insights for B2B players:
The Beijing Auto Show offers a unique opportunity for foreign B2B suppliers to the automotive industry. With the limited presence of foreign automakers and the immense presence of Chinese EV brands, the show provides a platform for international companies to connect with Chinese OEMs, understand the market dynamics, and explore potential collaborations. By leveraging each other’s strengths and embracing partnerships, B2B players can drive efficiency, innovation, and market growth in the ever-evolving automotive industry.
It is worth noting that while Chinese companies may face some challenges in terms of technological innovation, many foreign giants are actively engaging in localized research and development or partnering with local car manufacturers to gain access to the Chinese market. This exchange of expertise and resources between foreign B2B players and Chinese enterprises can foster innovation, drive global research projects, and deepen partnerships with local tech companies, contributing to the overall technological advancements in the automotive industry.
Approximately 40% of the overall discourse surrounding the auto show centered around topics such as intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI). During the exhibition, Premier Li Keqiang emphasized the paramount importance of developing intelligent connected new energy vehicles and driving the upscale, intelligent, and green transformation of the automotive industry. As a leading trend for new energy vehicles (NEVs), sustainability and its associated technological advancements have become critical focal points for both the government and companies alike. China’s previous reputation for producing affordable new energy vehicles is now transitioning towards an era of high cost-effectiveness. Many companies, including Xiaomi, Chery, and BYD, are placing increased emphasis on quality and are eager to learn and adopt new technologies from international enterprises.
Insights for B2B players:
The automotive industry is undergoing a transition towards high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly vehicles. B2B players should align their messaging and offerings with these themes to resonate with Chinese policies and stakeholders. Emphasize the integration of advanced technologies, intelligent features, and sustainable practices in your products and services to capture the attention and trust of potential partners and customers.
Xiaomi’s presence at the auto show attracted significant attention and generated massive buzz. However, questions were raised about the potential backlash resulting from excessive focus on brand visibility, which could overshadow the attention given to new vehicles and technological advancements. Among Chinese professional audiences, this year’s Beijing Auto Show was considered “unimpressive” compared to the dazzling display of innovative products and technologies witnessed in the 2020 Beijing Auto Show and the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. In terms of technological breakthroughs, areas such as autonomous driving and intelligent cabins seem to have reached a bottleneck. While 2023 was hailed as the year of widespread adoption for several new technologies, including urban NOA, 800V electrical architecture, and central computing electronic architecture, the current exhibition did not showcase significant qualitative advancements in these technologies.
Insights for B2B players:
International companies still hold an advantage in terms of technological innovation. Strong technical support remains crucial for successful B2B collaborations. To break through the noise and establish long-term partnerships, B2B players need to leverage their expertise in generating brand visibility and a positive reputation. By attracting attention and building credibility, international enterprises can pave the way for fruitful long-term collaborations with Chinese partners.
The Beijing Auto Show 2024 highlighted the increasing internationalization of the Chinese market, the importance of high-end, intelligent, and green initiatives, and the need for technological breakthroughs. B2B players should capitalize on these insights to tailor their communication strategies, demonstrate their commitment to the Chinese market, showcase technological prowess, and foster long-term collaborations with Chinese partners.
By staying attuned to the evolving trends and cooperating with a trusted communication partner, B2B players can seize the opportunities presented such as the Beijing Auto Show 2024 and drive success in the dynamic Chinese automotive industry.
