The 2026 China (Wuhan) Intelligent and New-Energy Vehicle Forum focused on cracking down on "rush-built cars," with industry figures revealing that in the first half of 2026 more than 600 new models were released, but only 65 — under 11% — were wholly new developments after stripping facelifts, generational changes and derivatives, Jimu News reported on October 25.
The same forum noted about 50 recalls in the period involving over 1.65 million vehicles. CAAM Chief Engineer Ye Shengji said the first three quarters saw auto output and sales of over 23 million units, NEVs over 12.5 million and exports over 8.2 million. Cui Dongshu projected the world auto market would grow about 1% in 2026 with China down about 5% but still about 31% of the global share, shifting from "scale is king" to "value wins."
CAAM adviser Wei Wenqing added that parts exports in the first nine months approached $80 billion (about +10%), Chinese brands led exports, overseas production bases exceeded 20, and localized overseas output neared one-third of total exports, with 2030 exports possibly around 12 million units.
The forum signals tightening scrutiny of quality and genuine innovation as the industry moves past sheer volume toward sustainable, value-driven growth.
Source: Jimu News / autohome / CPCA
