On August 12, the 2026 (31st) Dalian International Auto Show, hosted by the Dalian International Chamber of Commerce, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Automotive Sub-Council, and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, and organized by Dalian Guoshang Exhibition Co., Ltd., officially opened at the Dalian World Expo Square. Themed "Driving Dalian, Innovating the Future with Intelligence," the auto show boasts a massive scale with a total exhibition area of 80,000 square meters. It occupies all indoor halls at the Dalian World Expo Square and fully utilizes the outdoor exhibition area along the outer loop of Xinghai Square. The event brings together over 100 mainstream domestic and international automotive brands, showcasing nearly 1,000 best-selling models. The show will run until August 16, delivering a spectacular showcase of automotive culture to consumers in Dalian and across the country.
As an auto show with significant influence in Northeast China and the entire nation, the Dalian International Auto Show boasts a rich historical heritage. According to the organizing committee, the event was first held in 1996 and has successfully hosted 30 editions to date. Over its 30-year history, the Dalian Auto Show has not only witnessed the transformation of the automotive industry but also achieved remarkable market performance. Statistics show that past editions have cumulatively sold 167,374 vehicles, with a total transaction value reaching 32.214 billion yuan. Thanks to its exceptional organizational standards, massive transaction scale, and continuously growing industry influence, the Dalian International Auto Show successfully obtained certification from UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, in 2025. This marks a new milestone in its internationalization and professionalization, establishing it as an internationally recognized premier platform for the automotive sector.
This year's show features a comprehensive brand matrix covering all vehicle categories, catering to the diverse needs of different consumer groups. Among domestic leading automakers, renowned brands such as Hongqi, SAIC, FAW, Dongfeng, GAC, Changan, BAIC, Great Wall, Geely, and Chery have made a strong presence with their full model lineups, demonstrating the robust strength of China's automotive industry. In the first-tier luxury segment, high-end models from brands like Volvo, Cadillac, and Lincoln are on concentrated display, offering abundant choices for consumers seeking premium mobility. Moreover, the lineup of new energy vehicle (NEV) brands is particularly impressive. Popular NEV brands including AITO, Huawei Yijing, Huawei Qijing, BYD, Denza, Fangchengbao, IM Motors, Leapmotor, Deepal, Geely Galaxy, iCAR, and Avatr have gathered to jointly paint a compelling blueprint for future mobility.
A spokesperson for the organizing committee noted that the collective participation of NEV manufacturers is a highly distinctive highlight of this year's auto show. Data shows that among the nearly 1,000 models on display, NEVs account for a striking 55%, covering all sub-segments including family sedans, urban SUVs, six- to seven-seater family MPVs, and high-end intelligent models. At the show, leading industry NEV brands and emerging NEV startups are showcased side by side. Major brands have not only brought their latest annual models and flagship mass-produced vehicles but also unveiled several all-new premiere models. In terms of technological routes, the products comprehensively cover diverse powertrain technologies including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range. Meanwhile, the show集中 showcases cutting-edge technological achievements such as advanced intelligent driving systems, next-generation battery technologies, and full-scenario intelligent cockpits, comprehensively and profoundly demonstrating the industry's accelerating transformation towards electrification and intelligence.
At the venue, the immense popularity of NEVs also reflects profound shifts in consumer demand. An exhibitor from an NEV brand noted in an interview that when purchasing NEVs, consumers of different age groups show significantly differentiated priorities. Young consumers focus on the interactive experience of the intelligent cockpit, the reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems, the advancement of core EV powertrain technologies, and long-term ownership costs. In contrast, middle-aged consumers place greater emphasis on chassis refinement, cabin quietness, accessibility, and long-distance seating comfort. Furthermore, for family users, details such as child-friendly features, eco-friendly interior materials, and rear-seat safety configurations have become crucial metrics for middle-aged buyers. These frontline market observations provide valuable references for automakers' future product R&D and precision marketing.
The grand opening of the 2026 Dalian International Auto Show not only provides Dalian residents with an excellent platform to experience firsthand cutting-edge automotive technologies and the latest models, but also offers automakers a vital window to showcase their brand image and boost market consumption. At a critical juncture when the automotive industry is accelerating its transformation towards new energy and intelligence, this year's auto show has further stimulated market vitality through comprehensive brand showcases and in-depth technical exchanges, injecting strong momentum into the high-quality development of the regional economy and the automotive industry.