For German consumer Erik Böhme, the first visit to the Beijing auto show was an eye-opener – the world’s largest auto show showcased a wide range of electric vehicle (EV) brands, many of which are already attracting attention in Europe.
“I think there will be many Chinese brands coming and succeeding in Europe,” said Böhme, an independent automotive consultant who spent two days at the event, which ran until May 3.
Böhme was among 250 foreign media, customers and social media influencers invited by Geely Automobile, China’s second-largest EV maker, to attend the show in Beijing. About 50 of them came from Europe, the third largest car market in the world.
Other Chinese automakers, including Xpeng and Chery Automobile, also traveled with hundreds – in some cases thousands – of overseas visitors, with Europeans accounting for the majority.
The push comes as China’s EV makers shift from a domestic price war to overseas expansion, aiming for higher margins, particularly in Europe, amid tightening regulations at home.
“Compared to the United States, Europe has been more open to Chinese car sales,” said Dan Hearsch, global co-leader of the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners, referring to the high trade barriers in the United States.
