‘Do or die’ for small carmakers: China market braces for 156 new models as price war looms

A record 156 new models are expected to hit the Chinese automotive market in the second half of 2026, intensifying concerns about small players’ profitability as a new price war looms. The mass-market segment would see an influx of intelligent electric vehicles (EVs) priced at around 100,000 yuan (US$14,740), but only leading carmakers were expected to secure large orders thanks to their brand awareness and production advantages, analysts said. “Demand for new cars has rebounded but it is not...