A group of global car enthusiasts have traveled to Beijing from all around the world to check out the latest Chinese models which are taking center stage at the ongoing Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2026.
The auto show kicked off on Friday under the theme of "Future of Intelligence" and will last until May 3.
This year's show features a record-breaking total exhibition area of 380,000 square meters, making it the world's largest auto show by exhibition area.
More than 1,450 vehicles, including some 181 debut models and 71 concept cars are being showcased at the event.
China has emerged as a world leader in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with its cutting-edge models garnering significant global attention.
Among the excited attendees was Ethan Robertson, the host and co-founder of the Wheelsboy, a leading English-language automotive media outlet in China, who organized a group of more than a dozen car fans to come and see the offerings at the auto show for themselves.
"I'm most excited to show them the sheer diversity of what you can find here in China. They see a small slice of it on my channel, but it's impossible to cover all of the new cars," said Robertson.
Most in the tour group already own Chinese cars but were keen to soak up the atmosphere.
"I know everything about them, but it's better to see it in front of yourself," said Mansoor Alhemeiri, a visitor from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates(UAE).
Meanwhile, Bernie Garland, an Australian visitor said he even purchased a new Chinese-made vehicle after seeing one of the vlogs online.
"I was watching Wheelsboy, and he was doing a review on the new BYD Seal Performance, and I said to my wife, 'that's my next car.' It was that cool. I was like, 'that's really cool', like they've really stepped up," he said.
The enthusiasts said they favor Chinese cars because they come with the best features at the most affordable price.
"It was just like this makes sense. I can feel safe. It looks good. It was a great price. And honestly, everybody who's seen it has asked about where they can get one. And I genuinely mean that," said Jonathan McNamee, an Irish consultant.
Andrew Shand from New Zealand currently drives a Ford, but he said he is now considering buying a Leapmotor electric vehicle so as to live a greener life.
"I work in the environmental area with the government and the health area actually. So, that's what I do. So, a lot of the things that we do are connected towards a cleaner, greener, happier, healthier, and sustainable environment," he said.
Foreign car enthusiasts soak up atmosphere at Beijing auto show
