Record Number of Chinese Mainland Automakers to Headline International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong from June 18-22

The 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo will take place from June 18 to 22, 2026, at AsiaWorld-Summit in Hong Kong. Under the theme "Electrifying the World, Connecting Hong Kong Globally," this year's expo will spotlight new energy vehicles (NEVs), intelligent driving, the low-altitude economy, and international cooperation, which is set to be the most comprehensive NEV industry chain expo in Hong Kong's history, featuring the largest-ever participation from Chinese Mainland automakers to date.

The press conference of the 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo, Photo by Bastille Post

At the press conference held today (May 20), Dr. Wingco Lo, President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and Chief Chairman of the expo's Organizing Committee, noted that Chinese enterprises are showing strong demand for overseas expansion. He stressed that Hong Kong should leverage its unique advantages to concretely fulfill its role as a "super-connector" and "super-value adder" through the international auto expo.

He also mentioned that the 2026 expo will pursue three major strategies: tapping into the market of right-hand drive vehicles and positioning Hong Kong as a launchpad for Mainland automakers; securing government backing to strengthen official endorsement; and pinpointing business opportunities to enhance B2B connections.

Dr. Wingco Lo, Photo by Bastille Post

Dr. Lo outlined four key sections of the expo: new car launches, high-end forums, business matchmaking, and automotive culture events. Two authoritative forums will be held to address topics such as industry chain layout, overseas compliance, and technological transformation achievements. As such, the 2026 expo will serve as a platform for idea exchange, resource matching, and brand launches, offering participants full-chain support.

Mr. Fu Bingfeng, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Fu Bingfeng, Chairman of the expo's Organizing Committee and Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), noted that global auto production and sales grew last year, with the Asia-Pacific region emerging as a new growth engine. China led both production and sales, completing its NEV transition while maintaining rapid overseas growth. Speaking of the 2026 expo, he expressed hope that Hong Kong will play a strategic role in expanding exchanges across five dimensions: market, technology, automakers, regulations, and youth culture. He also called for showcasing innovation achievements and promoting Hong Kong as an industrial exchange hub.

Mr. Yang Xueliang, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Yang Xueliang, Senior Vice President of Geely Automobile Holdings Limited, announced that in the first quarter of 2026, Geely's total sales exceeded 930,000 vehicles, with an NEV penetration rate of 52.4%, while overseas sales surged 126% year-on-year. At the 2026 expo, Geely will showcase three core offerings: its methanol-electric ecosystem, its premium technology products, and its Robotaxi driverless taxi deployment.

Mr. Bu Lijun, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Bu Lijun, President of Judongche, said the corporation will create the "Judongche" global marketing platform to help Chinese automakers go global. The platform will launch on June 18, the opening day of the expo, and will build an ecosystem featuring overseas influencer content.

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases