Which factory produces the perfect car? Probably the answer is none of them. Even luxury cars with top-level configuration have shortcomings, especially for young owners, who are really picky about cars. In this case, custom-made cars that reflect unique personalities are becoming more and more popular in China.
An Audi car with a new exterior look (iChongqing/Gaowei Zhang)
Car modification or car tuning refers to modifying the exterior styling, interior styling, and mechanical properties of the original car produced by the manufacturers according to the owner's needs. The interior and exterior styling are classified in the stance category, and the mechanical performance changes often include brakes, suspension, engine, intake, exhaust, oil supply, and other systems.
Drivers showed off their tuned engines at the Chongqing Auto Consumer Festival (iChongqing/Gaowei Zhang)
With the development of China's automobile market, the number of personal motor vehicles has risen sharply. Among them, young owners who pursue individualization accounted for a large proportion, which has promoted the vigorous development of China's automobile modification industry. According to statistics from relevant research reports, the output value of China's auto modification market exceeded 160 billion yuan in 2020, and it is expected to exceed 200 billion yuan in the next five years.
Most Chinese people start their car modification from their private cars (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Chongqing has nurtured many modified car owners as a city with a well-developed automobile industry. Ryder is one of them. As early as 2005, he witnessed local modified car gatherings in Chongqing. From 2014 to 2019, he frequently participated in refit car exchanges in Canada and learned a lot from the community in North America.
Ryder at a car refit event in Canada (Photo provided to iChongqing)
From December 9th to 12th, the Chongqing Auto Consumer Festival was held at Chongqing International Expo Center. Ryder and his partners were invited to participate in the show and were interviewed by Alex at iChongqing. In Ryder's opinion, the online refit market is booming on Taobao and other major platforms. This market continues to grow as more enthusiastic people learn about this once-taboo sport. More players are diving into the modification culture. For these enthusiasts, it's not just a car; it is a way of life, an attitude, and the pursuit of freedom and dreams. "When I am with the car, I am very relaxed, there is no pressure, I feel that everything is mine, and I can dictate my direction and speed." Said Ryder.