Chongqing—The 6th Chongqing National Day Auto Show (Auto 2025 Chongqing Show) kicked off on October 1st at the Chongqing International Expo Center in Liangjiang New Area. The event coincided with the eight-day golden week holidays and the peak of China's automotive consumption season, attracting a large number of visitors.

On October 1st, the Auto 2025 Chongqing Show opened at the Chongqing International Expo Center in Liangjiang New Area, attracting a large number of visitors to tour the exhibition and check out the cars. (Photo/Huxin Luo)

The show attracts about 30 domestic and global automotive brands this year, including renowned names like BYD, GAC, Geely, Changan Automobile, Volvo, Audi, and Volkswagen. Additionally, local Chongqing-based new energy vehicle (NEV) brands such as Avatr, Deepal, and Aito became major highlights, attracting visitors of all ages and varying vehicle needs.

During the exhibition, visitors not only toured the booths and viewed the cars but also considered purchasing their desired vehicles during the holiday. The exhibition hall was bustling with crowds, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm.

Visitors experienced the Avatr 07 model at the Avatr booth during the show. (Photo/Huxin Luo)

Avatr, a collaboration between Huawei, the Chinese tech giant; CATL, the global leader in power batteries; and Changan, the third centrally state-owned automobile enterprise in China, is a key player in the Chinese NEV market. At the Avatr booth, a large crowd gathered around the display of the Avatr 07, which drew many visitors to experience its features.

The 07 is Avatr’s flagship SUV, and it successfully attracts young consumers with its unique design and intelligent features. One young visitor shared that he is very interested in the design of this car, especially its stylish exterior. The intelligent driving functions are also very appealing, and they make him eager to buy it.

The 07 has recently been refreshed, with the 2026 model now available, priced between 219,900 yuan (about 30,886 U.S. dollars) and 279,900 yuan. Despite facing competition from traditional luxury brands, particularly Audi’s new NEV model, the E5 Sportback, the Avatr 07 still appeals to visitors.

Visitors expressed strong interest in Audi's latest NEV model at the Audi booth during the show. (Photo/Huxin Luo)

The E5 Sportback, priced between 235,900 yuan and 319,900 yuan, also features a design favored by young people. Audi’s sales staff said that the primary audience for the E5 is young visitors. Some of them, after comparing these similarly priced Avatr models, admitted to being torn, as both brands offered attractive designs and competitive pricing, making the decision difficult.

For middle-aged consumers, family needs are a key consideration when purchasing a car. Aito, a brand jointly developed by Seres and Huawei, is headquartered in Liangjiang New Area. At the Aito booth, each vehicle was surrounded by visitors eager to learn more.

Visitors experienced the Aito M7 model at the Aito booth during the show. (Photo/Huxin Luo)

An Aito sales representative explained that they have three models: M9, M8, and M7, designed specifically for family use, with different price points and configurations. The M9 is priced at 500,000 yuan, the M8 at 400,000 yuan, and the M7 at 300,000 yuan. These models, designed with a focus on family needs, have been well received by consumers.

One visitor firmly stated that he had already decided on the M7, even though his family had some reservations. He said that the M7 is very comfortable to drive, looks great, and has Huawei’s intelligent driving system.

The Deepal S09 attracted many visitors to the Deepal booth. Deepal, a NEV brand under Changan, is also headquartered in Liangjiang New Area. The S09 is a large six-seat SUV designed specifically for family needs.

A Deepal sales representative said, many visitors are particularly concerned with the car's space and functionality, such as the size and features like seat ventilation, heating, and massage, which have become key factors in their decision-making.

Visitors explored the car features of the Deepal S09 during the show. (Photo/Huxin Luo)

NEVs have become an important growth area for Chongqing's automotive market. According to data from the Chongqing Automotive Business Association, the sales of NEVs in Chongqing continued to rise in the first half of 2025, reaching a total of 124,300 units, a year-on-year increase of 30.7%. The market penetration rate has reached a historic high of 54.3%.