The 2026 China Auto Forum convened in Shanghai, where Gasgoo CEO Zhou Xiaoying moderated a roundtable on independent design. Experts from Jilin University, FAW Hongqi, Italian RF Company, and Avatr explored the cultural awakening and paradigm transformation of Chinese automotive design.
Forum Background and Core Themes
On July 23, 2026, the 2026 China Auto Forum, hosted by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), was held in Shanghai. This year's gathering carried the theme "New Start, New Opportunities, New Journey — Drawing a New Blueprint for High-Quality Development of the Auto Industry," featuring 16 core sessions. Among them, Theme Forum 9 focused on "The Rise of Independent Design — Building a Chinese Automotive Aesthetic and Cultural System."
Gasgoo CEO Zhou Xiaoying was invited to moderate the roundtable, engaging in in-depth dialogue with the following industry experts:
- Lan Wei: Professor at Jilin University's School of Automotive Engineering
- Wu Xiaochuan: Senior interior design expert at FAW Hongqi's styling center
- Roberto Fedeli: Founder of RF Company and consultant for Italy's DR Automobile Group
- Liu Haitao: Vice general manager of marketing and styling at Avatr
From Paying Tribute to Classics to Defining Trends
The roundtable, themed "From Paying Tribute to Classics to Defining Trends — Cultural Confidence and Awakening in Chinese High-End Design," explored eight critical topics. The core discussion directions included:
- Establishing a Chinese automotive design discourse system
- Translating Eastern aesthetic values for modern markets
- Overhauling design paradigms in the smart electric era
The evolutionary path of Chinese automotive design has undergone a fundamental transformation. From early imitation of Western classic models to original styling languages represented by brands like Hongqi and Avatr, Chinese automakers are exploring a design path that integrates traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
| Design Stage | Time Span | Core Characteristics | Representative Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imitation Learning | 2000-2015 | Drawing from European, American, Japanese, and Korean design languages | Early domestic brands |
| Fusion Innovation | 2015-2023 | East-meets-West, gradually original | Geely, Changan |
| Independent Definition | 2024-present | Eastern aesthetics + smart technology | Hongqi, Avatr |
Design Implications for Global Automotive Markets
The rise of China's independent design paradigm offers direct reference value for automotive consumers in emerging markets such as Central Asia and Russia:
- Cultural Resonance: Design languages incorporating Eastern elements are more likely to evoke emotional connections among Asian consumers
- Intelligent Experience: Chinese design teams are at the global forefront in infotainment interaction and cabin ambiance creation
- Value Proposition: The combination of original design capability and cost control gives Chinese brands stronger visual competitiveness in the same price segment
The practice of brands like Avatr demonstrates that Chinese automotive design is no longer synonymous with "low-cost alternatives," but is becoming an indispensable force in the global automotive aesthetics landscape.
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