‘Do or die’ for small carmakers: China market braces for 156 new models as price war looms

A record 156 new models are expected to enter China's automotive market in the second half of 2026, intensifying concerns about small carmakers' profitability amid a looming price war. The influx includes intelligent electric vehicles priced around 100,000 yuan, with only leading carmakers likely to secure large orders due to brand awareness and production advantages.