Feature: Chinese carmakers step up presence at Hungary auto show

BUDAPEST, March 14 (Xinhua) -- On a crisp early spring weekend, the Hungexpo buzzed with activity as visitors flocked to one of the region's largest automotive events, weaving between displays of sports cars, antique cars, sedans, and SUVs.

The three-day International Automobile and Tuning Show 2026 has also become a platform for Chinese automakers to expand their presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Major brands, including Geely, BAIC, MG, and OMODA, are showcasing their latest models and signaling their strategic ambitions for the regional market.

At a press conference on Friday, the show's opening day, Geely officially announced its entry into Hungary. The company unveiled a plug-in hybrid SUV and a battery electric SUV. More than 200 customers signed up for test drives within three hours at the exhibition.

"The market entry into Hungary is a crucial part of our European strategy," Yang Cheng, general manager of Geely Hungary, said at the launch. He noted that the company plans to use Hungary as a hub for branding, service, parts warehousing, and vehicle logistics across Eastern Europe.

Yang added that the newly launched models were developed in line with European Union regulations and local market demands. They have undergone extensive winter testing, real-world condition evaluations, charging tests, and intelligent connectivity trials at Geely's R&D center in Germany.

First-time exhibitor BAIC also drew considerable attention. "We are surprised that so many people are interested in the brand," said Daniel Pataki, technical manager of BAIC Hungary. The company is displaying one hybrid model and three gasoline-powered vehicles as it begins operations in Hungary.

Pataki said BAIC plans to establish approximately 15 dealerships across Hungary to ensure nationwide coverage before potentially expanding into neighboring countries.

SAIC's MG brand is attending the Budapest show for the fourth time, presenting a pure electric sports car, a pure electric SUV, and three hybrid models. MG has established a design center in Europe specifically to adapt its vehicles to the driving preferences of European consumers.

Chinese automakers have been expanding rapidly across Europe in recent years, particularly in the electric vehicle segment.

Visitors also showed strong interest in Chinese brands. Sandor Korsos, a 26-year-old attendee visiting the Chery OMODA booth, told Xinhua that Chinese cars remain competitively priced with longer warranties and better interior materials, compared with many European and Japanese cars.

"Few European cars can match the 7-year warranty offered by Chinese brands," he said. "If I were buying a new car now, I would definitely choose a Chinese brand." ■