Europe emphasizes technology and design in Munich as a means to counteract China's rapid advancement

The automotive industry is gearing up for a significant event next week, as the Munich motor show takes centre stage in Germany. This motor show is set to be the biggest European motor show since the Covid pandemic for new model launches, but it may face formidable competition from Chinese car makers.

According to market researcher Inovev, an impressive 14 Chinese car makers will exhibit at the show, starting on 8 September. Among these, four prominent Chinese automobile manufacturers will be showcased: BYD, Xpeng, Geely (including its Smart brand joint venture), and another yet-to-be-named Chinese brand. BYD and Xpeng have been explicitly mentioned as key participants at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich.

In contrast, only 10 European brands will exhibit at the show. European car makers are participating in the event, hoping to rejuvenate a sluggish market with the new models they will display. They are banking on their long-standing leadership on design to give their cars an edge.

The cars displayed at the Munich motor show are expected to be a significant part of the European car market, and they will all be new models. European car makers are using advanced technology in their designs, aiming to appeal to modern consumers' preferences for efficiency and innovation.

Despite the growing presence of Chinese car makers, European car makers are not backing down. They are trying to maintain their dominance in the industry, using the Munich motor show as a platform to showcase their latest offerings and reaffirm their commitment to innovation and design excellence.

The Munich motor show is a testament to the resilience of the automotive industry and its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. As we approach next week's event, the anticipation is palpable, and it will be interesting to see how the competition between European and Chinese car makers unfolds.