European buyers at the Canton Fair explore partnerships with Chinese EV makers, from vehicle sales and charging infrastructure to local production.
European buyers are exploring new business opportunities with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers at the 140th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair. For some, the plan goes beyond selling cars. They are also considering technology partnerships, local production and charging infrastructure.
“We need to strengthen cooperation with Chinese companies and become their distributors before others do, so we can sell Chinese new energy vehicles back to Europe,” said Spanish buyer Calzada Amorrortu Martin in an interview with China News Service at the fair’s new energy vehicles and smart mobility exhibition area.
Martin, a traditional car dealer, said Chinese EV makers had become major players in the global market. European businesses, he added, needed to respond pragmatically.
He plans to start by distributing Chinese vehicles. Later, he hopes to explore technology partnerships, supply chain cooperation and local manufacturing.
Another Spanish buyer, Blanco Aparicio Jesus Maria, also sees opportunities beyond vehicle sales. He admitted that he initially worried Chinese companies could take market share from local manufacturers and put jobs at risk. However, he said European businesses needed to adapt and find areas where they could work together.
“EVs need charging stations, so I plan to work with Chinese companies to develop charging infrastructure,” he said.
Growing Interest In Chinese EVs
The exhibition has attracted overseas buyers who are inspecting vehicles, testing their features and discussing prices with Chinese manufacturers.
China exported 4.006 million new energy vehicles in the first three quarters of 2026, up 130 per cent year on year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. EVs and other new energy vehicles accounted for more than half of China’s total vehicle exports for four consecutive months.
Chinese automakers are also expanding their overseas operations. At the GAC stand, international buyers showed interest in three models, including the Qijing GX7, and a DC ultra-fast charging station.
By September 2026, GAC had established seven overseas factories, nine parts distribution warehouses and four global research and development centres.
Meanwhile, new energy heavy-duty trucks are opening up another market. At the China National Heavy Duty Truck Group’s international business division stand, Hong Kong buyer Tsang Kwai-yin asked about the range and safety features of an electric heavy-duty truck.
He cited lower energy costs and environmental benefits as reasons for his interest. He also liked the vehicle’s modern design.
Tsang has attended the Canton Fair for nearly 50 years. In the past, he bought products such as screws and building materials. Now, he plans to sell new energy heavy-duty trucks in markets including the UK and Canada. He said Europe’s energy pressures and China’s EV technology were among the factors behind his decision.
From Exports To Local Production
Chinese automakers are increasingly combining vehicle exports with local manufacturing and wider supply chain partnerships. In Europe, companies are using different approaches, including building their own factories, contract manufacturing and joint ventures.
BYD‘s planned factory in Szeged, Hungary, has an annual production capacity target of 300,000 vehicles and a total investment of about €4 billion (£3.36 billion). The first phase has completed production-line installation and commissioning, with vehicle assembly planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Chery has also brought a new production line into operation at the former Nissan plant in Spain. Meanwhile, Xpeng uses contract manufacturing at Magna’s factory in Austria for its G6 and G9 models.
For the buyers at the Canton Fair, these opportunities extend beyond vehicle sales to include charging infrastructure, supply chain cooperation and local manufacturing.
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