China Auto Customization and Modification
As more people in China own cars, particularly millions of urban Chinese from the 90’s generations with disposable income who are the largest group of new auto buyers, auto customization and modification have become more popular. In an April 2022 circular to stimulate domestic consumption, China’s State Council encouraged Customer-to-Manufacturer (C2M) production and has implemented guidance to optimize the market administration of automotive modification. This is interpreted by Chinese automakers and dealers as a signal from the Chinese government to boost auto customization and modification options.
With this new approach, customers can now customize their vehicles when they place orders with OEMs or later modify them at OEM-authorized modification shops, where customizations and modifications will be compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
China’s customization and modification market was valued at 10 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 and may reach 31.2 billion dollars by 2025. Multi-purpose vehicles, sport-utility vehicles, and pick-ups are the most popular customized or modified models. While popular exterior modifications include color, wheel styles, grille styles, bumpers, shock absorbers, and brake systems, Chinese laws may limit modifications that could impact vehicle safety or vehicle identification so interior modifications are more easily determined to be common. Some modifications (such as changing the vehicle’s color, replacing the engine, changing the vehicle body or frame) require vehicle owners to apply for an “alteration registration.”
Relevant trade shows:
1. 2023 Shanghai International Automobile Customization and Modification Technology Exhibition, August 4-6, Shanghai New International Expo Center
2. RA China Auto Salon, Oct. 20-22, 2023, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center
3. AutoEcosystems, March 8-10, 2024, Shenzhen International Exhibition Center, For further information, please contact a representative from the CS China Auto Team:
Beijing: Ms. Jessica Tan, feng.tan@trade.gov
Guangzhou: Mr. Karic Chen, karic.chen@trade.gov
Shanghai: Ms. Lisa Ouyang, lisa.ouyang@trade.gov
Shenyang: Ms. Dongmei Sun, Dongmei.sun@trade.gov
Wuhan: Ms. Catherine Le, Catherine.le@trade.gov