Feature: Chinese brands take center stage at Myanmar int'l auto expo

YANGON, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The rhythmic beat of drums and the vibrant movements of Chinese lion and dragon dancers marked the opening of the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2026 on Friday, setting the stage for a showcase where Chinese automotive brands dominated the spotlight.

Held at the Yangon Convention Center through Sunday, the three-day expo brings together 20 internationally renowned original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and more than 20 automotive supply chain-related companies.

Rows of electric vehicles (EVs), commercial trucks, motorcycles, and automotive technologies filled the exhibition halls, with Chinese exhibitors accounting for the majority of participants.

Among the most prominent vehicles on display were those from BYD, one of China's leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, distributed in Myanmar by EV Power Company.

"We are the company importing and distributing BYD vehicles in Myanmar," said U Min Min Maung, managing director of EV Power Company, who has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry.

He said the company displayed the E2 and E6 models for taxi services at the expo, while the Song L and Atto 3 are displayed for personal use.

Describing China as a global leader in EV development, U Min Min Maung said Myanmar's EV market has strong potential but requires greater policy support.

"For the development of the EV sector in Myanmar, government support is essential," he said. "Spaces are needed to build charging stations, and taxes on electric vehicles should be reduced."

He noted that visitor numbers at the opening of this year's expo had increased compared with last year, reflecting rising public interest in electric mobility.

"Chinese EV brands offer advanced technology, attractive designs and affordable prices," he said.

U Myo Kyaw, a 50-year-old visitor from Yangon's Yankin township, said he came to explore the latest models on display.

"I have been using a Dongfeng car for about a year," he said. "So far, it has performed very well without any problems."

Another visitor, Ko Wai Phyo Aung, 36, from Yangon's Kamayut township, said he accompanied a friend who was interested in buying a car.

"I am now using a Chinese car. I like SUVs here," he said. "Chinese cars have many functions, good warranties, attractive interior designs, and excellent safety and entertainment features."

He added that the expo allowed visitors to examine different brands and models before making purchasing decisions.

Wang Zhangcheng, general manager of Myanmar DPES Exhibition Co., Ltd., the organizer of the event, said that this year's event sets new records in both scale and exhibitor participation.

The exhibition covers gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs, commercial trucks, motorcycles, auto parts, EV charging stations, banking and financial services, and insurance.

The three-day event will include new product launches, technical exchanges, and business matchmaking events, he added.

This auto show serves as both a showcase of the vitality of Myanmar's automotive market and an important platform for international cooperation and exchange, Wang added.

He also hopes the expo will deepen international cooperation and promote the exchange of advanced technologies, particularly in the new energy vehicle sector.