Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining a greater presence in Myanmar as consumers show increasing interest in smart features and pricing, while cooperation between Chinese manufacturers and local businesses is expanding to include vehicle assembly, localised production and after-sales services.

The presence of Chinese EVs was evident at the 2nd Myanmar Auto and Parts Expo 2026, where Chinese electric models were displayed to local visitors and industry representatives. The three-day exhibition brought together automotive companies and associations from several countries and featured EVs, conventional vehicles, charging equipment, spare parts and automotive repair equipment.

"Local consumers are increasingly favouring updated EV models equipped with practical intelligent functions, including voice control and Apple CarPlay," said Ko Wai Phyo, a sales executive at Swann Thu Aung, an EV distributor in Myanmar.

Automobile industry analyst U Ko Ko Aung said Chinese EV brands have adapted product configurations to local consumer requirements while maintaining competitive pricing. He said these factors have contributed to their sales growth and increased market share in Myanmar.

"As a close neighbouring country, China has geographical and trade advantages in bilateral automotive cooperation. The market share of Chinese vehicles in Myanmar is expected to continue expanding," U Ko Ko Aung said.

The relationship between Chinese automotive manufacturers and Myanmar businesses is also extending beyond vehicle sales. Localised manufacturing, vehicle assembly and after-sales service networks are becoming part of the cooperation between the two sides.

U Kyaw Kyaw Aung, chairman of the Myanmar Automobile Manufacturer and Distributor Association, said local companies are working with Chinese partners to establish factories and undertake vehicle assembly. Chinese automotive brands are also strengthening oversight of dealer operations, including after-sales services, spare-parts availability and quality control.

The 2nd Myanmar Auto and Parts Expo 2026 was organised by Silver Sea International Company Limited at the Yangon Convention Centre (YCC), on the campus of Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon, from September 25th to 27th. A press conference for the exhibition was held at the Pan Pacific Hotel on September 15th.

The exhibition brought together 52 companies and six associations from seven countries and covered about 5,000 square metres. Local and foreign companies displayed tyres, engine oil and other automotive parts, while the event also featured new automotive parts launches, motor vehicle licence services and new vehicles. Private cars, commercial vehicles, fuel-powered vehicles and electric cars were offered for sale through instalment and lump-sum payment options.

The New Taipei City Auto Parts Business Association and the Chinese Taipei Pavilion also introduced 15 companies involved in the automotive aftermarket and smart mobility sectors. The Chinese Taipei exhibition area covered 144 square metres and included 16 booths, with the Chinese Taipei Event Booth occupying 36 square metres at Booth C1.

The event also provided on-site translation services, networking sessions during happy hour and promotional activities, while companies were invited to book exhibition booths.

The participation of Chinese EV manufacturers and the development of local industrial partnerships are contributing to changes in Myanmar's automotive sector, with vehicle sales accompanied by efforts to establish local assembly capabilities, strengthen supply chains and expand customer support infrastructure.