At the annual Baltic Motor Show Riga “Auto 2026” held in the Latvian capital from April 24 to 26, Chinese car brands made a notable impact, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs).
The event, which took place at the Kipsala International Exhibition Center, saw some Chinese vehicle models making their debut in the Latvian and Baltic markets.
Xpeng’s latest P7+ sedan, equipped with advanced AI technologies enabling autonomous driving, was showcased for the first time in the Baltics. Additionally, Jaecoo and Omoda, brands representing Chinese automaker Chery, also made their debut at the show.
Latvian Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis praised the auto show for providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view various car models in person. Andris Kulbergs, president of Latvia’s Auto Association, noted that Chinese carmakers have significantly improved both the aesthetics and technical capabilities of their vehicles.
Lv Anqi, economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Latvia, highlighted that Chinese car brands have been steadily entering the Latvian market, offering consumers a wider selection of high-quality and eco-friendly options. He added that the deepening bilateral cooperation between China and Latvia presents broad prospects for Chinese carmakers in the Latvian market and will inject new momentum into economic and trade relations between the two countries.
