2026 Auto Maintenance Expo: Industry Leaders Explore Trends in Aftermarket Transformation

China’s automotive modification market is being redefined by a new generation of owners. As personalized demand surges and social media penetrates deeply, modifications have shifted from niche hardcore to casual mainstream, becoming a key way for young drivers to express individuality and join communities.

According to industry reports, over 34 million people watched modification content on Bilibili in 2022—a 65% year‑on‑year increase. Meanwhile, Xiaohongshu searches for terms like “car accessories” and “color change” consistently rank in the top ten under automotive categories, reflecting a fundamental shift in consumer behavior.

1. “Light Mods” & “Trend Mods”: The New Generation’s Modification Philosophy

• Mainstream Light Mods:
  52% of users prioritize audio upgrades, 50% replace wheels, and 45% modify headlights (data from Autohome). Among these, Gen Z favorites include color wraps (17.7%) and rear wings (9.9%). Affordable, high-appeal “light mods” have become the entry point.

• Trend Mods Break Boundaries:
  OEMs like Changan UNI‑V collaborate with Xiaohongshu to launch “Trend Mod Culture Festivals,” combining modification with music festivals, camping, and more. Trendy colors such as “ice berry pink” and “cyber gray,” along with style accessories like carbon‑fiber wheels and ambient lighting, have surged in sales, making mods a fashion symbol.

2. Consumer Traits: Performance & Aesthetics in Balance
New‑gen car owners’ mod needs feature three key traits:

1. Performance Meets Aesthetic: Buyers demand both performance upgrades (powertrain, suspension) and appearance customization (wraps, color changes, GT kits). For example, SAIC Volkswagen’s ID.3 GTX Kit launched with “Cyber Lightning” wrap and 20" smoked rims, marrying sporty aesthetics with EV performance.

2. Strong Local Culture Identity: “Guochao” elements increasingly shape mod design. The Hongqi E‑HS9 Dunhuang Art Edition features gold‑green paint and Dunhuang mural interiors; the SAIC Maxus V90 “Ink Black” merges traditional ink‑culture themes into a high‑end business vehicle. Chinese cultural symbols are now powerful differentiation tools.

3. Deep Social Media Influence: Platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu are main sources of mod inspiration, with user-generated content (UGC) exceeding 60%.

• Bilibili as knowledge hub: Tutorials by content creators teach DIY mods—“tear down the whole car via Bilibili” is now common for beginners.

• Xiaohongshu as discovery engine: 44.5% of users obtain product info via short videos (per Juyiliang Data); mod-related posts grew 185% year‑on‑year.

• Offline conversion loops: About 30% of users choose shops offering “mod + registration” one‑stop services, while experienced enthusiasts go to specialized clubs.

3. Business Insights: Scenario Binding & Community Integration
Auto OEMs and aftermarket services should embrace four key strategies:

1. Scenario‑Based Light Mods: Develop outdoors/social mods—like rooftop racks or onboard coffee bars—aligned with camping and road trip lifestyles.

2. Build a Modding Social Ecosystem: Replicate Changan’s “Trend Mod Community” by partnering with KOLs to organize owner events and embed products in offline experiences.

3. Integrated Compliance Services: Offer bundles combining products with legal registration services to ease user anxiety.

4. Global Expansion: Leverage China’s NEV export strengths to accelerate export of mod solutions. For instance, Guogui Racing set up a tuning center in Thailand; MMX targets U.S. mid‑high end markets through localized services to capture overseas share.

4. Platform Enablement: YASN Expo—Core Hub Connecting Young Owners and Business Opportunities
With mod culture breaking out and global expansion underway, companies need a high‑efficiency platform to access resources and trends. As Asia’s largest automotive aftermarket expo, YASN Expo stands at the industry frontier. Exhibitors can showcase to 300,000+ professionals and join an ecosystem with automakers, KOLs, and policy experts—all shaping a new paradigm of “personal expression” in car mods.

The future belongs to “personal expressionists”—and mods are a signature for new‑gen owners. Those who can blend products into their social code and community culture will unlock a trillion‑yuan blue ocean. YASN Expo, as the key nexus connecting products, channels, and users, provides the fastest path and largest stage for mod-market breakthroughs.

Data sources: Juyiliang Automobile Interest Group Survey; Autohome 2024 Official Customization Insight Report

March 13–16, 2026 · Beijing · Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center
Smart Cockpit Breakthrough: Must‑See Opportunity for Automakers and Supply Chain Companies at YASN Expo

Join us to explore the future of intelligent vehicle interiors and discover the latest innovations driving the smart cockpit revolution.

Event Details:

Dates: March 13–16, 2026
Location: Beijing, Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center (Shunyi Venue)

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WhatsApp/Phone: +86 189 1112 9881 ·
Email: yasn21@yasn.com.cn
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