AIT 2026 | Car Modification Trends: Performance-Driven Overseas vs Scenario-Oriented Growth in China

Different “soil” gives rise to different styles of modification. In the past, whenever people talked about modified cars, the images that came to mind were low-slung stances, wide-body kits, oversized rear wings, loud exhausts, extreme camber angles… In short, it was all about looking cool. This “modifying purely for aesthetics” approach was perfectly fine. Today, the logic of car modification in China is gradually shifting from a visual-driven approach to a scenario-driven approach.

M-Hero at the AIT Dongguan Tuning Show

Relevant data indicates that the current penetration rate of OEM-approved modified vehicles has approached 20%. If “fully customized modification,” “light modification,” and “general modification” are combined and calculated as three categories, the overall penetration rate has already exceeded 30%. Based on these data projections, it is forecast that over the next three years, the penetration rate of factory-authorized vehicle customization (including co-creation modifications) will further increase to 30%–35%. Meanwhile, the total market size of the automotive modification industry is expected to reach approximately 300–380 billion RMB.

What is more thought-provoking than the numbers is the shift in style.

Overseas, brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, along with Toyota, tend to compete on faster lap times, more aggressive liveries, and rarer limited-edition builds. These directions certainly have their value, but frankly, they are somewhat distant from everyday driving scenarios for ordinary consumers. In the domestic market, however, the trend is already turning toward a completely different path: Scenario-based functionalism — instead of stacking visual body kits, modifications are now designed around specific use cases.

For example, the GWM Poer and Shanhai Poer have introduced a co-created fishing edition, featuring integrated rod holders, live bait tank interfaces, sliding rails for sunshades, and seat materials that are water- and stain-resistant. This approach is not only about making the vehicle look better, but more importantly, about making fishing trips more comfortable and practical.

The SAIC Maxus Interstellar X also features a highly complete factory-built fishing vehicle modification package. The rear cargo area integrates an oxygenation system for live bait, a pull-out fishing gear tray, and foldable seats. For fishing enthusiasts, once the vehicle is parked by the water, opening the tailgate instantly transforms it into a mobile fishing platform.

For outdoor lifestyle users, domestic automotive modification is also showing unexpected creativity.

For example, the Changan Hunter “Flying Pig Edition” adopts an off-road expedition styling, equipped with a snorkel, high-mounted air intake, winch mounting bracket, and roof tent interface. Owners can head into the wild whenever they want—go out when they feel like it, and enjoy themselves freely.

The Dongfeng Forthing Star Sea V9 pop-up roof camping version features a roof that can be raised at the touch of a button, forming a two-level sleeping space. Inside, the seats can be fully flattened to transform the cabin into a living area. Combined with onboard water and power systems as well as modular storage, it becomes a fully functional mobile kitchen and living unit.

There are many more cases that will not be listed here individually. In summary, these modified vehicles are no longer blindly pursuing an appearance that looks “aggressive,” “cool,” or “stylish.” Instead, the focus has shifted toward usability and operational comfort—making the vehicle feel “smooth” in real-world use. Car modification is not only an expression of personal aesthetics, but also an extension of lifestyle. Behind this transformation, several driving forces are at play.

First, the regulatory environment has become more relaxed. In recent years, both national and local authorities have introduced policy documents encouraging the standardization and legalization of automotive modification. OEM-supported modification has an inherent advantage, and automakers are increasingly willing to participate directly in the space.

FAW-Volkswagen Hosts Co-Creation Modification Sharing Session at the AIT Tuning Show

Second, consumer demand is becoming more mature. Vehicle owners are no longer satisfied with just “looking good”; they increasingly value “being practical and easy to use.” Fishing, camping, long-distance road trips, outdoor photography, and family travel have all become key usage scenarios. 

Third, there is stronger synergy across the industrial chain. When automakers lead official modification programs, users are relieved from concerns about annual inspections and after-sales support. From R&D and production to service delivery, the entire value chain becomes more integrated, significantly improving the overall user experience. Of course, scenario-based automotive customization in China does not mean that personalized modification is being neglected. On the contrary, it is expanding society’s overall understanding and acceptance of modification—including performance-oriented builds.

Wide-body kits, lowered suspensions, and oversized rear wings still have their audience; this represents the “A side” of modification culture. Meanwhile, the rise of scenario-driven and functional customization is turning automotive modification from a niche hobby into a mainstream option. This represents the “B side” of modification culture.

You don’t necessarily need to be a hardcore car enthusiast, nor do you have to understand suspension geometry or aerodynamic kits. As long as you want your vehicle to stand out while remaining practical for daily use, in the future you will be able to purchase a car that has already been customized for you—either directly by the automaker or through collaboration between automakers and modification companies. Vehicles like this are expected to appear in large numbers at this year’s AIT Dongguan Tuning Show.

Enterprises participating in modification exhibitions need to generate business opportunities, while visitors expect visual excitement—they also want to see practical, new paradigms of usability. 

The 2026 AIT Dongguan Tuning Show will be held from October 16 to 18 at the Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center in Dongguan. It will feature both visually striking custom builds and highly functional, usage-oriented modifications.