China's Ministry of Commerce selects Qingdao for auto market reform pilot

Huairou District, Beijing, has opened its first comprehensive service station for self-drive tourists, upgraded from the 'Xingchen Su' motorcyclist station in Xifuying Village, Labagoumen Township. Located on the Jingjialu highway linking popular scenic spots and routes to Hebei and Inner Mongolia, the station adds services including traffic safety information, route guides, direct police alerts, emergency assistance, safety data collection, and advocacy for civilized travel. It has a direct communication link with Huairou traffic police for rapid incident response. The district now operates three such stations covering over 30 clubs and 20,000 motorcyclists.

USA TODAY published a feature on Skydream, a Chinese smart RV brand. The company has developed an integrated platform based on an electric skateboard chassis, incorporating driver assistance, energy management, and smart home systems. Its lineup includes three types of trailers: all-terrain, lightweight road, and off-road. The first production model is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 in Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

Authorities in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, have announced the opening of five RV campsites in scenic areas of the region. The campsites include themed zones, water sports, and lake views. Discounts for 2026 graduates are available, and the sites are equipped with electric and water hookups.

Chinese manufacturer Yuejie has introduced the R5 model, a B-class (van-based) motorhome. The vehicle is positioned as a new energy vehicle. Detailed specifications and pricing have not yet been disclosed.

VALA Group (2051.HK) delivered 564 vala electric campers in Q1 2026, capturing 60% of China's electric camper market. The company uses an asset-light model: co-development with OEMs (BAW,瑞驰, Wuling, SAIC Maxus) and a product development cycle 4-5 times shorter than traditional automakers. Unlike Xiaomi, which is only testing a pop-up roof on a prototype, VALA already mass-produces models with a slanted pop-up roof that allows entry into underground parking garages.

The China Association of Automotive Journalists proposed leveraging the RV segment to stimulate automotive culture and consumption in Zhengzhou, which was selected as a pilot city for auto circulation reform. According to the association, China registers about 10,000 motorhomes annually, with a total fleet of 300,000 units — far below the US market (50,000 annual sales, 13 million units). The expert noted that developing camping infrastructure and easing RV usage rules could drive tourism and related industries.