YANGON, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric vehicles were rapidly transforming Myanmar's auto sector, taking center stage at the Myanmar Auto and Parts Expo 2025, which closed here on Sunday.
All 35 brands featured at the three-day expo are Chinese-made, with about 30 of them electric vehicle (EV) brands, according to the organizer.
"China is leading the auto sector. The quality of Chinese brands is now accepted by the whole world," said U Zar Ni Tin Myint, managing director of Silver Sea International Co., Ltd, which co-hosted the expo with the Myanmar Automobile Manufacturer and Distributor Association.
The event also featured a knowledge-sharing forum titled "Power Shift: The Business of Going Electric."
The shift toward EVs in Myanmar has accelerated since the government began promoting imports in 2023. Incentives included zero import taxes and exemptions from road and bridge tolls, local EV dealers and users said.
"Since 2023, we have been working with EVs. We started with about 10-15 EVs in April 2023, and are now distributing around 300, with about 60-70 operated directly under our fleet," said Ko Sitt Paing, chief business officer at Swann Thu Aung Co., Ltd, an EV distributor in Myanmar.
"At first, the use of electric cars was low, but now it is rising because EVs are convenient, easy to drive, and cost-effective. People can charge at public stations, at home, or with solar, so there are not many difficulties in using EVs here," he added.
He said that according to Myanmar's EV roadmap, starting in 2026-27, imports will shift to semi-knocked down units, increasing local assembly and accelerating EV adoption.
According to Myanmar's Road Transport Administration Department, as of August 2025, the country had registered 9,026 electric cars, including four passenger buses, which is up from 5,816 electric cars, including three passenger buses, in October 2024.
Chinese companies like BYD, MG, Leapmotor, and Dongfeng were leading the charge in Myanmar's growing EV market.
At the expo, BYD unveiled its Song L model alongside the Han, Seal, and e2. "BYD is known for its blade battery. The use of EVs has been rising both globally and in Myanmar," said Kyaw Zaw Tun, BYD sales manager at Prime Automotive Myanmar, the authorized BYD dealer in Myanmar.
He said that after-sales service and spare parts availability are key to winning consumer trust. "Prices are now more affordable compared to previous years, as more brands are entering Myanmar. With better services, more people will shift to EVs because they are green and cost-effective in the long run," he said.
BAIC, another Chinese brand, showcased its Arcfox Alpha S5 premium EV at the auto expo. "Interest in EVs has been rising since imports were allowed. They are cost-effective for both maintenance and running costs," said Ko Myat Thu, BAIC's sales and marketing general manager.
"With more charging stations and better after-sales service, adoption will continue to rise," he added.
Charging infrastructure is also expanding, driven largely by Chinese technology. Ko Ye Aung, sales and marketing manager of Nex Charge EV Charger Solutions, said that the company supplies both AC and DC chargers, and already sold more than 1,000 units for homes, stations, and real estate developers.
"All the chargers we sell are China-made. Our main clients are fuel stations and real estate developers," said Ko Ye Aung.
Visitors at the auto show said Chinese EVs were gaining appeal not only for price but also for quality and features. "We came here to observe Leapmotor and BYD cars. We are mainly looking for good after-sales service and warranty," said Hein Htet Oo, a visitor from Yangon's Mayangone township.
"Now, the largest numbers of EVs in Myanmar are Chinese-made. Even some models of Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda are manufactured in China. The functions included in Chinese EVs are worth the price," he added.
Local analysts said that the auto show highlighted how Chinese EV makers were reshaping Myanmar's auto industry with competitive models, stronger service networks, and a rapidly growing ecosystem. ■