Autohome Unveils Major Brand Upgrade and One-Stop Car Lifestyle Ecosystem at Beijing 2026 Event

On April 22, Autohome officially launched its 2026 brand refresh conference in Beijing, marking a major transformation for one of China’s largest automotive platforms. The event, themed “Trust, Moving Forward”, brought together industry leaders, OEM executives, tech partners, media, and content creators to witness the company’s next phase of development.

The upgrade includes a new brand identity, an evolved new retail model, and the launch of AI-powered digital human technology, signaling Autohome’s ambition to become a fully integrated automotive lifestyle platform.

From Media Platform to Full-Service Ecosystem

During the event, Chairman and CEO Liu Chi emphasized that over the past 20 years, Autohome has evolved from a simple automotive content platform into a comprehensive ecosystem covering content, new and used car transactions, and after-sales services.

Following its integration into the Haier ecosystem, the platform is now focusing on:

• Expanding its content ecosystem using AIGC technology
• Strengthening online-to-offline integration
• Building a full-service loop through e-commerce and offline service networks
• Deploying its proprietary Cangjie AI model and intelligent assistants

This transformation aims to deliver a seamless “car life” experience, covering every stage from research to ownership.

New Brand Identity Focused on User Experience

At the core of the rebranding is a user-first philosophy. Autohome introduced a redesigned logo and a fully upgraded app interface.

The new visual identity features a “rounded inside, square outside” design language, symbolizing both safety and human-centered design. It balances familiarity for existing users with a modern aesthetic appealing to younger audiences.

The updated app now:

• Recommends vehicles based on user preferences
• Integrates new cars, used cars, and promotions into one interface
• Simplifies the journey from browsing to purchasing

This marks a shift from a traditional media platform to a transaction-driven service platform, improving efficiency and reducing decision-making complexity.

New Retail Model: Buy a Car Online with Home Delivery

Autohome is also pushing forward its new retail strategy, addressing key pain points in China’s car market such as price opacity and fragmented services.

The platform’s upgraded marketplace allows users to complete the entire car-buying process online, including:

• Vehicle selection
• Order placement
• Financing approval
• Invoice issuance

Pilot programs will launch in Shenzhen and Xi’an, introducing a fully digital car purchasing experience with home delivery service.

This model connects dealers nationwide and creates a more transparent and efficient buying process.

Used Car Integration and Full Lifecycle Services

Autohome is strengthening its position in the used car market through its Used Car platform and strategic partnerships.

With the latest upgrade, the company now offers a complete ecosystem:

• New car purchases
• Used car trade-ins
• Financing and insurance
• Maintenance and after-sales services

All services are integrated into a single platform, allowing users to manage their entire car ownership lifecycle more conveniently.

Smart “Car + Home” Ecosystem with Haier

Leveraging its partnership with Haier, Autohome is building a “car-home integrated smart lifestyle”.

By combining automotive services with Haier’s offline retail network and smart home ecosystem, users can experience seamless connectivity between their vehicles and home environments — creating a new standard for smart living.

AI Digital Humans and Intelligent Assistants

A major highlight of the event was the debut of Autohome’s AI-powered digital human.

Powered by the company’s proprietary AI models and massive data resources, the system enables:

• Interactive vehicle presentations
• Personalized car recommendations
• One-on-one virtual assistance

The AI assistant can match user needs with over 90% accuracy, offering tailored suggestions and simplifying the car-buying process.

Additionally, Autohome announced an AIGC creative competition, encouraging creators to produce innovative automotive content.

Promotions and User Engagement

To celebrate the brand upgrade, Autohome launched several promotional campaigns:

• “Hardcore Friday” used car deals with platform subsidies
• New car price guessing games with cash rewards
• Daily interactive activities via mini-programs

These initiatives aim to strengthen user engagement while delivering real value to consumers.

Conclusion

With its latest transformation, Autohome is positioning itself as more than just an automotive website. By combining AI technology, digital retail, and a full-service ecosystem, the platform is shaping the future of car buying and ownership in China.

The shift toward a trusted, intelligent, and user-centric automotive ecosystem reflects broader trends in China’s rapidly evolving mobility market.