The Maxus Mifa 9, a plug-in hybrid MPV from SAIC Maxus, was selected as the official vehicle for the 2026 China Auto Forum, held on 21 July in Shanghai's Jiading district. Organized by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the only industry forum fully supported by the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the event is widely regarded as one of the most influential annual gatherings in the Chinese automotive sector. The Mifa 9 was the only MPV designated for VIP shuttle services, reflecting the model's positioning within the high-end commercial and government transport segment.

Forum Credentials and Industry Significance

The China Auto Forum has been held for more than a decade and is considered a key indicator of policy and market direction in China's automotive industry. The 2026 edition brought together over 1,200 industry leaders, representatives from more than 40 industry organizations, and officials from over 10 national government departments. The programme included a closed-door summit, a main conference, a technology leaders' summit, and 13 thematic forums, addressing topics across electrification, intelligent mobility, and global expansion. The selection of the Mifa 9 as the official MPV underlines the model's alignment with the standards expected by senior industry and government attendees.

Product Highlights Relevant to Commercial and Fleet Buyers

The Mifa 9 is built on a long wheelbase platform designed to maximize interior space, with seating configured for executive transport. Second-row seats feature electric lumbar support, leg rests, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, supporting both passenger comfort and on-the-move business use. A foldable second-row table and NVH-tuned cabin acoustics further support the vehicle's use as a mobile working environment. For fleet operators, the vehicle carries a five-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, alongside a C-NCAP five-star rating, and offers L2-level driver assistance. Safety credentials of this kind are typically required for ministerial, corporate executive, and luxury hotel shuttle operations.

Track Record in Government and International Events

SAIC Maxus has built a long-standing presence in official transport at major international events. Since supplying vehicles for the 2014 APEC Ministerial Meeting, the brand has provided MPVs, SUVs, vans, and RVs for the CICA Summit, Boao Forum for Asia, G20 Summit, BRICS Leaders' Meeting, SCO Summit, and consecutive editions of the China International Import Expo, where Maxus vehicles have been used for VIP reception duties. The Mifa 9 is available in petrol, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid variants, giving buyers flexibility across different duty cycles and regulatory environments.

Market Position and Export Footprint

Built on more than a decade of MPV manufacturing experience, the Mifa family has accumulated over 300,000 owners globally. In Hong Kong, the plug-in hybrid version has consistently ranked among the top-selling MPVs, challenging the long-standing dominance of Japanese brands in that segment. In export markets, the model has been sold in Europe and Australia, regions with stringent safety and emissions standards. For international buyers, dealers, and sourcing teams evaluating Chinese-built MPVs for executive, hospitality, or government applications, the Mifa 9's combination of safety certifications, powertrain options, and documented service history at high-profile events provides a reference point for procurement decisions.

For international fleet operators and dealers tracking the Chinese MPV segment, the Mifa 9's selection for a major industry forum reflects how Chinese manufacturers are competing in the premium people-mover category. Buyers interested in comparing specifications, pricing, and availability across models can browse current listings on CVTrader. Dealer and fleet enquiries are welcome through the platform, and companies interested in expanding their commercial vehicle portfolio can learn more about partnership options.

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