Auto Shanghai 2025 offers glimpse into future of mobility powered by innovation

Home>>

(Xinhua) 09:37, May 03, 2025

* The Auto Shanghai 2025 has once again proven to be the premier global launchpad for new automotive products.

* The show showcased 1,366 vehicles, with over 70 percent being new energy vehicles, and 163 of them making their world debut.

* The Auto Shanghai 2025 has emerged as an international event that transcends the traditional concept of an auto show.

SHANGHAI, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025) has once again proven to be the premier global launchpad for new automotive products, attracting nearly 1,000 well-known domestic and international companies from 26 countries and regions.

Running from April 23 to May 2 with an exhibition area exceeding 360,000 square meters, Auto Shanghai 2025 showcased 1,366 vehicles, with over 70 percent being new energy vehicles (NEVs), and 163 of them making their world debut.

The show drew over 1 million visitors, including 63,000 from over 90 countries and regions outside China, reaffirming its position as a vital platform for previewing future trends in the global automotive market.

IN CHINA, FOR THE WORLD

Unofficial statistics revealed that during this year's Auto Shanghai 2025, renowned foreign brands unveiled over 10 NEV models for global customers for the first time. These include the Mercedes-Benz's long-wheelbase version of its all-electric CLA saloon, Lexus ES sedan's hybrid and all-electric versions, and Volkswagen Anhui's full-size all-electric SUV concept model.

A journalist records a Volkswagen ID.AURA on display at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

At the Volkswagen Group's booth, three concept cars made their global debut -- the ID. ERA, ID. EVO, and ID. AURA -- displayed side by side as a testament to the group's commitment to its "In China, for China" strategy.

Compared to two years ago, Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, and Ralf Brandstaetter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, appeared noticeably more at ease.

At that time, Volkswagen Group was in the midst of an intense transformation period. During Auto Shanghai 2023, the company announced plans to establish a new center in Hefei, focusing on research, innovation, and procurement for NEVs and intelligent connected vehicles.

Two years on, the vision has turned into reality. Volkswagen Group has invested approximately 3.5 billion euros (about 3.95 billion U.S. dollars) in its Hefei R&D center, where cutting-edge electronic architectures and advanced driver assistance systems are now being developed.

"To be very honest, we didn't have the right product strategy or the right approach to drive the business in China (about two years ago). So, the team, together with our brands, began building an overarching China strategy," Blume said, adding that the progress over the years has been "quicker than expected."

"For us, 'In China, for China' is not just a slogan, it's our execution mode," said Brandstaetter. "We always say it's a marathon here, not a sprint, and the playoff season starts now...We understand we need to be faster, more efficient, and more cost-competitive, but also more tailored to Chinese consumers' needs."

In today's global economy, where openness is increasingly under strain, concerns have arisen over whether the automotive industry -- long celebrated for its vast and interconnected supply chains -- might pivot toward a more closed and fragmented model.

Yet, actions speak louder than words. In the first two days alone, nearly 10,000 overseas exhibitors and merchants had already arrived to gauge the market, underscoring the industry's enduring commitment to global engagement and collaboration.

Agustin Garcia, a Spanish car dealer, flew in specially to attend the event. Despite the challenges posed by an unstable external environment, Garcia remains optimistic about selling Chinese car brands, noting that Spanish consumers "have confidence" in the quality and reliability of Chinese vehicles.

Visitors view a CLA of Mercedes-Benz at its global debut during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, on April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

"There's no question that over the decades, China's policies of opening up have been one key ingredient in the recipe of success for Chinese economic growth. And I think continuing on that path is what lays the groundwork for further economic growth," said Ola Kaellenius, chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.