The Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition 2025 opened its doors on Wednesday, marking a significant event in the global automotive calendar. Running from April 23 to May 2 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, this 21st edition of Auto Shanghai brings together nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries and regions.
The show alternates each year between Shanghai and Beijing, and this year, it promises to highlight the latest advancements in the automotive industry. Attendees can expect to see a wide array of passenger and commercial vehicles, cutting-edge intelligent connectivity technology, and innovative automotive parts.
With a total exhibition area of 360,000 square meters, the event is set to debut over 100 new models. Global automotive giants like Volkswagen, BMW, and Toyota are among the key participants. Notably, the number of tech and supply chain exhibitors has increased significantly compared to previous editions, emphasizing the industry’s shift towards new energy and smart technologies.
The theme for this year’s event, “Embracing Innovation for a Win-Win Future,” underscores the focus on the development of new energy vehicles and technologies. Exhibitions will spotlight advancements in batteries, charging stations, and the hydrogen energy industry chain.
International exhibitors are making a strong presence, with a German Pavilion supported by BMW and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), and an Austrian Pavilion organized by Advantage Austria.
The competitive landscape in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market is intensifying. Xiaomi’s SU 7, launched just ahead of last year’s Beijing Auto Show, has been a sensational success, selling over 215,000 units and surpassing Tesla’s Model 3 in monthly sales since December 2024. Automakers are leveraging advanced driver-assistance systems to stand out, with companies like BYD offering these features as standard equipment across their lineup, even in entry-level models.
The global automotive industry is increasingly looking to strengthen ties with China, the world’s second-largest economy, especially in light of recent trade tariffs. China’s automotive market remains robust, driven by a growing middle class. In March alone, passenger vehicle sales reached 1.97 million units, marking a 14.4 percent year-on-year increase.
The Shanghai Auto Show 2025 represents not just an exhibition but a reflection of China’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the automotive industry through innovation and collaboration.
