Auto Shanghai 2025 showcases China’s smart mobility dominance as thousands gathered to witness the future of global transportation technology. The 21st edition of the prestigious international automobile exhibition featured nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries. From April 23 to May 2, the show welcomed over one million visitors to a 360,000-square-metre venue in Shanghai. More than 1,300 vehicles were on display, and over 70 percent were powered by new energy. Notably, 163 models made their global debut during the exhibition.
Moreover, leading global automakers used the platform to introduce electric vehicles, concept cars and advanced technologies. Volkswagen unveiled three concept models—ID. ERA, ID. EVO and ID. AURA—all built to meet Chinese consumer demands. Company CEO Oliver Blume admitted past strategy failures but praised recent progress in localising production and research. The firm invested 3.5 billion euros in its Hefei R&D hub, which now develops intelligent driving systems and electronic architecture. In addition, chair of Volkswagen Group China, Ralf Brandstaetter, emphasised the importance of faster innovation and deeper local engagement.
Auto Shanghai 2025 showcases China’s smart mobility dominance with robust participation from global and domestic brands. Mercedes-Benz introduced its electric CLA saloon and reaffirmed its commitment to long-term partnerships in China. Furthermore, chairman Ola Kaellenius highlighted China’s supplier networks and technological innovation as global benchmarks. He said Chinese consumers increasingly embrace AI, infotainment, and smart features, which now shape Mercedes’ global R&D approach. Similarly, Bosch executive Stefan Hartung described China as an innovation leader driving the future of automotive tech.
Meanwhile, Chinese firms pushed the boundaries by unveiling not only electric cars but also robots and flying vehicles. Xpeng, Geely and Hongqi presented next-generation mobility tools aimed at reshaping transport systems. NIO built an entire booth to showcase its battery-swap technologies and internal R&D achievements. CEO William Li said China’s smart vehicle ecosystem evolved rapidly over the past decade, driven by fierce domestic competition and a mature supply chain. Therefore, he stressed the need to remain on the cutting edge to maintain this momentum.
Auto Shanghai 2025 showcases China’s smart mobility dominance just as the global automotive industry faces rising protectionism and fractured supply chains. Nevertheless, international turnout remained strong, with 10,000 overseas buyers attending in just the first two days. Spanish car dealer Agustin Garcia expressed confidence in Chinese vehicle quality and expected growing demand in European markets. He described the exhibition as essential for understanding global consumer expectations and market dynamics.
Industry leaders repeatedly praised China’s role in shaping future mobility trends. They noted that the country no longer serves merely as a manufacturing base. Instead, China has become a global centre for automotive research, development and innovation. As a result, with new products, ambitious strategies and increasing openness to international collaboration, China now leads the smart vehicle transformation. The message from Shanghai was clear—future-focused automakers must look to China or risk falling behind.
