Int'l carmakers partner with Chinese firms at Auto Shanghai 2025

Some of the world's leading carmakers are teaming up with Chinese firms to make their vehicles smarter and more intelligent, as their latest new auto innovations go on display at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai.

The 10-day event got underway in the eastern China metropolis on Wednesday and is expected to see over 100 new product debuts among the 1,000 participating auto brands, while over 100,000 daily visitors are set to descend on one of the world's largest auto shows.

The exhibition is showcasing everything from cutting-edge auto parts to global firsts in car models, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation.

As AI technology evolves rapidly, "intelligence" has become a focal point for automakers, and many recognize China as a critical player in shaping the future of their businesses.

German auto giant Porsche has continued to expand its presence in China in recent years and has established a specialized center to focus its efforts in better catering to the crucial Chinese market.

"Clearly, this is a very dynamic market. Intelligent vehicle features are extremely important. That's the reason why we have set up our 'One China R and D', so we have bundled all our capabilities, all our technical experiences in one division, in one location, so research and development, procurement, quality, engineering and also digitalization," said Alexander Pollich, CEO of Porsche China.

One of the eye-catching new components on display at the auto show is an intelligent cockpit system developed by Germany-based automotive supply firm Brose. This system aims to create a future where car keys are obsolete.

Michael Brandstetter, executive vice president of Brose's Exterior Business Division, highlighted the growing importance of China when it comes to the innovation and technology fields.

"As the Chinese market is getting more and more important, [in terms of] innovation, especially in technology and connectivity, in comfort functions, we as Brose will also move some innovation tasks from completely globally to China, to be on site, on the market where also the demands and the end consumers are, which is giving us the input," he said.

Some automakers are also keen to tap into China's rapidly advancing artificial intelligence sector. Visteon, an American manufacturer of auto parts, is collaborating with Volcano Engine, a large AI model developed by China's ByteDance, to enhance its products' intelligence.

"AI will undoubtedly continue to develop in China. That's why we immediately partnered with Volcano Engine two years ago to combine our strengths and make us stronger. With the advancements in the industry, particularly in chip computing, we've successfully turned this idea into a tangible product," said Wei Wei, vice president of Visteon China.

Int'l carmakers partner with Chinese firms at Auto Shanghai 2025

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests