Global automakers have gathered at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, seeking greater investment ties with China -- a global automotive power and the world's electric vehicle (EV) leader.
The Automotive and Smart Mobility Exhibition Area of this year's CIIE, themed "Mobility, Infinity", showcases groundbreaking achievements in intelligent technology, safety and sustainability.
As China's auto industry keeps making headways in intelligent connected and new energy technologies, global automakers are not only presenting multiple debut exhibits but also reinforcing their commitment through increased investments in the China market.
Japanese auto company Toyota, which has participated in the CIIE for eight consecutive years, is presenting a series of localized research and development achievements and collaborative results with Chinese partners.
Toyota, which announced plans earlier this year to build a wholly-owned EV plant in Shanghai, is showcasing at the CIIE a detailed model of the new facility. The new company is expected to begin production in 2027.
"This demonstrates Toyota's confidence in the prospects of the China's market and our determination for long-term commitment. We are highly optimistic about the mature industrial chain, logistics network, talent pool and technological capabilities in Shanghai and Yangtze River Delta region," said Li Hui, general manager of Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
German auto company Audi is showcasing its latest progress in accelerating electrification transformation in China by displaying two pure electric car models at the CIIE. Since the beginning of this year, Audi has launched several new models in the China market, as it continues to advance its largest-ever product lineup in the country.
"China, especially Shanghai, showcases the strong ecosystem that brings up innovations and China speed. So, you find these innovations very fast in our cars," said Gernot Dollner, CEO of Audi AG.
The exhibition area this year also features autonomous driving and future mobility innovations including self-driving electric vehicles and eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft), showcasing everything from global tech debuts to localized investment layouts, and from classic car cultural heritage to cutting-edge exploration of autonomous driving.
"Many multinational automakers have participated in all eight editions of the CIIE, becoming participants in the expo's auto exhibition on a yearly basis. They hope to share in the dividends of China's consumer market through the CIIE platform, particularly in new technologies like vehicle electrification and intelligent connectivity, where they seek to strengthen cooperation and exchange with their Chinese counterparts," said Gu Chunting, vice chairman of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai.
This year's CIIE, running until Nov 10, features the largest exhibition space in its history and brings together a record 4,108 enterprises from 138 countries and regions across the world.
Since its inception, the CIIE has stood as a vital gateway for foreign companies to tap new partnership opportunities with China, linking international enterprises with China's super-sized market.
Global auto giants seek to deepen investment in China at 8th CIIE
Global auto giants seek to deepen investment in China at 8th CIIE
