The Shanghai Auto Show, the world’s largest automobile exhibition, opened this week with a powerful message: China is leading the global electric vehicle race.
As trade tensions grow and new tariffs disrupt international auto strategies, nearly 1,000 exhibitors gathered in Shanghai to showcase what the future of transportation looks like — and it includes humanoid robots and flying cars.
BYD, now the top global EV seller after overtaking Tesla, stole the spotlight by unveiling five new Ocean series models, a luxury SUV from its Yangwang sub-brand, and a futuristic sports car under Denza. The company continues to post strong sales and rising revenue, strengthening its dominance in both domestic and international markets.
Xpeng, another fast-growing Chinese EV brand, displayed more than just cars. Visitors crowded around a humanoid robot and a concept flying car, underlining the company’s push into high-tech mobility and smart robotics. The display emphasized how Chinese automakers are expanding well beyond traditional vehicles.
While Chinese companies push boundaries, foreign automakers at the expo aimed to prove they could still compete. Stefan Rosen, head of design at Lynk & Co — a joint venture between China’s Geely and Volvo — admitted that while international brands are trying to catch up, “the industry is led through China.”