BEIJING – At the Beijing Auto Show, which opened Friday, major automakers from around the world are showcasing their latest electric vehicle models and applications of artificial intelligence, with green cars gaining attention amid soaring gasoline prices sparked by the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.
Approximately 1,450 models will be on display at this event, which will be held until May 3rd, of which approximately 180 will be unveiled for the first time in the world. According to organizers, the exhibition area will cover 380,000 square meters, making it one of the largest auto shows in the world.
In China, the world’s largest automobile market, new energy vehicles such as EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles will account for approximately 50% of new car sales by 2025.
AI applications demonstrated at the venue included a guidance system based on Chinese technology giant Alibaba Group’s latest model Qwen that uses avatars to suggest optimal routes and answer drivers’ questions.
Among Japanese automakers struggling in the Chinese market amid fierce competition from local automakers, Nissan Motor Co. has unveiled two new sport utility vehicle concept models: an urban plug-in hybrid SUV designed for younger customers and an off-roader Terrano PHEV concept.
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa said the company plans to introduce three more new energy vehicle models in China within a year.
He called the Chinese market a “global innovation and export hub” for Nissan, and said Nissan would begin exporting competitive models developed and produced in China to regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Similarly, Mazda Motors announced that it will expand exports of EVs manufactured in Nanjing, eastern China, to Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
As domestic car sales continue to decline due to cuts in government subsidies and other incentives, the industry is increasing car exports from China.
In an unusual move, Honda did not hold a press conference at the auto show as it struggles with declining sales and reevaluating its strategy in China. The company exhibited a lineup of F1 cars and other products in an effort to improve its brand image.
Toyota Motor Corporation exhibited its new EV “bZ7” and also released photos of its EV factory in Shanghai, which will begin producing Lexus brand vehicles from 2027 onwards.
BYD, a major Chinese EV manufacturer, set up a booth that was kept at -30 degrees Celsius and demonstrated that it takes just three minutes longer to charge a vehicle in extremely cold conditions than at room temperature.
Chinese technology giant Xiaomi has unveiled the Vision Gran Turismo concept sports car.
Beijing and Shanghai alternate in the spring with annual motor shows, officially called AutoChina.
