This photo taken on Nov 5, 2023 shows a Mercedes-Maybach S 580e sedan displayed at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in East China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]
A total of 15 global auto companies are showcasing their latest innovative and environmentally friendly products at the sixth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, demonstrating their commitment to the world’s largest vehicle market. The expo opened on Sunday and concludes on Friday.
German auto giant Volkswagen Group is unveiling five new energy vehicle models at the CIIE, and its software arm Cariad is displaying its latest cutting-edge development with the Forward! Cube simulator, which focuses on the digital in-car experience with new software features for the Chinese market.
The Mission X, an electric hypercar from Volkswagen’s premium marque Porsche, is making its Asian debut at the expo. Described as “a spectacular reinterpretation of a hypercar”, the model would be the world’s fastest road-legal vehicle if it goes into series production, Porsche said.
The brand is also displaying the Cayenne E-Hybrid, and the new technology that allows renewable electrical energy to be stored in batteries or be converted into synthetic eFuels.
Porsche aims to have pure electric vehicles account for more than 80 percent of its new vehicle deliveries by 2030, including the all-electric Macan, which is set to hit the market in 2024.
General Motors from the United States has its import platform Durant Guild presenting five products at the CIIE — the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, GMC Hummer EV pickup, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
Julian Blissett, president of GM China, said: “The feedback we received at the CIIE encouraged us to establish the Durant Guild to bring in a curated collection of iconic products to enable the diverse lifestyles our customers are pursuing.”
Ford, another US automaker, is showcasing its Ranger pickup, new F-150 pickup, Mustang Mach-E and other models. At last year’s CIIE, the Ford Bronco SUV made its debut in China and received significant attention. It is now set to shift from exhibition to production, with local manufacturing slated to begin next year.
Xiang Xiaofang, vice-president of Ford China, said the company has been deeply involved in the Chinese market for nearly 30 years with its joint ventures Changan Ford and Jiangling Ford.
“In the midst of Ford’s global business transformation, the Chinese market holds paramount significance and the company remains resolute in driving sustainable growth in its operations here,” Xiang said.
Meanwhile, since South Korea’s Hyundai Motor exhibited its NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as the centerpiece of its booth at the inaugural CIIE in 2018, the automaker has developed a model that complies with Chinese regulations.
In June, Hyundai completed construction of the HTWO Guangzhou, its first overseas facility for hydrogen fuel cell system R&D, production and sales.
“The CIIE has facilitated acceleration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in China, turning exhibits into products. We have also transformed from exhibitors to investors, committed to expanding our presence in China,” said Yong Il-yin, deputy general manager of brand business for Hyundai China.
Hyundai is displaying 11 models and its hydrogen energy and electrification technology platforms at the CIIE.