[WORLD] Tesla’s third consecutive absence from China’s largest auto show has provided a significant opportunity for domestic competitors to take center stage, with emerging players and groundbreaking technologies set to heighten the already fierce competition in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market.
Industry analysts suggest that Tesla’s choice to skip the Shanghai Auto Show for the third year in a row signals a shift towards direct consumer engagement and digital showcases, sidestepping traditional auto exhibitions. However, this strategy has unintentionally given Chinese rivals a platform to unveil innovative technologies and establish partnerships with global suppliers.
Over 70 automakers from 26 countries and regions are anticipated to participate in the Shanghai Auto Show, which runs from Wednesday through May 2, with more than 100 new vehicle models set to debut over the course of the two-week event, according to the Shanghai Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
The show is also turning into a competitive arena for autonomous driving advancements, with at least a dozen domestic brands, including Xpeng and Nio, preparing to display Level 4 autonomous capabilities. This comes as China accelerates efforts to develop smart EV infrastructure, with recent policy updates favoring locally developed AI-driven systems over foreign alternatives.
BYD, the world’s largest EV manufacturer, along with its luxury divisions Denza and Yangwang, is set to showcase several new models, including two concept supercars, on Wednesday, according to teaser images released by the company.
BYD’s aggressive expansion strategy mirrors its record-breaking Q1 2023 sales, which saw the company surpass Tesla in domestic EV deliveries in China. Experts credit this growth to BYD’s vertical integration, particularly its in-house battery production, which has insulated the company from supply chain disruptions affecting its global competitors.
Meanwhile, up-and-coming players such as Li Auto and Huawei-backed Aito are making significant strides with hybrid and extended-range EVs, targeting consumers in lower-tier cities where charging infrastructure remains limited. These models are increasingly seen as a stepping stone towards full electrification in China’s expansive hinterlands.
With Tesla’s absence and Toyota’s limited participation, Chinese brands are becoming more assertive in targeting export markets, with several companies announcing plans for expansion into Europe and Southeast Asia during the show. This global ambition highlights China’s growing transition from a manufacturing hub to an innovation leader in the EV industry.
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