CFP

TMTPOST -- The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, also known as the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, is set to open on April 23 and run through May 2 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

With nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, this year’s edition is the largest in its four-decade history, covering over 360,000 square meters.

Widely regarded as a global bellwether for the automotive industry, the Shanghai Auto Show will feature more than 100 world premieres from major global and Chinese brands. For the first time, the event will span the entire May Day holiday, with total attendance expected to exceed the 906,000 visitors recorded in the previous edition.

Chinese tech and auto newcomers such as Xiaomi EV, HarmonyOS Smart Mobility (a Huawei ecosystem brand), LeDao, and Firefly will make their Shanghai debut. However, several major players, including Hyundai, Kia, Dongfeng Peugeot, Citroën, Chevrolet, Jaguar Land Rover, and others, are skipping this year’s show.

SAIC Motor Group commands significant presence in Hall 3H, with all its brands—from Roewe and MG to IM Motors and SAIC Audi—on full display. SAIC Volkswagen’s first-ever range-extended concept SUV, the ID.ERA, will make its debut, along with the Audi E concept from SAIC Audi and MG’s rugged Cyber X SUV.

BYD will occupy Hall 8.1H, alongside its sub-brands Denza, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang, all featuring independent booths. Denza’s SUPER9, its first-ever supercar aiming to rival the Porsche 911, will be a highlight. Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan will also appear in this hall.

A notable trend this year is the increased presence of smart driving companies in prime exhibition halls. Beijing-based Momenta, a provider of autonomous driving solutions to OEMs including BYD, Toyota, and Nissan, is among the standouts. The automotive tech and supply chain zone, now spanning 100,000 square meters, has seen strong growth in both exhibitor scale and participation. Major players like Horizon Robotics and Huawei’s Intelligent Automotive Solution BU have set up dedicated booths.

Hall 6.2H is expected to be a crowd magnet, featuring Xiaomi, CATL, LeDao, and Leapmotor. While Xiaomi’s highly anticipated YU7 won't be on display, the SU7 Ultra Track Edition is rumored to make a surprise appearance. Founder Lei Jun’s potential appearance is also drawing significant attention.

LeDao’s L90, a three-row SUV aimed at families, will debut at the show and is seen as a make-or-break model for the brand’s sales recovery.

Hall 4.1H will be Chery’s flagship stage, with its brands Jetour, Exeed, iCAR, and Jiejie taking over half the space. Chery is showcasing 53 models and has invited 3,000 international guests to attend. Nearby, Changan and Mercedes-Benz will also exhibit, with highlights including the new Chery QQ, Avatr 06, and the long-wheelbase all-electric Mercedes CLA.

Other notable new energy vehicle (NEV) players include XPeng and AITO (5.1H), Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Li Auto (6.1H), with flagship launches like the Zeekr 9X SUV and all-electric Li Auto i8. BMW and NIO will share space in 7.1H, while HarmonyOS Smart Mobility will showcase the Zunjie S800 in 5.2H.

As China continues to lead the global transition to intelligent and low-carbon mobility, the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show reaffirms its status as the most influential A-level auto exhibition in the world.