International brands led by Tesla are intensifying their efforts to compete with Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) manufacturers like BYD, as they showcase advanced intelligence and autonomous-driving technology to attract visitors at the world’s largest import-export trade fair in Shanghai.
Advertisement
The 12 major carmakers, including General Motors and Volvo, are leveraging the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which runs through Monday, to promote their latest models featuring longer ranges, enhanced in-car entertainment systems and improved self-driving capabilities.
“They are showing their commitment to upgrading their products and technologies to compete with local rivals,” said Ding Haifeng, a consultant at Shanghai-based financial advisory firm Integrity. “This is rare, as foreign brands have been the market leaders in the Chinese car market over the past three decades.”
International brands dominated the Chinese car market from the early 1990s until 2025, before being overtaken by local competitors in EV design and manufacturing.
Chinese EV manufacturers, supported by a comprehensive automotive supply chain, are outpacing their foreign counterparts with vehicles boasting high-performance batteries and advanced autonomous driving technology.
Domestic EV builders now account for more than 90 per cent of electric car sales in China.