BEIJING , April 26 – Major automakers from across the globe are displaying their latest electric vehicle models and applications of artificial intelligence at the Beijing motor show that opened Friday, with green cars drawing attention amid higher gasoline prices triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Around 1,450 models will be showcased at the event, which runs through May 3, of which around 180 will be making their global debut. Spanning 380,000 square meters, the exhibition area is one of the world’s largest auto shows, according to the organizer.
In 2025, new energy vehicles including EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for around 50 percent of new car sales in China, the world’s largest auto market.
AI applications demonstrated at the venue included a guidance system based on the latest model from Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Qwen, which uses an avatar to suggest the best routes and answer drivers’ questions.
Nissan Motor Co., among Japanese automakers that have struggled in the Chinese market amid fierce competition with local carmakers, revealed two new sport utility vehicle concept models: the Urban plug-in hybrid SUV, designed for young customers, and the Terrano PHEV Concept off-road vehicle.
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa said the company plans to introduce three additional new energy vehicle models in China within a year.
He called the Chinese market “a global innovation and export hub” for Nissan and said the automaker will begin exporting highly competitive models developed and produced in China to regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Similarly, Mazda Motor Corp. said it will boost exports of EVs manufactured in eastern China’s Nanjing to Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
As domestic auto sales have continued to decline due to reduced incentives, including government subsidies, the industry has seen vehicle exports from China increase.
In an unusual move, Honda Motor Co. did not hold a press conference at the auto show, as the company has been struggling with declining sales and reevaluating its strategy in China. To enhance its brand image, the automaker displayed its lineup of Formula One machines, among other items.
Toyota Motor Corp. displayed its new EV model, the bZ7, and unveiled a picture of an EV factory in Shanghai, which will begin producing vehicles for the Lexus brand in 2027 or later.
Major Chinese EV maker BYD Co. created booths with temperatures kept at minus 30 C to demonstrate that battery charging requires only three more minutes in extremely cold conditions than at a normal temperature.
Chinese technology giant Xiaomi Corp. introduced its concept sports car Vision Gran Turismo.
Beijing and Shanghai take turns hosting an annual motor show officially called Auto China in the spring.
