Published 09 May 2025

Author
Craig Thomas
8 min read
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While Auto Shanghai (April 23 to May 2) took place against the backdrop of global industry instability, it showcased an untiring zest for innovation. Thriving domestic manufacturers, along with major western brands, exhibited new models and concepts aimed at the Chinese market, spanning from go-anywhere sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and high-performance pickups to software-defined vehicles, hypercars, minivans and shapeshifting designs.

SUVs Gain Ground in China

Pickups for Where Elon Left Off

Software-Defined Vehicles

Chinese Performance Cars Threaten European Dominance

Fully Loaded Minivans

The trend for SUVs started in the US with the Jeep Wagoneer in the early 1960s. In the 21st century, SUVs have reached ubiquity in the European market. Now, their popularity is taking hold in China, where consumers prefer the traditional, imposing and box-like design of classic SUVs, such as the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The trend for SUVs started in the US with the Jeep Wagoneer in the early 1960s. In the 21st century, SUVs have reached ubiquity in the European market. Now, their popularity is taking hold in China, where consumers prefer the traditional, imposing and box-like design of classic SUVs, such as the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Summary

SUVs Gain Ground in China

The trend for SUVs started in the US with the Jeep Wagoneer in the early 1960s. In the 21st century, SUVs have reached ubiquity in the European market. Now, their popularity is taking hold in China, where consumers prefer the traditional, imposing and box-like design of classic SUVs, such as the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Pickups for Where Elon Left Off

The pickup truck – another mainstay of the American auto industry – is also gaining ground in China, with new models homing in on high performance with advanced features and shapeshifting designs.

Software-Defined Vehicles

The next generation of software-defined vehicles boast constant connectivity and over-the-air updates for all software. Appearing alongside local power players like Huawei, European manufacturers showed off innovative intelligence systems specifically aimed at the Chinese market.

Chinese Performance Cars Threaten European Dominance

Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are eager to demonstrate their superiority in every possible area. China’s Xiaomi beating Germany’s Porsche in its own backyard by setting a new record with its SU7 Ultra is a case in point. Meanwhile, multiple super- and hypercars made their Shanghai debut.

Fully Loaded Minivans

Minivans are a major segment in the Chinese automotive market, with Xpeng’s facelifted X9 making a big play for sales thanks to a unique combination of air suspension and rear-wheel steering.

Auto Shanghai 2025

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Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.

We already arm more than 500 of the world’s most forward-thinking brands and agencies with the creative insights they need to make transformative business decisions.

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Auto Shanghai 2025

Auto Shanghai 2025

Auto Shanghai 2025

Auto Shanghai 2025

Auto Shanghai 2025

While Auto Shanghai (April 23 to May 2) took place against the backdrop of global industry instability, it showcased an untiring zest for innovation. Thriving domestic manufacturers, along with major western brands, exhibited new models and concepts aimed at the...

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