The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, showcasing around 450 new products, technologies and services across advanced sectors – compared to 442 last year – including high-end equipment, advanced materials and marine engineering products, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Tentative deals worth USD80 billion were signed during the six-day exhibition, a year-on-year increase of 2% according to the CIIE Bureau. This year’s CIIE, covering more than 420,000 square meters, attracted the participation of around 3,500 exhibitors, including a record 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. Of all participants, 186 companies and organizations have attended all seven editions of the exhibition.
Among the standout exhibits are airless wheels designed for lunar rovers, engineered to withstand the moon's harsh conditions; smart electric shoes capable of achieving impressive walking speeds, and innovative road marking paint that enhances visibility at night.
Michelin showcased a prototype of its innovative airless wheels designed for lunar rovers, attracting considerable interest from visitors. These wheels, still in the design and development stage, are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from 100ºC to -240ºC while providing sufficient grip and stability on the moon's rugged surface, according to the company.
Shift Robotics, a start-up from the U.S., showcased its intelligent powered shoes that allow wearers to walk at running speeds, attracting many people to try them out. People wearing the shoes can reach a maximum speed of 11 kilometers per hour. The shoes can be used for an hour on a single charge. The built-in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm learns the user's past gait and compares it with the current pattern to provide appropriate acceleration power, Zhang Xunjie, Founder and CEO of the company, told the Global Times. Zhang said that this is the company's first time participating in the CIIE, and the response has exceeded his expectations.
This year, a new materials area has been established for the first time, creating an international exchange platform to promote innovation and development in the field of new materials. The Nippon Paint Smart Road Marking Paint can provide improved visibility at night, increasing the visibility distance by 130 to 160 meters. At a speed of 60 kilometers per hour, it provides drivers with an additional 8 to10 seconds of reaction time. It is also easily recognized by self-driving vehicles compared to traditional road marking paints.
When addressing a symposium attended by representatives of exhibitors and buyers at the CIIE, Premier Li Qiang reiterated that China is committed to expanding opening-up and improving the business environment, saying that the country will further widen market access and advance orderly openness in the sectors of telecommunications, education, culture and healthcare. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China will open its door wider and wider, Li added.
Foreign carmakers flocked to the CIIE, the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, putting their latest models on display, mainly in the new-energy vehicle (NEV) sector, where they are also seeking deeper partnerships with Chinese companies. Honda China has participated in the CIIE for seven consecutive years. “We are expanding our presence in the Chinese market by building two NEV plants this year,” an employee of Honda China told the Global Times. In October, the Dongfeng Honda NEV plant in Wuhan, Hubei province, officially began operations, while the GAC Honda NEV plant in Guangzhou is expected to commence production by the end of this year. The Ye brand, which is the company's next-generation NEV series for China, designed by a young Chinese research and development (R&D) team, will be produced at these new plants. “China is a global leader in electrification and intelligent technologies,” the employee said, noting that Honda is accelerating its related business development and actively strengthening cooperation with Chinese companies.
Honda is just one example of the active participation of many foreign carmakers in the Expo. As a consistent participant for seven consecutive years, Volvo Cars, located in Shanghai's Jiading industrial zone, is showcasing several flagship models at the CIIE, highlighting the company's latest developments in electrification and sustainability. Among them are the Nordic ultra-luxury all-electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Volvo EM90 and the intelligent Nordic all-electric sport utility vehicle, along with other electric models. A Volvo representative said that the automotive section of the CIIE is not only a platform for car brands to unveil their latest products, but also an important stage for global automotive groups to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative concepts. “The CIIE serves as a vital venue for fostering collaboration and advancing innovation within the global automotive industry,” the representative said.
Volkswagen Group China underscored its commitment to the Chinese market at this year's CIIE with six pure electric models from the Volkswagen brand, Audi and Porsche, which are tailored for the Chinese market, and the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo (930). “The Volkswagen Group is fully committed to China, the powerhouse of the global automotive industry. We have a clear ambition to maintain our position as the leading international car manufacturer in China, and thus, we will continue to invest and innovate to meet the evolving needs of Chinese customers,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen. Volkswagen Group is expanding its site in Hefei, Anhui province, into a state-of-the-art production, development and innovation hub, while also focusing on partnerships with Chinese high-tech companies, according to the company.
In addition to foreign carmakers, a Chinese industry player is showcasing its latest product in a partnership with a foreign partner at the Expo. Pony.ai, a Chinese autonomous driving technology company, has teamed up with its strategic partner Toyota to jointly develop and produce the all-electric Platinum 4X Robotaxi concept car, which has become a highlight in the automotive hall. Pony.ai is Toyota's exclusive L4 autonomous driving partner in China, while Toyota is the largest strategic investor in Pony.ai, another good example of a close partnership between a Chinese and a foreign firm in the car industry.
This overview is based on reports by the China Daily and the Global Times.
