Automotive giants pledge to further leverage Chinese opportunities at CIIE

Multiple automakers from Europe, the US, and South Korea are showcasing their latest innovations at the ongoing 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), pledging to further tap into the vast opportunities of the Chinese market.

Volkswagen Group China is displaying eight vehicle models across mainstream and luxury segments, including five electric vehicles (EV). The company also announced on Wednesday at the CIIE the launch of CARIZON, a joint venture between its software arm CARIAD and Chinese Horizon Robotics, to develop system-level computing solutions in China for advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving systems, said a statement sent to the Global Times.

Volkswagen entered China in 1978. On October 30, 2025, FAW-Volkswagen produced its 30 millionth vehicle in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin Province. CEO Oliver Blume said that the CIIE again demonstrates the group's long-term commitment to the Chinese market. The German company plans to launch about 30 new-energy models by 2027, said the statement.

BMW Group is presenting eight new products across its brands, including fuel-powered, electric and motorcycle models. It has deepened cooperation with Chinese companies such as DeepSeek, Alibaba, Huawei and Momenta in artificial intelligence large-language models and assisted driving, said a statement. Gao Xiang, president and CEO of BMW Group Greater China, said that BMW's long-term commitment to China stems from its confidence in the country's high-level opening-up.

US EV maker Tesla is debuting its Cybercab in Asia — an autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, powered by Tesla Vision and neural network — at the CIIE. A statement by the company said that its growth in China provides strong support for its global expansion.

The Shanghai Gigafactory, Tesla's export hub, has achieved more than 95 percent localization and automation, producing one vehicle every 30 seconds. Shipments from the factory to South Korea, Japan and Singapore reached record highs in the third quarter, with deliveries of Model Y cars produced by the factory beginning in India, said a company statement.

Hyundai Motor Group, participating the CIIE for the eighth time, has brought examples of its progress in electrification, hydrogen and premium imports. Over 23 years in China, Hyundai and its affiliates have built 63 companies across vehicles, parts, steel, construction, finance and logistics, underscoring its confidence in and long-term commitment to the Chinese market, according to a statement.