Chinese automakers accelerate overseas push at Auto Shanghai 2025
The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as "Auto Shanghai 2025") kicked off on April 23 under the theme "Embracing Innovation, Sharing the Future," bringing together global automakers and industry innovators to showcase the latest trends in electrification, intelligence, and globalization. Chinese automakers took center stage, unveiling new models and announcing ambitious 2025 overseas expansion plans.
Li Bin, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NIO, announced that NIO's new smart electric compact car, the Firefly, will enter 16 countries across five continents this year. The Firefly, launched on April 19, made its international debut at the show alongside other NIO models, with deliveries set to begin on April 29.
Polestones revealed plans to deepen its global footprint in 2025, expanding beyond its current presence in nearly 30 markets across the Middle East and Central Asia to target the Americas and Africa. Polestones also outlined an aggressive product roadmap, with one new model slated for release each year from 2025 to 2027.
BYD CMO Li Yunfei shared the company's 2025 sales target of 5.5 million vehicles, including 800,000 overseas. BYD will add two new overseas models this year, including the Denza brand recently launched in Europe (with Q4 availability). The company plans to introduce its "Democratized Smart Driving" technology in foreign markets by 2026-2027.
It is reported that Leapmotor aims to begin local European production by 2026. Currently operating through more than 50 dealerships in Germany, France, Italy and other markets, Leapmotor plans to add over 100 new overseas sales outlets this year.
Chen Zhuo, president of Chinese electric vehicle brand Avatr Technology, announced that the Avatr 06 will upgrade to Huawei's ADS 4 intelligent driving system in Q3, with the 11, 12, and 07 models following suit. The company, which has paused pre-IPO fundraising, targets entry into 50+ countries with 161+ channels and 15,000 overseas sales in 2025.
SAIC officially unveiled its "Glocal Strategy" (Global + Local), pledging 17 new overseas models across SUV, sedan, MPV and pickup segments within three years. A company representative noted: "Our new HEV hybrid system will cover global mainstream segments, with disruptive technologies like solid-state batteries entering practical application."