China's EV stars show off latest wheels in Shanghai as price war rages

Congested home market forces manufacturers to speed up overseas expansion

20250423 BYD booth

BYD vehicles are displayed at its booth during the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on April 23. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)

WATARU SUZUKI

SHANGHAI -- China has overtaken Japan, Germany and the U.S. as the world's top car exporter. But as the country's biggest auto show kicks off on Wednesday, a brutal domestic price war is forcing Chinese manufacturers to further accelerate into new markets despite rising trade barriers.

The Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, known as Auto Shanghai, features nearly 1,000 domestic and foreign marques as well as other industry players. The first two days, which are open to the media, will be packed with more than 190 news conferences, according to the event's organizer.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.