Auto Shanghai

Auto Shanghai is one of the most important trade fairs in the international automotive industry, held every two years in April of odd-numbered years. Since its inception in 1985, it has grown into the leading trade show for the Asian automotive market and is one of China’s oldest international automobile exhibitions. The event takes place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai – one of the largest exhibition venues in the world. With its modern infrastructure and excellent transport connections, it offers ideal conditions for an event of this scale.

The fair is organized by an experienced consortium: the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers – two key institutions with significant influence on China’s industrial policy and market development. They are supported by Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co., Ltd., Auto Shanghai Management Co., Ltd., and Messe München GmbH, which contributes international expertise and organizational know-how.

China is now a global leader in electric vehicles and battery technology, excelling in both production and innovation. Companies such as BYD, CATL, NIO, Geely, XPeng, and SAIC are setting international benchmarks in battery efficiency, charging infrastructure, vehicle software, and autonomous driving. Auto Shanghai provides these companies with a platform to showcase their advancements and confidently position themselves alongside global competitors like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Hyundai.

The trade fair also plays a key role in driving technological exchange. International manufacturers and suppliers use the opportunity to forge partnerships with Chinese firms or prepare for market entry in China. In doing so, Auto Shanghai actively supports China’s industrial strategy, which emphasizes innovation, electrification, and digitalization in the mobility sector.

As a trade-only event with selected public days, Auto Shanghai offers a professional environment for manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, tech companies, and media representatives from around the world. The focus is on forward-looking topics such as electric mobility, autonomous driving, connected vehicles, and sustainable propulsion technologies. Exhibits range from passenger and commercial vehicles to battery-electric and hydrogen-powered systems, as well as complex solutions in telematics, sensors, radar, camera and mapping technologies, and AI-based vehicle control.

A particular emphasis is placed on the presentation of new vehicle concepts and innovative designs. This is complemented by advancements in vehicle connectivity, including semiconductor technologies, wireless communication, simulation software, and shared mobility services. The fair also sets standards in the energy infrastructure sector, highlighting the latest developments in batteries, electric motors, charging systems, and hydrogen supply chain technologies.

Moreover, the event covers the entire automotive value chain – from body and chassis components to electronic systems, vehicle safety, diagnostics and testing technologies, maintenance and repair solutions, coatings, lubricants, and manufacturing technologies. Industry-specific financial services, media offerings, and digital mobility solutions are also featured.

Auto Shanghai is not only a central meeting point for decision-makers, developers, engineers, and investors but also an international showcase for the major trends shaping the future of the automotive industry. It is considered an essential driver of innovation and mobility transformation. For anyone seeking a glimpse into the future of driving, Auto Shanghai provides valuable insights.

On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 8 days of the fair, from 21. April to 28. April 2021, about 1000 exhibitors and 810000 visitors on the Auto in Shanghai.

The 21st edition of the Auto takes place on 10 days from Wed., 23.04.2025 to Fri., 02.05.2025 in Shanghai.