In just one week, one of the world’s largest automotive events kicks off in China: @AutoShanghai2025. For those who track the rapid shifts in global mobility, this show offers an extraordinary preview of where our industry is heading.

Today, Asia—and China in particular—has become a focal point for innovation, scale, and disruption in the automotive sector. As the largest car producer and exporter, and a leader in electric and connected vehicles, China has built an ecosystem that is shaping mobility on a global scale.

 

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Source : chiffres de marché publics compilés par FORVIA – 2025

In 2000, China produced about 0.7 million cars. Today, that number exceeds 27 million. And in 2024 alone, nearly 5 million cars were exported globally(1). 

Rethinking innovation dynamics 

But beyond production volumes, it is also clear that China has joined others as a leading force of innovation in our industry. Investing heavily in electrification, digital technologies, and smart mobility infrastructure.

China is accelerating the EV transition 

China has mastered the entire electric vehicle value chain, from battery production to powertrain electrification and infrastructure development. More than just producing EVs, China has built a fully integrated ecosystem where automakers, suppliers, and infrastructure providers work in coordination to scale up production, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of EV technology.

Chinese automakers (C-OEMs) were quick to identify electrification as a strategic opportunity, but they also keep investing in R&D to maintain their momentum. Consider BYD’s recent news about 1000kW ultra-fast charging capability(2). Such a figure is impressive in terms of power electronics and battery management and could literally convince reluctant consumers to switch to EVs. It is a technical achievement to be able to offer that in future vehicles, and it also pushes us, electronic suppliers like FORVIA, to keep up with the pace of innovation.

C-OEMs are redefining the competitive framework

The evolution is not just technological—it’s also organizational. C-OEMs operate with very short development cycles and very fast go-to-market strategies. Vehicle development programs are executed at high speed, and new models are launched regularly.

This market also brings new “unexpected” competitors to our industry. We’ve seen tech companies like Xiaomi and Huawei enter the mobility space, bringing with them a deep expertise in electronics, user interfaces, and connectivity—core enablers of next-generation driving experiences. 

While some consolidation is underway, their influence has already reshaped expectations for human-machine interaction and advanced driver assistance systems. This rise of electronics pulls the entire market towards advanced mobility usages, especially in ADAS and autonomous driving. 

Technology and “Lifestyle” at the core of consumer expectations

Such market dynamism is also explained by the high level of domestic demand. A whole new generation of people is eager to get their first vehicles. They are generally younger than in other markets and very tech-savvy.

Chinese buyers expect their vehicles to be smart, connected spaces that fully integrate into their lifestyles. Advanced AI, seamless connectivity, and autonomous driving features are no longer luxuries—they are requirements. Whether it’s modular seating for outdoor adventures, built-in gaming systems, or even an on-the-go karaoke setup, digital functionalities and entertainment matter as much as performance.

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Crédit : Ji YUE

Chinese consumers buy younger. In 2022, 67% of car buyers in China were under 45(3), compared to an average age of 53 in Europe(4) and 51 in the U.S(5). 

And Chinese consumers switch brands faster. 76% of them plan to change brands for their next vehicle and 52% say the origin of the car matters less than its ability to meet their needs(1). 

This consumer mindset isn’t just shaping local trends. For automakers and global suppliers like FORVIA, these shifts offer rich insights that help us anticipate broader trends—especially those accelerating in urban, tech-native markets.

 

FORVIA at Auto Shanghai: Innovations around every corner

Auto Shanghai isn’t just another auto show —it’s a window into the future of the automobile.

This year, FORVIA will unveil multiple innovations in smart cabins, advanced electronics, and connected mobility—all designed to meet the rising expectations of next-gen consumers. 

Among these innovations, our new masterpiece, Saphir, encapsulates our best technologies all together. From electronics and software to seats and interior design as well as lighting signatures, Saphir anticipates a fundamental shift: the growing demand for high tech vehicles supporting a lifestyle-first approach, like the one required by Chinese consumers. Entertainment and modularity are no longer secondary considerations—they are defining factors. Saphir’s interior is designed to transform based on users’ needs, whether for relaxation, work, or social experiences. 

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FORVIA - Concept Saphir
 

Digital integration is taken to the next level with solutions that turn the car into an extension of the digital world. Several display innovations offer an entirely new approach to in-car interactions, such as gaze control, which allows drivers to navigate information effortlessly while staying focused on the road.

The interior design is also amazing, combining comfort and modularity with parts made from new sustainable materials. 

Get ready for Auto Shanghai 2025! FORVIA isn’t just presenting a concept— we will be demonstrating how car mobility is evolving to match the expectations of one of the most dynamic and demanding markets in the world. 

Don’t miss out ! Come and see it yourself! 

 

A market to watch, an opportunity to learn

Auto Shanghai is a reflection of where the industry is heading in terms of speed, consumer demand, and technology integration. What’s happening there offers valuable insights into emerging consumer expectations, new technologies, and the future of mobility. We are proud to take part and to engage with partners, customers, and innovators shaping the next chapter of our industry.

🔜 See you at Auto Shanghai!

Martin Fischer

Sources:
1.    2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study – Deloitte
2.    BYD Unveils Super e-Platform with Megawatt Flash Charging for Electric Vehicles, Matching Refueling Speeds – BYD - 2025
3.    Inside Chinese car market: the rise of homegrown players and the impact of Covid-19 – Daxue Consulting - 2023
4.    Cars: a source of exclusion? – Observatoire Cetelem de l’Automobile - 2023
5.    In 2022, Low Inventory and High Prices Contributed to Growing Frustration with Car Buying Process – Cox Automotive - 2023