Beijing Auto Show stages a grand 2024 comeback

The 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition – known as Auto China 2024 or the Beijing Auto Show – officially opened on Thursday and is set to run until May 4 following a four-year hiatus. 

With the theme "New Era, New Cars," the auto show gathers local and international brands from the likes of BMW, General Motors to industry newcomer Xiaomi to showcase their latest auto innovations and designs.

This year's auto show features 117 auto models making their global debut, 30 of which are from international brands.

"We have a clear ambition to remain the leading international car manufacturer in China and we are accelerating our speed of innovation with our Chinese partners," said CEO of Volkswagen Group Oliver Blume in a press release.

"At Auto China 2024, we provide thrilling proof of our innovative strength." 

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume speaking at a media event in Beijing, China, April 24, 2024. /CFP

Separately, a total of 41 concept vehicles and 278 new energy vehicles (NEV) are on display, according to the organizer.

In 2023, China surpassed Japan to become the world's largest exporter of automobiles.In particular, the export of NEVs grew by 77.6 percent from the previous year, over 20 percentage points higher than the growth rate of total Chinese car exports in 2023.

Apart from passenger cars, the scope of the exhibition will include intelligent connectivity and new energy technologies and products, with nearly 500 well-known domestic and overseas auto component companies and technology companies from 13 countries and regions participating in the auto components and parts section.

A Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) battery model on display during the Beijing Auto Show in Beijing, China, April 25, 2024. /CFP

On the first day of the exhibition, South Korean automaker Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) aimed at catering to China's NEV market and enhancing the automaker's electrification competitiveness in China, it said in a statement.

The Beijing Auto Show has been held once every two years for 16 consecutive editions since its establishment in 1990, providing a crucial platform for international collaboration and tracking the sustainable and high-quality development of China's automotive industry.