Auto giants debut latest tech at CIIE

Global automakers are showcasing products and technology and expanding domestic partnerships at the China International Import Expo, which is running from Wednesday to Monday, signaling their commitment to the world's largest auto market.

A key highlight at the booth of Volkswagen Group is the "3-in-1 Digital Box", an interactive exhibit showcasing its locally developed technologies that will underpin the group's next-generation intelligent connected vehicles from 2026.

Models on display include the ID.AURA sedan, the ID. ERA full-size extended-range SUV, and the ID.EVO all-electric SUV.

Audi, a premium brand of Volkswagen Group, is showcasing two all-electric models — the A6L e-tron and E5 Sportback — alongside a 1970s Audi 100 Coupe S.

Another subsidiary of the group, Porsche, brings two icons of performance and heritage: the new 911 Turbo S, making its Asian debut, and a 1969 911 S Targa.

Volkswagen also announced one of its most significant China-led moves yet: the development of its first self-designed automotive system-on-chip in collaboration with Chinese company Horizon Robotics.

The SoC is expected to be delivered within the next three to five years, with a single-chip computing power of around 500 to 700 tera operations per second, said the company.

"As a global tech driver, Volkswagen Group consistently strengthens its capabilities in key future technologies," said Chairman Oliver Blume. Designing the chip in China is "the next logical step in our strategy for outstanding long-term innovation capabilities," he said.

German premium carmaker BMW Group has brought a number of models to the annual event, including the all-new M2 CS Coupe, the X7 M60i, the i4 M60, the i7, the new all-electric MINI JCW Monte-Carlo Nights 60th Anniversary Edition, as well as two BMW Motorrad models.

Sean Green, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said the CIIE not only showcases China's achievements in high-level opening-up, but also provides a vital platform for global companies to deepen collaboration with China in innovation, industrial integration and shared opportunities.

"Openness brings opportunities and cooperation delivers mutual success. BMW has built deep roots in China over the long term and our confidence in this market stems from its high-level opening-up environment.

"We will introduce more innovative products and technologies, work closely with our Chinese partners to drive continuous innovation, meet the diverse mobility needs of Chinese consumers, and jointly promote the intelligent, sustainable and high-quality development of China's auto industry," said Green.

British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is highlighting a blend of heritage and innovation at its booth, featuring milestone models that embody the essence of British craftsmanship and the future of mobility.

Among them is the New Defender OCTA, equipped with the world's first 6D Dynamics Suspension.

Other highlights include the 1974 State I Royal Review Car, which inaugurated the Range Rover's half-century tradition as the British royal ceremonial vehicle, and the 1994 bespoke Range Rover built for the late Queen Elizabeth.

Pan Qing, member of JLR's board of management, has called the CIIE an open platform that fosters shared growth between China and the world, and an accelerator of value creation for international enterprises in China.

"Over the past eight years, we have not only witnessed the opportunities brought by openness and collaboration, contributing over 20 percent to UK-China trade volume, but also strengthened our 'In China, More China' localization strategy," said Pan, also president and CEO of JLR in China.

He said JLR will continue to serve as a bridge for economic and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and China, while confirming that the carmaker will participate in the event in 2026.

South Korean company Hyundai Motor Group is highlighting its XCIENT hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck, which has been named one of TIME's "Best Inventions of 2025".

The vehicle, equipped with the Level 4 SuperDrive system, made its China debut and is positioned as a zero-emissions solution for long-haul logistics.

Japanese carmaker Honda has brought a range of products including motorbikes and car-related products and technologies.

It has emphasized its long-running investment in safety technologies, displaying its POLAR III pedestrian collision dummy — the latest iteration of the world's first pedestrian dummy developed in 1998.

Nissan, another Japanese carmaker, is showcasing an array of new energy vehicle models, primarily those by its joint ventures, including the N7 electric sedan, the N6 plug-in hybrid and the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid, which will feature Huawei's smart cabin Harmony Space 5.

Analysts said that despite fierce competition and rapid technological change, global automakers are deepening their localization efforts and strengthening their presence in China — a market that remains central to their global innovation pipelines and long-term growth plans.