Auto China Shanghai 2025: Which models are coming to Europe?
Auto China 2025 in Shanghai is comparatively unspectacular. However, it is interesting to see which models Chinese manufacturers want to bring to the EU.
The Firefly electric car from the Nio Group will soon be competing with the Citroën ë-C3, Renault 5 Electric and the upcoming compact electric cars from VW.
(Image: Wolfgang Gomoll)
- Wolfgang Gomoll
Compared to the previous trade fair in 2023, Auto China 2025 in Shanghai was a quieter event; the hustle and bustle in the huge exhibition halls of the metropolis of millions was business-like and professional. Nevertheless, the manufacturers from China are continuing to prepare for long-term sales of their models in Europe. In any case, they are not discouraged by the rather moderate successes to date. This is also evident from the fact that they have not tried to buy market share in the short term by lowering prices, although this would have been possible. They are clearly interested in sustainable growth. They are aware that this can mean several years of work, investment and staying power. This makes the question of which models they want to focus on in the future an interesting one.
BYD focuses on customer proximity
BYD top manager Stella Li, for example, is focusing on building up a dense dealer network, service stations and customer proximity. It is therefore likely that BYD, China's number one in electric and hybrid cars, will also be successful in Germany one day. Now they have to decide which models they want to send to Europe from their extensive product range. It is uncertain whether the Yangwang U8 Premium Edition will make it. The chances are better for the Dynasty series and also the Seal 06 DM-i Wagon. If the Denza Z sports car coupé study goes into series production, it could even be a competitor for the Porsche 911.
Geely sends electric Volvo van
Another manufacturer with a broad brand portfolio and large shares in European car manufacturers such as Mercedes and Aston Martin is Geely. Geely produces the Volvo EM90 and Zeekr 9X family vans with powerful drive systems and elegant interiors. The battery-electric Volvo van could become a serious competitor, especially for the electric luxury version of the Mercedes V-Class.
Videos by heise
Zeekr is aiming even higher and is confidently positioning its 9X luxury crossover model against models such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Mercedes-Maybach GLS. According to Zeekr, it will accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just three seconds thanks to a powerful electric all-wheel drive system. The brand has not yet described the drive concept in more detail. We will know more when the 9X comes onto the market in the third quarter of this year at the latest.
A sodium-ion battery known as "Xiaoyao" from Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is expected to provide an electric range of over 380 km. At the same time, as a plug-in hybrid with a 205 kW range extender, it is also intended to be suitable for long journeys, although the battery itself promises extremely short charging times thanks to a charging speed of 4C with a charging capacity of allegedly 1.3 megawatts.
Von der Auto China 2025 nach Europa (11 Bilder)
Wolfgang Gomoll
)Cooperation with Mazda
Another large van with an electric drive comes from Xpeng. The X9 could also compete with the electric V-Class from Mercedes-Benz and the Volvo EM90 in Europe. Another interesting newcomer with export potential is the Mazda EZ-60, which was developed in collaboration with Chinese manufacturer Changan. The 4.85 meter long crossover is offered both as a BEV and as a plug-in hybrid. The interior is dominated by a 26.45-inch 5K display. Instead of wing mirrors, cameras allow a view to the rear.
It is not yet clear whether the hybrid model Hongqi HS9 PHEV SUV will come to Germany. After all, the state-owned Chinese manufacturer is struggling in Europe. The same applies to the Chery brand Jaecoo with the J5, a five-seater that is also available as an electric car.
Firefly brings another compact electric car
The chances are better for the Leapmotor B01. As the name suggests, the saloon with electric drive is based on the same technology as the B10 crossover and, as the Chinese car manufacturer is part of the Stellantis Group, it is probably only a matter of time before it reaches Europe. What is certain is that Nio will bring its new Firefly brand to Europe in the summer. The first model to arrive will be a battery-electric compact with a battery capacity of 41.2 kWh, good for a range of 330 km. The Firefly will cost 29,900 euros. A suitable competitor in a promising segment for the Citroën ë-C3, Renault 5 Electric and the VW ID.2all, which was presented as a study.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier eine externe Umfrage (Opinary GmbH) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (Opinary GmbH) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(mma)