By Han Lu

 

SHANGHAI, Nov 7 (China Economic Net)- At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which started on November 5 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, international and domestic companies showcased a shared commitment to green, smart advancements in the automotive industry. Spanning five days, this year's event has set new participation records, attracting exhibitors from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations and filling over 420,000 square meters with a broad array of innovations.

 

Several foreign firms focused on integrating new energy solutions with smart transportation, presenting a dynamic vision for the future of China's automotive industry.

  

At the Webasto booth, the German firm displayed innovations in electrification, intelligent integration, low-carbon solutions, and enhanced passenger comfort. Among its highlighted technologies were soft-top foldable sunroofs and advanced smart glass roof systems. In a demonstration of its "future cockpit," Webasto presented intelligent glass roofs with embedded autonomous driving sensors. "We have exhibited at  CIIE for seven consecutive years, gaining deep insights through this platform," said Lihua Zhang, chairman of Webasto China. "As the industry rapidly shifts towards electric and smart vehicles, the demand for technological innovation grows. Webasto is redefining the traditional sunroof by integrating smart functions, aiming to elevate the consumer experience."

 

Aptiv, a company registered in Dublin, Ireland, debuted at the expo with locally developed hardware and software solutions tailored to the Chinese market's demand for intelligent and electric mobility. Dr. Xiao Ming Yang, president of Aptiv China and Asia Pacific, noted, "China leads globally in electric vehicle development, with many industry firsts happening here." He added, "In 2015, we recognized the market shift toward greener, safer, and smarter vehicles. Our focus on connected, green, and safe solutions aligns well with the direction of the Chinese automotive market."

 

Singapore-based Nippon Paint also made its CIIE debut, introducing a catalytic coating that purifies air under light exposure, along with a pioneering "smart road marking" paint for cooperative vehicle-infrastructure systems. The paint, enhancing road visibility, is highly detectable by sensors such as LiDAR, ensuring greater safety for autonomous driving. "China is the most strategically important market for Nippon Paint Group, representing over 34% of our market share," said Nippon Paint China CEO, Zhong Lin Zhong. "We are committed to increasing investment here, as we believe that investing in China is an investment in the future."