China is set to launch its first major auto show in Shanghai from April 18 to 27 after years of COVID-19 disruptions, as per Auto Shanghai’s official website. The event will use the theme “Embracing the New Era of the Auto Industry.”
In retrospect, the biennial auto show attracted over 1,000 exhibitors when it was last held on April 19-28, 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused such events to be delayed and ultimately canceled.
COVID-19’s impact on auto shows in China
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the Beijing Auto Show, scheduled for November 2022, to be canceled. Furthermore, the initial 10-day run of the Chengdu Auto Show lasted just four days.
At the time, the Guangzhou Auto Show also encountered challenges and was postponed on November 4. Fortunately, China loosened its strict zero-covid policy, allowing the event to occur from December 30 to January 8, 2023.
Finally, the government now prioritizes economic recovery and growth with an action plan released on January 29. It renewed the EV subsidy of 10,000 yuan ($1,500). It noted that the plan now allows the resumption of activities such as the Shanghai auto show.
The country also started to remove strict COVID-19 regulations. That said, the Shanghai auto show can proceed on its schedule without such limitations.
Location and schedule
The National Convention and Exhibition Center in eastern Shanghai will host the 20th edition of Auto Shanghai 2023 on the mentioned dates. Below is the specific schedule for the special event:
Schedule for Auto Shanghai 2023
| Date | Type | Opening Hours |
| Apr 18 (Tue) | Media Day | 09:00-18:00 |
| Apr 19 (Wed) | Media Day | 09:00-18:00 |
| Apr 20 (Thu) | Professional Audience Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 21 (Fri) | Professional Audience Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 22 (Sat) | Professional and Public Visitor Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 23rd (Sun) | Professional and Public Visitor Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 24 (Mon) | Professional and Public Visitor Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 25 (Tue) | Professional and Public Visitor Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 26 (Wed) | Professional and Public Visitor Day | 10:00-19:00 |
| Apr 27 (Thu) | Professional and Public Visitor Day | 10:00-15:00 |
As shown in the table above, the Media Day will be on April 18-19. The Professional Audience Day will be held on April 20-21. Meanwhile, the Professional and Public Visitor Day will be April 22-27.
Exhibits
Chinese media reports that the exhibit will feature a wide range of “passenger cars, commercial vehicles, new energy vehicles, and special vehicles.” Apparently, it includes Wey’s new commercial MPV and the Dongfeng Aeolus Haohan SUV.
Apart from that, the auto show is also expected to display new energy tech and auto components, including EV batteries, electronic controls, motors, etc.
The application details can be found here.
