"Highlighted Vehicles at the Shanghai Auto Show: Porsche, Known for Its Deadly Appeal; Mercedes Minivan; and China's Luxurious Offering, the Maybach"
The Shanghai Auto Show has transformed into the world's principal car show in recent years, captivating interest across the globe. This massive event, hosted by China, has become a hotbed for revolutionary electric and hybrid vehicle advances.
Photo: REUTERS.
Some of these marvels may find their way into our markets in the coming months or through parallel import. However, the Shanghai Auto Show has generated excitement, as local manufacturers race ahead with innovations, preparing to reach hundreds of manufacturers shortly. European, American, and Japanese companies have not been left out, debuting their own premieres.
Companies are eager to impress clients.
Photo: REUTERS.
The central trend at the Shanghai Auto Show is the advancements in electric vehicle production, including hybrids. Companies are striving to stun clients (and each other) with new developments, competing on who has the most cutting-edge electric motors, longer-lasting batteries, and more efficient charging mechanisms.
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Exceptions do occur. Some impress with concepts of flying machines, such as GAC's car-quadcopter hybrid, the Govy. On the other hand, Great Wall showcased a classic V8 petrol engine with 500 horsepower, soon to be fitted in their Tank 700 and Tank 800 SUVs.
As for the conventional sedans and crossovers in the mid and lower price segments, they target the mass consumer. But the biggest crowds among journalists and visitors were drawn to electric and hybrid models. Over 1000 participating companies ensured there was no shortage of these electric wonders.
Here's a look at some of the premieres that could make it to Russia:
1. CHAN GAN CS75 PLUSThe revamped mid-size crossover CS75 Plus has generated significant buzz. Last year, Changan became the fourth brand in its home country and the fifth in terms of sales in Russia (among Chinese brands, it is also fourth in Russia, but unlike China, Lada is still present here). The CS75 Plus is one of the most popular models. The new crossover differs from the third-generation version in its design and increased dimensions, with a 2800 mm wheelbase and 4770 mm length. The seven-seat version is yet to be available, but prices have not been announced, although the current CS75 Plus starts at 2,770,000 rubles.
2. JAC JS9A full-size, all-wheel-drive, seven-seat crossover, not only planned for Russia but also produced here under its own domestic brand, Sollers. The production at the Ulyanovsk plant is expected to commence by the end of the year, with sales starting in 2026. Experts anticipate success for this model.
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3. EXEED EXLANTIX ESExeed, a popular brand that ranks among the top 10 in the Russian market, is introducing the Exlantix ES sedan, considered a premium vehicle (part of the Chery group). Its main distinctive feature is its electric powertrain, with two motor options (313 hp or 480 hp) and two battery options, offering a range of 680-880 km depending on the version. This electric vehicle will grace our market before the end of summer, with prices yet to be announced.
4. DEEPAL S07Deepal, another emerging Chinese brand, is preparing to launch its S07 crossover in our country. Unveiled at the "All Electric" exhibition in London, the Deepal S07 has garnered attention for its hybrid design, boasting a 1.5-liter gasoline engine as a generator, an electric motor with 238 horsepower, and a range of 215-285 km. Positioned as a competitor to the Geely Monjaro in the full-size crossover segment, the S07 will debut in Russia soon.
Western brands are not currently present in the Russian market, but they might make a comeback, especially with notable new models being unveiled in China:
Audi E5 SPORTBACKAUDI, a completely new brand led by Volkswagen Group, has sparked intrigue. With a 787-horsepower electric sports utility vehicle designed for the Chinese market, there's a possibility it could reach Russia, possibly even before the traditional Audi returns to our country.
Lexus ESLexus, a premium Toyota brand, is shifting its focus toward becoming the flagship of Japanese electric vehicle production. Embracing change, they may even build their own factory in China, just like Tesla has done. The luxury ES sedan, previously a luxury version of the Toyota Camry, has now changed its concept, evolving into an electric vehicle and hybrid. Details on the technical specifications and prices are still scarce.
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In summary, the Shanghai Auto Show has emphasized electric and hybrid vehicle advancements, with several brands presenting innovations that could reshape emerging markets like Russia. Brands like Omoda&Jaecoo, Toyota, Leapmotor, Huawei-backed Avatr, and XPeng are targeting global expansion, potentially offering competitive pricing against Russian automakers. Brands demonstrating extended range and accessibility such as the Omoda 7 SHS hybrid and Leapmotor's B01 EV could bypass underdeveloped charging infrastructures in Russia, making hybrid technology a compelling solution for the country. Chinese EV manufacturers planning geopolitical partnerships may establish localized production and challenge traditional gasoline dominance in the Russian market.
- The Shanghai Auto Show has become a significant platform for showcasing revolutionary electric and hybrid vehicle advances, generating excitement worldwide.
- Companies are striving to unveil the most cutting-edge electric motors, longer-lasting batteries, and more efficient charging mechanisms at the Shanghai Auto Show.
- Some exceptional concepts, such as the flying machine GAC's Govy, have been unveiled alongside traditional models like Great Wall's Tank 700 and Tank 800 SUVs with powerful petrol engines.
- The majority of attention at the Shanghai Auto Show has been drawn to electric and hybrid models, with over a thousand participating companies ensuring a surplus of these electric wonders.
- The revamped Changan CS75 Plus and the upcoming JAC JS9 are some premieres that could make it to Russia, with the latter expected to be produced domestically.
- Western brands are considering a comeback to the Russian market, including Audi with an electric sports utility vehicle specifically designed for the Chinese market and Lexus, which is aiming to become the flagship of Japanese electric vehicle production.
