Auto China 2023 roared back to life in Beijing this week after a four-year pandemic pause, drawing global automakers to showcase cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicles. Mercedes-Benz took center stage, doubling down on its commitment to the Chinese mainland's booming new energy vehicle (NEV) sector – a market growing faster than a Tesla Plaid Mode launch. 🔋
📈 'China's speed in innovation is unmatched,' Mercedes-Benz's Chief Technology Officer told CGTN during the event. 'From battery tech to smart driving systems, this market is writing the playbook for the future of mobility.' Analysts predict China’s NEV sales will hit 9 million this year, making up 40% of global EV demand.
🌏 The event saw over 1,200 exhibitors from 20+ countries, but all eyes were on Chinese brands like BYD and NIO flexing next-gen models. Still, Mercedes proved it's not just along for the ride – their new EQE SUV features voice-command tech that understands regional Chinese dialects. 🎤
With 30% of Mercedes' global R&D now based in China, the automaker plans to launch six new NEV models here by 2025. 'This isn’t just about cars,' one industry watcher noted. 'It’s about who controls the tech stack for everything from charging networks to AI-powered traffic systems.'
As night fell over the Beijing exhibition halls, one thing was clear: The race for EV supremacy is being decided in China – and legacy automakers are shifting gears to keep up. ⚡🏁
