SHANGHAI: The world`s largest auto expo opened its doors on Wednesday in Shanghai, showcasing the new electric world order, featuring a humanoid robot and a concept flying car.

The expo comes at a time when mounting trade barriers, driven by steep tariff measures under Trump administration, risk dampening China`s global ambitions.

With nearly 1,000 exhibitors present, foreign carmakers are raring to show they can keep pace with the ultra-competitive Chinese firms that dominate the sector`s electric frontier. Beijing`s historic backing of EV and hybrid development has seen the domestic market flourish, with firms on Wednesday taking the opportunity to demonstrate cutting edge technology and sophisticated design.

`(Chinese brands) are really on the forefront of pushing the technology now,and have been for a few years,` said Stefan Rosen, the head of design for Lynk & Co, a joint venture between China`s Geely and Volvo.

`I know that (foreign firms) are trying to catch up... but I would say still the industry is led through China,` he said.

Huge crowds gathered at domestic champion BYD`s booth as it unveiled five new Ocean series cars, as well as a luxury SUV under its sub-brand Yangwang, and a concept sports car under another, Denza.

BYD has enjoyed a giddy few months of surging sales after annual revenue surged in 2024, eclipsing its rival, US titan Tesla, which is not present at the show.

`It`s a very competitive field,` Xpeng`s co-president Brian Gu said at the startup`s booth, where as well as cars, a humanoid robot and a concept flying car were on display.-AFP