Visitors check out a BYD platform at the 2023 Shanghai auto show. [Photo by Li Fusheng for China Daily]

The 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2023, the first A-class international auto show in China since the COVID-19 pandemic, opened on April 18, attracting more than 1,000 exhibitors from home and abroad.

The exhibition, which will run until April 27 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), displays over 1,500 vehicles, including more than 150 debut models. During the two media days on April 18-19, a record-breaking 151 press conferences were held by different carmakers.

The exhibition reflects some of the new trends of the automotive industry, such as electrification, high-end positioning and intelligent driving.

According to the organizer, about two-thirds of the debut models at Auto Shanghai 2023 are new energy vehicles. Both new and traditional carmakers have brought their latest electric products and technologies to the show.

NIO, Li Auto and other carmakers that started with new energy vehicles showcased their full range of models equipped with the latest generation of intelligent systems. Mercedes-Benz unveiled its EQS, EQG and EQE models, announcing its full entry into the electric era.

At the show domestic brands have taken advantage of the new energy field to launch an upward attack and a drive towards the high-end track. BYD, Denza and other carmakers have deliberately set up their booths next to Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, BMW and other luxury brands.

BYD launched its high-end new energy vehicle brand Yangwang Auto, with its pure electric supercar Yangwang U9 and SUV Yangwang U8 each priced at more than 1 million yuan ($145,102).

"Advanced intelligent driving" and "parking integration" are the most released technologies at this year's show. In addition to car brands, Baidu, Huawei, SenseTime and other tech companies are also participating in the show.

Baidu's intelligent vehicle business unit brought its newly upgraded cockpit map product matrix. Huawei also crossed over to release its latest intelligent vehicle solution at the show, showcasing products such as the advanced intelligent driving system ADS 2.0.