The 14th China Auto Forum takes place in Jiading district form July 11 to 13. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

The 14th China Auto Forum, a pivotal event in the automotive industry, recently concluded on July 13, revealing a groundbreaking milestone in China's electric vehicle market. According to reports from the forum held in Jiading district, China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales soared to an impressive 4.94 million units in the first half of 2024.

The forum, which encompassed close-door summits, themed conferences, and product launch meetings, served as a platform for authorities and experts to delve into the challenges that have risen up in the auto industry. Together, they explored innovative solutions and future trends that could shape the industry's trajectory in the coming years.

Notably, the NEV sales witnessed a remarkable year-on-year increase of 32 percent, with projections indicating an expected yearly sales figure of 11.5 million units. Concurrently, China has solidified its position as a global leader in electric vehicle infrastructure, boasting the most extensive network of charging piles in the world.

By June this year, a staggering total of 10.24 million charging piles had been installed domestically, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of 54 percent. Additionally, the number of battery swap stations has reached 3,772 units, catering to the diverse needs of different types of NEVs.

Jiading district, the host location of the forum, is strategically positioned to evolve into a world-class automobile industrial center. With over 4,300 enterprises spanning the automobile industrial chain, more than 600 businesses specializing in smart NEVs, over 200 public research and development platforms, and approximately 80,000 skilled professionals, Jiading district is primed for automotive innovation.

Lu Fangzhou, secretary of the CPC Jiading District Committee, emphasized the district's commitment to fostering technological advancements and industry growth. Xin Guobin, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, pledged more support for technological innovation within enterprises, particularly in the realm of new generation power batteries and automotive chip operating systems.

Fu Bingfeng, executive vice president of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, commended the industry's drive for innovation, highlighting the swift adoption of NEVs by Chinese consumers. This widespread acceptance has not only accelerated the commercialization of NEVs but also paved the way for foreign companies to introduce their own NEV products to the Chinese market, signaling a promising future for China's electric vehicle sector.

Source: Jiefang Daily, Shanghai Observer