**Chinese automakers are making a bold statement in the international market by rolling out the red carpet for foreign journalists and influencers at the Shanghai Auto Show**. This year’s event showcases an impressive influx of media, highlighting the rise of Chinese brands on the global stage.
6 hours ago
Record Attendance at the Shanghai Auto Show
- **A record number of journalists and influencers have been invited to the Shanghai Auto Show this year**.
- Many attendees hail from **Latin America**, a burgeoning market for electric vehicles (EVs).
- This year’s foreign content creators have unprecedented access to Chinese automakers.
While motor shows in the West may be dwindling, with events like the Geneva Auto Show facing closure, **China’s automotive landscape is thriving**. With over 150 active brands, the Shanghai event has become a crucial platform for local automakers to showcase their innovations and plans for international expansion.
Shifting Policies for Media Coverage
Historically, China has maintained strict controls over journalist visas. However, **recognizing the pressing need for media visibility**, local automakers appear to be adapting their policies—resulting in a surge of foreign journalists at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show.
A Targeted Campaign to Capture Markets
According to a report by Bloomberg, brands like BYD have hosted around **150 journalists and influencers**, specifically targeting attendees from Latin American countries such as **El Salvador, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru**. This strategic focus aligns with the region’s anticipated boom in EV sales, expected to exceed **$19 billion by 2030**.
In addition to an impressive array of vehicles on display, foreign guests are being accommodated in **luxury hotels** in Shanghai, with some rooms priced at approximately **$375 per night**. This lavish hospitality extends to influencers, who report enjoying unprecedented access compared to previous years, much to the chagrin of some fellow creators.
Western Influencers Also Get Their Moment
While the focus is on Latin American markets, **Western influencers have also been attracting attention** at the show. Notably, **Forest Jones**, a YouTuber with **3.2 million subscribers**, expressed that American consumers would appreciate the value offered by these brands, despite the absence of their vehicles in the U.S. market. As covered by Bloomberg, Jones was seen enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at **Zeekr** and test-driving models from **Lynk & Co**.
Similarly, **Felix Hammer**, a European influencer specializing in EV travel, traveled from Amsterdam to explore the cutting-edge fast-charging technologies on display. He humorously noted that **Audi wouldn’t even consider flying him out to Portugal** for a similar event.
