Munich auto show opens with EV focus, strong Chinese presence

Abstract : The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations.

People look at an Opel Corsa GSE at the exhibition zone of Opel during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations.

Organizers said the event, which runs through Sunday, has drawn around 750 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions.

While German auto giants like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are presenting new EV models on home ground, international exhibitors make up over 55 percent, up from 32 percent in 2021 when the show moved from Frankfurt.

China stands out as the largest source of foreign exhibitors, organizers said, with 116 companies including EV makers BYD, Xpeng and Leapmotor, battery giant CATL and technology firms such as Zhuoyu and DeepRoute.ai.

Opening the biennial show, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said innovation is making cars "better, safer, and smarter." He added that the event, once mainly a showcase for new models, has become "a laboratory for interconnected, sustainable, and future mobility."

Merz confirmed the next three editions will also be held in Munich.

Beyond the exhibition halls this year, carmakers are also displaying more than 200 vehicles in open-air venues across central Munich, integrating their showcases into the city's streets and architecture, including those from Chinese EV brands.

Running alongside the auto show, the World New Energy Vehicle Congress returns to Munich after its first overseas edition here in 2023. This year's conference will focus on Sino-German cooperation in e-mobility, artificial intelligence and supply chains, with company executives and association leaders taking part.

People visit the exhibition zone of Bosch during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2025 shows a BMW iX3 during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

A man takes photos of exhibits during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the exhibition zone of Volkswagen during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People look at a Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 at the exhibition zone of Volkswagen during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025. The 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday, with global carmakers and suppliers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and software-driven innovations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)