September 19, 2024 — The six-day 24th Wuhan Motor Show concluded triumphantly. Since its establishment in 1995 by the Hubei Provincial and Wuhan Municipal governments, the event has grown into Central China’s largest automotive exhibition under unwavering governmental support and strategic prioritization.
This year’s show was organized by the China Machinery Industry Federation and the Automotive Sub-Council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and co-hosted by CCPIT Wuhan Branch, Wuhan New City International Expo Center Co., Ltd., Wuhan Cultural Tourism Group Co., Ltd., Global Sunac Convention & Exhibition Culture & Tourism Group Co., Ltd., Hannover Milano Fairs (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and Hubei Machinery Industry Federation.
Spanning 140,000 square meters, the exhibition featured over 100 automotive brands and more than 1,000 vehicle models. Highlights included Dongfeng Motor’s debut of three new models—the Fengshen L7 Pure Electric Edition, eπ007 Extended-Range Edition, and Nano 01 Co-Creation Edition—while leading NEV brands like Voyah, ZHIJIE R7, AITO M9, and battery giant CATL showcased cutting-edge innovations.
The event drove significant consumption momentum, launching the Hubei-Wuhan Auto Consumption Renewal Season campaign and generating nearly 5 billion yuan in sales. Cultural initiatives such as the “Through the Car Window: The World of Starry Children” art exhibition, the Wuhan Youth Future Automotive Design Awards, drifting competitions, and the China (Central China) Used Car Export Conference underscored the harmonious integration of “human, vehicle, and lifestyle.” Attendance rose by 10% year-on-year, with over 2,000 media outlets—including state-level, provincial, and industry-specific platforms—delivering over 100 million impressions. Media praised the show as “groundbreaking in innovation, global influence, and industrial empowerment.”
The municipal government demonstrated exceptional prioritization of the event. Following the press conference held by the Wuhan Municipal Government Information Office on September 10, the city illuminated its iconic riverfronts with dazzling light shows and activated outdoor screens across urban centers, transforming Wuhan into a stage for this automotive celebration. These efforts not only amplified groundbreaking innovations and cultural breakthroughs but also propelled automotive globalization. Leveraging the platform’s remarkable influence in commerce, the event ignited the industry’s vibrant momentum.
During the exhibition, distinguished leaders conducted on-site inspections, including representatives from the China Machinery Industry Federation and the Automotive Sub-Council of CCPIT, as well as Wuhan’s senior officials: Sheng Yuechun, Deputy Secretary of the Wuhan Municipal Committee of the CPC and Mayor of Wuhan; Liu Ziqing, Member of the Wuhan Municipal Standing Committee and Secretary of the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone Party Working Committee; Vice Mayor Wang Yuancheng; and Municipal Government Secretary-General Yang Xiangwei. They unanimously praised the Wuhan Motor Show for its pivotal role in advancing high-quality development within Central China’s automotive sector.
The automotive industry stands as both a cornerstone of Wuhan’s economic vitality and a driving force behind regional economic transformation and industrial upgrading. The Wuhan Motor Show not only spotlighted the latest industry trends but also showcased the sector’s technological evolution and innovation milestones, reflecting the dynamic growth of automotive markets across central-western China and the nation. Evolving from themes like "Intelligent Connectivity for a New World" to "Driving Pleasure for a New Lifestyle," the exhibition has emerged as a catalyst for automotive innovation and urban development. It continues to fuel the industry’s momentum, contributing profoundly to a future marked by prosperity and sustainability.
New Technologies "Dazzling the Eye" New Scenarios and Applications "Riding the Momentum"
This year's auto exhibition fully demonstrated the diverse trends in the automotive industry: expanded scale, upgraded brand lineups, and intensified efforts in segmented booth layouts.
As the premier auto show in central China, the Wuhan Motor Show has become a prime platform for automakers to "flex their muscles." This year, Dongfeng Motor continued its full lineup participation—unveiling heavyweight models such as the Fengshen L7 Pure Electric Edition, eπ007 Range-Extended Edition, and Nano 01 Co-Creation Edition. Dongfeng Honda highlighted its upcoming new energy brand Lingxi, debuting its first model, the Lingxi L, alongside the pure electric coupe e:NS2 Lieguang. French brands Dongfeng Peugeot and Dongfeng Citroën showcased star models like the New 408 Dragon Edition and Tianyi Champion Edition, while Dongfeng Mengshi 917 redefined hardcore off-road style.
New energy vehicles were another highlight at this year’s Wuhan Motor Show. Brands such as VOYAH, Harmony Smart Mobility, BYD, NIO, XPENG, Li Auto, Tesla, ZEEKR, ARCFOX, and AION made concentrated appearances. Should buyers choose pure electric or range-extended vehicles? Many shoppers faced decision anxiety. However, continuous innovation in new energy vehicle technology at the show dispelled range-related concerns. "I heard the Fengshen L7 boasts impressive endurance—320 km in pure electric mode and over 2,000 km in hybrid mode. That’s why I’m here," said Mr. Wu, a car enthusiast who drove from Jiujiang, Jiangxi, to attend.
Focusing on core technologies and niche markets, brands unveiled new strategic layouts. As key battlegrounds in the current automotive market, new energy and intelligent technologies—including autonomous driving, smart cockpits, operating systems, chips, and lidar—were showcased in full force. Innovations like VOYAH’s Amber Battery and 800V high-voltage fast charging emerged as new technical benchmarks.
At the VOYAH booth, a live demonstration of batteries submerged in water with goldfish swimming freely captivated attendees. Engineers explained the Amber Battery’s safety: "Even after being submerged in half-meter-deep water for over 72 hours, the battery remains fully operational."
This "magic" stems from VOYAH’s globally pioneering 3D Thermal Barrier Technology for new energy vehicle batteries. Engineers emphasized that even in collisions, crushing, or water exposure, the battery maintains safety.
Among locally produced new energy vehicles, cutting-edge technologies such as L2-L4 advanced driver-assistance systems, Qualcomm Snapdragon premium chips, intelligent driving systems, and 800V fast charging were widely featured. Pilot programs for L3/L4 autonomous driving also accelerated the pace of intelligence and electrification.
At the Wuhan Motor Show, NIO displayed its full lineup of smart electric sedans and SUVs—ET5, ET5T, ET7, ES6, EC6, EC7, and ES8—delivering a visual feast of luxury EVs. The ES8’s AI-powered chassis structure debuted publicly, showcasing futuristic engineering and instantly becoming a focal point.
NIO remains dedicated to crafting high-quality EVs, with the ES8’s chassis epitomizing excellence. Equipped with dual-chamber air springs, a self-developed intelligent chassis domain controller, and CDC adaptive damping, the chassis ensures unparalleled safety for every journey.
"Watching the car spin gracefully on the spot was unbelievable," remarked crowds outside BYD’s "Smart Zone" booth, where autonomous vehicles demonstrated dazzling spot turning technology.
Through its smart system, BYD vehicles precisely control each wheel’s power and direction, enabling spot turning, lateral movement, safe driving post-tire bursts, and even water surface floating. "This technology applies not only to pure EVs but also hybrids," explained a BYD representative.
"Electrification is the first half; intelligence is the second half" has become an industry consensus. During the show, BYD showcased its Smart Zone, highlighting multi-dimensional intelligent scenarios—from smart cockpits and autonomous driving to vehicle-wide intelligence—elevating the brand’s technological warmth.
Live demos featured full-scenario parking experiences, including dead-end parking and short-range valet parking. In the valet zone, instructors demonstrated one-touch parking, where vehicles autonomously navigated and parked. Whether carrying heavy items or in a hurry, users could simply exit and let the system handle the rest.
The Wuhan Motor Show not only displayed cutting-edge automotive technologies but also reflected the industry’s innovative vitality. The concentrated showcase of new technologies, scenarios, and applications is poised to accelerate the formation of industrial productivity, igniting the engine of industry growth.
Building Platforms Through Exhibitions: Professionalization and Internationalization Reach New Heights
On the opening day of the Wuhan Motor Show, a series of supporting events unfolded, including the "2024 10th China (Wuhan) International New Energy & Intelligent Connected Vehicle Development and Cooperation Summit", the "2024 Smart Vehicle New Ecosystem High-End Dialogue", and the "Used Car Export Conference". Under the theme "Intelligent Mobility, Low Carbon, Quality, and Integration", these forums proposed actionable solutions for international collaboration, supply chain security, breakthroughs in critical technologies, and fostering new productive forces. Fu Bin, Senior Director of Intelligent Driving at VOYAH Automotive Technology, highlighted the rapid growth of China’s automotive industry, which has led global sales for nine consecutive years, driving profound transformation worldwide. Xie Zhitong, Managing Director of MHP Consulting, shared strategies for Chinese new energy vehicles to succeed in overseas markets.
"Smart cars must traverse smart roads." According to Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association, Chinese automakers are seizing a rare historical opportunity to lead the era of electric and intelligent vehicles. With advanced electric and smart technologies, Chinese brands are rapidly expanding overseas, where years of market cultivation have positioned them to capture significant global market share.
Experts emphasized the need to capitalize on this momentum as the global automotive industry accelerates its shift toward electrification, intelligence, and sustainability, entering the "second half" of intelligent transformation.
After over seven decades of development, China’s automotive industry has established a mature ecosystem, encompassing vehicle manufacturing, core components, materials, and supporting infrastructure. The continuous refinement of supply chains, steady improvements in vehicle quality, and breakthroughs in core technologies have laid a robust foundation for Chinese automakers’ global expansion. Against the backdrop of surging vehicle exports, this year’s Wuhan Motor Show innovatively hosted the China (Central China) Used Car Export Conference, aiming to seize opportunities in the global automotive transformation by enhancing product quality, competitiveness, and customer-centric services to meet global consumer demands.
Additionally, the show collaborated for the first time with Wugang Cloud Valley·606 Industrial Park, setting up a 20,000-square-meter sub-venue featuring over 500 vehicles and joint activities with Dongchedi Auto Mall. As Hubei’s official platform for vehicle replacement services, the Wuhan Motor Show partnered with Dongchedi Auto Mall to offer consumers in Wuhan and surrounding areas a seamless car-buying experience. During the event, the mall’s "one-stop" trade-in service provided hassle-free upgrades for attendees.
Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Wuhan Motor Show integrated cultural elements into its programming. The fusion of automotive passion and artistic inspiration created a vibrant cultural tapestry, enriching the event with diverse "car+" experiences.
Under the theme "Harmonious Future of People, Cars, and Life", the show expanded beyond automotive displays to feature customization, car tourism, and curated activities like the "Speed & Style: Photography Contest", "Wuhan Youth Future Car Design Exhibition", "Car & RV Parade Series", "Joy Drive Motorsport Games", "Wuhan Car Fan Festival", "Yiqi’s Exhibition Tour", and the "Most Desirable Ride" awards. These initiatives ignited enthusiasm for car culture, offering visitors unique experiences and redefining the traditional auto show.
On September 17, a stage was erected onsite for Han Opera performances, allowing visitors to appreciate both cutting-edge vehicles and Wuhan’s rich cultural heritage. "Such innovative integration of local culture distinguishes the Wuhan Motor Show and deepens its connection with the public," remarked an attendee.
Notably, the organizers partnered with Wuhan Charity Organizations, Vanderbilt Home Children’s Charity Fund, and Wuhan Vanderbilt Home Child Development Center to host the "World Beyond the Car Window: Art Exhibition by Starry Children". Interactive sessions—such as lacquer fan painting, leaf art, and creative crafts—allowed participants to engage with art while fostering appreciation for the synergy between automotive culture and artistic education. Through these efforts, the show not only celebrated automotive innovation but also championed children’s artistic development, enriching societal culture.
"Internationalization Meets Local Flavor: A Fusion of New and Novel"
As one of Wuhan’s largest consumer exhibitions, the Wuhan Motor Show serves as a vital platform to boost automotive consumption. This year’s event coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, combining new vehicle launches with multi-tiered incentives to unleash consumer enthusiasm.
On September 14, the opening day of the Wuhan Motor Show, the Hubei-Wuhan Automotive Consumption Renewal Season campaign was officially launched. Under the program, residents who scrap their Hubei-licensed vehicles and purchase new ones registered in the province are eligible for subsidies: new energy passenger vehicles receive tiered subsidies of 8,000 yuan, 12,000 yuan, or 16,000 yuan based on purchase price, while fuel-powered passenger vehicles qualify for 7,000 yuan, 10,000 yuan, or 13,000 yuan subsidies.
Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone, focusing on its "Year of Consumption Promotion" initiative, amplified promotional efforts through the Wuhan Motor Show, creating new consumption scenarios to fuel automotive market growth.
The show attracted not only local visitors but also attendees from neighboring cities. Ms. Zhu from Shiyan arrived early with her family, stating, "We came specifically for the trade-in incentives and stacked subsidies on new energy vehicles."
At the VOYAH Automotive booth, a sign detailed subsidy policies: up to 20,000 yuan for scrapping old vehicles, tiered subsidies of 8,000 yuan, 12,000 yuan, or 16,000 yuan for new energy models, and an additional 4,000 yuan China Auto Valley consumption voucher. "The incentives are substantial—real financial benefits for buyers," Ms. Zhu remarked excitedly.
Cheng Wei, General Manager of VOYAH Automotive Wuhan, noted that 80% of VOYAH buyers have utilized the trade-in subsidies since their implementation. "This not only benefits consumers but also injects fresh vitality into the automotive market," he added.
Brands rolled out targeted subsidies for diverse demographics: FAW-Volkswagen offered teachers and military personnel exclusive discounts of up to 4,000 yuan, plus a 1% discount for strategic enterprise employees. Buick E5 provided up to 6,000 yuan in trade-in subsidies, along with five exclusive perks and lifetime warranties for the vehicle and three key components. Jetour Shanhai combined national trade-in subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan with brand subsidies of up to 40,000 yuan. Hyper featured limited-time upgrades like "Gull Wings" and "Rotary Wings + Spoiler," plus triple subsidies (national, provincial, and brand) offering savings of up to 100,000 yuan. Mazda CX-5 started at 115,800 yuan with up to 8,000 yuan trade-in subsidies, while the CX-30 saw official price cuts of up to 32,000 yuan. Hyundai’s fifth-generation Santa Fe began at 185,800 yuan with trade-in benefits. Additional incentives were offered by Dongfeng Fengshen, Dongfeng Nissan, NIO, and others.
Over its illustrious 30-year history, the Wuhan Motor Show has vividly chronicled the automotive industry’s transformative journey. It is not only a battleground for cutting-edge technology and trendsetting models but also a melting pot of innovation and cultural exchange.
As a crown jewel of central China’s auto sector, the Wuhan Motor Show showcases brands’ ingenuity and technological breakthroughs while offering enthusiasts a portal into the future of automotive life.
Through this grand event, we witness the meteoric rise of China’s automotive industry, particularly its leadership in new energy vehicles and intelligent connectivity. The Wuhan Motor Show is more than a celebration of automobiles—it materializes the dream of future mobility, allowing everyone to experience the boundless possibilities that technology brings to transportation.
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