Latest news with #ZongLi
News18
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Auto Shanghai 2025: Massive Screens, Massage Seats And Flying Taxis Stole The Show
At the Auto Shanghai show, people waited to take seats in opulent minivans with reclining back seats and chrome radiator grilles. At this year's Auto Shanghai, the spotlight shifted from powerful engines to futuristic passenger comfort and cutting-edge technology. The event, which kicked off on April 23, showcased the latest in advanced car features—from massive screens and luxurious massage seats to the dream of flying taxis. Screens that are making headlines Chinese carmakers are attempting to appeal to hyperconnected consumers in the face of intense competition by installing screens up to 65 inches wide at the front of each passenger, in the doors, in the sun visors, or even on the car's bonnet. In the meantime, younger customers who currently have no trouble connecting their phones to their cars are the target of electronics behemoths Xiaomi and Huawei. Volkswagen's China-focused brand, AUDI, which is purposefully stylised in capital letters, has released its first vehicle with a screen that takes up the entire dashboard to compete with its Chinese rivals. In addition, singing karaoke or watching videos can be done on the screens when they are immobile. And except for emergencies, modern driving systems promise to get users from point A to point B without requiring them to touch the steering wheel. 'With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a 'second living space," in a 2025 research on the preferences of Chinese auto consumers, consulting company McKinsey stated, as per Hindustan Times. In an attempt to entice future executives, Mercedes showed the Vision V, a prototype of their next-generation luxury electric minivan, which features aluminium seats, wood and silk trim, and a foldable cinema screen. McKinsey claims that luxury equipment like refrigerators, TVs, and reclining seats are very popular in China, as are high-end suspension and rear-wheel steering that improve driving comfort. 'As vehicle prices increase, so does consumer demand for these features, along with a growing willingness to pay extra" to have them, the consultancy stated. Chinese carmaker Nio used passengers bouncing around inside its cars on April 25 to show off how well the suspension worked. Others are using more conventional methods. For example, the French equipment firm Forvia offers a seat that pinches and pricks its user. According to Zong Li, the innovation manager at the company's booth, the seat was 'inspired by traditional Chinese and Thai massages" and is anticipated to be fitted in a Chinese car this year. Flying Taxis on Display In other places, several flying taxis propelled by propellers loomed over other vehicles. Currently at the prototype stage, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology eventually hopes to transport multiple passengers at once. The top battery manufacturer in the world, CATL, unveiled their eVTOL concept shortly after declaring that it had invested 'hundreds of millions of dollars" in the Chinese startup AutoFlight. Even Hongqi, a traditional manufacturer known for providing Xi Jinping, the leader of China, with limousines, unveiled its idea for a 'flying car" that can carry two people. It claimed an untested range of 200 kilometres (124 miles) before tests were set for this year.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Screens, drones, massages: Shanghai flaunts the future of cars
Hundreds of carmakers and equipment suppliers have filled the exhibition space since Wednesday, showcasing models packed with screens, massage seats and other add-ons – not to mention flying taxis. — AP Photo/Ng Han Guan SHANGHAI: At the huge Auto Shanghai industry show this week, the chatter was less about powerful engines and more about cutting-edge technology and passenger comfort. Hundreds of carmakers and equipment suppliers have filled the exhibition space since Wednesday, showcasing models packed with screens, massage seats and other add-ons – not to mention flying taxis. Screens everywhere Facing fierce competition, Chinese car manufacturers are trying to attract hyperconnected consumers with screens up to 65in wide mounted in front of each passenger, in the doors, in the sun visors or even on the car bonnet. Meanwhile, electronics giants Huawei and Xiaomi are targeting younger customers who already easily connect their cellphones to their cars. European automakers are attempting to counter their Chinese rivals, with the first model from Volkswagen's China-focused brand AUDI – deliberately styled in capital letters – offering a screen occupying the entire dashboard. When stationary, the screens can be used for watching videos or singing karaoke. And on the road, advanced driving systems promise to get users from A to B without needing to touch the steering wheel except in an emergency. "With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a 'second living space,'" consultancy firm McKinsey said in a 2025 report on Chinese auto consumer tastes. Massage seats Chinese consumers place more value on interior comfort compared to other markets, according to European carmakers. Visitors at Auto Shanghai queued to sit in luxurious minivans with chrome radiator grilles and reclining rear seats. Mercedes unveiled a prototype of its next-generation luxury electric minivan, the Vision V, hoping to seduce future executives with aluminium seats, wood and silk trim, and a cinema screen that folds out from the floor. According to McKinsey, lifestyle-oriented features such as fridges, televisions and reclining seats are highly sought after in China, as are top-spec suspension and rear-wheel steering that enhance comfort while driving. "As vehicle prices increase, so does consumer demand for these features, along with a growing willingness to pay extra" to have them, the consultancy said. On Friday, Chinese carmaker Nio had passengers bounce around inside its vehicles to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suspension. Others are turning to traditional techniques, with French equipment manufacturer Forvia offering a seat that kneads, pinches, and pricks its occupant. The seat was "inspired by traditional Chinese and Thai massages", said innovation manager Zong Li at the company's booth, and is expected to be installed in a Chinese vehicle this year. Drones Elsewhere, a number of propeller-powered flying taxis towered over other vehicles. The technology, known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), is still at the prototype stage but eventually aims to ferry several people at a time. The world's leading battery manufacturer, CATL, showed off its eVTOL concept, fresh from announcing an investment of "hundreds of millions of dollars" in Chinese startup AutoFlight. Even traditional manufacturer Hongqi – famous for supplying limousines to China's leader Xi Jinping – presented its concept of a "flying car" for two passengers, claiming an unproven range of 200 kilometres (124 miles) ahead of tests scheduled this year. In recent years, China has made strides in eVTOL technology, where it is in direct competition with US players while Europeans struggle to make their mark. Automotive supplier Wanfeng announced last month that it would take over bankrupt German eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter, whose aircraft were originally slated for a small-scale rollout during the 2024 Paris Olympics but are still awaiting certification. – AFP
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Flying taxis, screens, massage seats: Shangai auto show displays futuristic cars
At the huge Auto Shanghai industry show this week, the chatter was less about powerful engines and more about cutting-edge technology and passenger comfort. Hundreds of carmakers and equipment supplies have filled the exhibition space since Wednesday, showcasing models packed with screens, massage seats and other add-ons -- not to mention flying taxis. Facing fierce competition, Chinese car manufacturers are trying to attract hyperconnected consumers with screens up to 65 inches wide mounted in front of each passenger, in the doors, in the sun visors or even on the car bonnet. Also Read: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Auto fans experience innovation | In Photos Meanwhile, electronics giants Huawei and Xiaomi are targeting younger customers who already easily connect their cellphones to their cars. European automakers are attempting to counter their Chinese rivals, with the first model from Volkswagen's China-focused brand AUDI -- deliberately styled in capital letters -- offering a screen occupying the entire dashboard. When stationary, the screens can be used for watching videos or singing karaoke. Also Read: MG Windsor EV long-range variant in pipeline, to get a 50.6 kWh battery pack And on the road, advanced driving systems promise to get users from A to B without needing to touch the steering wheel except in an emergency. "With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a 'second living space,'" consultancy firm McKinsey said in a 2025 report on Chinese auto consumer tastes. Chinese consumers place more value on interior comfort compared to other markets, according to European carmakers. Visitors at Auto Shanghai queued to sit in luxurious minivans with chrome radiator grilles and reclining rear seats. Mercedes unveiled a prototype of its next-generation luxury electric minivan, the Vision V, hoping to seduce future executives with aluminum seats, wood and silk trim, and a cinema screen that folds out from the floor. Also Read: Kia India reaches 1.5 Million 'Make in India' vehicles milestone, will launch new Carens soon According to McKinsey, lifestyle-oriented features such as fridges, televisions and reclining seats are highly sought after in China, as are top-spec suspension and rear-wheel steering that enhance comfort while driving. "As vehicle prices increase, so does consumer demand for these features, along with a growing willingness to pay extra" to have them, the consultancy said. On Friday, Chinese carmaker Nio had passengers bounce around inside its vehicles to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suspension. Others are turning to traditional techniques, with French equipment manufacturer Forvia offering a seat that kneads, pinches, and pricks its occupant. The seat was "inspired by traditional Chinese and Thai massages", said innovation manager Zong Li at the company's booth, and is expected to be installed in a Chinese vehicle this year. Elsewhere, a number of propeller-powered flying taxis towered over other vehicles. The technology, known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), is still at the prototype stage but eventually aims to ferry several people at a time. The world's leading battery manufacturer, CATL, showed off its eVTOL concept, fresh from announcing an investment of "hundreds of millions of dollars" in Chinese startup AutoFlight. Even traditional manufacturer Hongqi -- famous for supplying limousines to China's leader Xi Jinping -- presented its concept of a "flying car" for two passengers, claiming an unproven range of 200 kilometres (124 miles) ahead of tests scheduled this year. In recent years, China has made strides in eVTOL technology, where it is in direct competition with US players while Europeans struggle to make their mark. Automotive supplier Wanfeng announced last month that it would take over bankrupt German eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter, whose aircraft were originally slated for a small-scale rollout during the 2024 Paris Olympics but are still awaiting certification.
CNA
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Screens, drones, massages: Shanghai flaunts the future of cars
SHANGHAI: At the huge Auto Shanghai industry show this week, the chatter was less about powerful engines and more about cutting-edge technology and passenger comfort. Hundreds of carmakers and equipment suppliers have filled the exhibition space since Wednesday (Apr 23), showcasing models packed with screens, massage seats and other add-ons - not to mention flying taxis. Facing fierce competition, Chinese car manufacturers are trying to attract hyperconnected consumers with screens up to 65 inches wide mounted in front of each passenger, in the doors, in the sun visors or even on the car bonnet. Meanwhile, electronics giants Huawei and Xiaomi are targeting younger customers who already easily connect their cellphones to their cars. European automakers are attempting to counter their Chinese rivals, with the first model from Volkswagen's China-focused brand AUDI - deliberately styled in capital letters - offering a screen occupying the entire dashboard. When stationary, the screens can be used for watching videos or singing karaoke. And on the road, advanced driving systems promise to get users from A to B without needing to touch the steering wheel except in an emergency. "With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a 'second living space'," consultancy firm McKinsey said in a 2025 report on Chinese auto consumer tastes. MASSAGE SEATS Chinese consumers place more value on interior comfort compared to other markets, according to European carmakers. Visitors at Auto Shanghai queued to sit in luxurious minivans with chrome radiator grilles and reclining rear seats. Mercedes unveiled a prototype of its next-generation luxury electric minivan, the Vision V, hoping to seduce future executives with aluminum seats, wood and silk trim, and a cinema screen that folds out from the floor. According to McKinsey, lifestyle-oriented features such as fridges, televisions and reclining seats are highly sought after in China, as are top-spec suspension and rear-wheel steering that enhance comfort while driving. "As vehicle prices increase, so does consumer demand for these features, along with a growing willingness to pay extra" to have them, the consultancy said. On Friday (Apr 25), Chinese carmaker Nio had passengers bounce around inside its vehicles to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suspension. Others are turning to traditional techniques, with French equipment manufacturer Forvia offering a seat that kneads, pinches, and pricks its occupant. The seat was "inspired by traditional Chinese and Thai massages", said innovation manager Zong Li at the company's booth, and is expected to be installed in a Chinese vehicle this year. DRONES Elsewhere, a number of propeller-powered flying taxis towered over other vehicles. The technology, known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), is still at the prototype stage but eventually aims to ferry several people at a time. The world's leading battery manufacturer, CATL, showed off its eVTOL concept, fresh from announcing an investment of "hundreds of millions of dollars" in Chinese startup AutoFlight. Even traditional manufacturer Hongqi - famous for supplying limousines to China's leader Xi Jinping - presented its concept of a "flying car" for two passengers, claiming an unproven range of 200km ahead of tests scheduled this year. In recent years, China has made strides in eVTOL technology, where it is in direct competition with US players while Europeans struggle to make their mark. Automotive supplier Wanfeng announced last month that it would take over bankrupt German eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter, whose aircraft were originally slated for a small-scale rollout during the 2024 Paris Olympics but are still awaiting certification.
