Western carmakers plot China comeback with local knowhow

Western carmakers are set to unveil new software and intelligent vehicle capabilities at the Shanghai auto show this week in a bid to reclaim market share in China, where their presence has dwindled from 64% in 2020 to 31% in early 2023. Key players like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are launching locally developed electric models, adapting strategies to meet consumer demand for affordable, tech-savvy vehicles, while partnerships with Chinese firms are increasingly common for technology integration. As competition intensifies, Toyota plans to empower its Chinese operations and expand local R&D, reflecting a shift towards “Chinese making cars for Chinese people.”