①The first Shanghai Auto Lifestyle Exhibition opened at the Shanghai Oriental Hub International Business Cooperation Zone. ②Hosted by the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Automobile Import and Export Circulation Association, this exhibition is the first professional event in Shanghai to equally emphasize leading automobile brands and high-end lifestyle brands. It is also the zone's inaugural 'automobile exhibition' after the closed management operation of the Oriental Hub Business Cooperation Zone’s pilot area. ③This exhibition features four main sections: cultural tourism trends, mobile experiences, home-based daily necessities, and social vitality.
Cailian Press reported on April 8 (by reporter Xu Hao) that the first Shanghai Auto Lifestyle Exhibition opened at the Shanghai Oriental Hub International Business Cooperation Zone. Hosted by the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Automobile Import and Export Circulation Association, this exhibition is the first professional event in Shanghai to equally emphasize leading automobile brands and high-end lifestyle brands. It is also the zone's inaugural 'automobile exhibition' after the closed management operation of the Oriental Hub Business Cooperation Zone’s pilot area.
“This exhibition features four key sections—cultural tourism trends, mobile experiences, home-based daily necessities, and social vitality—to create a new ‘Auto + Lifestyle’ Bund. It not only showcases the strength of China’s automobile exports but also establishes a platform for international automotive resources entering China,” said Xiao Zhengsan, President of the China Automobile Circulation Association.
At the exhibition site, Cailian Press observed that the largest exhibition area featured over 40 modified vehicles and off-road vehicles. Complete supporting facilities such as rooftop tents, side awnings, mobile kitchens, and portable power supplies were displayed, fully presenting the outdoor living scenario of ‘vehicle + camping.’
“Outdoor camping has become a mainstream leisure activity for many consumers on weekends. However, pickup truck models commonly used for outdoor camping are limited by mandatory scrappage periods and road-use regulations, making it difficult to meet long-term consumer needs,” explained a representative from a vehicle modification exhibitor. The modifications primarily involve adding semi-enclosed covers and rooftop tents to align with the appearance characteristics of small passenger vehicles. All modifications have been registered with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the vehicle registration certificates will be updated to classify the vehicles as ‘small passenger vehicles’ or ‘recreational vehicles.’ After the change, the vehicles will no longer be subject to the 15-year mandatory scrappage rule, qualifying them for a six-year inspection exemption policy and unrestricted urban access, effectively addressing concerns about vehicle usage duration for self-driving tourists.
As an important peripheral industry of off-roading, two-wheeled motorcycle booths also drew attention. A representative from one of the two-wheeled motorcycle exhibitors revealed that their products are domestically manufactured, with core components localized, and are mainly exported to Europe and America, successfully achieving reverse output for the off-road industry. Recently, Zhang Xue Motorcycles won the World Superbike Championship, further enhancing domestic consumer interest in motorcycle off-road culture.
In addition to displays related to outdoor off-roading, ‘classic cars’ became another highlight of the exhibition. On-site exhibits included the first-ever ‘Shanghai’ brand sedan, showcasing various classic domestic car models that chronologically illustrate the development of China’s automobile industry. This effort aims to push traditional classic car culture beyond niche circles, rejuvenating its growth within a global perspective.
“In the future, we will develop a local classic car IP, building a complete industrial chain covering recognition, evaluation, restoration, auctioning, and trading in core regions like Shanghai,” stated Liu Feng, Secretary-General of the Traditional Classic Car Division of the China Automobile Circulation Association.
Additionally, luxury cars such as the Maserati GranTurismo, Ferrari Purosangue, and Porsche all-electric Macan were placed in meticulously arranged living spaces, skillfully paired with furniture arrangements and artistic installations, vividly demonstrating the deep integration of luxury vehicles with lifestyle aesthetics. Simultaneously, car-related lifestyle products like compact fire extinguishers the size of shampoo bottles and smart glasses were showcased, enriching the ‘Auto + Lifestyle’ scenario.
Consumer upgrades centered around automobile culture have received clear policy support and guidance. In January this year, the General Office of the State Council issued the ‘Work Plan for Accelerating the Cultivation of New Growth Points in Service Consumption,’ explicitly proposing innovation across the entire chain of automobile circulation and consumption. Measures include exploring tiered and classified management of vehicle modifications, improving the certification system for traditional classic cars, strengthening RV campsite construction, and researching improvements to relevant management systems and technical standards. Additionally, international cooperation will be enhanced to promote automobile culture, support the operation of automobile museums, encourage hosting related events and competitions, and foster cross-sector integration innovations between automobiles and sectors such as tourism, culture, and sports.
Zhang Min, Honorary President of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Automobile Import and Export Circulation Association, stated that this exhibition has integrated resources across the entire automotive industry chain, including automobile distribution and sales, classic car culture promotion, off-road vehicle operations, and cross-border automobile logistics. This provides strong support for establishing Shanghai as a core hub for cross-border automobile trade.
"The association will focus on three key priorities moving forward: First, it will integrate high-quality industry resources to promote the inheritance of classic car culture, facilitate precise alignment between off-road vehicle modifications and outdoor tourism brands, and implement a number of benchmark projects within the industry. Second, it will leverage the policy advantages of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone to provide enterprises with comprehensive professional services for cross-border automobile trade. Third, it will fully utilize its role as a bridge and platform to foster industry exchanges and cooperation, explore improvements to the industry standard system, and drive collaborative development and mutual benefit among all parties," Zhang Min said.
