Core Insights - The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show serves as a significant platform for the automotive supply chain, showcasing a transformation from "supporting players" to "leading players" in the industry [1][16] - The exhibition area for auto parts spans 100,000 square meters, hosting over 1,500 suppliers from 28 countries, marking it as the largest auto parts display in history [2][4] - The event highlights the shift towards smart and electric vehicles, with a notable presence of both traditional suppliers and new tech companies [2][3] Industry Transformation - The automotive supply chain is evolving with technology companies entering the market, changing the competitive landscape from hardware manufacturing to a software-hardware integrated ecosystem [3] - The collaboration between component suppliers and vehicle manufacturers is shifting from "supplying" to "joint development," as seen in partnerships like Huawei with Jianghuai Auto and CATL with SAIC [3][5] Scale and Competition - More than half of the world's top 100 auto parts suppliers participated in the show, showcasing their advanced technologies and products [4][5] - Domestic companies like CATL and Huawei are demonstrating significant growth and technological advancements, indicating a shift in industry power dynamics [5][11] Technological Innovations - The event showcased breakthroughs in battery technology, including CATL's sodium-ion battery and BYD's all-solid-state battery, which address safety and performance concerns [7][8] - Major Tier 1 suppliers are accelerating local R&D efforts, with Bosch and Continental introducing advanced driver assistance systems that leverage local technology [9][10] Local Market Dynamics - Chinese auto parts companies are rapidly gaining ground, with over 1,200 domestic automotive chips displayed, reflecting a shift from being a backup option to a primary choice for automakers [11] - Companies like Huawei and CATL are setting benchmarks in technology and ecosystem development, with innovative solutions like rapid battery swapping and smart vehicle systems [12][13] Global Strategy and Localization - Multinational companies are deepening their local strategies in China, with significant investments and a focus on integrating into the local automotive ecosystem [13][14] - The trend of localization is becoming essential for global suppliers, as they adapt to the unique demands of the Chinese market while also aiming for global outreach [15][16]