CIIE showcases innovative, futuristic travel modes

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai is spotlighting the future of mobility, unveiling state-of-the-art technologies in autonomous driving, the low-altitude economy, and the rapid evolution of traditional automakers towards intelligent electrification.

Under the theme "Mobility: Unlimited Possibilities for the Future," this year's automotive exhibition at CIIE features a dedicated "Future Mobility" zone where various companies are showcasing innovative products and applications in the low-altitude sector.

One particular highlight is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by Vertaxi, a Chinese startup, designed for autonomous flight without the need for a runway or a pilot. This aircraft, dubbed the "aerial taxi," operates solely on electric power, offering a range of 250 kilometers on a single charge and cruising at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.

Xie Ling, founder and CEO of Vertaxi, said that the cost of using such aircraft will be comparable to land-based taxi services, making air travel more accessible to the public.

Xie attributed the lower manufacturing and maintenance costs of the eVTOL to the advancements in China's electric vehicle technologies, including batteries, motors, and electronic control systems. This, combined with the operational advantages of autonomous flying and pure electric energy, allows the overall costs to be reduced to about 15 percent of those of a conventional helicopter.

"We hope to take advantage of this opportunity presented by the low-altitude economy of new energy electric aviation, to manufacture airplanes as easily as we make cars, reducing costs so that everyone can enjoy accessible air travel," said Xie.

The CIIE is also showcasing innovations that extend beyond Earth.

A tire manufacturing company is presenting a puncture-proof tire designed for lunar rovers, engineered to withstand extreme temperatures on the Moon while maintaining excellent grip and stability on complex terrains. This innovation promises to support future human exploration of both the Moon and Mars.

The head of the tire company's research and development center highlighted the CIIE as a valuable platform for showcasing innovative achievements, expressing hope for collaboration with various partners to enhance future mobility options.

"And here, as you can see, we talk about mobility, we talk about sustainability, we talk about innovation in the tire [sector], but also in the i tech materials for different kind of applications. So the Chinese market being more and more competitive and value driven, we really see innovation is the key to succeed in this market," said Serge Godefroid, managing director of the Michelin Tire China Research and Development Center.

Cutting-edge technologies at the CIIE are also illuminating the vast potential for future mobility. Traditional automakers are accelerating their transition to electrification and intelligence, striving to bring these future transportation scenarios to life as quickly as possible.

"In the wave of intelligence and electrification in China, we must collaborate with the best local partners, taking advantage of China's excellent government policies and practical testing environments. This will help us advance the implementation and application of our products, including autonomous driving. We also look forward to these products benefiting the global market and being utilized in Toyota's other markets worldwide," said Xu Yiming, head of the Brand and Communication department at Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co.

The CIIE is the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports. Running from November 5 to 10 under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," the 7th CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations to participate in its country exhibition and business exhibition.

Among them, nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions are taking part in the business exhibition, while a record number of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders are attending the event.

More than 400 new products, technologies and services are set to be unveiled during the six-day expo, which experts say indicates foreign companies' confidence in the Chinese market amid a sluggish global economic recovery.

CIIE showcases innovative, futuristic travel modes

A U.S. exhibitor participating in the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai has said he would love to see an "open trade completely" between his country and China.

One of the exhibitors who have brought to the expo the most eye-catching products, the U.S. Soybean Export Council has seen its booth packed with visitors curious about its virtual reality (VR) display that offers them an immersive experience of soybean farming in the U.S.

"We leave the residue on the fields, so when it rains, it protects the soil from washing away. That's the big thing we are talking about. Sustainable ways. And not only that, but it also helps to sequestration carbon out of the air, and put back to the soil," said Ronnie Russell, director of the American Soybean Association.

Soybean trade is one of the key sectors for trade between China and the U.S., and even a barometer of the relationship between the two countries. Although it has seen a decline in recent years, the American Soybean Association still sees potential for growth, and hopes the governments from both sides could push for that trend.

"We would love to see open trade completely between both of our countries absolutely. So I think that we need to look beyond some of those trade barriers that may not be necessary agriculture related, maybe even politically related, but we certainly see the importance of that as American growers," said Russell.

Various American businesses and associations are also displaying their agricultural products,including potatoes, meat, poultry, and eggs, at the expo.

Allan Gabor, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, shared a positive outlook for future trade and cooperation in food products between the two nations.

"The future looks really good. I think our countries enjoy each other's food products. I think the whole aspect of the modernization of the supply chain for food and agriculture in China is improving tremendously. It's also an area where our companies can contribute," he said.

Running from Nov 5 to 10, this year's CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. It also sets a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attending the event.

CIIE exhibitor from US hopes to see "open trade" between China, US