Chinese Brands Soar With Unprecedented Swarm of Global Press & Influencers to Shanghai Expo

• An unprecedented number of journalists and influencers are said to be present at the Shanghai Exhibition.
• The report indicates that numerous individuals come from Latin America, an area well-suited for the growth of electric vehicles.
• Reportedly, foreign content producers were granted unprecedented levels of access to Chinese automobile manufacturers.

Car exhibitions could be nearing their end in Western countries, as numerous such events have already been canceled. including stalwarts like Geneva However, in a nation boasting over 150 active automotive brands, Chinese auto shows continue to flourish. As an increasing number of domestic manufacturers aim to establish themselves internationally, the quantity of journalists and influencers invited appears to have reached an all-time high.

China has historically maintained stringent criteria for granting journalist visas. Nonetheless, as domestic automobile manufacturers recognize the significance of having a presence in the press, indications suggest that policies may be shifting. This is demonstrated by an unprecedented number of journalists attending recent events. 2025 Shanghai Auto Show .

A Targeted Campaign

According to Bloomberg BYD welcomed approximately 150 journalists and influencers, with numerous attendees coming from Latin American countries. The company is specifically focusing on expanding into regions like El Salvador, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru, making this area highly strategic for growth.

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Reportedly, guests are staying in high-end lodgings located in a upscale neighborhood of Shanghai, where certain suites can cost up to $375 for each night. In addition, social media personalities are receiving a level of access that, based on comments from a content producer based in China, hasn’t occurred before—this situation has upset several of his colleagues.

The rationale behind this initiative is straightforward. By 2030, the electric vehicle market in Latin America is anticipated to surpass $19 billion. BYD aims to produce more than 150,000 vehicles each year in Brazil, with SAIC owning the relevant stake. MG is establishing a facility in Mexico.

Western Media Gains Access Also

While people from Latin America aren’t the only ones being brought in, several prominent Western content creators have also secured spots. Even though most Chinese car manufacturers do not sell vehicles in the U.S., Forest Jones, who has 3.2 million YouTube subscribers, believes that if these brands could access the American market, local consumers would recognize the benefits they provide.

Bloomberg it was reported that Jones was observed attending an event hosted by Zeekr Later, he uploaded a provisional driver’s license to his Instagram account alongside videos of himself test-driving various vehicles from Lynk & Co. In the meantime, Felix Hammer, known for chronicling his electric vehicle journeys, was brought over from Amsterdam in Europe. He intended to explore the advanced fast-charging capabilities available, though he humorously noted that a company such as Audi hadn’t offered to fly him all the way to Portugal.

Photos: Geely, Chery, MG, Zeekr, BYD