Hong Kong Builds New High Ground for Automotive Industry Going Global

The AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong attracted numerous residents with supercars, vintage cars, and new energy buses, marking the start of a milestone industry event. The 2025 International Automobile and Supply Chain Expo is being held for the first time in Hong Kong, gathering 11 mainland automobile manufacturers and nearly 40 supply chain companies to create a platform showcasing 'Chinese smart manufacturing.' Inside the exhibition hall, a dazzling 'Chinese formation' of domestic automobile brands was on display. On the morning of June 12, GAC Group unveiled its globally debut flying car, the GOVY AirCab, while Dongfeng Motors showcased nine new energy models in a neat lineup, and long queues formed at the intelligent driving experience area of FAW Group. These scenes vividly illustrate the leap in the development of China's automotive industry. 'This is not just an auto show; it is a concentrated display of the strength of China's entire automotive supply chain to the world,' said Yang Song, Executive Director and CEO of Autohome. He noted that China has formed a complete industrial chain in the field of intelligent connected vehicles, with global competitive advantages in R&D capabilities and cost control, making it the best time for expansion abroad. The low-altitude economy is also opening new avenues in Hong Kong. The most eye-catching highlight at the expo was the launch of GAC Group's first mass-produced autonomous multi-rotor flying car, scheduled for delivery in 2026, which will first conduct demonstration operations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Wei Haigang, General Manager of GAC International, stated that Hong Kong's comprehensive aviation management system and international application scenarios will provide the best testing ground for the commercialization of flying cars. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the Hong Kong SAR Government, attended the summit forum of the auto expo and said that Hong Kong has made significant progress in promoting automotive industry development, with an increasing number of leading domestic and international new energy vehicle companies choosing to establish R&D centers, international headquarters, or go public in Hong Kong. This not only brings new economic momentum to Hong Kong but also creates numerous high-quality jobs, accelerating Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology center. In the new journey of Chinese automotive expansion abroad, Hong Kong is playing a unique role. Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, stated at a networking dinner before the expo's opening that the global demand for new energy vehicles is continuously rising, and under the unique advantages of 'one country, two systems,' Hong Kong is well-positioned to serve as a 'landing point, stronghold, charging station, and accelerator' for Chinese automotive companies and the supply chain venturing into global markets. Hong Kong boasts a vibrant full-chain financing market and high-quality financial services, connecting global funds and investors to provide financial support for enterprises. Chan cited the example of CATL's IPO in Hong Kong in May, which became the largest IPO globally this year, with about 90% of the funds raised earmarked for building a factory in Hungary, demonstrating the model of 'Hong Kong fundraising to support international expansion.' 'Hong Kong is like a 'charging station' for the Chinese automotive industry going global,' said Xu Niansha, President of the China Machinery Industry Federation, emphasizing Hong Kong's irreplaceable role in the globalization of China's manufacturing industry due to its mature capital markets, thriving transshipment trade, regulatory legal system, and internationally recognized testing and certification services. On the opening day of the expo, Dongfeng Motors announced that it will use Hong Kong as a 'strategic pivot' to accelerate its overseas market expansion. Yu Zheng, Deputy General Manager of the company, explained that Hong Kong is not only an important right-hand drive vehicle market but also a stronghold for entering Southeast Asia and the Middle East. As a representative of participating vehicle manufacturers, FAW Group has been actively promoting new industrialization in recent years, accelerating the construction of a modern automotive industry system. Qiu Xiandong, Chairman of FAW Group, stated that in the face of global competition, the company is accelerating its move towards becoming a world-class mobility technology company. The four-day auto expo showcased the hard power of China's automotive industry and outlined a new picture of deep integration between Hong Kong and national strategies.