Overhanging the upbeat talk in Shanghai by both Chinese and foreign automakers of manufacturing in China for the world are Trump’s tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, despite a 90-day pause that has spared many other countries, and 25% U.S. tax on imported cars and auto parts.

Exhibitors at the show range from state-owned behemoths, start-ups such as Nio and Xpeng, tech giants such as Huawei and Xiaomi.

Chinese automaker Zeekr debuted its first hybrid model the Zeekr 9X luxury SUV at the Shanghai auto show on Wednesday. Andy An, the company's CEO, unveiled 900-volt fast-charging technology for hybrid vehicles.