(Yicai) Nov. 7 -- Japanese and South Korean firms are ramping up their investment in China’s automotive industry chain as the world’s largest electric vehicle market accelerates the development of connected and autonomous driving technologies, Yicai learned from the 8th China International Import Expo.

The ongoing trade expo in Shanghai showcases next-generation technologies from around the world. For example, Sony unveiled the world’s first connected vehicle featuring a “see-through” function at the expo, enabling drivers to visualize their surroundings through real-time images captured around the vehicle.

Artificial intelligence technology is used at both ends of information transmission, said Sun Chen, vice president of the Sony China Research Institute. The system, co-developed by Sony in China and local universities, will first be applied in China before being introduced to global markets, Sun added.

Sony’s in-car audio and sensor businesses are also expanding rapidly in China. Wu Lei, director of Sony China’s automotive products division, told Yicai that since entering the Chinese market in 2020, Sony’s in-car audio business has achieved a 10-fold increase in performance over the past five years. China is the world’s largest EV market, and Sony’s in-car audio business has started engaging with autonomous shuttle companies, Wu added.

Japanese chemical firm Asahi Kasei also highlighted its growing focus on China’s auto supply chain. The company showcased a new electrolyte technology for lithium iron phosphate batteries that enables stable performance from minus 40 to 60 degrees Celsius and supports thick electrode designs to extend EV driving range.

Meanwhile, South Korean conglomerate Samsung presented an automotive smart cockpit equipped with organic light-emitting diode displays, including an instrument screen, a privacy-protected display for the front passenger, a curved central console screen, and both circular and detachable entertainment screens for rear passengers. Event staff said the system has already been adopted by several emerging Chinese EV brands.

Samsung also exhibited next-generation autonomous driving solutions, including an advanced driver-assistance system camera and high-capacity, high-temperature, and high-voltage-resistant capacitors designed for autonomous and electric vehicles.

Editor: Emmi Laine