Exploring the Future of Transportation at the CISCE Exhibition with Jay

Exploring Smart Vehicle Innovations at the CISCE

During the recently held China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, British guest Jay Ian Birbeck took a detailed look at the emerging technologies in the smart vehicle sector. From July 16 to 20, the expo was a hub for understanding the dynamics of the global supply chain, particularly in the automotive industry.

At the exhibition, Jay experienced the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) booth for the first time at this event. Sittin in an F4 single-seater and examining a meticulously crafted rally car, he acknowledged the booth's goal: fostering connections among people and companies, as emphasized by FIA's Chief Development Officer, Habib Turki.

One standout moment was Jay's encounter with the AITO 9, a luxury SUV that has driven impressive sales figures in 2025, even surpassing prestigious competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X5 in the Chinese market. The comfort of the vehicle was immediately noticeable; from the driver's vantage point to the unique transformation of the rear seating into a bed, complete with an automatic projection screen, the experience was nothing short of remarkable. Kang Bo, Vice President of the SERES Group, shared insights about the vehicle's success, attributing it to its advanced driver-assistance systems and safety features, and nodding in gratitude to their essential suppliers, including CATL.

Continuing his exploration, Jay navigated through the expo's vast battery supply chain segment. At the CATL stall, he encountered a supplier's innovative presentation of the Shenxing superfast charging battery. This impressive pure-electric module boasts an incredible range of 800 kilometers on a single charge while providing a quick top-up option for an additional 520 kilometers in just five minutes. He expressed fascination over a sodium-ion cell derived from table salt, which is touted for its reliable performance even at temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees Celsius—all achievable with a meager requirement of 100 grams of salt per standard cell.

As he ventured into the upstream supply chain zone, Jay observed numerous partners of battery manufacturer CATL. He browsed the booths of Juneng Power, which specializes in battery casing and covers, Anhui Shengjie focusing on specialty chemicals, and Yunshang New Energy known for its advanced testing systems. An exhibit featuring an electric fishing yacht and an electric aircraft highlighted the comprehensive electrification vision spanning land, sea, and air.

Jay's tour culminated at the XPENG Motors stand. There, Vice President Vivian Chen enlightened him about their mission encapsulated in the phrase 'Tech for Good.' She introduced concepts such as detachable flying cars and AI-powered robots aimed at enhancing humanistic care, pointing to the innovative spirit driving Chinese automakers into the global spotlight.

Reflecting on his experiences at the expo, Jay remarked, "Chinese automakers are taking the world by storm." He highlighted how the blend of cutting-edge technology, competitive pricing, and groundbreaking mobility solutions is reshaping the future of transportation.