CAS (Shanghai Auto Tuning Show)

CAS (Shanghai Auto Tuning Show)

Definition and Historical Development
CAS, short for China Auto Salon (officially the China (Shanghai) International Auto Upgrade and Accessories Exhibition & China (Shanghai) Auto Tuning Show), was founded in 2011 by the CAS Organising Committee. It stands as one of the most prominent professional exhibitions in China's automotive aftermarket and tuning industry. The inaugural show opened on 5 October 2011 at the Shanghai Auto Exhibition Center, covering an exhibition floor of nearly 20,000 square metres. By 2019, the 9th edition had expanded to 100,000 square metres, drawing over 770 exhibiting brands and 122,000 visitors. This cemented its reputation as "China's No. 1 Tuning Show", placing it alongside Germany's Essen Motor Show, the US SEMA Show, and the Tokyo Auto Salon as one of the world's top four automotive tuning exhibitions. Following a pandemic-related hiatus in 2021, CAS returned with an outdoor dynamic showcase themed the "Car Culture Super Weekend".

2023 Brand Transformation and the CAS Huachezhan Spin-Off
From 2023, CAS introduced the CAS Huachezhan series themed "New Trend · New Auto Show", with Huamo Group taking over as organiser as the event pivoted towards a consumer-centric motor show format. The 2nd CAS Huachezhan, held from 8 to 11 August 2024 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), marked CAS's evolution from a purely trade-focused tuning show into a hybrid "tuning + consumer motor show". The 3rd CAS Huachezhan in 2025 was staged alongside the "Shanghai CAS Huamo Auto Parts Exhibition", integrating the entire automotive supply chain for the first time across an expansive 120,000-square-metre floor area.

Overview of the 2026 Exhibition
The 2026 CAS framework comprises two flagship exhibitions. The CAS Huamo International Auto Parts Exhibition & New Energy Auto Parts Expo is scheduled for 29 to 31 July in Halls 3H and 4.1H of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Spanning a planned 60,000 square metres under the theme "Building China's No. 1 Auto Parts Export Show", it focuses on the new energy vehicle (NEV) component supply chain and aftermarket parts tuning.

CAS Huachezhan is slated for 22 to 25 October in Hall 5.1H at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), featuring a 60,000-square-metre showcase area with over 70 car brands and upwards of 700 vehicle models on display. Themed "Love Cars, Love Life", the show adopts a gamified, interactive visitor format with dedicated tech interactive zones, a children's experience area, a lifestyle bazaar, a glamping experience zone, and dynamic test-drive tracks, setting itself apart from the static single-car displays of conventional motor shows.

Exhibition Scope and Core Positioning
CAS covers the entire aftermarket and tuning supply chain. Performance & Powertrain Tuning encompasses engine modifications, intake/exhaust systems, turbocharger/supercharger kits, and ECU remapping; Handling Tuning covers rims/sport rims, tyres, suspension and dampers, brake kits, and chassis strengthening; Exterior Styling includes vehicle wraps, custom paintwork, bodykits, spoilers, and full colour conversions; Interior Customisation covers steering wheels, racing bucket seats, auxiliary gauges, and campervan/motorhome conversions. Electrification has become a core highlight for CAS in recent years; since 2024, the show has fully transitioned towards new energy, featuring a dedicated NEV zone highlighting smart EVs, traction battery management systems, autonomous driving tech, and flying car concepts.

Industry Significance
What sets CAS apart is its sharp responsiveness to policy shifts and market dynamics. In 2024, the show phased out internal combustion engine (ICE) displays entirely to focus exclusively on new energy, becoming the world's first tuning and lifestyle exhibition dedicated purely to NEVs and smart mobility. This strategic move directly reflects structural changes within China's tuning industry: rapid growth in NEV ownership and an evolving consumer demand shifting from traditional powertrain mods to smart cockpits, exterior styling personalisation, and electrified performance hardware. Furthermore, CAS's hybrid "tuning + consumer auto show" model provides an accessible platform that propels car culture from niche enthusiast circles into the mainstream consumer market.