Storyline: Industry experts attending the biennial Munich auto show have underscored the importance of maintaining global free trade, stressing that EU-China cooperation can solve the challenge of protectionism. The event, officially known as the International Motor Show Germany (IAA Mobility), opened its latest edition in Munich on Tuesday, with a remarkable increase in Chinese exhibitors, reaching 116, the largest among all international participants. Held in the Munich Trade Fair Center and a downtown open-space display area, the show has drawn approximately 750 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. For the first time, international exhibitors comprise over 55 percent of the total, a new record for the show. The open-space area, which is open to the public, offers over 200 exhibited vehicles, including numerous models from Chinese brands. "There are many many Chinese cars I've never seen. [What impresses me the most is] innovation. You see small details where other car manufacturers didn't look too much into the details," said a visitor at the show. This year's show comes as the impact of U.S. tariff policies looms over the global auto industry. Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry which is a co-organizer of the show, said that the auto industry currently faces multiple challenges, including trade protectionism, which have been exerting pressures on the European auto sector. "I think it's very important that we continue to talk about international supply chains. Protectionism is the wrong way, and tariffs are the wrong way, but all countries must also play by fair rules. Of course, we have discussions with China, but I hope we can resolve these challenges at last. Everyone benefits from open markets, while tariffs and protectionism are the wrong way," said Mueller. Speaking at the event’s opening ceremony, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for flexibility from the European Union regarding the latter's plan to completely ban the sale of fuel vehicles by 2035. He argued that governments' political commitments should be based on technological feasibility and economic sustainability. The IAA Mobility, formerly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show, has been held biennially in Munich since 2021. This year's show will run until Sunday, or September 14. Shotlist: Munich, Germany - Sept 9, 2025: 1. Entrance to 2025 IAA Mobility; people outside exhibition hall 2. Sign of IAA Mobility, registration management 3. Visitors entering hall, having tickets and ID checked 4. Various of Chinese car from AVATR on display at IAA Mobility; visitors Munich, Germany - Sept 8, 2025: 5. Various of Chinese car from Leapmotor on display at IAA Mobility 6. Visitor getting in car Munich, Germany - Sept 9, 2025: 7. SOUNDBITE (English) visitor (name not given): "There are many many Chinese cars I've never seen. [What impresses me the most is] innovation. You see small details where other car manufacturers didn't look too much into the details." 8. Chinese car from XPENG on display at IAA Mobility; visitors 9. Cars on display; visitors 10. SOUNDBITE (German) Hildegard Mueller, president, German Association of the Automotive Industry: "I think it's very important that we continue to talk about international supply chains. Protectionism is the wrong way, and tariffs are the wrong way, but all countries must also play by fair rules. Of course, we have discussions with China, but I hope we can resolve these challenges at last. Everyone benefits from open markets, while tariffs and protectionism are the wrong way." 11. Visitors 12. Banners of IAA Mobility. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]