The 2017 Shanghai Automobile E-commerce Forum opens in Anting town, Jiading district of Shanghai on March 30. [Photo/sohu.com]

The 2017 Shanghai Automobile E-commerce Forum took place in Anting town, Jiading district of Shanghai on March 30.

More than 500 leaders from government and the entire auto industrial chain attended the day-long event and discussed topics such as auto e-commerce, intelligent transportation, the second-hand car market, auto finance, and the automotive aftermarket.

Dozens of industry leaders offered their insights into the integration of Internet technology and the auto industry based on their rich experience.

Li Weili, an official from the State Information Center, analyzed the evolution and transformation of the auto industry. Li Xiao, co-founder of JOY Capital, talked about ways to advance auto e-commerce from the perspective of an investor.

Zhang Xu'an, founder and CEO of auto finance website daikuan.com, discussed the integration of auto finance and e-commerce platforms. Peng Weilian, executive president of second-hand car trading website xin.com, gave his views on the operational mode of second-hand car e-commerce.

The forum, which has been held in Anting for four consecutive years, has developed into an authoritative event focusing on auto e-commerce in China.

Its strengthened influence is attributed to the strong status of its host venue Anting, which is home to the Shanghai International Automobile City.

Anting has formed a complete auto industrial chain covering manufacturing, R&D, trade, education, sports, and exhibitions. Currently, it has seven national auto demonstration zones, including the National Auto and Parts Export Base, Electric Vehicle International Demonstration Zone and Smart-connected Vehicle Demonstration Zone.

Additionally, Anting also intends to build an international auto industry innovation center to further promote the integration of Internet technology and the traditional auto industry.