Chinese suppliers and manufacturers have stepped up their presence at the Frankfurt auto show, capitalizing on their strong position in electric technologies being forced on European carmakers by regulators seeking to curb pollution.

Though the number of exhibitors has fallen, to 800 in 2019 from 994 in 2017, Chinese automakers and suppliers now make up the biggest foreign contingent with 79 companies, up from 73.

Several European and Japanese carmakers, including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Nissan and Toyota, have skipped the show as the industry cuts costs.