On October 16, at the 8th Sino-German Automotive Conference held in Munich, Germany, the theme of international collaboration resonated strongly throughout the event. Uwe Kurt Fridrich, a former member of the Global Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Group, shared insight with Xinhua News Agency, emphasizing the focus on exploring collaborative opportunities in digitalization and sustainable transformation.
The conference gathered nearly 400 professionals from the automotive industry, government, and business associations from both China and Germany. They engaged in deep discussions regarding key topics such as carbon neutrality and future mobility, as well as the transformation trends and cooperative opportunities within the global automotive sector.
Delegates expressed that the automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented change, and the prospects for Sino-German cooperation are promising. They highlighted the need for both countries to leverage their respective strengths, share resources, and complement each other, all while accelerating the transition towards digitalization, intelligence, and sustainability in the automotive sector.
In his opening remarks, Zhai Qian, Minister Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Germany, noted that the collaboration in the automotive industry has continuously been a highlight of Sino-German relations. German car manufacturers entering the Chinese market have significantly contributed to building a modern automotive industry in China. Meanwhile, China’s open market environment has provided a fertile ground for German companies’ sustained growth. Zhai also pointed out that the growth of Chinese car companies has fostered deeper cooperation with their German counterparts.
Taking Continental AG as an example, the company entered China in 1994 and now operates 23 production bases and 28 research and development centers across the country. Yang Chengzu, Vice President of Continental China, explained that as the largest automotive market globally, China holds tremendous potential and opportunities, making it one of Continental’s key growth engines. He further noted that Continental is enhancing its innovative collaborations with Chinese automotive brands and tech companies, driven by market demands and technological advancements. This collaboration allows a better understanding of the Chinese market and consumer preferences, facilitating their expansion overseas while effectively applying successful local product solutions to international brands.
Additionally, Yu Guangsheng, Deputy Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, mentioned that given the deep integration within the Sino-German automotive industry, their bureau collaborates with industry associations, clusters, and leading firms to continuously hold the automobile conference. This platform aims to serve the cooperative interests of both countries’ automotive sectors, especially benefiting small and medium enterprises in gaining efficient access to industry information and exploring investment and partnership opportunities.
In an interview, Frank Klass, Vice President of European Communications at Geely Group, emphasized that automotive companies should enhance partnerships across various regions to develop new technologies and products. He noted that globalization benefits the industry and helps bridge gaps between different market regions. “We look forward to continuing to face challenges together in a globalized environment,” he stated.
Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, a renowned automotive economics expert and director of the Bochum Automotive Institute, commented that German and European companies possess extensive experience in manufacturing, branding, and international development. In contrast, Chinese companies are leading in technological advancements in the automotive sector, particularly in areas such as batteries, artificial intelligence, and automotive software. He suggested that a strong partnership between Europe and China would create a win-win situation for both sides.
Participants expressed their hopes for continued collaboration in the Sino-German automotive industry, emphasizing mutual learning, encouragement, and advancement. They urged the European Union to take a rational view of cooperation with the Chinese automotive sector, advocating that only through pragmatic engagement can meaningful development and fruitful outcomes be achieved for all involved.
