Sino-German auto conference in NE China drives innovation, partnership

The ninth China-Germany Automobile Conference opens in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin province, Nov. 12, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The ninth China-Germany Automobile Conference opened Wednesday in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin province, bringing together leading companies, industry associations and experts from both countries to explore market opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties in the automotive sector.

Chen Jian, former vice minister of commerce, said China and Germany, as two major players in the global auto industry, share a responsibility for its healthy development.

"China has made remarkable progress in battery technology, innovative solutions and intelligent supply chains, while Germany continues to excel in brand influence, manufacturing expertise and market experience," Chen said. "By working together, both countries can help lead the global industry toward a smarter, safer and more efficient future, creating better mobility for consumers worldwide."

Jilin Vice Governor Yang Andi highlighted the province's long-standing role as a model of China-Germany automotive cooperation, noting FAW-Volkswagen, the joint venture established in 1991 in Jilin, has filled a gap in China's passenger car market and helped domestic automakers expand globally.

She invited partners from both countries to drive joint innovation, deepen talent exchange and explore new technological pathways combining traditional fuel vehicles and intelligent connected systems. "Together, we can promote the transformation and upgrade of the industry toward high-end, smart and green development," she said.

Changchun Mayor Gu Gang said FAW-Volkswagen recently rolled out its 30 millionth vehicle in the city, calling it a major milestone in China-Germany automotive development.

Gu said the city aims to strengthen the entire supply chain, from vehicles and parts to aftermarket services, advance infrastructure for intelligent connectivity and autonomous driving, and develop "auto-plus" business models that blend carmaking with other sectors.

"We welcome R&D centers, manufacturing bases, sales hubs and service centers from both countries to establish operations in Changchun for shared success," Gu said.

Hans-Peter Friedrich, former vice president of the German Bundestag, emphasized that Germany and China must be leaders in sustainable industrialization.

"The growing global demand for mobility and sustainability can only be met through new technologies — solutions that must be jointly developed by Germany and China," he said.

He noted that both sides face significant challenges, including electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving, but these bring new opportunities. "That's why transformation is crucial," he said. "A successful auto industry relies not only on large corporations, but also on tens of thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises on both sides, whose innovation drives progress."

Other keynote speakers included Liang Guiyou, FAW Group board member; Alexander Jess, managing director of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers; Michael He, executive vice president of BYD; Miriam Mayer-Ebert, Audi China's executive vice president of operations and transformation; Pu Xingchuan, deputy general manager of Changan Automobile; Cao Li, senior vice president of Leapmotor; and Deng Xue, chief industry analyst at China International Capital Corp.

Discussions covered the global automotive cooperation ecosystem, the German market outlook, Sino-European expertise, new cross-sector partnership models, and the reshaping of the industry amid artificial intelligence.

Three parallel forums focused on China-Germany investment and project matchmaking, overseas cooperation opportunities for the Chinese automotive supply chain, and digital empowerment for the automotive ecosystem.

The conference, launched in 2017 by China's Ministry of Commerce and German automotive clusters and industry associations, will return for its 10th edition in October 2026 in Wolfsburg, Germany, home to Volkswagen's global headquarters.