In brief
The congress highlighted electrification, digitalization, AI and autonomous driving as pillars of the industry’s transformation, calling for deeper cooperation in batteries and technology. Leaders from both nations emphasized the need for continued dialogue amid intense global competition. The event followed an International Suppliers Fair that showcased 45 Chinese automotive suppliers in Wolfsburg.
On Friday, October 30, more than six hundred Chinese and German automakers and suppliers gathered in Wolfsburg for the 10th German‑Chinese Automotive Congress, where officials stressed the need for stronger collaboration amid a rapid industry transformation.
Olaf Lies, the state’s Minister‑President, said the sector was “undergoing one of the biggest and most rapid transformation processes in its history,” driven by electrification, digitalisation, artificial intelligence in manufacturing and vehicles, and autonomous driving.
Thomas Schmall, chief executive of Volkswagen Group Technology, urged companies to maintain open dialogue and “establish reliable and solid partnerships.”
Liu Minqiang, Director‑General of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce, noted that competition does not harm the industry when transformation is accelerating, but instead helps “upgrade the industry and provide customers with better products and services.”
Lin Dong, China’s Consul General in Hamburg, said cooperation had now moved beyond the conventional production of complete vehicles, expanding to batteries, intelligent connectivity and other technological innovations.
The congress followed the International Suppliers Fair, which had inaugurated in Wolfsburg earlier in the week and drew 45 Chinese automotive suppliers.
