More than 40 automotive domain experts based in Asia, Europe, and North America gathered virtually to discuss the latest industry trends on Nov 9 and 10.
The gathering, hosted by the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Societies of Automotive Engineers and co-organized by seven associations of Chinese automotive engineers from Austria, France, Germany, Japan, North America, and the UK, marked its fourth session.
This year's event focused on the interactions between Chinese vehicles and global markets, featuring roundtables on intelligent driving technology, the hydrogen economy, solar photovoltaics and batteries, the recycling of electric vehicle batteries, and more.
Amid headwinds over the export of Chinese vehicles to foreign markets, attendees also discussed the opportunities and obstacles ahead, particularly in the European market.
Data from China's General Administration of Customs shows that Chinese electric vehicle exports to the European Union in the first half of 2024 declined by 14.6 percent compared to the same period last year.
Despite facing uncertainty, experts echoed the sentiment that the European market, with its demand for transition to intelligent electric vehicles, aligns with the strengths of Chinese car brands, and continued collaboration with local companies and institutions can help both sides better adapt to market shifts.
"The export of Chinese automobiles started many years ago, not just today. So why is it only receiving attention now? I believe it's because we are leading across the board in both technology and products," said Zhou Xiaoying, CEO of Gasgoo, an information platform that reports up-to-date automotive news in China.
"Chinese cars are going global, but it's no longer just about trade; today, many companies are focusing on localized operations. So, I hope we can build more partnerships, working together to serve Chinese companies and contribute to the global automotive industry. I believe the development of advanced industry technologies should not be limited by geopolitical boundaries. It's about creating better services for emerging markets and providing global consumers with high-quality experiences. This is the true mission of the consumer goods industry," she said.
Xu Hongming, president of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Societies of Automotive Engineers and president of the UK Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, expressed hope that the event could not only serve as a platform for exchanges but also develop into a driver of international cooperation.
He added that the alliance is committed to organizing more such events for industry insiders.
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