In brief
The congress highlighted that electrification, digitalisation, AI and autonomous driving are revolutionising the auto industry, with German and Chinese companies promising deeper cooperation beyond vehicle production into batteries and smart technologies. Leaders emphasised partnerships to accelerate sustainable mobility, while competition was framed as a catalyst for industry upgrading. The event also followed an International Suppliers Fair hosting 45 Chinese suppliers, underlining the expanding trade network.
On 30 October 2026, the 10th German‑Chinese Automotive Congress convened in Wolfsburg, Germany, drawing roughly 600 delegates from Chinese and German automakers, suppliers, and technology companies. The setting, situated at the heart of Volkswagen’s world headquarters, served as a platform for discussing how the industry’s shift toward sustainability could be accelerated through joint efforts. Participants aimed to explore solutions that would reduce emissions, lower resource consumption, and increase the deployment of electric vehicles across both markets.
Olaf Lies, Minister‑President of Lower Saxony, said the automotive industry was undergoing one of its biggest and fastest transformations. He highlighted electrification as the core driver, describing how batteries, intelligent connectivity, and digital manufacturing were reshaping vehicle production.
The automotive industry, including its suppliers and technology sectors, is undergoing one of the biggest and most rapid transformation processes in its history, not least due to electrification, vehicle digitalisation, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving.
Electrification took center stage as the group discussed next‑generation battery chemistry, supply‑chain resilience, and lower life‑cycle emissions. Chinese supplier participation, which expanded to 45 firms at the preceding International Suppliers Fair, underscored the momentum for cross‑border battery collaboration. The focus on battery recycling and cobalt‑free chemistries reflects a shared goal of minimizing environmental footprints and securing ethically sourced materials.
Digitalisation and artificial‑intelligence initiatives received strong emphasis for both manufacturing and in‑vehicle applications. The congress highlighted that AI can optimise supply‑chain logistics, predict component failures, and improve driver safety through autonomous systems. Participants pledged to co‑develop software platforms that adhere to open standards, thereby reducing the carbon cost of proprietary data silos.
Autonomous driving emerged as a pivotal theme, with delegates discussing how shared sensors, simulation tools, and testing infrastructure could reduce trial‑and‑error cycles that typically drive up emissions. The collaboration aims to standardise safety protocols and accelerate regulatory approvals across EU and Chinese jurisdictions, with the ultimate goal of expanding low‑emission, partially automated road networks.
Lin Dong, Consul General of China in Hamburg, explained that cooperation had expanded beyond manufacturing to include batteries, intelligent connectivity, and technological innovation. He said,
Cooperation between Chinese and German auto companies has now gone beyond the conventional domain of complete vehicle production, expanding to areas including batteries, intelligent connection and technological innovations.This shift signals a broader environmental strategy that treats parts and services as integral to achieving net‑zero targets.
Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Technology, echoed the need for solid partnerships. He added,
In the auto industry’s current climate, it is very important that German and Chinese companies maintain dialogue and establish reliable and solid partnerships.Schmall stressed that joint R&D into lightweight materials and renewable energy‑powered assembly lines would support global decarbonisation goals.
Liu Minqiang, Director‑General of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce, framed competition as a driver of quality improvement. He urged companies to focus on improving technologies, products, and services, stating,
Competition is not detrimental for the automotive industry when transformation is speeding up. Rather, it contributes to the upgrading of the industry and plays a positive role in providing customers with better products and services.Liu’s message underscored that an intensifying market dynamic could propel the industry toward greener outcomes.
The congress built on the preceding International Suppliers Fair, which kicked off on Tuesday. The fair showcased 45 Chinese automotive suppliers, enabling bilateral exchange of best practices in battery manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and eco‑friendly packaging. The synergy between the fair and congress demonstrated how supply‑chain integration can accelerate emissions reductions across the value chain.
Looking ahead, the participating firms are set to formalise joint ventures targeting electric powertrains, autonomous driving algorithms, and data‑sharing ecosystems. By aligning on sustainability metrics—emissions per kilometre, resource intensity, and circular‑economy integration—the Chinese and German auto sectors aim to lead the global transition toward cleaner, more responsible mobility.
