In brief
Some 600 representatives from China and Germany convened in Wolfsburg for the 10th German‑Chinese Automotive Congress, where officials highlighted the need for closer collaboration amid rapid industry changes. Leaders from Lower Saxony, Volkswagen Group, and Chinese trade agencies outlined shared priorities in electrification, AI, and autonomous driving, emphasizing that competition can spur innovation and benefit consumers. The congress followed an International Suppliers Fair that hosted 45 Chinese automotive suppliers, signalling a broadening of cooperation beyond vehicle manufacturing.
At the 10th German‑Chinese Automotive Congress in Wolfsburg on 30 October 2026, about 600 participants from China and Germany gathered to discuss heightened cooperation as the auto industry undergoes rapid transformation. The congress, held after an International Suppliers Fair that saw 45 Chinese suppliers present, brought together government officials and corporate leaders from both sides to chart collaborative strategies rooted in electrification, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving.
Olaf Lies, the Minister‑President of the German state of Lower Saxony, opened the event by emphasizing that the automotive sector is experiencing “one of the biggest and most rapid transformation processes in its history.” He noted that the influx of new technologies—particularly electrification and AI—requires close partnership between German and Chinese companies to navigate the evolving competitive landscape.
Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Technology, echoed this sentiment and warned that maintaining open dialogue is essential for “reliable and solid partnerships.” His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration in ensuring that industry developments serve the public interest, from safer vehicles to advancing Germany’s position in the global supply chain.
"Cooperation between German and Chinese auto companies has now gone beyond the conventional domain of complete vehicle production, expanding to areas including batteries, intelligent connection and technological innovations," said Lin Dong, Consul General of China in Hamburg.
Lin’s statement highlights the widening scope of joint endeavors, acknowledging that supply‑chain cooperation can influence employment, environmental outcomes, and innovation ecosystems in both countries. By moving beyond vehicle assembly to include battery production and technology development, stakeholders signal a commitment to shared economic growth.
Liu Minqiang, Director‑General of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce in China, added that competition is not detrimental to the automotive industry when it accelerates transformation. He framed competition as a force that “contributes to the upgrading of the industry and plays a positive role in providing customers with better products and services.” Liu urged firms to focus on improving technologies, products, and services—a stance that positions industry competitiveness as a means of public value provision.
The congress’s outcomes carry civic implications for communities reliant on automotive manufacturing. By prioritizing electrification and autonomous driving, officials are setting the stage for new job categories, reshaping training needs, and potentially influencing regional economic resilience. These developments also touch on public accountability, as higher standards of safety and environmental performance are expected to benefit consumers and reduce emissions.
The integration of Chinese suppliers into the German market—illustrated by the 45 participants at the International Suppliers Fair—shows an intent to diversify manufacturing bases and secure supply chains. Such moves can mitigate geopolitical risks, safeguard local employment, and ensure the continuity of key automotive components. The fair and congress together thus serve as instruments for international cooperation that align technological progress with socio‑economic stability.
Because the automotive sector remains a significant contributor to national GDPs and export volumes, the highs and lows of these collaborations reverberate through domestic labour markets and trade balances. Policymakers and industry leaders acknowledged during the congress that maintaining robust partnerships will be key to keeping German and Chinese automotive enterprises competitive while delivering public benefits—enhanced safety, lower emissions, and continued job creation.
In summary, the Wolfsburg gathering signaled a decade’s worth of increased collaboration between German and Chinese automotive stakeholders. By focusing on electrification, digitalization, AI, and autonomy, the parties aim to jointly navigate industry disruptions, strengthen supply chains, and reinforce public welfare benefits across both nations.
