Europe, China could be partners for boosting electrification in auto industry
People visit the booth of Chinese carmaker Xpeng during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xiaopeng Motors and the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen signed a cooperation agreement last week at the Geneva International Motor Show to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, marking another step forward in the partnership established in July last year.
The motor show presents an impressive assortment of electric vehicles (EVs) from emerging Chinese manufacturers and established European automakers, serving as an ideal platform to showcase the future trajectory of the automotive industry.
Renault's Scenic E-Tech secured the prestigious Car of the Year 2024, and China's BYD Seal made it to the top finalists with its sleek design, notable performance and advanced technology.
As said by Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Management in Germany, the entire automobile industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with new players emerging as pioneers in electrification and digitalization.
The deepened cooperation between China's emerging carmaker Xiaopeng and Germany's traditional automotive giant Volkswagen signifies a concerted effort to delve deeper into electric mobility, demonstrating an increasing consensus among Chinese and European car manufacturers that expanding the market of EVs should be a shared endeavor.
In fact, the collaboration between China and Europe in the automotive industry dates back more than 40 years. In the early 1980s, under a license agreement, the first Santana was produced in China. It then became a household name across the country.
The rich history of cooperation between Chinese and European carmakers sets a strong foundation for present-day cooperation. In today's automotive landscape, there are abundant opportunities for mutual benefit. China's expertise in manufacturing efficiency and market adaptation, coupled with Europe's tradition of engineering excellence and innovation, create a fertile ground for cooperation.
However, some hastily call Chinese EVs "challengers" taking on their European rivals and making inroads into the market. Last year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a controversial anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs.
The probe has drawn wide criticism within Europe. The German Association of the Automotive Industry opposed the protective move, emphasizing the need for free and rules-based trade to address Europe's challenges in competitiveness.
Excessive administrative intervention is not what a stable European auto market needs. The presence of Chinese EVs in Europe should not be viewed as a threat but as a catalyst for the continent's automotive market. For European customers, Chinese brands can fill the market gaps by offering affordable and high-quality models.
Instead of out-competing each other, Europe and China should rather embrace the prevailing electrification trend through closer ties among carmakers, and promote exchanges of know-how and collaboration in research and development. That is also in the interest of millions of automotive customers.
Breaking free from a zero-sum mentality, Europe and China could chart a shared roadmap for success in the EV revolution as they did four decades ago in the auto industry. As the pair forge deeper ties, the future promises endless possibilities.
Related articles
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
WASHINGTON (AP) — Exploring the cosmos makes for happy employees, federal workers like to work from2024-05-21- A worker checks a container of CanSino COVID-19 vaccines at Islamabad International Airport in Islam2024-05-21
EU condemns Turkish decision to convert Hagia Sophia back to mosque
EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks during a press2024-05-21Xinhua Headlines: China, Vietnam Lift Ties to New Stage, Aiming for Shared Future
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21- Tom Holland enjoyed a post-show cup of tea and proudly waved to fans as he left the Duke of York's T2024-05-21
Floods in Bangladesh affect over 1.3 million people
People walk on a flooded road in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, July 12, 2020. The floods in parts of Bangla2024-05-21
atest comment