Four decades ago, Volkswagen took a bold leap into the Chinese mainland’s automotive scene with one of its first major joint ventures. Fast-forward to today, and the country’s explosive growth is rewriting the rules of the electric vehicle (EV) game.
In a recent chat with CGTN host Mike Walter, Dr. Erwin Gabardi, CEO of Volkswagen Anhui, spilled the tea on how China’s tech-savvy market is turbocharging innovation for legacy automakers. ‘Collaboration here isn’t just about manufacturing—it’s about co-creating the future of mobility,’ Gabardi said, highlighting partnerships with local tech giants and startups.
From smart batteries to AI-driven designs, Volkswagen is plugging into China’s EV ecosystem like never before. With over 40% of the world’s EVs already cruising Chinese roads, the region’s demand for green tech is pushing global brands to shift gears faster.
‘The speed here is unmatched,’ Gabardi added. ‘What we learn in China doesn’t stay in China—it shapes our strategy worldwide.’
Reference(s):
Race to the Future: For Collaboration with China, The Time is Now
cgtn.com