Kathrin Wolfsgruber
Deputy Executive Director of the German Chamber of Commerce in China - North China
+86-10-6539 6661 wolfsgruber.kathrin@china.ahk.de
On September 19, 2025, the German Chamber of Commerce in China – North China, a platform for member networking and Sino-German business exchange, hosted the 2nd Sino-German Automotive Forum at the National Information Technology Application Innovation (ITAI) Conference Center in Beijing’s Yizhuang. The event brought together 150 senior executives and industry leaders from China and Germany’s automotive, new energy vehicle (NEV), autonomous driving, and related sectors.
Building on the success of the forum’s inaugural edition in September 2024, this year’s event reinforced bilateral cooperation.. Currently, around one-quarter of its members are involved in automotive and related industries, reflecting the sector’s importance in Sino-German trade and investment.
Key Themes Driving Sino-German Automotive Cooperation
Opening addresses from the Chamber and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area set the tone for a forward-looking exchange. Keynote speeches explored the future of the automotive industry, focusing on localization strategies — including the “In China for China” approach — integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies, and innovation pathways to remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.
Discussions examined NEV market trends, supply chain localization, smart manufacturing opportunities, and cross-border technology cooperation. Interactive sessions addressed mergers and acquisitions in the automotive parts sector, advancements in intelligent cabin systems, autonomous driving innovations, and circular economy practices that support resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and long-term competitiveness.
In addition, the forum highlighted Circular Economy (CE) development in China. A case study on battery recycling demonstrated how CE initiatives can enhance sustainability and competitiveness in the automotive sector. Chamber members benefit from priority access to such strategic industry research, empowering them to make informed business decisions in China.
First-Hand Industry Experience and Networking
Participants visited the Xiaomi Automobile Factory and Baidu Apollo Autonomous Driving and V2X Test Base, gaining insights into China’s latest NEV and autonomous driving developments. The day concluded with a networking reception at the Münchner Biergarten..
Join the German Chamber of Commerce in China and our events
The German Chamber of Commerce in China delivers tangible value to its members through:
- High-profile industry forums connecting decision-makers from China and Germany
- Exclusive research such as the Localization White Paper 3.0 and the annual Business Confidence Survey
- Policy insights and advocacy to support members’ success in China’s evolving market
- Cross-industry business matching and international networking opportunities
- Tailored business support for both German companies entering China and Chinese companies seeking German partnerships
