Auto industry pushes boundaries through cross-industry cooperation

Auto makers worldwide have teamed up with Chinese tech companies to boost their market performance, according to industry insiders at the Beijing Auto Show.

Chinese domestic auto makers such as JAC Motors and BAIC Motor have been working with Chinese tech companies to develop smart seats and smart driving systems.

The willingness for cross-industry cooperation goes both ways as tech companies have been paying close attention to the demands and development of the auto industry.

"Some players in the communications industry have been paying close attention to the development of the auto industry. Some in the integrated circuit and semiconductor industries have also been attaching importance to the auto industry," said Xiang Xingchu, chairman of JAC Motors.

As China's new energy vehicle (NEV) and the Internet of things (IoT) technologies are in pole position globally, auto industry leaders worldwide such as Volkswagen and Toyota have started partnering with Chinese companies.

For instance, Volkswagen and Xpeng, a Chinese EV maker, co-announced their plan to develop an Electrical/Electronic Architecture ("E/E Architecture").

Under the E/E Architecture technical collaboration, Xpeng and the Volkswagen will jointly develop and integrate Xpeng's latest generation of E/E Architecture to Volkswagen's new platform specifically designed for the taste of Chinese consumers. The jointly developed E/E Architecture is expected to equip Volkswagen brand electric vehicles produced in China from 2026.

"We want to benefit also from the strong development in China in terms of new technologies. And we can't do and don't want to do everything by our own," said Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen.

"As China pushes for new quality productive forces, I believe that Chinese companies will develop more and more advanced hardware, software and AI technologies. I also see a future where Chinese tech companies work with tech giants from around the world to improve their performance in both the Chinese and global markets," said He Xiaopeng, CEO of Xpeng.

"Many Chinese tech companies are willing to contribute to the transformation of the auto industry and they have played a leading and innovative role in this whole process. New powers in the auto industry should also leverage their advantages and work with the well-established car makers," said Fu Bingfeng, executive vice president and secretary general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Auto industry pushes boundaries through cross-industry cooperation

China-Cambodia ties received a boost from Chinese investments in Cambodia's nascent new energy industry on Thursday, as the Cambodian Confederation of Investors Association hosted an event in the capital city of Phnom Penh to welcome these new investments.

The association is expected to better coordinate among ministries and enterprises to start this fresh phase of new energy investment.

Addressing delegates at the ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized his government's strong focus on foreign investments in Cambodia, especially in the private sector.

He said Cambodia and China are engaged in close economic cooperation and promised that the Cambodian government will try its best to create a better business environment and solve problems. In recent years, several Chinese companies in the new energy technology and electric vehicle (EV) sector – including the Huaneng Group, Great Wall, BYD and Midea – have started building infrastructure in Cambodia.

"China-Cambodia trade relations have prospered in recent years. We've chosen to invest in new energy projects in Cambodia, including factories and charging equipment. We believe the investments in industries in Cambodia will further improve China-Cambodia friendship," said He Dong, president of ZM Trucks China.

For Cambodia, Chinese investment in electric vehicles and renewable energy plants offers an opportunity to benefit from technology transfers and industrial upgrading.

It would also help Cambodian businesses, create employment opportunities and improve people's living conditions.

"We welcome the investment very much because it helps Cambodia's economic development. It creates more job opportunities for Cambodians and is also good for the environment," said Kun Thai, general chairman of Cambodia Confederation of Investors Association.

The association is working actively with the Chinese new energy sector – to get more companies into Cambodia, and a wave of investment that will usher in positive changes.

Cambodia welcomes more Chinese investment in new energy industry