Fuyao Group, the world’s largest automotive glass supplier, is advancing vehicle connectivity with its 5G antenna-integrated glass.
This cutting-edge technology integrates antenna capabilities directly into vehicle glass, supporting the growing connectivity requirements of modern vehicles in the era of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Behind this continuous push for innovation is the leadership of its founder and chairman, Cao Dewang.
Cao's entrepreneurial journey began in 1978 when he worked as a purchasing clerk at a struggling glass factory in Gaoshan Town in Fuqing City, Fujian Province. Faced with outdated production methods and a lack of market awareness, the factory was on the brink of closure.
However, in 1983, when the Chinese government allowed individual contracting to run township enterprises, Cao seized the opportunity to take over the failing factory.
Recognizing the dependency of the Chinese automotive industry on foreign glass imports, Cao, along with several partners, founded Fuyao Glass in 1987. Despite initial challenges, including a lack of technical expertise and equipment, he was determined to bring innovation to the industry.
"When we founded Fuyao in 1987, I wanted to import a set of equipment, and the government allowed imports. We were the first in this industry to bring in equipment. When the equipment arrived, we didn't know how to install it, so we hired a few engineers to help with the installation. We had no place to recruit, and university graduates were eager to come to our company, but we had nowhere to store their files. That's when we created China's first talent center," Cao said in an interview with China Central Television.
By recruiting skilled engineers and investing in new machinery, Fuyao eventually developed specialized automotive glass that met the burgeoning needs of China's automotive market.
By the early 1990s, Fuyao had outperformed its Japanese competitors, becoming the largest automotive glass supplier in China.
The company's entry into the global market after China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001 brought new challenges, including anti-dumping investigations from the U.S. and Canada.
"We were selling automotive glasses at a higher price in the U.S. than (American companies), so why did they sue me? Because they heard my exports were doing so well. The Americans got scared. When they came to audit our company, they opened the computer, looked at whatever data they wanted, and printed out about half a pickup truck’s load of documents to take away," said Cao.
After a two-year legal battle, Fuyao emerged victorious, solidifying its international presence.
"When faced with issues, you must fight for yourself. You must deal with these issues in a realistic way. If it's my mistake, I will apologize; if it's yours, don't try to give me any trouble," he asserted.
Despite a volatile international environment, Fuyao continues to maintain a strong presence in the global market.
"We have no pressure. In the first three quarters of 2023, we earned a profit of about 4.1 billion yuan (about 572 million U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of about 20 percent, growing against the trend. I believe a company needs a solid foundation. I've been in the glass industry for 40 years. We focus on automotive glass and don't produce any other types. Now we have become an expert in automotive glass globally. Focus is a sign of responsibility," said Cao.
Today, Fuyao continues to lead the industry by integrating cutting-edge technology into its products. The introduction of 5G glass antennas is a testament to this innovation.
Traditional vehicles require multiple external antennas to support connectivity, but Fuyao's solution allows these antennas to be embedded within the glass itself, maintaining aesthetic appeal and performance. This new technology can achieve download speeds of up to 800 Mbps in mobile terminals, enabling seamless connectivity for modern vehicles.
"Research and development account for about 3 to 4 percent of our revenue, over a billion yuan. We still need to increase our investment in research and development. There is no best, only better. We have to continuously improve ourselves through innovation," said Cao.
Beyond technology, Cao is deeply committed to social good. At nearly 80 years old, he is spearheading the development of the Fuyao University of Science and Technology in Fuzhou, the provincial capital of Fujian, aimed at cultivating engineering talents.
He often says that every penny he earns is a result of the opportunities granted by the country and the era, therefore, he should be grateful and use his wealth in areas where society needs it most.
Cao's journey from a struggling factory to a global leader in automotive glass is not just a story of business success but also a testament to resilience, innovation, and social responsibility in a rapidly changing world.
Chinese auto glass tycoon drives smart mobility with pioneering 5G glass antennas
