Zhong Guo Qi Che Bao Wang·2025-06-18 01:54Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation towards electrification and intelligence, with "Chinese speed" becoming a benchmark for efficiency and competitiveness in product development [2][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The traditional automotive product development cycle, which used to take 3 years or more, has been significantly reduced to 12-18 months in China, reflecting a shift towards faster iteration and innovation [3][4]. - Major global automakers like Volkswagen and Nissan are adopting strategies to shorten their product development timelines, with Volkswagen aiming to reduce its new model development time from 54 months to 36 months [3][5]. - The shift towards a "fast consumer era" is prompting automotive companies to align their development processes more closely with those in the consumer electronics sector, leading to quicker product launches and iterations [3][6]. Group 2: Impact of Chinese Companies - Chinese automakers such as BYD, Chery, and Leap Motor are leveraging their rapid development capabilities to expand globally, responding quickly to local market demands [2][4]. - The competitive pressure from Chinese companies is forcing international automakers to accelerate their own product development cycles to keep pace [4][5]. - Nissan has committed to reducing its product development cycle in China to under 24 months, emphasizing the need to maintain "Chinese rhythm" in its global strategy [5][11]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Advances in technology, including AI, big data, and cloud computing, are reshaping the automotive industry's development processes, enabling faster product iterations [6][8]. - The application of digital twin and virtual simulation technologies is significantly shortening vehicle development cycles, while modular architectures enhance efficiency [6][8]. - The integration of new technologies in electric and intelligent vehicles is allowing for more frequent product updates and iterations [6][8]. Group 4: Global Collaborations - International automakers are increasingly collaborating with Chinese companies to enhance their product development capabilities, as seen in partnerships between Volkswagen and local firms like Xpeng Motors [9][10]. - The trend of "reverse technology transfer" is emerging, where Chinese innovations are being adopted globally, with companies like Mercedes-Benz leveraging Chinese R&D for global projects [10][11]. - Chinese automotive companies are expanding overseas, establishing production bases and R&D centers in various countries, thus promoting "Chinese speed" on a global scale [12][13].