Core Insights - German automotive and parts companies are significantly increasing their R&D and investment efforts in China, with 70% of surveyed companies planning to boost investments, and 78% focusing on R&D [1][3] - The shift marks the transition to a "2.0 era" of joint ventures in China, emphasizing localized technology development [1][3] Group 1: Investment Trends - Mercedes-Benz has made substantial investments in China, expanding R&D facilities in Beijing and Shanghai, focusing on core technologies like intelligence and electrification [3] - Volkswagen aims to surpass its headquarters in Wolfsburg in R&D capabilities within emerging fields [3] - Nearly half of the members of the German Automotive Industry Association have established operations in China, with many setting up R&D and production facilities [3][4] Group 2: Collaboration and Supply Chain - German companies are shifting from procuring mature technologies to collaborating with local tech firms, such as Volkswagen with Horizon Robotics and BMW with Chengmai Technology [3] - The supply chain is evolving from a linear structure to an open collaborative "networked ecosystem," enhancing partnerships with local firms like CATL and Huichuan Power [3] - Some German parts suppliers report that 60% of their revenue in China comes from local customers [4] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competition - China's automotive exports have ranked first globally for two consecutive years, but intense domestic competition is emerging [5] - The cultural differences between German and Chinese automotive markets help avoid the "vicious internal competition" seen in China [5][6] - German automakers emphasize long-term strategies over short-term gains, which contrasts with the rapid pace of the Chinese market [6] Group 4: Lessons for Chinese Companies - Chinese companies are encouraged to learn from German automotive firms' experiences in market understanding, product demand, and brand development [8] - The average capacity utilization rate across the industry is around 60%, with German firms having completed significant investments in electric vehicle production [8] - Chinese companies looking to expand overseas must prepare for challenges, including high operational costs in Europe [9]
德系车企持续加码在华研发投资，其中有何缘由？