3 6 Ke·2026-01-21 03:34Core Viewpoint - The narrative of "decoupling from China" in the automotive industry is countered by significant investments and strategic shifts by foreign automakers, indicating a deeper integration into the Chinese market driven by market and technological needs rather than solely political pressures [2][12][25]. Group 1: Foreign Automakers' Strategies in China - Toyota has transferred decision-making authority for its models in China from Japan to local teams [2]. - Volkswagen has established a €2.5 billion smart connected vehicle R&D center in Hefei, known as "Oriental Wolfsburg" [2]. - Mercedes-Benz and BMW have announced plans to invest over 100 billion RMB in R&D in China over the coming years [2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Market Dynamics - In the 1980s, foreign automakers entered China through joint ventures with local companies, dominating the market for decades [3][4]. - The "smile curve" illustrates that while foreign companies controlled R&D and profits, local partners were confined to low-end manufacturing [5][6]. - The U.S.-China trade war initiated a wave of domestic substitution, leading to significant changes in the automotive landscape, including the rise of new players like Tesla and local startups [6][7]. Group 3: Shifts in Consumer Preferences - Chinese consumers are increasingly prioritizing advanced technologies over traditional brand prestige, leading to a shift in competitive dynamics [7][8]. - The rapid evolution of electric and smart vehicles has created a new competitive landscape where innovation speed is crucial [8][11]. Group 4: Localized Innovation and R&D - Foreign automakers are now decentralizing decision-making, with many appointing local executives to lead their China operations [13][15]. - Companies like Volkswagen and BMW are establishing R&D centers in China to focus on local market needs and global trends [15][16]. - The integration of local engineers into core development processes is transforming foreign R&D centers from mere adaptation units to hubs of original innovation [15][16]. Group 5: Supply Chain and Manufacturing Evolution - Foreign automakers are increasingly relying on Chinese manufacturing capabilities, viewing local factories as benchmarks for global production standards [17][19]. - The shift from "made in China" to "designed in China" is evident, with Chinese innovations being exported globally [20][24]. Group 6: Standardization and Global Influence - China is actively working to establish global standards in the automotive industry, aiming for a significant increase in the international standard conversion rate [26][27]. - The push for standardization is supported by government initiatives, enhancing China's role in shaping future industry norms [26][27]. Group 7: Future Outlook and Strategic Opportunities - The trend of "reverse localization" presents a strategic opportunity for the Chinese automotive industry to lead in the next era of automotive innovation [25][29]. - The focus is shifting from merely being a part of the global supply chain to becoming a rule-maker in the smart electric vehicle era [29].