#China #Chongqing #Changan Automobile #SERES #Leapmotor

Transformative Growth in China’s Automotive Sector

In a bid to address the crucial transition from scale-driven success to a focus on quality and innovation, China’s automotive industry leaders convened at the 2026 Automotive New Quality Productive Force Development Forum, hosted in the Jiulongpo District of Chongqing. This city, a key hub for auto and motorcycle production, is pursuing its aspiration to become a high-end player in the global automotive value chain.

The forum was organized by the China Economic Information Service and the China Certification Inspection Group, drawing participants from across the automotive manufacturing and intelligent driving sectors. With electric vehicle production and advancements in intelligent driving gaining momentum in China, delegates emphasized the necessity for transformative growth strategies that prioritize quality over sheer quantity.

Industry Challenges and Focus Areas

During the discussions, prominent industry figures tackled several critical issues facing the sector. He Gang, vice president of Changan Automobile, underscored the pressing need to enhance user trust alongside the rapid penetration of intelligent driving features in vehicles. Highlighting the importance of safety, Gang detailed how Changan is developing a comprehensive safety system using advanced laboratories capable of simulating extreme driving conditions and detecting potential hazards in real-time.

In a similar vein, He Liyang, president of Seres, reiterated that safety must take precedence, stating, "safety is the utmost luxury worth pursuing." He shared insights on how Seres has consistently adhered to principles prioritizing performance and security in their vehicle development process.

Cao Li, senior vice president of Leapmotor, also contributed to the dialogue by suggesting that to reduce competition based on similar product offerings, OEMs need to rely on fully self-reliant research and manufacturing capabilities. Leapmotor has already developed over 65% of its core components in-house, showcasing a robust industrial ecosystem comprised of 18 state-of-the-art factories designed to ensure quality and efficiency.

Exploring Technology Routes and Innovations

Amid the ongoing debates regarding powertrain technologies, Wu Jian, a member of the strategic committee at GAC Group, voiced his belief that conventional overseas powertrain routes may not yield satisfactory results in terms of adaptability to intelligent systems. He called for innovations that strictly follow Chinese market needs and scenarios, emphasizing the importance of homegrown technology in developing integrated vehicle systems. GAC’s two-decade investment in independent research and development has led to a diverse range of powertrains suited for various vehicle types, from plug-in hybrids to fully electric versions.

Moreover, Wu Yongqiao, president of Bosch's intelligent driving division in China, indicated that the company remains committed to local innovations while navigating regulatory landscapes to support the global reach of Chinese auto enterprises.

Finally, Tang Guomei, deputy president of Sevnce Robotics, discussed leveraging technological advancements for social impact, particularly in addressing safety dilemmas prevalent in specific sectors of the automotive industry.

Addressing the complexities involved in the evolution of intelligent driving systems, Yang Mu, CTO of Chongqing Afari Technology, shed light on his company's initiative to build a fundamental intelligent driving model. By integrating large language models with existing technology, they aim to improve vehicle capabilities concerning logical reasoning, scene comprehension, and risk assessment, marking an intriguing stride toward safer and smarter automotive solutions.

The recent forum has highlighted a pivotal moment in China’s automotive industry, where leaders are consciously shifting from a scale-centric approach to one that prioritizes quality, innovation, and safety to fulfill future demands.

This transformative dialogue between prominent players illustrates a collective commitment to rethink strategies that can edge out traditional competition and set new standards in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.