MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) — The future of the global automotive industry lies in openness and cooperation, said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a prominent German automotive expert and director of the Center for Automotive Research in Bochum, western Germany.
In an interview with Xinhua on the eve of the 2025 IAA Mobility, also known as the Munich auto show, Dudenhoeffer stressed that closer ties between European and Chinese companies are not only mutually beneficial but also a vital driver of industrial transformation.
According to Dudenhoeffer, the global automotive industry is facing two diverging trends. “On one side, the United States has launched tariff wars under the pretext of reducing trade deficits. These unpredictable and negative tariffs are damaging and inhibiting the global auto industry,” he said.
“On the other side, companies from Europe and China are working closely together, moving toward electrification. Europe needs China, because Chinese companies are strong in digitalization and intelligent technologies, helping cars become more comfortable and smarter,” he added.
The 2025 IAA Mobility, held from Sept. 9 to 14, will see the participation of 116 Chinese companies. Dudenhoeffer said he expects Chinese exhibitors to showcase technologies in digitalization, autonomous driving, and smart cockpits.
“The car of the future will be completely different from the past – it will be modern, digital, and intelligent. Automated driving and entertainment in smart cockpits will be crucial. That will be an important message from this auto show,” the expert said.
At this year’s IAA Mobility, many products stem from cooperation between Europe and China. Dudenhoeffer has anticipated this trend. “We see this already in many joint projects, such as BMW with Momenta and Volkswagen Group with Horizon Robotics.”
He pointed out that while European carmakers contribute knowledge of road holding and brand value, Chinese companies bring strengths in digital infrastructure, software and automation.
Dudenhoeffer described the long-term importance of cooperation with China as “essential.” “We can learn from China’s innovations, bring more innovative products to the market, and also benefit from China’s cost advantages and long-term planning,” he said.
On the industry’s low-carbon future, Dudenhoeffer again highlighted diverging trends: the United States scrapped several green energy incentives this year, marking setbacks in the new energy sector; in contrast, Europe remains committed to the industry’s electrification, staying on the path and taking responsibility.
While calling the U.S. trend “the wrong approach,” he said, “In Europe, we want to safeguard the future. Combating climate change is essential. The electrification of car powertrains is a key path to energy transition and sustainable development,” he added.
Dudenhoeffer emphasized that only openness can ensure the healthy development and successful transformation of the global auto industry.
“China is an indispensable partner for Europe in advancing the electrification and digitalization of cars,” he said. “By moving closer to China and learning from China, Europe can enhance its competitiveness, and together we can build a stabler and better world.”
