China’s automotive sector continues to drive innovation and foster global collaboration, as demonstrated at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), held in Beijing from December 3 to December 7, 2024. The expo highlights cutting-edge technologies and underscores China’s growing influence in the global supply chain.
Revolutionizing Smart Driving Technology
A standout exhibit at the expo showcased an electric car equipped with intelligent chassis and automatic wheels, enabling lateral movement, “crab-like” mobility, and 360-degree turns. These innovations simplify challenges like parallel parking and navigating tight spaces, signaling a shift toward more efficient and user-friendly vehicles.
Xu Qingguo, Sales General Manager at Changchun MATIC Robotic Vehicle Technology, explained how integrating steering and braking systems into the wheels reduces vehicle weight by over 30% and chassis components by 40%. These advancements enhance energy efficiency and extend driving range, critical for the next generation of new energy vehicles (NEVs).
Further upstream, companies like Dalian Ketian New Material contribute by improving aluminum alloy toughness for key components such as wheels and brake discs, emphasizing the importance of raw material quality in vehicle innovation.
A Platform for Global Industry Exchange
Themed “Connecting the World for a Shared Future”, CISCE has drawn over 600 exhibitors from 69 countries, with more than 30% representing international companies. Participants, including David Doninotti, Secretary General of the Italian Association of Foreign Trade, praised the expo for its message of connectivity and cooperation.
China’s prominence in the global automotive market was evident in its recent production and sales figures. From January to October 2024, the country produced 9.78 million NEVs, achieving a 33% year-on-year growth. NEV exports also rose, totaling over 1 million units, solidifying China’s status as the world’s largest automobile market and exporter.
Collaborating Across the Automotive Supply Chain
CISCE underscores the importance of synergy across the automotive value chain. Companies like XPENG Motors showcased the P7+ model, featuring AI-powered intelligent driving. XPENG also partnered with Rio Tinto Group, Bosch, and China Baowu Steel Group Corporation to display a seamless integration of upstream, midstream, and downstream processes.
Rio Tinto highlighted its collaboration on the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, ensuring the supply of high-grade, low-impurity ore for the steel industry. Baowu uses this ore to produce high-performance automotive steel, crucial for manufacturing high-strength car bodies and battery packs. This partnership underscores the importance of resource optimization for sustainable vehicle production.
Bosch, on the other hand, showcased advanced safety technologies for XPENG vehicles. These include an integrated power brake and occupant safety system that enhances reaction speed and optimizes intelligent driving performance, ensuring safety in complex road conditions.
Strengthening Economic Integration
According to Yin Xiaopeng, Dean of the Research Institute for Global Value Chains, technological innovations at CISCE strengthen global supply chains and foster economic integration. Platforms like the expo promote collaboration, enabling businesses to share expertise and drive high-tech development.
David Xu, President of Bosch China, emphasized the significance of a resilient and innovative supply chain for China’s growing market, stating that cooperation across the industrial value chain is key to sustaining its momentum.
A Vision for the Future
The CISCE not only showcased China’s technological prowess but also reinforced its role as a hub for global industrial collaboration. The event demonstrated how innovation and partnerships could shape a sustainable and interconnected automotive future, benefiting both China and the world.
As China continues to lead in NEV production and supply chain integration, platforms like CISCE offer a glimpse into a future where advanced technology and global cooperation drive progress across industries.
