The 2025 IAA Mobility (International Motor Show Germany) is underway in Munich, drawing approximately 750 enterprises from over 30 countries and regions to showcase cutting-edge innovations and explore cooperation opportunities. Among the exhibitors, more than 100 are from China—second only to host Germany—highlighting how China’s automotive industry is integrating into the global market through innovation-driven development and open collaboration.
AI-Powered Future Mobility Takes Center Stage
In the fields of intelligent and future mobility, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most talked-about focuses at the show. At a keynote titled “Leading AI-Driven Future Mobility,” He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPeng Motors, used the all-new XPeng P7 as a showcase to demonstrate breakthroughs in design, performance, and intelligent technology. Beyond the sedan, XPeng also unveiled a range of forward-looking products, including humanoid robots, flying cars, “land aircraft carrier” models, and its SEPA Fuyao architecture—all aimed at exploring the diverse applications of AI in transportation.
“Heavy investment in AI and other technologies is only possible with a complete industrial chain, and China’s well-established industrial ecosystem provides a solid foundation for such innovations to empower the automotive sector,” He Xiaopeng emphasized.
Other Chinese automakers also brought their A-game to the intelligent mobility segment. GAC Group showcased five new new energy vehicle (NEV) models, emphasizing its systematic approach to shaping future mobility through technological innovation. NIO, meanwhile, centered its exhibition on the theme “The Art of Innovation,” presenting 12 self-developed core technologies and demonstrating their real-world application through its flagship executive sedan, the ET9.
Battery & Components: Safety and Standardization in Focus
For batteries and auto components, energy storage and safety stood out as key topics of discussion. CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) made a global debut with its NP3.0 (No Propagation 3.0) technology platform—the highest safety-rated solution in the battery industry to date—alongside the Shenxing Pro, the first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery product equipped with this technology.
EVE Energy showcased its OMNICELL large cylindrical battery series and launched a “battery passport” initiative, aiming to drive the industry toward greater standardization and safety. Zoyi Technology, another Chinese tech firm, demonstrated its end-to-end capabilities in assisted driving (covering both software and hardware) through four dedicated exhibition areas, underscoring continuous breakthroughs by Chinese enterprises in core intelligent driving technologies.
Global Expansion: R&D Localization and Partnerships
Chinese automakers are doubling down on global R&D and localized operations to strengthen their international footprint. XPeng Motors has already entered 46 countries and regions and is set to open its first R&D center in Europe, which will work in synergy with its existing facilities in Silicon Valley and San Diego. GAC Group, for its part, plans to enter markets including Poland, Portugal, and Finland starting in September, with the goal of full coverage of Europe by 2028.
Supply chain enterprises are keeping pace with this global push. Zoyi Technology officially launched its European strategy—“In Europe, For Europe”—and will establish a branch in Brunswick, Germany, within the year to build local operational capabilities. EVE Energy has already set up manufacturing plants in Hungary, Malaysia, and the United States, along with localized sales and service offices in Germany, Singapore, and the U.S.
“Hungary will serve as our gateway to further expand into the European market,” Liu Jincheng, Chairman of EVE Energy, told reporters.
Chinese enterprises’ global expansion is often accompanied by deep international partnerships. EVE Energy collaborates with global partners to develop new technologies, license solutions, and provide localized services, having established cooperative relationships with renowned automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and General Motors. XPeng’s technical partnership with Volkswagen has also attracted widespread attention.
“Going global requires strong partners, and XPeng’s collaboration with Volkswagen is a perfect example of a win-win partnership,” He Xiaopeng noted.
NIO’s ET9 sedan integrates steer-by-wire technology from ZF and chassis technology from ClearMotion. Christian Steinmann, CEO of ClearMotion, told China News Service that the accelerated global expansion of Chinese automakers is not only pushing traditional carmakers to innovate and upgrade but also bringing new cooperation opportunities for international suppliers like ClearMotion.
About the IAA Mobility
Formerly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show, the IAA Mobility is held every two years and is widely regarded as a “barometer” of the global automotive industry. As one of the most influential and largest auto shows in Europe and beyond, this year’s event opened on September 9 and will run until September 14.
