STORY: German auto firms invest more in China on new energy vehicle hopes
DATELINE: Oct. 29, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:06
LOCATION: CHANGCHUN, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of automobile manufacturers in China
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (German): HELMUT STETTNER, CEO, Audi FAW NEV Co., Ltd.
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG KAIYU, Board of Management Member (Production and Logistics), Audi FAW NEV Co., Ltd.
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MILAN NEDELJKOVIC, Member of the board of management, BMW AG
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): CHRISTIAN CONRAD, Chief Business Development Manager, Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing

STORYLINE:

In China's automobile hub of Changchun, German auto giant Audi and Chinese automaker FAW's new energy vehicle (NEV) joint project is making remarkable progress as they strive to establish their first pure electric vehicle production facility in the country.

With a total investment exceeding 35 billion yuan (4.87 billion U.S. dollars), this state-of-the-art factory is set to become one of Audi's most advanced manufacturing sites globally.

SOUNDBITE 1 (German): HELMUT STETTNER, CEO, Audi FAW NEV Co., Ltd.
"China is growing rapidly in the field of new energy vehicles with huge potential. Therefore, we also expect that from 2026, the number of new energy vehicles in the luxury segment will exceed the number of traditional fuel vehicles. Embracing new opportunities, we quickly developed a strategic approach and implemented a clear electrification strategy in China."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG KAIYU, Board of Management Member (Production and Logistics), Audi FAW NEV Co., Ltd.
"Our team works closely together with our German counterparts to localize advanced German design concepts, manufacturing technologies, and processing standards. We are setting new benchmarks in digitalization, efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing. The overall project is progressing at full speed in accordance with the plan."

Apart from Audi, other German traditional automobile giants are also dedicated to tapping into China's technological advancements and its growing importance in the global automotive landscape.

BMW is constructing a new battery project in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang, showing its commitment to electrification.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MILAN NEDELJKOVIC, Member of the board of management, BMW AG
"The Chinese market is very strong. It's dynamic and resilient. Right now it's growing, and there is a significant opportunity for investments of foreign companies, which gives a win-win situation for both China and the investors."

Mercedes-Benz also signed a cooperation memorandum on Oct. 17 in Shanghai to deepen collaboration in autonomous driving and intelligent connected vehicles.

Furthermore, the collaborative spirit extends to smaller German enterprises looking to work with market leaders in the Chinese NEV sector.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): CHRISTIAN CONRAD, Chief Business Development Manager, Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing
"We still have to learn a lot about China, the market, and also the battery stuff, and the customizing of the cars. China is a lot of steps in front of us. And (when) I think about NEVs in China, I think it's the best in the world at the moment. We must work together to strengthen the market, to bring the products better to the customers, to their needs."

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of automobiles. The country's NEV production and sales reached 6.31 million and 6.28 million units respectively from January to September.

The market share of NEVs in China reached 29.8 percent, presenting great market potential.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Changchun, China.
(XHTV)