Chinese auto suppliers seek European partners at German fair

Chinese automotive suppliers will present battery, electric-drive and intelligent vehicle technologies to potential European customers at the International Suppliers Fair, which kicks off on Tuesday in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce has organized a joint exhibition area of about 1,000 square meters at the event, known by its German abbreviation IZB. The pavilion, called the CIPA-HUB, brings together 45 Chinese automotive suppliers, according to the fair's organizer.

Running through Thursday, the exhibition gives the companies an opportunity to meet Volkswagen Group's technology and procurement teams and explore business opportunities in the European automotive market, the agency said.

Chinese exhibitors' technologies span batteries, motors and electronic controls, chassis systems, connected and autonomous vehicles, and automotive electronics. Company presentations, booth visits and business matchmaking sessions are planned to help suppliers introduce their products and capabilities to prospective customers and partners.

The fair will be followed by the 10th German-Chinese Automotive Congress at Volkswagen's Autostadt in Wolfsburg on Friday.

The congress is jointly organized by the agency and German partners, including automotive industry clusters. Volkswagen Group is participating as a strategic supporter, according to the agency.

Together, the two events will allow Chinese companies to combine product demonstrations and discussions with potential buyers with broader talks on technology cooperation and investment, the agency said.

The congress will focus on new models of cooperation in the Chinese and German automotive production and supply chains. Its program includes a main forum, specialist forums and closed-door meetings aimed at connecting automakers, suppliers and industry organizations.

About 400 participants are expected, including around 100 representatives from Volkswagen and its supplier network, according to information published on the IZB website. Chinese companies and government and economic delegations will also take part.

Volkswagen board member responsible for technology Thomas Schmall is scheduled to deliver a welcome address, while Thomas Steg, the group's general representative and head of external relations, is due to join a panel discussion.

Launched in 2017 by the agency and Chinese and German industry partners, the congress has been held alternately in the two countries. The agency said this year's gathering aims to strengthen business confidence and identify opportunities for cooperation amid China-EU trade and investment talks.

IZB, first held in 2001, is now in its 13th edition. This year's fair features more than 850 exhibitors from 36 countries, with artificial intelligence, battery technology, automated driving and connected vehicles among its key areas of focus.