China’s Ambitions in Electric Vehicles Go Beyond Mass Production
As the Shanghai Auto Show captivated global carmakers, former industry minister Miao Wei’s new book sheds light on China’s position in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The book, ‘Committed to Surpass: China Solution for Intelligent Connected Cars,’ argues that while China has excelled in EV manufacturing, true leadership requires dominance in AI-driven vehicles.
Miao, who managed China’s second-largest state-owned carmaker in the late 1990s, emphasizes the importance of setting standards and regulations for future vehicles, defined as smart connected cars. Despite China’s capability to produce 10 million EVs annually, many of which are globally competitive, Miao suggests this achievement indicates scale rather than technological superiority.
The book takes a sober tone, acknowledging China’s strengths in EV manufacturing as merely ‘the first half of the match.’ The outcome of ‘the second half,’ involving leadership in AI-driven vehicles, remains uncertain. Miao’s insights come as China continues to make significant strides in the global automotive industry, particularly with its presence at international auto shows.
To become a truly powerful automotive nation, China must focus on leading in smart automotive technologies. This involves not just producing cost-efficient EVs but setting industry standards and pushing the boundaries of AI integration in vehicles. As the global automotive landscape continues to evolve, China’s ability to innovate and lead in these areas will be crucial to its long-term success in the industry.
