How does China change the industry? Sven Patuschka (Executive Vice President Research & Development at Volkswagen Group China) answers this questions via Skype together with his colleague Dr. Schwab (also Volkswagen China).

In his introduction video both raise the question: „Is Volkswagen ready to build the mobility ecosystem for China? Are WE ready for the mobility transformation in a society with over 772 netizens with more than 708 million smartphones?“

Dr. Schwab outlines some differences that OEMs face when operating in the Chinese market. The Chinese society is extremly digital oriented and has a steady wish for innovation. The owners are mostly family oriented and wish to share their car with the whole family. „The car serves to improve life quality“, explains Dr. Schwab. „And the Chinese market shows a growing demand for Premium with additional options and services.“

Paul Knecht

After this first welcome, Georg Sterler (formerly Head of Wire Harness System Development at AUDI and our Conference Chair and Chairman of the Advisory Committee) officially opens the conference.

Sterler reminds how the conference started 6 years ago. „2013, e-mobility was already important, but the amount of electric vehicles that are developed has since changed dramatically. But still combustion cars are important and are not going away – which doesn’t simplify things for wire harness developers.“

Paul Knecht