Chinese and European Automakers Aim to Find Common Ground on Powertrain Transition at Vienna Symposium

(SeaPRwire) –   BEIJING, May 13, 2026 — Automakers, suppliers, and researchers from China and Europe gathered in Vienna to deliberate on the evolution of powertrain technologies amid the worldwide shift toward electric and intelligent mobility. Conducted in parallel with the 47th Vienna Motor Symposium (VMS), the first-ever China SAE Global Mobility Forum (CGMF) brought together more than 270 industry stakeholders, including representatives from original equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, and policy bodies. Jointly organized by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China SAE) and the Austrian Society of Automotive Engineers (ÖVK), the forum centered on forging technical alignment and developing collaborative approaches to sustainable powertrain systems.

A Unified Appeal for Open Collaboration in the Automotive Industry

Professor Bernhard Geringer, President of ÖVK, voiced strong confidence in the deepening of Sino-European technical cooperation. Mr. Hou Fushen, Vice President and Secretary General of China SAE, outlined the current dynamics and emerging prospects within China’s automotive sector. “The value of CGMF is not in presenting a unilateral narrative, but in engaging in global technical governance as equal partners,” he remarked. “Our goal here is to exchange knowledge, draw from leading international practices, and jointly develop solutions for the sustainable transformation of the automotive industry.”

In response to the global transition, China SAE mobilized over 2,000 industry specialists to formulate the “Technology Roadmap for Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicles 3.0 (Roadmap 3.0).” Published in October 2025, this comprehensive guide offers a strategic vision for China’s automotive sector through 2040, anchored in the following core principles:

• Clear Decarbonization Timeline: Carbon emissions from China’s automotive sector are expected to peak around 2028, with a targeted reduction of over 60% from peak levels by 2040.
• Market Growth and Smart Mobility Goals: By 2040, China’s annual automotive production and sales are projected to reach 41 million units. Penetration rates for new energy vehicles in the passenger and commercial sectors are anticipated to exceed 85% and 75%, respectively. Additionally, Level 4 autonomous driving technology is set for broad deployment across new vehicle models.
• Commitment to Diversified Technological Pathways: The roadmap affirms that internal combustion engines (ICE) will continue to play a significant role during the industry’s transition. By 2040, ICE-equipped vehicles are forecast to represent roughly one-third of all new passenger vehicle sales.

Technical Deep Dive: Experts Examine the Frontiers of Powertrain Innovation

The forum was chaired by Professor Xu Xiangyang of Beihang University, with Professor Uwe Dieter Grebe of TU Wien serving as co-chair.

Professor Xu Xiangyang of Beihang University delivered an in-depth analysis of the technical advances outlined in China’s “Roadmap 3.0” for high-efficiency powertrains. Dr. Stephan Neugebauer, chair of ERTRAC, emphasized the strategic importance of “Technology Neutrality” for sustainable development. On the industry side, Mr. Zhu Yongqing, Chief Engineer of GWM, presented the Hi4 all-scenario scalable powertrain system, while Mr. Lukas Walter, COO of AVL List, examined the decision-making framework for global powertrain solutions. Concluding the session, Zhang Guiqiang, Senior Director of Li Auto, introduced their latest next-generation range-extender platform.

During the panel discussion moderated by Professor Grebe, Madam Wang Ruiping, Senior Vice President of Geely Auto Group, joined other speakers in a detailed examination of the technological distinctions and industrial synergies between China and Europe.

Consensus: Commitment to Technology Neutrality and AI Integration

Experts agreed that technology neutrality and a multi-pathway strategy are essential for a smooth global transition. Guided by “Roadmap 3.0,” the Chinese automotive industry seeks to deliver benchmark solutions for global decarbonization. Both sides also concurred on harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and prioritizing the circular economy to establish a closed-loop business ecosystem.

Building Lasting Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

The strategic role of CGMF is clearly defined: it is not a platform for one-sided promotion, but a conduit for global technological dialogue founded on equality and openness. Its purpose is to guide the Chinese and European automotive industries toward mutually beneficial collaboration and shared success in the context of the carbon-neutral transition.

China Society of Automotive Engineers
Established in 1963, China SAE has served as a vital link between the Chinese automotive industry and the global innovation network by conducting strategic research, supporting policy development, and fostering academic exchange, collaborative innovation, and standards development.

Contact: lyy@sae-china.org