As Chinese automakers evolve from manufacturing hubs to global rule-setters, leveraging their mature intelligent new energy vehicle supply chains to empower local industries abroad becomes an important path to going global, experts have said.

Zhang Yongwei, vice-president and secretary-general of China EV100, a Beijing-based automotive think tank, said traditional globalization models have hit a critical impasse as geopolitical uncertainties and barriers reshape automotive supply chains.

According to Zhang, the "exporting Chinese vehicle models plus supply chain" approach represents a more feasible strategy for global expansion.

In his contribution to a forum in Shanghai, Zhang said that by leveraging a diverse range of auto models and intelligent new-energy-vehicle supply chains, Chinese automakers can contribute to the global automotive industry’s development. This enables other countries to cultivate their own automotive industries, even establish local brands, fostering complementary industries and shared resource benefits, he added.

Through breakthroughs in batteries, autonomous driving, and electric controls, Chinese car makers are transitioning from contract manufacturing to standard-setting, experts attending the forum added.