When Audi executives first saw the Zeekr 001, a long-range electric vehicle with European aesthetics, in 2021, it was a wake-up call. The premium German automaker realized that if it wanted to compete in the Chinese market, it would need access to Chinese technology. As a result, Audi partnered with Chinese firm SAIC to build the AUDI E5 Sportback in just 18 months, using batteries, electric powertrain, and other advanced systems provided by its partner.
Today, major global automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault, and Ford are also leveraging technology from Chinese partners to roll out new electric vehicle (EV) models quickly. This collaboration is a win-win for both sides. Global companies can save billions of dollars and years of development time, helping them catch up with their Chinese rivals. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are gaining a much-needed new revenue stream amid a fierce price war at home and increasing trade tensions abroad. This trend marks a new era where the “China Inside” approach is gaining traction, much like the “Intel Inside” campaign of the 1990s.
