Trend Scouting Mission: Future of Mobility in China

China is consolidating its position as the world's largest production and sales market in the automotive industry. In the first half of 2025, 15.62 million vehicles were produced (+12.5%) and 15.65 million vehicles were sold (+11.4%). The increase in new energy vehicles (NEVs) is particularly noteworthy: over 6.97 million vehicles were produced (+41.4%) and 6.94 million vehicles were sold (+40.3%). This results in a NEV penetration rate of 44.3%. The market share of domestic passenger car brands also rose to 64% (+7.5%). 

China is also the largest exporter in the automotive industry. In the first half of 2025, China exported 3.08 million vehicles (+10.4%), including over 1 million NEVs (+75.2%). In September, Chinese car manufacturers achieved a 149% increase in Europe, selling 90,571 vehicles and reaching a record market share of 7.4%. 

Chinese technology stands out for its innovative AI applications, long ranges of new battery types and comprehensive charging infrastructure. AI applications in autonomous driving, in particular, are a key factor.

According to a McKinsey analysis, China's autonomous driving market will generate approximately USD 335 billion over the next ten years.  

A market value of over USD 57 billion is forecast for 2025. By July 2025, the penetration rate of vehicles with Level 2 driver assistance systems had already reached around 63%. By September 2025, the number of active companies in this field exceeded 8,100.  

Consumers show mixed interest in autonomous driving: Forty-three percent consider "smart technology features" an important purchase reason (among young people, this figure exceeds 80%). However, safety remains a major concern. 

Nevertheless, the trend toward autonomous driving is clear. Future developments will be driven by more sophisticated AI applications and improved safety regulations.

In this context, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Shanghai organized a Trend Scouting Mission, "The Future of Mobility in China," from November 17 to 18, 2025. The mission focused on autonomous driving. 

Nine representatives of Austrian companies participated in the event. China's autonomous driving sector appears to be advancing at an impressive pace. Throughout the mission, participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand the latest trends and rapid developments in China's automotive industry. 

The delegation visited leading technology companies, testing centers, and pilot projects in Shanghai and Suzhou. These included the renowned Austrian company AVL List; Momenta; the Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Center; IAE; Techshine Intelligent Equipment; and Aiten Intelligent Equipment. Through presentations given by experts in the field, participants gained valuable insights into the developments in the Chinese automotive industry in terms of market development, standards and certifications. 

A particular highlight was the opportunity to test-drive autonomous vehicles from Xiaomi, Level 4 buses from QCraft and Kin Long, and robotaxis from Baidu Apollo. 

An evening business networking reception provided an additional opportunity to exchange ideas with Chinese automotive industry experts. Sponsored by go-international, this forward-looking trip enabled Austrian companies to gain deeper insights into the latest technology trends in the Chinese market. It also contributed significantly to strengthening relations between Austria and China in the field of mobility.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Trend Scouting Mission, please do not hesitate to contact ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Shanghai via mail: E shanghai@wko.at.

Due to the importance of the automotive industry in the Yangtze Delta, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Shanghai has been focusing on the mobility sector for several years. In addition to the Trend Scouting Mission “Future of Mobility in China” in November 2025, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Shanghai successfully organized another Trend Scouting Mission “Automotive Boom in Anhui Province” in May 2025. During this trip, eleven Austrian companies had the opportunity to gain insight into the rapid development of the automotive industry in the up-and-coming province of Anhui, while also exploring promising business opportunities. 

If you have any questions about the automotive industry in China, please do not hesitate to contact ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Shanghai vail mail: E shanghai@wko.at.