* More than 100 Chinese automakers and suppliers are exhibiting at the 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest auto shows.

* By leveraging Chinese strengths in electrification and intelligent systems, European automakers are cutting costs and accelerating model launches.

MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automakers and suppliers drew great attention at the 2025 IAA Mobility, one of the world's largest auto shows, by rolling out advances in electric vehicle (EV) and smart-car technologies. European manufacturers also showcased new models featuring Chinese-made batteries, driver-assistance systems and connected-car features.

The biennial event, running from Tuesday through Sunday in Munich, brings together global carmakers and suppliers to showcase new vehicles and technologies, with this year's spotlight on electrification and digital innovation.

Analysts say the relationship between Chinese and European players is shifting from a sales-driven dynamic to deeper cooperation in technology, product development and supply chains -- a trend accelerating the industry's global transition and creating opportunities for both sides.

CHINA'S PRESENCE

More than 100 Chinese automakers and suppliers are exhibiting at this year's show. Their products range from vehicles to batteries and chips, underscoring China's rising strength in power storage, smart cockpits, autonomous driving and connectivity.

XPeng unveiled five models at a futuristic booth featuring a suspended flying car and a humanoid robot; Leapmotor presented compact EV hatchback Lafa5 and SUV B10; and Changan launched the Deepal S05 in Europe, a solid-state battery vehicle that drew long queues for test drives.

On the supplier side, battery giant CATL introduced its Shenxing Pro battery, designed specifically for European needs. The company said the model prevents smoke or fire in thermal runaway, offers long service life, recharges rapidly and remains stable in low temperatures.

Horizon Robotics showcased its Journey 6 series, a smart-driving platform to support functions from basic assistance to citywide autonomous driving. A live demo showed how the system could adapt quickly and safely.

Other suppliers, including Momenta, displayed new technologies, underscoring the depth of China's auto supply chain. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said exports are shifting from single products to full "ecosystem exports" that span the industry.

Test drives drew strong local interest, with visitors praising Chinese EVs for cockpit design and driver-assistance features. "This is already ahead of many traditional European brands," said one Munich resident, adding that novelty was "turning into trust."

Registrations of Chinese-brand cars in Germany topped 35,000 in the first eight months of 2025, according to Germany's motor vehicle authority, a sharp increase from a year earlier. Analysts said Chinese firms are moving beyond simply going global to establishing deeper roots through innovation, higher quality and local service.

TECH PARTNERSHIP

Many European models at this year's IAA Mobility featured Chinese technology. What once were largely separate operations are now closely linked partnerships between Chinese suppliers and European automakers.

BMW unveiled its Neue Klasse iX3, developed with Chinese partners and equipped with systems tailored to local digital ecosystems. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse described China as a source of innovation in many fields, saying combining German engineering with Chinese supply creates a new formula.

Audi's Q6L e-tron, launched in August, features Huawei's "Qian Kun" driver-assistance platform, enabling map-free, end-to-end smart driving. Audi CEO Gernot Doellner said cooperation with Chinese suppliers facilitates the integration of leading technologies while meeting the specific demands of the Chinese market.

Partnerships now extend beyond models to production and supply. Stellantis is working with CATL on a battery plant in Spain. XPeng is expanding R&D and sales in Europe through its Volkswagen China partnership. Horizon Robotics has set up a joint venture with Continental to test advanced driver-assistance systems across multiple regions.

A survey by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) found that nearly 70 percent of respondents plan to increase investment in China, with more than three-quarters prioritizing R&D. Experts described the trend as the start of a "Joint Venture 2.0" era focused on research.

Analysts noted that cooperation is improving efficiency. By leveraging Chinese strengths in electrification and intelligent systems, European automakers are cutting costs and accelerating model launches. Their strategy is shifting from "in China, for China" to "in China, for the world."

MUTUAL BENEFIT

A report by Germany's Center of Automotive Management said five Chinese companies rank among the world's top 10 most innovative automakers, citing their progress in EVs, autonomous driving and in-car electronics.

The center's head Stefan Bratzel highlighted BYD as an example of vertical integration, combining vehicle production with battery technology, which allows faster development and quicker market response.

Hildegard Muller, president of the VDA, said that the strong presence of Chinese firms at the expo reflected genuine internationalization and that some plan to build plants in Europe. She added that the gathering of Chinese and German manufacturers offered a valuable platform for dialogue and cooperation.

German automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer offered a more forward-looking perspective, saying that China's scale in battery technology has already strengthened German competitiveness, and closer cooperation with German automakers could yield mutually beneficial results, with China playing a central role in the industry's future.

Experts noted that Chinese automakers, once focused on individual products abroad, are now moving toward full-chain capabilities and technology, signaling a new phase in their presence in Europe.

(Video reporters: Tai Siqiong, Li Hanlin, Shan Weiyi, Kang Yi, Che Yunlong, Ma Yueran; video editors: Yang Zeyi, Li Qin, Hui Peipei)  ■