Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer on the IAA + BYD beats VW + Strong Chinese brands • China.Table

Interview with Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer: IAA on the sidelines
BYD beats the ID.4 in direct competition
Chinese manufacturers present themselves smarter
Cap on urban rents
Mandatory reporting for ships in the South China Sea
New arrests in Hong Kong
Procurement: EU wants market opening
Brussels takes position on Taiwan
Eric Schmidt’s opinion: China wants to set AI standards

Dear reader,

Next Monday, the International Motor Show (IAA) kicks off in Munich. This venerable event dating back to 1897 faces a crucial problem today: car shows actually only work in China. This is what industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer tells us in his interview with China.Table. In China, visitors are still genuinely interested in new vehicles. And the trade fairs in Beijing and Shanghai retain their focus. The IAA, on the other hand, presents itself as a diverse fun event revolving around mobility. “People might as well go to the Oktoberfest,” Dudenhoeffer thinks. In doing so, the IAA is manoeuvring itself further to the sidelines.

But that’s not the end of bad news for the German automotive industry. On the occasion of the IAA, we take a look at contenders from China. Long smiled upon, they are now a superior competitor, analyzes our team in Beijing. BYD in particular stands out. The new electric car from the Shenzhen-based group leaves Volkswagen’s comparable models with hardly any market opportunities. It offers the same features from the consumer’s point of view while only costing a third.

In the big picture, China’s car models are more electric, more connected and cheaper than the German competition. And they are smarter. While both Europe and the US also have their own extensive AI research, China is quicker at bringing its applications into its cars.

The topic of AI in China is also addressed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt in today’s guest article. Schmidt currently heads a new AI control commission in the US and also has access to confidential information. He warns that an authoritarian China could set standards and is able to force them on others.

Your
Finn Mayer-Kuckuk

Interview

“Auto shows only remain a success story in China”

Ferdinand Dudenhöffer ist Professor für Automobilwirtschaft am Center Automotive Research — Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer is Director of the Center Automotive Research in Duisburg

Classic car shows are having a hard time. That also applies to the IAA. Starting next Monday, it will be held again for the first time in two years – albeit no longer in Frankfurt am Main, but in Munich. And it’s no longer just about cars, but about mobility in general. In an interview with China.Table, car expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer is not inherently opposing the new direction. But he would have liked a stronger thematic focus. In his opinion, the only car shows that still really still work are the ones in China. Felix Lee spoke with Dudenhoeffer.

Mr. Dudenhoeffer, the IAA begins next week – for the first time in Munich. What will be new and different from the previous one in Frankfurt?

Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer: Cars will no longer be the main focus; public transport, aircraft and bicycles will also be topics at the IAA. There will also be a classic car exhibition, as well as events in the city center. So it is no longer just a classic trade fair, but rather an event with the character of a fair.

That sounds like a popular format.

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