Porsche just launched a new R&D center in Shanghai.
BMW has built one of its largest R&D systems outside Germany – Right there in China.
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its local teams.
The trend is clear:
Global carmakers are no longer just manufacturing in China – they’re innovating there.
Why?
🔹 China offers the world’s largest NEV market
🔹 Cutting-edge tech ecosystems and AI talent
🔹 The most complex real-world driving scenarios
🔹 Consumers eager to adopt smart driving features
🔹 Deep integration with local suppliers and universities
What used to be “localization centers” have become global innovation hubs.
China’s R&D teams now participate in product definition, core software, and global coordination.
And perhaps most importantly:
Technologies developed in China are now shaping products worldwide.
As one executive put it:
“China is no longer just a market
– It’s a starting point for global innovation.”
✍️ Is your organization treating China as a strategic innovation center yet?
