by Xiong Weisheng

Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), delivers a speech at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing. [China Economic Net/ Xiong Weisheng]

BEIJING, Oct 16 (China Economic Net) - A top European automotive industry representative on Thursday called for deeper collaboration with China in the field of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs), emphasising that dialogue and shared standards are key to mutual success in the next phase of mobility.

Speaking at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), highlighted the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, noting the automotive sector has become a cornerstone of the robust economic partnership.

"The automotive industry needs international cooperation," de Vries stated, positioning ACEA as a "trusted bridge" between China's auto ecosystem and international manufacturers. She pointed to the parallel strategies in both Brussels and Beijing to promote ICVs, from innovation to regulation, as evidence of a strong foundation for future synergy.

"From promoting innovation to talent cultivation... China and the EU have taken a very similar approach," she said. "These areas show it remains a broad scope for collaboration."

Addressing an audience of global industry leaders, de Vries noted that while the current geopolitical environment is "more complex than ever," the solution is more engagement. She urged for "more dialogue, more ties, and more bridges, rather than opposition and walls."

De Vries likened the immense investment required for autonomous vehicle technology to a "moon program," arguing that harmonised global regulations are essential for manufacturers to justify the effort and bring benefits to consumers worldwide.

Looking ahead, the ACEA chief expressed confidence in the partnership's future. "Let us work together - regulators, industry, researchers - to create the right conditions for that future... The challenges that we face, from climate change to global connectivity, demand really shared solutions."