German industrial quality management firm ComPro is accelerating its expansion in the Chinese mainland, capitalizing on the rapid growth of the country's automotive sector. The company, which specializes in helping manufacturers meet international standards, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization to support China's transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies.
Stephan Sprink, ComPro's general manager, shared insights with Bridging News during the World Smart Industry Expo 2025 in Chongqing, highlighting how Chinese automakers are redefining global benchmarks. "The speed of innovation here is unmatched," Sprink noted, recalling his first visit to Chongqing two decades ago when traditional engine plants dominated. "Today, Chinese EVs with AI-driven systems dominate the roads. This market isn't just adapting to global standards – it's creating them."
ComPro's expansion strategy reflects China's evolving automotive landscape. While initially serving international manufacturers with local operations, the company now focuses on domestic enterprises navigating complex certification processes like IATF 16949 – the automotive industry's quality management "rulebook." Sprink emphasized that EV production and autonomous driving require specialized approaches, particularly in sensor calibration and data communication reliability.
The German firm's AI-powered software solutions analyze production data to generate optimization recommendations, combining China's agile innovation with Germany's precision engineering heritage. This partnership model, Sprink suggested, positions both countries to lead in developing next-generation mobility technologies.
With new partnerships forming in Shanghai and beyond, ComPro's growth mirrors broader trends in China's automotive sector, where foreign expertise and domestic innovation increasingly converge to shape global industry standards.
