At the China Development Forum 2025, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse positioned China as the driving force behind the automotive giant's global strategy, emphasizing its dual role as both a premier market and innovation incubator. "When 1.4 billion people increase mobility demand while leading green tech advancements, you pay attention," Zipse told CGTN's Wang Guan during a keynote session.
From Battery Tech to Policy Signals
Zipse highlighted BMW's electric vehicle battery partnerships with Chinese firms CATL and EVE Energy, calling them "pillars of our global supply chain." He praised recent policy directions from China's Two Sessions meetings, noting they "reaffirm market stability and openness – critical for long-term investments."
Growth Beyond Sales Figures
While China accounts for over 30% of BMW's global sales, Zipse stressed deeper opportunities: "Urbanization rates below 70% mean mobility demand will grow for decades. But more importantly, Chinese R\u0026D centers are developing solutions that will define global standards." Analysts suggest this reflects wider corporate strategies as foreign automakers localize production and innovation bases in China.
