BMW CEO Warns German Firms Not to Ignore China Market, Stresses Crucial Role of Cooperation

Ahead of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to China, BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse warned that German automakers risk jeopardizing their future economic success if they overlook China—the world’s largest automotive market. He emphasized that, in the face of complex global challenges, cooperation is the only way forward, and the Chancellor’s visit will send a positive signal reinforcing Sino-German dialogue and collaboration. Zipse noted that China not only boasts an enormous market scale but also exceptional innovation potential, and ignoring it would mean missing out on crucial growth opportunities. Currently, driven by government subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs), Chinese domestic brands are rising rapidly, while some traditional automakers are already falling behind in areas such as electrification, software, and autonomous driving. He also stressed that innovation stems from openness and global collaboration. It is reported that the CEOs of Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz will also join the delegation on the trip to China.