People visit the exhibition zone of BMW at the Open Space of the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Sept. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)
"We are deeply rooted in China, understanding customer needs and market dynamics. The combination of German engineering expertise with China's extensive supplier network and local innovation creates a unique global advantage," Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, said.
by Xinhua writer Hu Xiaoming, Li Hanlin
MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China holds strategic importance for BMW, the German automaker's top executive said, stressing the country's role as a global innovation engine and a deepening partnership that supports the company's future growth.
Speaking to Xinhua at the 2025 International Motor Show Germany in Munich, Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, said the Chinese market is "not only our largest single market, but also a source of strong innovation," noting that BMW has invested heavily in the country.
"We have the largest footprint outside Germany in China. Since 2010, BMW has invested around 116 billion yuan (16.3 billion U.S. dollars) at our Shenyang production base, making it our largest investment outside Germany," Zipse said.
He noted that in China, BMW has its largest production base and R&D team outside Germany, with over 3,000 engineers across R&D centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing, as well as three dedicated software development companies.
This undated photo provided by the interviewee shows a portrait of BMW CEO Oliver Zipse. (Xinhua)
"We are deeply rooted in China, understanding customer needs and market dynamics. The combination of German engineering expertise with China's extensive supplier network and local innovation creates a unique global advantage," Zipse said.
China's innovation is crucial for BMW's global strategy, he said. "Currently, the biggest innovations we see come out of China. Combining our strengths allows us to develop products that set new standards globally."
Zipse underscored China's role in BMW's commitment to globalization. "China, with its 1.4 billion people and status as the world's largest single market, naturally holds an extremely important place for us," he said.
He acknowledged the intensifying competition in China's automotive sector but stressed that it is not a barrier.
"China is highly competitive, but we not only embrace competition, we also collaborate with local partners to create more market opportunities," he added, citing long-term cooperation with Chinese battery manufacturers CATL and EVE Energy.
Partnerships with Chinese companies, including Alibaba, Huawei, DeepSeek and Momenta, have enhanced cabin digital interaction and urban autonomous driving capabilities, he noted.
This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2025 shows a BMW iX3 during the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)
"These partnerships are not only local; they are global collaborations. We value this highly professional, efficient and growth-oriented cooperation. Open collaboration is the path to future success," he said.
Zipse highlighted the upcoming launch of the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 long-wheelbase model in China next year, calling it "the most Chinese product ever" and a concrete example of BMW's "in China, for China" approach.
The Neue Klasse iX3, a midsize electric SUV, boasts a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of more than 900 km, a 108-degree large cylindrical battery, and ultra-fast charging capable of over 400 km in 10 minutes.
"This car could not exist without the full support of Chinese suppliers. We always position these products as global models, not simply 'Made in China,'" Zipse said.
"It signals our long-term commitment to China. It shows that BMW is competitive and on eye-height with strong Chinese players, and that we aim to make BMW even stronger in China in the years ahead," he added.
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