Gasgoo Munich- On July 22, speaking at the 2026 China Auto Forum during a session titled "Chinese Standards · International Vision — Alignment and Integration of ESG Evaluation Systems in the Auto Industry," Pan Chunsheng, vice president of the China Association for Public Companies ("CAPCO"), noted that the auto sector is navigating a critical transition defined by the convergence of electrification, intelligence, and globalization. He argued that solidifying evaluation foundations through high-quality disclosure—and aligning Chinese standards with international perspectives—has become a shared imperative for the high-quality development of both the industry and listed companies.
Image source: 2026 China Auto Forum
Pan shared an analysis of sustainable disclosure practices across 430 companies subject to mandatory reporting. The data reveals a 100% disclosure rate, with all 430 entities filing reports. Specifically, 98.6% conducted double materiality assessments, 97.44% disclosed greenhouse gas emissions, and 89.07% performed climate-related financial impact analyses. Pan noted that sustainable disclosure among listed companies is shifting focus from mere compliance to quality—moving beyond simple emissions data to encompass deeper risk and strategic management.
Over the past year, the Association has steadily refined its sustainable development framework. It revised and published the "Work Guide for Sustainable Development of China's Listed Companies," produced annual ESG development and industry reports to provide ongoing research support, and organized events such as the Sustainable Development Conference and thematic rating exchanges to foster dialogue.
Pan outlined three key considerations: First, prioritize quality to shift sustainable disclosure from a compliance-driven to a value-driven approach, using verifiable ESG data to effectively narrate a company's value story. Second, pursue the integration of standards to bolster the international influence of Chinese ESG evaluations—ensuring that methodologies in carbon accounting and supply chain management reflect China's specific realities. Third, focus on ecosystem co-construction to foster constructive engagement between listed companies, rating agencies, and supply chain partners, guiding rating agencies toward more objective and professional assessments of Chinese enterprises.
