At a time when the global automotive industry is undergoing its most profound transformation in a century, Henkel—a German technology group with nearly 150 years of history—is actively embracing a revolution increasingly driven by China. In September, Henkel officially inaugurated its Inspiration Center Shanghai, marking not only another milestone in its development in China, but also a core move in advancing its strategy of “China for global”.
On this occasion, Tina Zhou, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Gasgoo, sat down with Cristopher Naida, Senior Vice President of Henkel’s Automotive OEM business, and Anna An, Vice President, Automotive OEM APAC and President of Henkel Great China, for an in-depth conversation. Together, they explored how Henkel is leveraging its global innovation network and deeply localized operations to help Chinese automakers compete across the new frontiers of electrification, intelligence, and globalization.
As a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and surface treatment solutions, Henkel’s products are used in more than 90% of vehicles worldwide, spanning virtually every stage of automotive manufacturing—from body-in-white bonding and battery module sealing to paint shop applications and interior assembly. Behind almost every vehicle on the road today lies Henkel's technology.
As China's automotive industry rises and accelerates its global expansion, Henkel is shifting its innovation focus toward China at an unprecedented pace. “Shanghai is one of the most exciting automotive hubs in the world,” Cristopher noted. “It is the center of so many technologies, including vehicle the data processing, the autonomous driving, the electrification, now combining with consumer devices. When we can combine those technologies under one roof, the cross learning expertise that we get from it to help our customers is immense.”
Through the Inspiration Center Shanghai, Henkel aims to break down barriers between industries—from automotive and electronics to industrial manufacturing and consumer goods—creating a model of two-way empowerment between technology and market. This approach is not only about improving R&D efficiency, but also about generating new material solutions and innovative thinking for the future of mobility through cross-industry integration.
As Anna pointed out, “In the past, we primarily brought global innovations into China. Today, we already in the phase where the innovation is literally happens in China.”This shift is already becoming reality. One example is a battery fire-retardant coating independently developed by Henkel's Shanghai team, designed to buy precious escape time for passengers under extreme conditions. This product has already entered the European market alongside the overseas expansion of Chinese automakers, becoming a clear example of “China-driven innovation empowering the globe.”
For Henkel, “China for global”is not merely a market strategy, but a systematic innovation philosophy. Anchored by the Inspiration Center Shanghai, Henkel is building an open and collaborative innovation ecosystem—breaking down internal silos while opening externally to automakers, supply chain partners, and research institutions—to jointly incubate next-generation solutions spanning materials, processes, sustainability, and digitalization.
As the global automotive industry undergoes deep structural reshaping, Henkel's innovation mindset is evolving from “materials R&D”toward“system-level empowerment.”
Looking ahead to the next five years, Henkel plans to further increase its innovation investment in China, with a focus on electrification, intelligent technologies, and green manufacturing. Cristopher emphasized: “We want to be a core partner for our customers in their global expansion, whether they go to Europe, North America, or Latin America, Henkel can provide excellent products, technologies, and service support.”
From a century-old legacy to inspiration-driven innovation, from global R&D to local breakthroughs, Henkel is engaging in the sweeping transformation of the global automotive industry with a more open and forward-looking approach. On China's vibrant innovation landscape, Henkel is not only a technology provider, but an enabler—and a leader—of future mobility innovation.
