Gasgoo Munich-On April 24, ElringKlinger made its appearance at the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition under the theme "Driving the Future, Creating New Realities." The German supplier put its full portfolio on display, spanning battery technology, structural lightweighting, high-performance plastics, and hydrogen fuel cells. Founded in 1879, ElringKlinger entered the Chinese market in 1993 and currently operates production bases in Tianjin, Qingdao, Suzhou, and Changchun.
ElringKlinger Group Chief Sales Officer (CSO) Dirk Willers. Source: ElringKlinger
On the battery technology front, ElringKlinger showcased a modular cell connection system designed for energy storage needs ranging from 5 kWh to over 100 kWh. Mass production of this system commenced in Europe in 2025, with the next generation already in development.
The stand also featured TT thermal insulation and battery venting protection components. Making its public debut was a high-performance plastic thermal management seal designed for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine thermal systems—engineered for low-noise operation and precise temperature control.
In the realm of lightweighting, the silver-plastic composite instrument panel carrier made its debut. According to company representatives, this solution cuts weight by over 15% to 20% compared to all-steel welded designs while also reducing costs. Front-end modules and steel-plastic hybrid cross-car beams are already in production for multiple domestic OEMs.
Source: ElringKlinger
Hydrogen fuel cells were another key focus at the show. ElringKlinger operates a joint venture in Suzhou with over two decades of experience in metal bipolar plate R&D and production, serving sectors ranging from passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks to rail transit and aviation. Group Chief Sales Officer (CSO) Dirk Willers emphasized that all hydrogen products are developed and manufactured locally in China.
Willers revealed during a press briefing that the company inaugurated a new plant in China just this past Monday, ahead of the show's opening. ElringKlinger’s global revenue is growing at roughly 5% annually, he noted, and the group is pushing toward carbon neutrality by the end of the decade. The company continues to pour resources into the Chinese market. "While others are still watching, we have already invested," Willers said.
