FISITA WMC 2025：China Steps Up as Global Mobility Shaper

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The three-day FISITA World Mobility Conference (WMC) 2025 came to a successful conclusion in Barcelona, Spain on June 5th. The event brought together leading experts from around the world to explore cutting-edge technologies, innovative business models, and cross-industry collaboration—offering forward-looking insights into the future of mobility.

China Voices Rising on the Global Stage

Driven by the rapid growth of new energy vehicles (NEVs), China’s auto production and sales exceeded 31.4 million units in 2024, with exports reaching a new high and ranking first in the world. Chinese automakers like BYD and Geely also ranked among the global top sellers, expanding influence in international markets.

With the rise of China’s automotive industry, the country has evolved from merely a rule-follower to a key player and co-creator in the global mobility transformation. At FISITA 2025, leading Chinese automakers, supply chain enterprises, China Society of Automotive Engineers (China-SAE), and Gasgoo actively participated across a wide range of sessions and discussions, offering fresh perspectives and sharing technological breakthroughs with global peers.

Dr. Feng Shen, Executive Vice President and Chairman of Quality Management Committee of NIO, delivered a keynote titled “From Transportation Tool to Energy Carrier: Unlocking a Net-Zero Future with EVs”, delving deeply into the pivotal role of EVs in global carbon neutrality.

Dr. Feng Shen delivering a speech at WMC; Photo Credit: FISITA

Shen pointed out: “EVs are not just means of transport but integral components of future energy ecosystems.” He also highlighted NIO’s efforts in building a closed-loop “vehicle-energy-grid” ecosystem—including battery swap stations that interact with the power grid to balance electricity demand and improve energy efficiency. His insights sparked significant interest and lively discussion among attendees.

Dr. Jin Shang, Assistant President of Chery Automobile and CTO of Kaiyang Laboratory, gave a focused presentation to industry experts on Chery’ global innovation strategy and the role of Kaiyang Lab, highlighting the company’s bold ambitions in technological advancement and global expansion. 

Dr. Jin Shang, Assistant President of Chery Automobile and CTO of Kaiyang Laboratory

Meanwhile, Pengyun Gu, Chief Scientist of Geely Innovation Center, and Rudolf Dittrich, Head of Xiaomi EV’s European R&D Center, joined two separate panel discussions on “Sustainable Mobility and the Circular Economy” and “Industry Disruption and the Future of Mobility”, where they shared forward-looking perspectives and practical experience on how Geely and Xiaomi are navigating sustainability and the evolving mobility landscape.

The round-table discussion titled “How will Software and AI Unlock the Future of Mobility”, moderated by Tina Zhou, CEO of Gasgoo, became a key highlight of the conference. Joining her were Dr. Jin Shang, CTO of Chery’s Kaiyang Lab; Jose Salvador Solaz Sanahuja, Head of Innovation and Smart City Project at Spain’s Instituto de Biomecánica (IBV); and Laia Pagès, Project Executive and Research Manager at the Spanish urban mobility innovation platform CARNET-UPC.

Tina Zhou (first from left) and Dr. Jin Shang (first from right) 

Together, they explored the shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs), including its impact on R&D systems and business models. The discussion also delved into the evolution of autonomous driving, the construction of intelligent and shared mobility ecosystems, and the role of AI in optimizing traffic flow, reducing congestion, and cutting carbon emissions—offering fresh ideas for the future of sustainable transportation.

In addition, Wu Zhu, General Manager of Autoliv China Tech Center, was invited to deliver a keynote speech and participate in a panel discussion on autonomous driving. He shared Autoliv’s latest research findings and practical experience in enhancing road safety in the era of autonomous mobility, emphasizing that the advancement of autonomous driving requires not only technological breakthroughs, but also a strong focus on user needs—aiming to deliver a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

Mr. Wu Zhu (third from left) joining the panel discussion on autonomous driving

China’s Leadership Within FISITA Further Reinforced

Notably, at the opening ceremony, FISITA successfully completed the transition of its Executive Board leadership. Among them, Dr. Feng Shen, previously Vice President of FISITA and Chair of the Industry Committee, has now expanded his role to also lead the Technical Committee. He will continue to drive global automotive innovation and sustainable development, particularly in the fields of EVs and new energy technologies.

As FISITA’s two most influential bodies, the Industry and Technical Committees play a strategic role in guiding global automotive development and technological innovation. The new appointment of Dr. Feng Shen not only recognizes his outstanding contributions to EVs and new energy technologies, but also reinforces the leadership position of Chinese automotive professionals within this premier international organization.

Dr. Feng Shen was awarded the prestigious title of FISITA Fellow in 2023, the only Chinese expert to receive this honor in the global automotive engineering field for the year 2022. As a Fellow of China-SAE, Shen’s dual roles have served as a vital bridge for international technical exchange.

Chinese automotive representatives attending the FISITA WMC 2025

As a leading authority representing over 200,000 automotive engineers across 35 countries, FISITA remains committed to advancing a more efficient, cleaner, safer, and sustainable automotive industry. The strong presence and deep engagement of Chinese automotive leaders at the FISITA WMC 2025, along with their growing leadership roles within the organization, underscore China’s emergence not only as a key growth engine in the global auto market but also as a driving force in technological innovation and the evolution of future mobility ecosystems.

With an open mindset, forward-looking vision, and pragmatic actions, Chinese automotive professionals are actively integrating into the global automotive technology governance framework—working alongside global peers to accelerate the transition toward intelligent and green mobility.