China’s auto industry cradle aims to reinvent itself around EVs

French Automakers in Wuhan: A Changing Landscape in the Chinese Auto Industry

Introduction

Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in central China, has been a significant city for French carmakers. It has been the birthplace of Citroën and Peugeot’s first Chinese cars and has also hosted Nissan and Renault. All four brands share a local partner called Dongfeng, which is a government-owned enterprise. The Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automotive (DPCA) joint venture was established in 1992, followed by Dongfeng Nissan in 2003 and Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC) in 2016.

However, the Franco-Chinese auto industry landscape has undergone a complete transformation in less than a decade. PSA, now Stellantis, has exited its production activities in China and handed over its share of the plant to its partner. Currently, only one out of the three plants in Wuhan is operational and still produces combustion engine vehicles. The other two have been repurposed for Honda and returned to the government, respectively. Despite these changes, Renault’s link with Dongfeng remains through the production of the Spring, Dacia’s small electric car, which is exported to Europe.

The Changing Landscape

Wuhan, often referred to as the “cradle of the Chinese automobile,” is experiencing significant changes in line with the rest of the Chinese auto industry. This transformation was explored by 80 French auto industry professionals during their visit to Wuhan before heading to the Beijing Motor Show. These professionals, including dealers, financiers, charging station specialists, and equipment manufacturers, were led by Mobilians, their union.

Dongfeng, like other industrial giants based in Wuhan, is facing the challenge of electrification in the Chinese automotive sector. Private groups such as BYD, Geely, and Chery are leading this transition with their electric vehicle production. Startups like Nio, Leapmotor, and Xpeng are also entering the market with agile production methods to accelerate product launches. Technology companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are pushing boundaries as well. Additionally, Tesla has established a strong presence in China with its electric sedans.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. Goal 13: Climate Action
5. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries for sustainability
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning

Analysis

The article discusses the changes happening in the automobile industry in Wuhan, China. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The article highlights the forced electrification of the Chinese automotive sector and the need for industrial giants like Dongfeng to adapt to this change. This is connected to SDG 9, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

• Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization – The forced electrification of the Chinese automotive sector is an example of promoting sustainable industrialization.
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries for sustainability – The article mentions the need for industrial giants to upgrade their infrastructure and retrofit their industries to adapt to the electrification trend.
• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities – The article mentions the arrival of startups and phone manufacturers that are using advanced technology in their production methods.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The changes happening in the automobile industry in Wuhan also have implications for sustainable cities and communities. This is connected to SDG 11, which aims to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems – The forced electrification of the Chinese automotive sector contributes to providing sustainable transport systems.
• Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization – The changes in the automobile industry in Wuhan are part of the broader goal of enhancing sustainable urbanization.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

The forced electrification of the Chinese automotive sector mentioned in the article is also connected to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – The forced electrification of the Chinese automotive sector is an example of integrating climate change measures into national policies.
• Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning – The changes in the automobile industry in Wuhan contribute to raising awareness and capacity on climate change mitigation through the adoption of electric vehicles.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: lemonde.fr

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