While European automakers are still debating strategy, companies like NIO, Zeekr, and BYD are already 30% faster in vehicle development. Entirely digital development processes, radical design language, and a software-first mindset are setting a new pace - one that traditional manufacturers struggle to match.

What Makes “China Speed” Different

Instead of spending years building physical prototypes, many Chinese companies now rely almost entirely on digital simulations and virtual twins. This approach drastically reduces time to market, while standardized platforms ensure modularity, scalability, and cost efficiency across entire vehicle families. From the very first concept phase, suppliers are deeply integrated, with the focus placed firmly on innovation speed rather than lengthy qualification processes.

This culture is further reinforced by a start-up mentality: hierarchies are flat, decisions are made quickly, and improvements are rolled out continuously through updates, often over the air. Perfection is no longer the goal - agility and customer responsiveness are. In short, China has redefined what it means to develop cars at speed.

“The question is no longer just: Who can build? But who can orchestrate?”

Expert Insights

Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann (University of St. Gallen), one of Europe’s foremost experts on automotive transformation, and Prof. Dr. Zheng Han (Tongji University, Shanghai), a leading authority on the rise of China’s EV sector, bring their perspectives together in this cover story. Herrmann explains how Europe’s focus on hardware perfectionism and fragmented industrial policies is increasingly at odds with global trends, while Han shows how China is building a holistic mobility ecosystem that combines energy, software, data, fleets, and services.

Their joint analysis reveals why this isn’t just about faster cars or cheaper batteries. It is about an entirely new way of thinking - one that shifts the center of gravity from product to platform, from ownership to experience, and from hardware to digital intelligence.

Why It Matters for Europe

For decades, German premium brands were seen as aspirational in China. Today, a younger generation is turning instead to domestic EV brands that promise individuality, community, and cultural self-confidence. The implications are profound: what once seemed like Europe’s unshakable strength is becoming a weakness, as Chinese competitors scale faster, innovate quicker, and adapt more flexibly to consumer expectations.

The rise of “China Speed” is therefore not just a competitive challenge - it marks a paradigm shift in how cars and mobility services are developed, delivered, and experienced. Europe must rethink its strategy, its policies, and its mindset - or risk being left behind.

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