Chinese Brands Got So Fast At Developing New Cars Even China Thinks They Should Slow Down

Key Takeaways

• Chinese automakers are developing new cars in record time, with some expecting to cut development cycles to 18 months.
• Regulators and some executives worry that this speed could compromise safety and durability.
• Western brands are adopting Chinese techniques to cut their development cycles.
• China’s regulators have launched a year-long safety campaign and proposed rules to increase road testing for new-energy vehicles.
• Some Chinese auto executives agree that certain development timelines cannot be shortcut.

How Fast Are Chinese Automakers Developing New Cars?

Chinese automakers are known for their ability to develop new cars at an astonishing speed. According to a report by Bloomberg, Chinese manufacturers are already developing new cars in around two years, compared to the three to five years it takes for established Western automakers.

But now, IAT Automobile Technology and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reckon AI could help bring the Chinese benchmark down to just 18 months.

What Are the Concerns About Speeding Up Development?

While the speed of Chinese automakers is impressive, regulators and some executives are worried that it could compromise safety and durability. Authorities have launched a year-long safety campaign featuring unannounced inspections, while proposed rules would double mandatory road testing for new-energy vehicles to 30,000 km (18,600 miles).

The concern is that physical durability testing can’t always be compressed like digital development can.

How Are Western Brands Responding to China’s Speed?

Western brands are adopting Chinese techniques to cut their development cycles. Renault developed its new Twingo E-Tech in China in only 21 months, while Volkswagen’s ID.UNYX 08, created with Xpeng, took 24 months.

What Do Chinese Auto Executives Think About the Speed of Development?

Some Chinese auto executives agree that certain development timelines cannot be shortcut. Chery vice-president Li Xueyong conceded that vehicles have to cope with different climates, roads, and driving habits worldwide, and wrote on social media that “There are simply some development timelines we cannot afford to shortcut.”

What’s Next for Chinese Automakers?

AI should still let Chinese automakers move faster by accelerating jobs such as digital validation and checking thousands of components. But the industry’s next challenge is to work out where AI can safely save months and where old-fashioned miles still matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take Chinese automakers to develop new cars?

Chinese automakers are already developing new cars in around two years, but some expect to cut development cycles to 18 months with the help of AI.

Q: What are the concerns about speeding up development?

Regulators and some executives worry that speeding up development could compromise safety and durability.

Q: How are Western brands responding to China’s speed?

Western brands are adopting Chinese techniques to cut their development cycles, with some developing new cars in as little as 21 months.