Focus on the Future Automotive Research Conference Inside China, November 19,2025

Focus on the Future
Automotive Research Conferences

18th Annual Inside China Automotive Conference

November 19, 2025

9am to 12:30pm

University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex,

2800 Plymouth Rd. Bldg. 18, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This conference will be hybrid with options

to attend in person or to view via a YouTube livestream.

When Automotive Futures began studying the Chinese auto industry in 2005, we were watching the beginning of a massive industrial project that not only brought China into the 21st Century but also became the largest automotive market by 2010. Since 2008 we’ve been listening and analyzing the changes that have taken place in the Chinese auto industry from the dominance of the foreign manufacturers, through the introduction of Tesla into the market, to the development of Chinese New Energy Vehicle companies that now represent nearly 50 percent of new vehicle sales.

This year’s Inside China conference will continue our discussion of what’s going on in the Chinese auto industry from a variety of perspectives: government policies, new technologies, company strategies, consumer attitudes, energy, labor, and trade. Our speakers will come from China but also from groups who spend most of their time studying China’s government and industry. We’re looking forward to a stimulating discussion of where China’s auto industry is today and where we see it heading in the near future.

Some of the questions we will address will include:

· How will global automakers adjust their strategies in China?

· Are the Chinese joint venture brands ready to “go it alone” without their global partners?

· What is “China Speed,” and can it be transferred to foreign manufacturers similar to how the Toyota Production System changed the global auto industry?

· Are NEVs so far along that the government no longer needs to subsidize them?

· Are non-monetary incentives for NEVs still needed?

· What types of EVs are selling well in China?

· Which Chinese companies are the most successful in globalizing their brands?

· How is the energy sector supporting NEVs in charging stations and power plants?

· Are global suppliers having the same difficulty selling in China as are the global manufacturers?

Confirmed Speakers include:

Bruce Belzowski, Managing Director, Automotive Futures will moderate the conference and provide an overview of the current Chinese market and his group’s recent research on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

Zhenhong LIn, Professor at South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, China, where he is leading the Energy and Carbon Decision (ECD) group. He will discuss what he sees as the lessons learned from success of China’s NEV development. He bases his work on his vast experience on the issues of climate change, air quality, energy security, and social justice. He comes to us after 14 years at Oakridge National Labs.

We are also inviting suppliers and manufacturers and suppliers to present their current views on AI in the auto industry

Meet the Speakers

If you have an interest in meeting with any of our speakers, we will facilitate the connection. Just let us know your interest.

Registration

Automotive Futures Affiliates and UM Students, Faculty, and Staff, and Media: FREE

For all others: $200 (unchanged since 2008)

Register at: www.automotivefutures.org

Sponsorship

Companies or groups interested in sponsoring this conference, please contact Bruce Belzowski at bbl@umich.edu or 734-255-6274.

Inside China Affiliate Upcoming Events

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