“I’m delighted that InCabin will be joining AutoSens in China in 2025. The pace of interior vehicle technology is developing so rapidly in China, and we are excited to connect these fantastic companies with our global audience.”
Juergen Hoellisch, a long-standing advisory board member for AutoSens, has been a key driver in AutoSens’ arrival in the Chinese Market. Having worked himself in China and other parts of Asia for many years, his knowledge and connections have been invaluable to the development if the agenda, including the first-ever VIP site visit day hosted by AutoSens in Hefei, China.
In this interview, Juergen shares his reflections on the day, the rationale behind choosing a VIP tour format, and his hopes for AutoSens’ future in China.
Q: Juergen, for those who couldn’t attend, can you walk us through the highlights of the VIP tour day?
First of all, it was a fantastically organized day. We began at one of Hefei’s innovation centers, where we explored their remarkable approach to talent development. Each year, they review up to 10,000 individuals and select the top 1,000 to connect with relevant companies. It’s essentially an innovation pool, meticulously organised to foster technological and industrial growth. The setup was truly inspiring.
From there, we moved on to NIO’s production line, which was built from the ground up in 2016. It was fascinating to see their advanced processes, particularly in the body shop, where we observed every step of the ES6 car’s production. We also saw the integration of battery technology—an impressive testament to their innovation.
Finally, we visited Volkswagen China, located just minutes away. It was a unique opportunity to understand their longstanding presence in China and see how they’ve evolved through joint ventures with Shanghai Volkswagen, FAW, and JAC. We even got a glimpse of the Tavascan, a car built in China and exported to Europe. For many attendees it was the first time seeing a car production line, and witnessing two in a single day was truly unforgettable.
Q: AutoSens’ flagship events in Europe and the USA often include expert tutorials on the opening day. What inspired the decision to host a VIP tour day in China instead?
The expert tutorials work well in Europe and the US because AutoSens is already an established conference there. We have a strong community—a family, if you will—that continues to grow. In China, it’s a completely different story. This is our first time hosting AutoSens here, so the decision-making process and market dynamics are different. Tutorials wouldn’t have been the right approach initially.
To attract key players—CEOs, C-level executives, and government representatives—we needed a format that would demonstrate AutoSens’ unique value. The VIP tour allowed us to showcase our ethos of “by engineers, for engineers,” while also building connections with universities, professors, and research institutions. It’s about laying the groundwork for what could become a more traditional event structure in the future.
Q: What do you hope attendees took away from the day?
I hope the key takeaway was the importance of learning from each other. Many attendees were visiting China for the first time and had never experienced the innovation happening here. It’s crucial to recognize and respect different cultures and approaches, and to break down barriers to collaboration.
I was particularly struck by how quickly attendees began networking. At the start, people naturally grouped by their cultural backgrounds, but by the end of the day, those barriers had dissolved. It’s a reflection of how the world is shrinking and how we’re all becoming more interconnected. I hope everyone left with a renewed sense of curiosity and a willingness to innovate together.
Q: Looking ahead to 2025, what are your hopes for AutoSens in China?
My goal is to see the community grow, much like it has in Europe and America. I want attendees to leave inspired, sharing their positive experiences with colleagues and companies. By 2025, I hope to see double the number of delegates and exhibitors. Achieving that would mean we’ve succeeded in establishing AutoSens as a hub for innovation and collaboration in China.
Q: Any final thoughts for our readers?
The success of this VIP day is just the beginning. We’ve laid the foundation for a thriving community, and I’m optimistic about what lies ahead. To everyone who attended, thank you for making it a memorable experience. For those who couldn’t join us, I hope this gives you a glimpse of what’s possible when we come together to learn, innovate, and grow, and hope to see you in Hefei next year!
Interested in exterior sensing technology?
Discover what made AutoSens China so impactful and get a firsthand look at the emerging trends driving the future of automotive technology. See the full blog here: Jenny’s Top Takeaways from AutoSens China 2024 >>
