Chinese automakers are moving beyond basic exports and building a more integrated international presence by capitalizing on their strengths in electrification and intelligent connectivity, according to Xu Wenjing, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Smart Connection Technology.
Speaking during the 2025 China Unicom Partner Conference held from July 18 to 19, Xu highlighted how the automotive industry is transitioning ‘from simple market entry to sophisticated localization,’ with a strong emphasis on smart technologies and compliance.
At the conference, China Unicom unveiled its new Intelligence Global Internet of Vehicles (IoV) platform and an automated vehicle transport system tailored for use in automotive factories. These innovations come as Chinese auto exports reached 3.08 million units in the first half of 2025, underscoring China’s growing presence in the global automotive market.
Xu pointed out that the global expansion of Chinese automakers faces several hurdles, including adherence to international standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and United Nations R155/R156 regulations, as well as tariff barriers, ESG mandates, and carbon credit frameworks.
To support automakers in overcoming these challenges, China Unicom’s global IoV platform now serves 22 brands across 68 countries. It features five product series and 13 solutions, spanning communications, cloud networking, platform services, regulatory compliance, and intelligent cockpit technologies.
“Our platform enables cross-border interconnection and local service with single-point access for Chinese automakers going global,” Xu said. He noted that the infrastructure supports localization while ensuring consistent technical standards and brand identity across markets.
He added that international visitors are frequently impressed by the smart connectivity features showcased in Chinese vehicles, attributing this to China’s robust mobile internet ecosystem and manufacturers’ innovative integration of digital technologies, turning vehicles into ‘smartphones on wheels.’
China Unicom has established local operations in 41 countries and regions. Looking forward, Xu outlined three strategic priorities: strengthening transoceanic network infrastructure, improving overseas cloud computing capacities, and building stronger partnerships with foreign telecom operators and cloud providers.
He also revealed that the company plans to broaden its scope from IoV to wider IT services, supporting vehicle production, R&D, and marketing overseas, while deepening localization efforts to further boost Chinese automakers’ international competitiveness.
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