Russian Media: How Long Does It Take to Develop a New Car in China? You'll Be Shocked!
Chinese manufacturers have shortened the automotive R&D cycle to 18 months.
Reported by Russian media "Auto" on May 5.
Chinese automakers have reduced the development cycle for new models to just one and a half years, while Western counterparts typically require up to five years.
This remarkable speed boost stems from a fundamental shift in production logic and the elimination of lengthy coordination processes with suppliers.
The secret to acceleration lies in Chinese auto groups manufacturing key components—including batteries, chips, and software—internally.
Artificial intelligence is widely used for virtual testing of parts, significantly reducing the need to build physical prototypes.
In addition, Chinese manufacturers employ modular platforms: these function like building blocks with interchangeable components, simplifying assembly and model modifications. Another key factor is round-the-clock operations—engineers across different time zones pass tasks to one another in a relay fashion.
Take Zeekr Automotive as an example: the company launched its B10 concept car in October 2024 and achieved mass production just one year later.
Within 16 months, the brand introduced five new models.
Another example is Chery’s Omoda 5, whose suspension, steering system, and other systems were adapted for the European market in only six weeks.
In the past 16 months, BYD Group has brought 10 new models to market—exceeding the total number launched in the previous two years.
China’s approach has gained international recognition; European giants such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Ford have established R&D centers in China to actively learn from the “China Speed.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864297558801412/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.