Western Executives Shaken After Visiting China
a day ago
- #manufacturing
- #automation
- #electric-vehicles
- Western executives visiting China are returning humbled and terrified by the country's highly automated manufacturing industry, especially in electric vehicles (EVs).
- China's competitiveness has shifted from government subsidies and low wages to a large number of highly skilled engineers and advanced automation, including 'dark factories' that operate with minimal human intervention.
- Ford CEO Jim Farley warns that losing the global competition with China in EVs and other sectors would mean no future for Ford.
- Some companies, like mining firm Fortescue, are abandoning in-house EV powertrain production after witnessing China's robotic manufacturing capabilities.
- China has deployed significantly more industrial robots than Germany, the US, and the UK, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
- Western automakers are criticized for focusing on luxury vehicles and neglecting the economy car market, which China dominates.
- Chinese EVs are praised for their quality, affordability, and advanced features, such as built-in fridges and massage seats, surpassing even German luxury brands.
- The US and Canada's obsession with oil and pipelines is seen as a barrier to catching up with China in EV technology.
- Tariffs on Chinese EVs are discussed as a potential measure to protect domestic markets, with comparisons to the EU's existing tariffs.
- The automation of manufacturing raises concerns about unemployment and the breaking of the social contract, with debates on how to address the resulting economic and social challenges.