Equipped with the automotive industry to boost the overall improvement of machine tools
The automobile industry has always been one of the most dynamic sectors for technological innovation and progress. It serves as a crucial platform for integrating and showcasing new technologies, materials, processes, and equipment. In November 2013, the "China Automotive Manufacturing Equipment Innovation Alliance" was established, marking a significant step in advancing the country's automotive manufacturing capabilities.
At the enlarged meeting of the alliance’s directors held that month, Fu Yuwu, chairman of the China Automotive Engineering Society, emphasized that after four consecutive years of being the world’s largest car producer and market, the Chinese auto industry is growing stronger and undergoing rapid transformation. This pace of development has drawn global attention.
In the 21st century, the sustainable growth of the global automotive industry faces three major challenges: energy conservation, environmental protection, and safety. These challenges serve as the main drivers for technological advancement and define the three core development areas for future automotive technology—energy-saving, eco-friendly, and safety technologies.
Fu Yuwu highlighted that the future of automotive product technology will focus on these three key themes while following four major trends: electrification, miniaturization, lightweight design, and intelligence. Electrification, in particular, is seen as the ultimate direction for the evolution of automotive power systems.
Energy savings can be achieved through both technical and structural improvements. Technical energy saving involves adopting advanced technologies to enhance vehicle efficiency, while structural energy saving focuses on optimizing the design and composition of vehicles. Miniaturization and lightweight technologies are closely tied to energy conservation and represent an essential trend in the industry.
Intelligentization refers to the development of vehicle safety control systems based on intelligent transportation networks, with the goal of reducing accidents. Lightweight technology requires coordinated innovation across multiple fields. According to Fu Yuwu, reducing a car’s weight by 10% is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions. Many countries, including China, have initiated research projects in this area, with the establishment of a national lightweight alliance.
Research into lightweight technology currently includes three main directions: structural optimization, use of lightweight materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Structural optimization involves lighter bodies and components, while lightweight materials like high-strength steel, aluminum, magnesium alloys, and plastics are expected to play a larger role. Advanced manufacturing methods such as hydroforming, laser welding, and vacuum die casting are also gaining traction.
With rising labor costs in China, auto parts manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve reliability, efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in production.
The development of automobiles brings significant opportunities for manufacturing equipment. The competitiveness of a nation’s automotive industry and its companies depends heavily on the sophistication and cost of their equipment. As car production evolves, so too does the need for advanced manufacturing tools.
Historically, China relied heavily on imported equipment, with only 20% of automotive machinery being domestically produced for many years. Today, the situation is slowly changing, but the industry still faces challenges in achieving full localization.
Experts argue that China’s dream of becoming a leading automotive power cannot be realized without reducing dependence on foreign equipment. With rising competition and shrinking profit margins, localizing manufacturing equipment has become a necessity for survival and growth.
Chen Changnian, deputy director of the Alliance Expert Committee, noted that China’s automotive equipment industry is still dominated by foreign suppliers, with 80% of equipment imported. While some domestic equipment exists, especially in truck manufacturing, the industry remains highly reliant on imports, particularly for finishing processes.
Localization of equipment is vital for economic growth, industrial modernization, and improving market competitiveness. It not only reduces costs but also enables large-scale upgrades of outdated machinery, supporting a more sustainable and efficient economic model.
Experts stress the urgent need for efficient machining solutions. The “04 Special Project,†focusing on high-end CNC machine tools and basic equipment, is a critical initiative for the industry. Projects under this program have already achieved notable breakthroughs, such as the export of stamping lines to Ford and advancements in hot-working forming equipment.
Hou Ruoming of China First Automobile Group emphasized that winning the auto market ultimately depends on mastering core manufacturing technologies. Without breaking foreign monopolies and overcoming technical bottlenecks, China cannot compete at the global level.
One example is the development of electronically controlled common rail diesel injection systems, where significant progress has been made. A high-precision CNC small hole honing machine, considered one of the most challenging machines to produce, was successfully developed and passed national inspection.
However, experts agree that merely producing a few prototypes is not enough. The automotive industry demands equipment that can withstand high production efficiency and long operational cycles, with strict requirements for accuracy and reliability.
Wang Decheng of the Institute of Mechanical Science acknowledged the immense challenges ahead but also saw them as a driving force for progress during the 12th Five-Year Plan period. The path to self-reliance in automotive manufacturing equipment is tough, but it is essential for the industry’s long-term success.
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