China Speed & The High-Stakes Fight for Global Market Share with Hans Greimel from Automotive News

China’s automakers are moving fast—and the global auto industry is feeling the pressure. Hans Greimel, Asia editor at Automotive News is on the show today to talk about how China moved from learning alongside international automakers to becoming a formidable competitor in its own right.

We explore the advantages behind that rise, including deep battery and supply-chain capabilities, intense domestic competition, access to capital, and a fast-moving software ecosystem. We also get into the risks and the response. How fast is too fast when developing a car? Hans explains why safety concerns are prompting pushback, even within China.

We also discussed why Chinese competition is putting pressure on European automakers, the U.S. debate over tariffs and other trade barriers, and the possibility of Chinese companies building locally to reach American customers. And as cars become software-defined and increasingly connected, we examine the national-security questions surrounding the data they collect—and who may be able to access it.

Looking back at the lessons of Japan’s rise in the U.S. market, Hans makes the case that there’s no single fix for the industry. The challenge is finding a way to compete while navigating trade, technology, safety, and geopolitics. If you’re an automotive executive, don’t sleep on this important episode!