Talent Development and Demand in China's Automotive Industry Discussed at 2025 China Automotive Forum

From July 10 to 12, the 2025 China Automotive Forum was held in Jiading, Shanghai, with the theme "Quality Improvement and Innovation for a Smart Future." Alongside discussions about the automotive industry's development, a forum focused on talent was also convened. The transformation towards electrification and intelligence in the automotive industry is advancing rapidly, yet the development of a corresponding talent system appears to lag behind. As the industry faces new challenges and opportunities, the shortage of skilled talent in fields such as intelligent networking and electrification has become increasingly apparent. Chen Xu, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, emphasized the urgent need for talent equipped with interdisciplinary skills to keep pace with technological advancements. He noted that China is the world's largest automobile producer and seller, with production and sales projected to reach record highs in 2024, particularly in the new energy vehicle sector, which continues to grow significantly. However, there are considerable gaps in skill levels and talent availability, particularly in emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and intelligent systems. The forum highlighted the pressing need for a talent pool that can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of innovative educational models and industry-academia collaborations to nurture the next generation of skilled professionals. Various companies presented their strategies for talent development, focusing on the evolving needs of the market and the integration of advanced technologies into their workforce.