China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry stands at the forefront of global innovation, poised for remarkable growth. In 2024, the country is expected to manufacture and sell over 12 million vehicles, with projections indicating that this number could exceed 16 million by 2025. This expansion reflects a burgeoning demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in both domestic and international markets.

Several key trends are driving this growth. China-based Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are leading the charge, with significant production increases anticipated. For instance, the production of NEVs is projected to grow by 30% in 2025 alone, solidifying China’s position as a global leader in EV production. Additionally, Chinese OEMs are continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, collaborating with international suppliers to develop cutting-edge vehicles. Areas of focus include advancements in battery technology, intelligent driving systems, and smart chassis innovations.

For international automotive technology companies, this presents a significant opportunity to enter or expand within the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive market. However, successfully navigating this landscape requires a comprehensive understanding of the local market dynamics and a clear methodology for engaging with stakeholders.

Knowing your Stakeholders?

To effectively navigate the complex stakeholder landscape of China’s EV market, Influence Matters has perfected a “Golden Circle” approach. This framework helps identify the most influential individuals and organizations that shape customer decisions within the ecosystem.

Golden Circles are groups of very high-value decision makers and influencers from direct stakeholder groups such as target customers, and indirect stakeholders including journalists, analysts, industry experts, social media influencers, and government officials. Identifying and understanding these influencers is crucial, as they can significantly impact perception about a technology or supplier. Engaging with these stakeholders through tailored communication strategies can help auto tech companies efficiently reach and influence OEMs.

Researching the Golden Circles

Influence Matters works closely with its clients to define the most important stakeholder groups and prioritize members that should be part of the Golden Circles.

We then research their profile and the most likely opportunities to engage with them: which conference do they speak at, what journalists are they often talking to, which influencers interviews them, which media do they publish papers in, etc.

Finally, developing a clear strategy for outreaching each members of the Golden Circles is essential. We will look at how we can position the company, its product and key people efficiently in front of each stakeholder, leveraging communication tactics most likely to reach them: media relations, speaking engagements, sponsorships, etc.

Navigate the Market for Success Now

China’s NEV industry is on a trajectory of significant growth, driven by innovation and stakeholder engagement. By employing a methodology that emphasizes understanding the stakeholder map and recognizing key influencers, businesses can position themselves to thrive in this rapidly evolving market.

As a trusted communication agency with years of experience in China’s automotive industry, we’re dedicated to helping international companies navigate complex market landscapes. In our next blog, we will dive deeper into the role of media in shaping perceptions within the EV sector. For those looking for more comprehensive information, we offer an eBook on EVs available for download.