WEDZ hosts an automotive exchange event in Paris on April 14. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) hosted an automotive exchange event on April 14 in Paris, attracting nearly 200 industry leaders from China and Europe.
The forum centered on key themes such as green transformation, technological innovation, supply chain optimization, and industrial chain collaboration, with the goal of forging a new path for Sino-European automotive industry cooperation.
WEDZ has a long history of partnerships, highlighted by the establishment of Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Co over 30 years ago. The zone is home to nearly 30 prominent French companies, including Valeo, Faurecia, and Eiffage.
Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin attended the "Wuhan-made" automotive exhibition, where he examined the distinctive models from Voyah, M-Hero Technology, XPeng, and Geely Lotus.
Raffarin highlighted the vast potential for collaboration in emerging sectors such as new energy and intelligent connectivity. He expressed hope that more Chinese companies would enter the French market and that European enterprises would further engage with China's automotive industrial chain.
Liu Ziqing, Party secretary of the WEDZ administrative committee, delivered a speech inviting global partners — particularly from Europe — to invest and establish businesses in WEDZ.
He underscored the zone's commitment to deepening practical cooperation in market connectivity, industrial synergy, and technological co-creation with international partners, including Stellantis.
Clara Ingen-Housz, executive vice-president of Stellantis Group, praised the successful collaboration between Stellantis and Dongfeng Motor Corporation, which has led to the production and sales of over 6.5 million vehicles.
China Dongfeng Motor Industry Import & Export Co, XPeng, and Lotus Cars showcased their brands, highlighting the latest advancements in electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies.
Dongfeng secured a bulk overseas order for 1,000 vehicles, while Lotus Cars signed a cooperation agreement with European dealers. WEDZ also renewed its cooperation agreements with leading European automotive giants such as Ficosa, Valeo, and ZF.
