REGENSBURG, Germany, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- On Oct. 3, Germany's Unity Day, German software engineer Renick Buettner set off in his NIO EL7, an electric SUV made by Chinese automaker NIO, for the Bavarian city of Regensburg, where NIO owners gather on a Saturday each month to share their experiences and enthusiasm for the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand.
At 27, Buettner grew up in Germany's car-loving culture and has driven a range of European and American brands. Today, however, two Chinese electric vehicles have found a place in his garage.
What won him over was not simply the price or the brand, but how naturally the cars fit into his daily life. "I want a simple, intelligent experience," Buettner told Xinhua during the drive.
As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and intelligent mobility, his priorities have evolved, with software, intelligent cockpits and ease of use becoming increasingly important.
"Many of the smart features in Chinese electric vehicles are seamlessly integrated into the driving experience. They simplify tasks that would otherwise require manual operation and make the car a more natural part of everyday life," he said.
His impressions are based on firsthand experience. During a road trip to China this spring, Buettner attended events showcasing new models from Chinese automakers and test-drove several vehicles. He was particularly impressed by their interior design and intelligent features, which he found offered a different approach from that of German brands.
For instance, drivers can use navigation systems to locate specific types of charging stations, control vehicle functions through voice commands and adjust the air conditioning with an intelligent in-car assistant. "Once you have been to China and driven these cars yourself, you see things differently," he said.
Buettner's experience reflects a broader shift in Germany, a country long renowned for its automotive engineering and home to some of the world's leading carmakers.
While German brands remain firmly established in the domestic market, the country's roads are becoming more diverse, with European and Asian manufacturers gaining ground. Chinese EV brands, in particular, are becoming increasingly visible.
By the time Buettner arrived in Regensburg, around 20 Chinese-made electric vehicles had gathered at the meeting venue. Their owners shared a common interest in Chinese cars, swapping stories about the convenience of battery swapping, souvenirs from trips to China and road journeys across Europe, including to Norway and the Netherlands.
For Andreas Tasch, 54, head of an IT consulting company in Munich, the appeal goes beyond digital features. Having driven a Chinese electric vehicle for three years, he particularly appreciates its software, intelligent cockpit and the ecosystem of services built around it.
"I often drive long distances to visit my family. There happens to be a battery-swapping station along the way. I can drive in, have the battery replaced in just three or four minutes and continue my journey," he said. "Passengers who experience it for the first time are often amazed."
Tasch sees the development of intelligent vehicles as opening up new opportunities for cooperation between German and Chinese automakers. The two sides have complementary strengths, as German manufacturers bring expertise in vehicle hardware, engineering and design, while Chinese companies have made significant advances in software, batteries and supply chain management, he said.
"Combining these strengths in batteries, charging infrastructure, university research and engineering could create great opportunities," he added.
Such views are increasingly shared by industry leaders. Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, noted the rapid innovation in China's automotive sector and called on Germany and China to build on their longstanding cooperation and deepen exchanges in standards, technology, infrastructure and data amid global industry shifts and supply chain uncertainties.
The growing presence of Chinese automakers in Europe is also creating fresh momentum for industrial cooperation. The relationship is moving beyond vehicle exports toward a broader range of activities, including joint research and development, technology exchange, local manufacturing and supply chain partnerships.
At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, which recently concluded, 16 Chinese automakers showcased 25 brands, marking a record level of participation. Among them were Leapmotor, Geely, GAC and XPeng. Serge Gachot, director of the Paris Motor Show, said Chinese companies were increasingly looking beyond product displays to establish long-term partnerships with local businesses. ■
