For much of the past century, the leading carmaking nations were those strongest in engines, transmissions and chassis engineering, from the United States to Europe and Japan. The article argues that this foundation is weakening as electric vehicles and digital features make batteries, chips, software and artificial intelligence more central to a car’s competitiveness.
It says China entered this changing landscape with advantages in battery production and the supply chains for materials such as lithium, graphite and rare earths. The country is also described as well positioned in automotive software and AI, including technologies relevant to autonomous driving.
The United States and Europe are seeking to protect or rebuild their industries through measures including tariffs, semiconductor initiatives and battery projects. But the article suggests these efforts may come too late to close China’s lead, and presents China as a potential successor to the traditional automotive powerhouses.