GKN Automotive’s presence in China dates back to 1988 and, since then, it has become the number one supplier of sideshafts and propshafts in the region through joint venture, SDS.
Between 23 April to 2 May 2025, GKN Automotive – together with its JV colleagues - attended Auto Shanghai, the leading automotive trade fair in the region.
The show brings together key players from across the industry value chain, including customers, media and industry partners. It provided the team on the ground with an opportunity to see the latest products launched from Chinese and global OEMs, as well as observing the latest trends.
Keiwan Kashi, Vice President of Engineering for ePowertrain was on the ground and asked for his views on the latest trends influencing the electrified car market in the region: “Here in China, the plug-in hybrids and range extender categories are predicted to grow faster and for longer than BEVs, so we must look at how we support these systems with new technologies and new ways of working.”
Since then, the IEA Global EV Outlook 2025 report has been issued, and paints a similar picture. For example, in 2024 global PHEV sales rose by more than 50% year-on-year, versus only 10% in the pure BEV category. At such a rapid rate of growth, annual PHEV sales would surpass those of annual BEV sales within three years.
Kashi added, “We have a long-held strategy here at GKN Automotive, we’re ‘In China, for China’, and with an established footprint of 10 manufacturing facilities and one R&D centre in the region, this means we're uniquely well-positioned to serve the rapidly evolving Chinese market today and into the future. This flexibility is key as we continue to be a trusted partner for 80% of Chinese OEMs.”
Our team on the ground at Auto Shanghai included Charlie Qiu, President of GKN Automotive China; Fei Song, our Chinese OEM Account Director; Dawei Wang, Chief Engineer Customer Engineering China; Bryan Shaver, Vice President Commercial; and Thomas Pattis, Market & Competitor Analysis Manager; as well as our SDS colleagues including Huo Yunlong, Deputy General Manager of SDS.
