The 2026 China Entrepreneur Future Star Annual Conference was held in Guangzhou from July 10th to 11th. Themed "The Leap Moment," the conference focused on the deep integration of hard technology and artificial intelligence, exploring the critical leap from technological breakthroughs to industrial implementation. Feng Xingya, Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of GAC GROUP (HKG: 2238), attended and delivered a speech.
Feng Xingya first presented three macro-level assessments of the current automotive industry. First, the industry is entering a period of profound transformation characterized by the convergence of four distinct phases. The technology iteration cycle has compressed from five years to just two, management models are accelerating their restructuring towards agile organizations, and the competitive landscape is now dominated by Chinese brands while also featuring intense competition with cross-border technology giants. Second, the logic of industrial competition now exhibits three new characteristics: technological competition has shifted from single-point breakthroughs to a decisive contest of systemic capabilities; user demands have evolved from mere functional satisfaction to an emphasis on experience and emotional resonance; and the competitive arena has moved from deep local cultivation to a globalized contest, with overseas markets becoming a crucial battleground for incremental growth. Third, the technological supply and industrial ecosystem are being comprehensively reshaped by AI. AI has permeated the entire chain from R&D and manufacturing to services, driving the industry from vertical specialization towards co-creation and symbiosis, making it a mandatory choice that determines the future of automakers.
He outlined that GAC is advancing industrial implementation through three strategic dimensions. In terms of technological depth, GAC's cumulative investment in independent R&D exceeds 62 billion yuan, marking a transition from achieving single-point breakthroughs to building comprehensive system capabilities. It can be said that GAC GROUP has transformed from a traditional automotive enterprise into a technology-driven company. Regarding value depth, GAC is committed to moving from functional delivery to defining full-scenario experiences. In the dimension of market depth, GAC is progressing from deep-rooted domestic operations towards a globalized layout.
He revealed that in the first half of 2026, exports of GAC's own brands achieved a doubling, with overseas sales volume increasing by 132% year-on-year. GAC aims to enter 120 countries and regions globally by 2030, with annual overseas sales exceeding 1 million vehicles.
Feng Xingya emphasized that in the era of AI, automakers must conduct internal introspection and build "organizational depth." Currently, AI is deeply embedded in GAC's entire chain of R&D, production, supply, sales, and service, with over 40 AI application scenarios already implemented.
Feng Xingya candidly stated that the greatest challenge in implementing AI is not the technology itself, but the transformation of organizational models and mindsets. To genuinely embrace AI across an organization of a hundred thousand people requires a deeper cultural revolution.
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