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Leo Li: transformation of the Chinese automotive market

How cloud technology and digital ecosystems are revolutionizing automotive innovation in China

By SeerenePublished 5 May 2025
Leo Shiwei Li
Software Excellence Network · Master class · 22 September 2022
Leo Shiwei Li · President of European Region, Tencent
“Transformation of the Chinese Automotive Market”
Automotive Software Factory — Learning Curves · Hasso Plattner Institute, Potsdam · Article published 5 May 2025
Event page →

At the Learning Curves executive summit, Leo Li Shiwei, President of European Region at Tencent Cloud Europe, delivered an enlightening masterclass, showcasing Tencent's innovative perspective on the intersection of cloud technology and the automotive industry. Li's talk, titled "Transformation of the Chinese Automotive Market," underscored how cloud computing is revolutionizing the automotive landscape, especially in China, and offered a roadmap for collaboration between Chinese and European companies.

A unique perspective: cloud in the automotive industry

Li's presentation outlined a stark contrast between Chinese and European perspectives on next-generation cars. While European automakers often view the shift as an upgrade from combustion engines to electric powertrains, Chinese automakers approach it as a complete digital transformation. In China, cars are increasingly seen as extensions of digital lifestyles—spaces that mirror the functionality of homes, offices, or coffee shops.

Tencent: a silent giant making waves

Li emphasized the company's unique ability to connect businesses with their end users, leveraging its massive ecosystem to drive both revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Lessons from China's digital landscape

China's massive scale presents unique challenges and opportunities for digitalization. Li highlighted three key values driving digital innovation in China: customer experience, operational efficiency, and business resilience. With over 1.4 billion people and a vast market, businesses in China must build IT systems capable of handling immense traffic spikes and rapid scalability.

For instance, during peak e-commerce events like "Double 11" (Singles' Day), traffic volumes can surge 20 times higher than usual, demanding unparalleled operational agility.

The integration of real and digital worlds

One of the most compelling aspects of Li's vision was the integration of real and digital experiences. Tencent's gaming expertise, for instance, enables features like virtual car ownership through NFTs and immersive digital twins for smart cities. These innovations not only enhance user engagement but also redefine how we interact with cars and urban environments.

Article excerpt: the sections "Tencent: a silent giant" and "A call for collaboration" are reproduced only in part or not yet.

Article excerpt. The talk, recording, slides and the gathering below are documented from the Network’s event page.

From the gathering · Automotive Software Factory — Learning Curves
In the room · speakers and panelists
22 September 2022 · Hasso Plattner Institute, PotsdamTen recordings and nine slide decksSpeakers from Continental, Bosch, Audi Business Innovation, T-Systems, DRÄXLMAIER, ETAS and Tencent
Dr. Johannes Bohnet
Dr. Johannes Bohnet
CEO & Founder, Seerene
Ole Harms
Ole Harms
CEO, VAIVA GmbH
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Döllner
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Döllner
AI Lab for IT-Systems Engineering, HPI
Dr. Matthias Burger
Dr. Matthias Burger
Cross-Domain Computing Solutions, Bosch
Jean-François Tarabbia
Jean-François Tarabbia
EVP, Continental
Andreas Sicheneder
Andreas Sicheneder
CEO, Audi Business Innovation
Oliver Bahns
Oliver Bahns
SVP Connected Mobility, T-Systems
Felix Meyer zu Driehausen
Felix Meyer zu Driehausen
Cross-Domain Computing Solutions, Bosch
Ralf Schmidt
Ralf Schmidt
Managing Director, DRÄXLMAIER
Jörg Seitter
Jörg Seitter
Head of Advanced Engineering, ETAS
Leo Shiwei Li
Leo Shiwei Li
President of European Region, Tencent
Impressions

Documentation and photographs from the Network’s event page, shown with the consent of the people pictured. Full event page →

Leo Li: transformation of the Chinese automotive market

Event talk · 2025-05-05

How cloud technology and digital ecosystems are revolutionizing automotive innovation in China

At the Learning Curves executive summit, Leo Li Shiwei, President of European Region at Tencent Cloud Europe, delivered an enlightening masterclass, showcasing Tencent's innovative perspective on the intersection of cloud technology and the automotive industry. Li's talk, titled *"Transformation of the Chinese Automotive Market,"* underscored how cloud computing is revolutionizing the automotive landscape, especially in China, and offered a roadmap for collaboration between Chinese and European companies.

A unique perspective: cloud in the automotive industry

Li's presentation outlined a stark contrast between Chinese and European perspectives on next-generation cars. While European automakers often view the shift as an upgrade from combustion engines to electric powertrains, Chinese automakers approach it as a complete digital transformation. In China, cars are increasingly seen as extensions of digital lifestyles—spaces that mirror the functionality of homes, offices, or coffee shops.

Tencent: a silent giant making waves

Li emphasized the company's unique ability to connect businesses with their end users, leveraging its massive ecosystem to drive both revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Lessons from China's digital landscape

China's massive scale presents unique challenges and opportunities for digitalization. Li highlighted three key values driving digital innovation in China: **customer experience, operational efficiency, and business resilience.** With over 1.4 billion people and a vast market, businesses in China must build IT systems capable of handling immense traffic spikes and rapid scalability.

For instance, during peak e-commerce events like "Double 11" (Singles' Day), traffic volumes can surge 20 times higher than usual, demanding unparalleled operational agility.

The integration of real and digital worlds

One of the most compelling aspects of Li's vision was the integration of real and digital experiences. Tencent's gaming expertise, for instance, enables features like virtual car ownership through NFTs and immersive digital twins for smart cities. These innovations not only enhance user engagement but also redefine how we interact with cars and urban environments.

Article excerpt: the sections "Tencent: a silent giant" and "A call for collaboration" are reproduced only in part or not yet.

From the gathering

Automotive Software Factory — Learning Curves · 22 September 2022 · Hasso Plattner Institute, Potsdam

Event page: Automotive Software Factory — Learning Curves

Transformation of the Chinese Automotive Market

Leo Shiwei Li · President of European Region, Tencent

Recording on YouTube

Slides (PDF)

Speakers and panelists