Wang Weiliang: Diversified Powertrains, Software Definition and Globalization—How Bosch Is Positioning for the Future of Commercial Vehicles

　　At the 2026 Hanover International Transport Expo (IAA Transportation 2026), the globalization moves of Chinese commercial vehicle companies became an important highlight of the show.

　　As a global automotive technology and service supplier, Bosch concentrated on presenting technology solutions around commercial vehicle powertrains, intelligence, vehicle control, connectivity, and digital services, with software-defined commercial vehicles as an important part of its display.

　　Jiang Kunyuan, editor-in-chief of Transporter Network, interviewed Wang Weiliang, President of the Board of Bosch Mobility Group China, and exchanged views on topics such as the globalization of Chinese commercial vehicles, diversified powertrains, software definition, overseas services, and the industry's future landscape.

Seeing so many Chinese commercial vehicle companies at Hanover, what are your thoughts?

　　Wang Weiliang: Chinese automakers fully demonstrated their products, technological capabilities, and globalization strategies, all of which gave people a refreshing impression.

Looking to the future, what initiatives does Bosch have?

　　Wang Weiliang: As a leading global automotive components company, we have always been committed to empowering OEMs, whether for transformation or for improving product competitiveness.

　　Currently, the electrification trend is more obvious, but at the same time we also see that various companies are displaying internal combustion engine technologies. In fact, alongside the development of electrification, low-carbon development is also an important trend. For Bosch, we have always adhered to this philosophy: diversified powertrains and diversified energy sources.

How is Bosch progressing in intelligence?

　　Wang Weiliang: We believe that in the future, as intelligence develops around vehicle upgrades, "software-defined vehicles" will emerge as a core direction.

　　Hardware and software need to be further separated. Hardware, especially the actuator part, needs to become more native. On the software side, efforts should revolve around the operating system and the core capabilities of software-defined vehicles, including intelligent driving, vehicle motion control, and the integration of different functions.

　　It is particularly worth emphasizing that Bosch is relatively open in this major trend. We are willing to cooperate more deeply with OEMs in the process of separating hardware and software, empower vehicle integration, and give OEMs more power of definition. In terms of native hardware, we are also willing to provide OEMs with the best solutions.

What measures does Bosch have for overseas after-sales service?

　　Wang Weiliang: Chinese companies going global align highly with Bosch's overall global layout. Bosch is willing to provide Chinese companies with all-round support, including technology, products, local regulations, and after-sales services.

　　At the same time, we must also recognize that with the development of the automotive industry, the entire service system cannot rely only on traditional after-sales networks; it also needs new technological means. For example, Bosch is exhibiting solutions this time that provide services through connectivity. In addition, we also have new concepts and technologies for next-generation vehicle diagnostics, which are equally critical.

Has Bosch also reverse-exported Chinese technology globally?

　　Wang Weiliang: We have carried out a lot of localized innovation in China, and many of these innovations can serve both the Chinese market and global markets. These include natural gas and hydrogen engines, fuel cells, as well as vehicle control, intelligent driving, and other fields.

　　Over the past few decades, it was generally global technology that supported China. Now, under existing conditions, we also have the capability to use Chinese technology to support the transformation and development of the global automotive industry, including promoting low-carbon development and intelligentization.

What will the industry look like in the next 10 years?

　　Wang Weiliang: In fact, over the past 10 years, especially in the last 5 years, three changes have been constantly taking place in the automotive industry.

　　The first is disruptive change in technology, that is, generational change, mainly reflected in electrification and intelligentization.

　　The second is changes in the automotive industry itself. For example, internet companies entering the automotive industry have completely changed some of the industry's original rules.

　　The third is that Chinese OEMs, amid the first two disruptive changes, have begun to go global, so disruptive changes may also occur in the global market.

　　In the next 10 years, the automotive industry will undergo profound restructuring. Based on this judgment, we put forward a strategy called "win with winner", which means hoping to stand with the future winners.

　　The essence of this statement is that we believe some companies will be eliminated in the future, while others will readjust. I predict that changes in the Chinese market landscape may occur in 3 to 5 years, while globally it may take longer, about 10 years, to form a relatively stable new ecosystem built around transportation and automobiles.

In which area will Bosch achieve significant growth?

　　Wang Weiliang: We hope that the integration of the commercial vehicle segment can move toward a more native state, integrating drive, braking, steering, and suspension, including the "brain", as a whole.

　　In terms of drive, braking, steering, and suspension, we have corresponding products and technologies. Our drive systems include diesel, natural gas, and now electric drive and fuel cells. We have a diversified layout, and this advantage must be further consolidated.

　　The TCO nature of commercial vehicles also determines that intelligent driving will become an important direction driven by regulations. Specifically in the intelligent driving field, chassis control systems will certainly become increasingly intelligent.

　　After Chinese vehicles enter overseas markets and achieve electrification, because roads in some regions are relatively narrow, new requirements will also be placed on vehicle turning capability. Therefore, in addition to electrification, rear-axle steering will also become a direction. In the future, we will further strengthen Bosch's advantage in this area.

　　With the development of electrification, vehicles are becoming heavier, and suspension will become even more important for safety and comfort. At Bosch's booth this time, some suspension-related products were also displayed.

　　As a means of production, commercial vehicles place greater emphasis on safety, ultimate safety, ultimate reliability, and ultimate TCO requirements.

Regarding price competition in the Chinese market, including disorderly competition, do you have any suggestions or advice?

　　Wang Weiliang: Involution can be divided into two aspects.

　　On the one hand, competition has indeed promoted the improvement of the competitiveness of China's automotive industry. On the other hand, there is also unhealthy competition, or the situation you just mentioned of "bad money driving out good money".

　　We do not participate in such competition. Our main approach is to engage in deep communication and deep cooperation with OEMs. We emphasize more on competing in technological capability, quality capability, and product competitiveness.

　　We believe in a saying: "Those with constant property have constant perseverance." Therefore, we are willing to carry out long-term strategic cooperation with companies that take a long-term view and are willing to make long-term investments in technology and products.

　　This time, we also signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation framework agreement with Sinotruk at the Hanover Motor Show. This cooperation has two positive factors. First, it hopes to promote products that lead the world; second, in the process of cooperation, it can also prevent both sides from falling into unnecessary involution.

　　We must cooperate well with Chinese commercial vehicle companies to avoid falling behind. Bosch will always cultivate the Chinese market deeply and will work with China's automotive industry to serve global customers well.

Transporter Network commentary:

　　From diversified powertrains to software definition, and then to Chinese technology going global, Bosch further extends its traditional components capabilities into powertrains, chassis, intelligence, software, and services, while continuing to leverage its global technology and service network.

　　For commercial vehicle companies, future competition involves the choice of powertrain routes, as well as vehicle control, software architecture, overseas services, and full life-cycle operations. With its deep technological accumulation and global layout, Bosch empowers Chinese commercial vehicles to align with the global market through comprehensive, open solutions.