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We are pleased to invite you to join us in celebrating this historic milestone — the 20th anniversary of IAV China.

Since our founding in 2006, we have grown from a single office into a trusted engineering partner with three development centers across the country. Built on IAV‘s global expertise of over 40 years, combined with our local spirit of innovation, commitment to quality, and dedication to excellence — our journey has always been driven by continuous growth and the relentless pursuit of engineering integrity.

This anniversary is not just a tribute to time, but a tribute to every IAV colleague across China. For two decades, our teams have been at the forefront of future powertrains, vehicle solutions, autonomous driving, and software-defined mobility — always pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

At IAV China, we look back with pride — and forward with purpose. We are proud to be an employer of choice, offering diverse and flexible project opportunities while building strong local teams that work closely with Chinese OEMs to tackle tomorrow’s mobility challenges together.

From Berlin to China — In Tribute to Professor Hermann Appel‘s Engineering Vision

In 1983, Professor Hermann Appel founded IAV in Berlin. His philosophy was clear: engineering is not business — it is a responsibility to society. He believed in a direct connection between theory and practice, placing engineers at the center of the stage, not as an extension of management.

In 2005, IAV came to China. Not with ready-made answers, but with a way of working: solving problems through engineering, shaping the future through people. From Germany to China, IAV‘s values — commitment, excellence, and teamwork — all reflect the enduring influence of Professor Appel’s thinking.

Twenty years on, IAV China has grown from a handful of engineers to hundreds, from adopting external methods to driving local innovation. Professor Appel never set foot in China — but his engineering ethics and technical vision have taken root here.

The value of technology lies in its ability to solve real problems.

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Two decades of engineering excellence in China. From a single office in 2005 to three development centers today — we‘ve grown with purpose, built with integrity, and innovated with passion.

2005–2010 | Pioneer in Vehicle Development

  • VW Lavida: Involved in architecture design and vehicle integration, promoting platform-based development
  • Collaboration with IAV Germany: Support for VW, Audi, Ford in China projects
  • B-Segment Derivatives: Support for multiple models on Lavida platform
  • Electrification: Participated in VW’s first fuel-to-EV project in China, developing the E-Lavida concept

2010–2015 | Game Changer in NEV and Functional Safety

  • FAW’s first PHEV – Powertrain engineering for the Hongqi H7
  • Functional Safety – ISO 26262-compliant systems for FAW
  • VW Touchscreen Launch – Support of China introduction of VW’s first touchscreen-equipped import model
  • BorgWarner DCT – Development of dual-clutch transmission systems for Volkswagen China models
  • Interior & Exterior Upgrades – Design of instrument panels, consoles, door trims and bumpers for VW, Audi and others

2015–2020 | E-Drive Development and Digital Engineering

  • Established AUTOSAR systems and quality standards for VW, BMW and Daimler
  • Support for Geely, Great Wall, and SAIC in achieving 42% engine thermal efficiency
  • Contributed to the development of the all-electric Volkswagen Lavida
  • Development of safety systems for NIO, Li Auto and XPeng
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2020–2025 | Leader in AI and Software-Defined Vehicles

  • First MPC algorithm in VMC chassis at SAE WCX 2025, focusing on redundancy and path tracking
  • IAV Innovation Hub incubated multiple AI-driven projects through the “Disrupt IAV” program
  • Toshiba and IAV develop new approaches for virtual validation of L3+ AD functions
  • Supporting NIO in introducing AI algorithms into safety‑critical systems
  • CRRC Delingha New Energy Project: Application of vehicle dynamics technology to wind turbine control

Shaobai Zhang

Director of Sales
Inquiry-IAVChina@iav.cn