The Chinese automotive market is often described as the most competitive in the world. How did OPmobility establish its position in the country? Christian Kopp. OPmobility has operated in China since 2007, with 2 ventures which were launched almost simultaneously: exterior parts, through the YFPO joint venture with the Yanfeng Group, and fuel tanks installed by manufacturers. In nearly 20 years, we have grown from 2 plants to about 40 sites. YFPO has become the market leader in exterior parts, with a market share of approximately 25%. For a long time, our business in China was primarily conducted with Western manufacturers operating locally. Since COVID, the market has shifted: Chinese brands now account for 65% of car sales in the country(1). YFPO was able to pivot successfully because today, 80 to 90% of new orders are from Chinese customers. What makes the Chinese market unique is the ability of its manufacturers to effectively manage 3 key factors simultaneously: innovation, speed to market, and competitive pricing. And all with a level of quality which is just as high as traditional market standards. In 2026, YFPO’s scope expanded to include modules and lighting. Why? C. K. Chinese automakers have very high expectations when it comes to exterior lighting: illuminated grilles, tailgates with signal lights, and the integration of lighting in exterior parts. These technologies, in which lighting has replaced chrome, have become key differentiators in a market where innovation is developing at an unprecedented pace. When YFPO was founded, we provided our expertise in modules and lighting. Over time, local players have developed technological expertise which has evolved more rapidly than our own cycles. By joining forces with the Yanfeng Group, we can better meet these rapidly growing expectations. Manufacturers like Chery and Leapmotor are ramping up their international expansion. How is OPmobility supporting them outside China? C. K. That’s where our position in China becomes a competitive advantage. Our long-standing European and American competitors in the exterior parts market do not have a presence in China and Chinese suppliers are beginning to expand outside China. Thanks to our knowledge of products and development cycles across all these markets, we offer our customers a dual positioning. YFPO manufactures the exterior parts for these automakers in China for the local market and we support new entrants, including Chery, internationally. For instance, we have signed 2 contracts to provide them with bumpers in Spain and Brazil in 2026. What insights from the Chinese model can strengthen OPmobility’s competitiveness in Europe? C. K. It’s not possible to compete with Chinese manufacturers based solely on quality or long-standing expertise. Today, developing a vehicle in about 15 months instead of several years, requires an exceptional understanding of digital technology and design: less complex products with fewer parts to reduce development and manufacturing costs, digitalized industrial processes, and smart solutions. It’s a mutual, ongoing learning process which is gaining momentum. Our most recent plants in India were modeled on our Chinese plants and the YFPO plants were originally designed in accordance with our long-standing standards. Our traditional customers are now asking us for the same thing as Chinese manufacturers: to develop products faster, at a lower cost, and with higher quality. That’s the new standard. CHRISTIAN KOPP Senior Executive VP, Chief Operating Officer 37%China’s share of global car production(1). (1) Source: L’argus, “The market share of Chinese automakers has reached 65% in China, a record high”, January 2026. OPmobility — Vibes #4 9
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