According to the latest data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (January 13), my country’s automobile production and sales both exceeded 31 million units in 2024, setting a new historical record. Among them, the production and sales of new energy vehicles both surpassed 12 million units, ranking first in the world for the tenth consecutive year. This achievement has attracted widespread attention both domestically and internationally, not only demonstrating the extraordinary resilience of “Made in China” but also reflecting the surging vitality of China’s automotive industry chain and supply chain. Connecting the dots, we see the chain as a whole. Behind the rapid development of China’s automotive industry lies the exploration and hard work of thousands of supply chain companies, and the axle is one such link.
With the recovery of the global automotive market and the rise of new energy vehicles, the demand for high-performance, lightweight axles continues to grow. Many axle manufacturers are increasing their R&D investment in new materials and technologies to reduce weight and improve durability. Simultaneously, with the development of intelligent trends, axle companies are researching, planning, and implementing automation, intelligentization, and information technology.
Especially under the correct leadership of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the firm guidance of its chairman unit, the CAAM Axle Branch has actively organized joint efforts to address common problems in the upstream and downstream of the axle industry chain, focusing on filling gaps, strengthening strengths, and comprehensively enhancing the overall competitiveness of the entire industry chain. It has actively led the formulation and revision of industry standards and group standards, conducted in-depth research on the actual needs of member units, effectively solved practical problems faced by the industry, fully leveraged the professional advantages and rich experience of the “axle family,” accurately grasped the development trends of the axle industry, and played its due role in promoting the high-quality development of the axle industry and the entire automotive industry.
For a long time, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) Axle Branch has regularly convened expert members to conduct research and technical exchange activities in the field of axles and their components. It has compiled several research results, including the “Research Report on China’s Automotive Supply Chain – Outline of Research on the Development of Supply Chains in Sub-sectors of Automotive Components,” “Application for Outstanding Innovative Achievements in China’s Automotive Supply Chain (2023, 2024),” and the “Axle Industry Development Report (2016-2024).” These activities and their results have fully leveraged the guiding role of the expert team, providing important reference for member units’ technological advancement and business decision-making, and contributing wisdom and strength to promoting the sustainable development of the axle industry. Through a series of thematic exchanges and seminars, information technology and research results have been shared, insights and perspectives on industry development have been deeply exchanged, and technological innovation and progress in the axle industry have been promoted.
“Passing on the torch and fulfilling our mission, forging ahead to embark on a new journey.” Since its establishment in Dandong, Liaoning Province in September 2008, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers’ Axle Branch has witnessed the rapid development of China’s automobile industry. Simultaneously, numerous axle, component, and related enterprises within the industry have achieved rapid growth and expansion, and the entire axle industry has achieved high-quality development under new technologies, new models, and new business formats
On September 8, 2016, Qingte Group Co., Ltd. was elected as the Chairman Unit of the Third Council of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) Axle Branch. On December 3, 2020, the CAAM Axle Branch held its re-election, and Qingte Group was again elected as the Chairman Unit of the Fourth Council.
Now, the terms of both councils have expired. Over the past eight years, under the correct leadership of CAAM and with the strong support of all member units, the CAAM Axle Branch has fully played its key role as a bridge and link within and outside the industry, ensuring significant improvements in all aspects of its work in this new development stage and promoting the steady development of the branch. Furthermore, the CAAM Axle Branch has been awarded the titles of “Advanced Branch,” “Outstanding Chairman of Branch,” and “Outstanding Secretary-General of Branch” by CAAM for four consecutive years.
It is worth mentioning that from 2016 to 2024, the CAAM Axle Branch proactively assumed leading responsibilities, presiding over or leading the formulation and revision of six key national automotive industry standards. These standards cover “Terminology and Definitions for Automotive Drive Axles,” “Technical Conditions and Bench Test Methods for Automotive Drive Axles,” “Commercial Vehicle Drive Axle Assemblies,” “Technical Conditions for Compressible Elastic Spacers in Automotive Main Reducer Assemblies,” “Technical Conditions and Bench Test Methods for Automotive Half Shafts,” and “Front Axle Assemblies for Commercial Vehicles,” among others. The release and implementation of these standards have not only had a profound impact on the axle industry but have also played a positive role in promoting the standardization of China’s automotive industry, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality development of the axle industry.
Meanwhile, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) Axle Branch and the CAAM Standards and Regulations Working Committee Axle Professional Committee have joined hands to improve the CAAM’s group standard system, focusing on industry-related standards and regulations. The CAAM group standard “Technical Requirements and Bench Test Methods for Centrally Integrated Commercial Vehicle Electric Drive Axle Assemblies,” initiated by the CAAM Axle Branch, officially came into effect on January 1, 2024. This standard is currently the first and only group standard for new energy commercial vehicle axles in the automotive industry, filling a gap in standards for new energy electric drive axles. It was recognized as an “Excellent Standard Project of 2024” by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
Furthermore, the CAAM Axle Branch will continuously optimize the process for developing and revising group standards and promote their implementation and application in key areas such as axle technology. Currently, two CAAM group standards led by the Axle Branch, namely “Test Method for Connection Accessories of Commercial Vehicle Drive Axle Suspension System” and “Comprehensive Testing Method for Commercial Vehicle Electric Drive Axle Assembly,” are in the preliminary review stage.
In addition, under the organization of the “Chairman Unit,” the CAAM Axle Branch strengthens basic industry research, technical exchanges, and special investigations to promote technological innovation and progress in the industry. It also regularly organizes all members to participate in important events such as the “China Commercial Vehicle Forum,” “China Automotive Forum,” “China Automotive Supply Chain Conference,” “Automotive Industry Statistical Annual Report Working Conference,” and “China Automotive Market Development Forecast Summit.” These activities deepened our understanding of industry-related policy trends, provided insights into the new situation and requirements facing the auto parts industry, facilitated the exchange and sharing of industry development experiences, and jointly explored strategies for the future development of the auto parts industry.
The Axle Industry is More Brilliant Because of Qingte
China’s axle industry, Qingte Intelligent Manufacturing. 2024 marked the 66th anniversary of Qingte’s establishment. Amidst the current economic downturn and significant competitive pressure in the commercial vehicle industry, Qingte achieved new heights.
In 2024, Qingte’s brand strength and brand value both reached record highs, with a brand value of 3.795 billion yuan. Qingte Group was once again listed among China’s Top 500 Machinery Enterprises and ranked among Shandong’s Top 200 Private Enterprises and Top 100 Innovative Private Enterprises.
As China’s largest independent commercial vehicle axle manufacturer, Qingte Group showcased its new generation of electric drive axles, traditional axles, trailer axles, and a full range of castings at the IAA, comprehensively demonstrating Qingte Group’s comprehensive competitiveness in traditional and new energy power system solutions and large castings. This received positive recognition from global customers and further deepened its global strategic layout. Meanwhile, Qingte Technology has also achieved remarkable successes in various innovation tracks, including technological progress and innovation efficiency. Among its achievements, “Process Research and Application of New Energy Lightweight Electric Drive Axle Manufacturing Process” won the Silver Award at the 18th “Revitalization Cup” National Youth Vocational Skills Competition; “Research and Application of Aerial Work Platform Technology” won the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the China Society of Automotive Engineers; “Research and Application of High-Reliability Process for New Energy Powertrain” won the First Prize in the Shandong Provincial Vocational Skills Competition for Technological Upgrading; and “Research and Large-Scale Application of Highly Adaptable Automated Port AGV Drive Axle” won the Second Prize in the 2024 Shandong Provincial Staff Innovation and Efficiency Competition and the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from Qingdao City.
After 66 years of steady development, adhering to the core values of “Respect for People, Integrity, Dedication to Work, and Innovation,” and with a development strategy of “Insisting on Independent Innovation, High Quality, Low Cost, and Internationalization,” Qingte Group has been committed to the research and development and production of axles and components for special-purpose vehicles and commercial vehicles. With high performance, lightweight design, and low cost as its optimization directions, it continuously provides global partners with superior solutions for special-purpose vehicles and power systems.
Currently, Qingte Group has established partnerships with internationally renowned companies such as Daimler, Iveco, JCB, and Carraro. In the commercial vehicle axle business segment, Qingte Group has achieved comprehensive business negotiations with global high-end truck groups, placing it in a leading position in the axle industry’s overseas expansion. In the special vehicle business segment, in addition to traditional Asian, African, and Latin American markets, Qingte Group’s high-end logistics vehicles have maintained a long-term leading position in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, laying a solid foundation for Qingte Group’s future global operations.
Looking ahead, Qingte Group will uphold its corporate mission of “Carrying Green Dreams, Contributing to a Better Life,” continuously increasing its R&D investment in new energy and intelligent technologies to continuously enhance its core competitiveness. Driven by innovation and based on quality, Qingte Group will contribute more to the strength of China’s automotive supply chain, standing at the forefront of the automotive industry’s transformation and writing an even more brilliant chapter.
