On the evening of October 14, 2025, Professor Fuquan Zhao from the School of Vehicle and Mobility at Tsinghua University, and Dean of Tsinghua Automotive Strategy Research Institute (TASRI), was invited to the "Distinguished Scholars Forum of Central South University". He delivered an academic lecture titled "The Essence, Trends, and Talent Development in the Transformation of the Automotive Industry" to more than 300 teachers and students of Central South University at the Multi-functional Lecture Hall of the College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (CMEE). Professor Lairong Xiao, Secretary of the Party Committee of CMEE participated in the event and delivered a speech. Leaders including Lingzhi Li, Zhong Yun and Fenglin Han, as well as all faculty members of the Department of Automotive Engineering, were also in attendance. The report was hosted by Professor Hongwu Ouyang.

At present, a new round of technological revolution is accelerating profound transformation and comprehensive restructuring in the global automotive industry. Professor Zhao systematically elaborated on the development pattern of the global automotive industry and conducted an in-depth analysis of the current situation of China's automotive industry, as well as its strategic position within the global landscape. In the report, he proposed that human society is stepping into the era of the "New Vehicle". Combining the technological development roadmap of "New Vehicle", Professor Zhao further elaborated on its connotations and characteristics. Focusing on the directions of electrification, intelligentization and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, he made a forward-looking judgment on the future development trends of the automotive industry and technologies. Professor Zhao emphasized that the automotive industry is gradually evolving into a "mother ecosystem" that leads future technological innovation, manufacturing transformation and upgrading, and even social change, which will give rise to unprecedented opportunities for innovative development. At the same time, he offered insightful and forward-looking strategic perspectives on new demands, new capabilities and new talents, providing crucial guidance for seizing the new opportunities in the automotive industry.

The atmosphere during the Q&A session was lively. A lot of students raised questions and shared reflections concerning the development of the automotive industry and their personal career planning. Drawing from his own experiences, Professor Zhao provided vivid, detailed and insightful answers to address the students' inquiries one by one. He also encouraged the young students with the inspiring message: "Dreams, passion, diligence, and dedication lead to a brilliant life." As the event drew to a close, all teachers and students present rose to their feet and applauded to express their gratitude for Professor Zhao’s wonderful sharing.

First Review | Gao Weitao

Second Review | Zhou Yuansheng

Third Review | Li Lingzhi