April 16, 2026 (MLN): A new achievement in Sino-German academic and industrial cooperation was marked on Wednesday with the establishment of the International College of Hefei University in Anhui province, China, through a partnership with Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences in Germany’s automotive hub of Lower Saxony.

The newly founded college is set to welcome its first intake of students in 2026 and will offer three undergraduate programs focused on new energy vehicles (NEVs), next-generation information technology, and intelligent logistics, according to APP.

The initiative aims to strengthen talent development in sectors central to future mobility and smart manufacturing.

Hefei University already maintains strong industry-academia linkages, operating eight industry-oriented schools in collaboration with German companies, including dedicated programs such as the Volkswagen College and Continental College.

Its long-standing cooperation with Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences spans more than four decades, particularly in mechanical engineering and electronic information disciplines.

Lower Saxony, home to Volkswagen’s global headquarters, and Anhui, which has rapidly emerged as a leading force in China’s NEV industry, are deepening their strategic alignment.

In 2025, Anhui ranked first among Chinese provinces in both automobile and NEV production for the first time, with its total vehicle exports exceeding 1 million units.

German automotive giants have also expanded their footprint in the region. Volkswagen alone has invested more than €3.5bn (approximately $4.13bn) in Hefei, which now hosts the company’s largest research and development center outside Germany, employing around 3,000 professionals.

In parallel with the academic collaboration, the Anhui provincial government, the government of Lower Saxony, and Volkswagen Group signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to further enhance cooperation in automotive research and development, including areas such as automated driving, connected mobility, and battery technology.

Lower Saxony’s Minister President Olaf Lies expressed strong appreciation for Anhui’s rapid high-quality development, stating optimism about expanding future cooperation between the two regions.

The development reflects a broader strengthening of Sino-German industrial ties. According to a 2025 survey by the German Association of the Automotive Industry, nearly 70% of automotive firms plan to increase their investment in China, with more than 78% prioritizing research and development activities.

The new International College is expected to further solidify Anhui’s position as a key global hub for new energy vehicles while reinforcing Germany’s long-term industrial collaboration in China’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.

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