Hefei · Automotive · Renewable Energy · Advanced Manufacturing
Exploring China’s Electric Vehicle and Clean Energy Ecosystem
Thunderbird Hefei Industry Learning Expedition
Location: Hefei, Anhui, China · Dates: April 24–25, 2025
Participants: 20+ alumni and graduate students · Format: Two-day industry immersion
Overview
Craft Associates partnered with the Thunderbird Shanghai Alumni Chapter to organize a two-day industry learning expedition to Hefei, one of China’s rapidly developing centers for electric vehicles, automotive supply chains, and renewable energy technology.
The program brought together more than 20 Thunderbird alumni and graduate students to explore how Chinese manufacturers are integrating innovation, automation, and global market strategies to compete internationally.
The Experience
The delegation visited leading companies across the automotive and clean energy value chain, including NIO’s advanced vehicle manufacturing facilities and Sungrow Power Supply, a major provider of solar inverter and energy storage solutions.
Additional visits with automotive component manufacturers provided perspectives on the wider supplier ecosystem supporting China’s vehicle industry.
Through factory tours and discussions with company executives, participants examined electric vehicle manufacturing, photovoltaic technology, energy storage, supply chain integration, and the challenges of international expansion.
Conversations also explored global talent management, trade policy, and the role of advanced manufacturing technologies in industrial transformation.
Craft Associates’ Contribution
Craft Associates coordinated the company engagement program, industry-focused itinerary, and participant logistics, connecting the delegation with manufacturers and executives across the regional industrial ecosystem.
By combining major technology companies with supply chain businesses, the program offered a broader view of China’s competitive advantages in electric mobility and renewable energy.
Program outcome
Impact
The expedition provided participants with firsthand insights into Chinese industrial innovation and the interconnected ecosystem of vehicle manufacturers, technology providers, and component suppliers.
It demonstrated Craft Associates’ ability to organize high-value corporate access and executive learning experiences that translate complex industrial developments into practical business understanding.
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Craft Associates designs business learning programs for corporate, academic, investor, and technology audiences.