From bicycles to “build your dreams” — how China conquered the global car market
Fri Feb 06 2026
Only a few decades ago China was known as the land of the bicycle – today it’s an automotive goliath. The PRC is now the world’s biggest car manufacturer and exporter. It also has the largest domestic car market. We explore how it achieved such a dramatic turnaround in only a few short decades. And what role European and American car makers inadvertently played in creating a super rival.
Guests:
Ilaria Mazzocco – Chinese business and economic expert, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Dr Tessa Thorniley – freelance business journalist
Zeyi Yang – technology journalist and senior writer, WIRED
Mike Colias – Us Autos Editor, Reuters
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Only a few decades ago China was known as the land of the bicycle – today it’s an automotive goliath. The PRC is now the world’s biggest car manufacturer and exporter. It also has the largest domestic car market. We explore how it achieved such a dramatic turnaround in only a few short decades. And what role European and American car makers inadvertently played in creating a super rival. Guests: Ilaria Mazzocco – Chinese business and economic expert, Center for Strategic and International Studies Dr Tessa Thorniley – freelance business journalist Zeyi Yang – technology journalist and senior writer, WIRED Mike Colias – Us Autos Editor, Reuters