(L-R) Geoffrey Party, ChinaLux; Frank Maas, ACL; Tian Jingya, ChinaLux; Jeroen Lissens, BMW Benelux; Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador; Jacques Bortuzzo, ChinaLux; Kelly Jorritsma, ChinaLux; Clarence Hammerschmidt, BMW;
Credit: ChinaLux
On Thursday 9 October 2025, the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ChinaLux) hosted an evening discussion on “The Future of Cars” at the BMW dealership Bilia in Luxembourg-Gasperich, gathering experts from BMW Belux and the Automobile Club of Luxembourg (ACL) to exchange insights on innovation, sustainability and market trends.
The event aimed to explore how the car industry is evolving amid rapid technological change, focusing on innovation, sustainability and the transition to electric and alternative mobility, while exploring Luxembourg’s approach to global trends.
The programme included welcome speeches by Authority Sales Representative from Billia Group, Clarence Hammerschmidt, and the President of ChinaLux, Jacques Bortuzzo.
Mr Bortuzzo reflected on how cars have evolved from their early history in the United States (US) to today’s growing range of electric models. “We still see the same brands from decades ago, but we now also see Chinese names like BYD, Xiaomi and Hongqi,” he said. “It shows how fast the market is moving and how global competition has become.”
Jeroen Lissens, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Belux, delivered the keynote presentation, outlining current developments in the automotive industry and the transition toward cleaner mobility. He highlighted the aspect of sustainability, adding that it has become a defining feature of modern carmaking: “Being a premium manufacturer today means being socially accountable and taking care of the planet.”
During the presentation, Mr Lissens noted the increasing influence of China on global innovation. He recalled his experiences visiting Shanghai and witnessing how quickly new infrastructure and technologies emerge. “You come back a year later and the skyline has already changed,” he said, describing China as a place where mobility development moves “extremely fast.”
Mr Lissens also presented BMW’s new Neue Klasse concept, which aims to represent the company’s shift toward electrification, digitalisation and sustainability.
The following discussion closely focused on the Luxembourg car market featuring Frank Maas, Head of Mobility Solutions at ACL, who explained that hydrogen-powered vehicles remain “very marginal” for now, mainly due to high production costs and the lack of refuelling infrastructure (Luxembourg currently has one public hydrogen refuelling station, located in Bettembourg), noting that hydrogen could become more relevant for heavy transport and industry than for private cars.
Mr. Maas also commented on global progress in the electric mobility sector: “China is really the leader in traction battery construction, with know-how superior to the rest of the world.”
The Q&A session focused on comparing global mobility developments, highlighting China’s leadership in battery technology, Europe’s role in growing investments in electrification and the shifting policy landscape in the US.
Speaking to Chronicle.lu, ChinaLux Vice President Tian Jingya noted that the chamber continually seeks to inspire its members and create value through meaningful actions.
The event concluded with a cocktail reception.
(L-R) Frank Maas, Head of Mobility Solutions at ACL; Jeroen Lissens, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Benelux
Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu
EO
