After two years in Changchun, he returned to Germany and was involved in the development of the MQB (Modular Querbaukasten) platform — the company's strategy for shared modular design for certain front-engine automobiles. He brought the platform to China in 2010 and visited the country several times over the following six years.

In 2016, he returned to Changchun as product manager for FAW-Volkswagen's B-class cars.

"The growth of China's automobile industry was really impressive," he said. "In 2003, only 4 million of the company's cars were sold. By 2019, more than 23 million were sold. In 2003, we had six models, but in 2020 more than 40 models were available to customers."

Moreover, he said, the development of electric vehicles in China created many opportunities for both Chinese and foreign automobile enterprises.

"This is also a big challenge for FAW-Volkswagen. As an enterprise that mainly produces oil-fueled vehicles, we have changed," he said. Now the company also brings electric vehicles into the marketplace.