Li Auto joins AEK 2026 keynote lineup in Europe

Li Auto took part in the 30th Automotive Electronics Kongress in Europe as the only Chinese automaker in the keynote lineup, using the stage to outline its view of AI, embodied intelligence and software-defined vehicles. The appearance highlights how the company is positioning its German R&D center and global engineering push as part of a broader move beyond cars.

Why it matters: - Li Auto used one of Europe’s top automotive electronics forums to push its view that intelligent vehicles are evolving into AI-powered terminals. - The company framed autonomous driving as a step toward embodied intelligence, a shift that could influence how future vehicles and other intelligent products are designed. - The appearance also underscores Li Auto’s effort to expand its global R&D footprint through its German engineering hub.

What happened: - Li Auto participated and displayed at the 30th Automotive Electronics Kongress, or AEK 2026, in Europe. - The company was the only Chinese automaker represented among the keynote speeches. - Dr. Qiang Liu, vice president of Li Auto and general manager of Li Auto’s German R&D Center, delivered a keynote titled “Transformation from Smart Vehicles to Embodied AI: Architecture, UX and Challenge.” - The event brought together leading European OEMs, semiconductor companies and industry suppliers.

The details: - Li Auto discussed the future of automotive electronics architecture, AI integration and software-defined vehicles. - The company described intelligent vehicles as evolving from transportation tools into AI-powered intelligent terminals with perception, decision-making and execution capabilities. - Li Auto said future AI systems may extend beyond vehicles into broader intelligent form factors. - Dr. Liu said future intelligent products will rely on a shared technological foundation combining perception, decision-making and execution. - Live demonstrations showed gesture-based parking, tire-change assistance and autonomous charging. - The demonstrations highlighted a shift from command-based interaction to systems that can understand intent. - AEK was founded in 1996 and is regarded as one of Europe’s most influential forums for automotive electronics and digital transformation.

Between the lines: - Li Auto is signaling that its AI strategy is not limited to in-car features. - The German R&D Center gives the company a direct presence in a market that shapes many global automotive technology standards. - The keynote slot suggests Li Auto wants to be seen as a contributor to the broader debate on software-defined vehicles, not just as a China-focused EV maker.

What's next: - Li Auto said it will continue investing in global R&D capabilities. - The company is expected to keep using its German R&D Center and overseas expansion to strengthen its innovation footprint. - Li Auto is also exploring broader applications of AI technologies beyond current vehicle use cases.

The bottom line: - Li Auto is using Europe’s automotive-electronics stage to position itself as a global AI and embodied-intelligence player, not just an automaker.