From a single part to the body-in-white structure
Ever since cars have existed, we have been developing, producing, and supplying metal parts—and, for the vehicles of today, hybrid structures—for the automotive industry. From a manufacturer of individual parts, we have grown into an internationally recognized development supplier of components and body-in-white structures.
KIRCHHOFF Automotive provides vehicles worldwide with extra stability and safety.
But we also offer our customers much more than that: we make a considerable contribution to the growth of their competitiveness.
The crucial cost and logistical advantages of our streamlined, medium-sized company structure with international presence serves a single purpose: to drive the market success of our customers and safeguard our innovative strength and earning power. This is our pledge worldwide.
29-04-25
KIRCHHOFF Automotive presents innovative lightweight solutions at Auto Shanghai 2025
Auto Shanghai is one of the most important automotive trade fairs in the world. From April 23 to May 2, 2025, KIRCHHOFF Automotive will be exhibiting innovative body solutions and new products that will make the mobility of tomorrow safer. Visitors will find the company in Hall 1.2, Stand 1BG080.
J. Wolfgang Kirchhoff, Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO KIRCHHOFF Automotive, reports on the trade fair: "We are seeing many innovations here, especially from Chinese car manufacturers. We are also seeing a differentiation that will have an impact on the various markets in China, Europe and North America." He also observes a rising quality level of Chinese vehicles with competitive pricing.
With its latest developments, KIRCHHOFF Automotive underlines its commitment to MAKING.MOBILITY.SAFE. and its global presence. Under the motto ‘Globally present for your business’, KIRCHHOFF Automotive follows its customers into new markets and enables them to launch their products smoothly. With its comprehensive expertise in the fields of economical lightweight construction and crash performance, the global automotive supplier provides support in the development of complex metal structural parts for body and chassis. “We can produce parts for Chinese car manufacturers - both in China and in Europe,” emphasizes Dr. Thorsten Gaitzsch, Member of the Executive Board & CTO. The company operates two production plants in China and 15 in Europe, as well as 10 in North America.
Arndt G. Kirchhoff, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the KIRCHHOFF Group, is impressed: "The progress shown by the Chinese automotive industry at this trade fair is astonishing." He particularly emphasizes the integration of communication technology and artificial intelligence. Whether this success can also be repeated in Europe or America remains to be seen - in America in particular due to the current tariffs.
J. Wolfgang Kirchhoff sees an open question in the different strategies of German car manufacturers: while some are adapting their design for Chinese customers, others are sticking to their traditional brand identity. "The crucial question is which concept will be successful on the Chinese market, which is the largest automotive market in the world," says Kirchhoff.
The KIRCHHOFF Automotive team will be presenting its latest developments at Auto Shanghai until May 2. The innovations on show include
- Components made of new silicon-boron steel grade: tests with a hot-formed B-pillar prove higher crash safety through improved energy absorption with less material usage.
- Innovative steel module cross car beam: The special open-shell design offers a high level of functional integration and contributes to cost reduction.
These solutions demonstrate how innovative materials and designs can increase crash safety while reducing weight and CO₂ emissions.
