Enabling Automotive and Powertrain Projects Across Borders
Bridging Experience Between Europe and China
Paths and Encounters
Crossing Waters
- I am a German Dipl.-Eng. with a solid background in automotive and powertrain systems.
- From mid-2006 to Autumn 2013, I worked for Chemnitz University of Technology (incl. as academical assistant) and Ruhr-University Bochum as Research Associate. I have been actively involved in several complex transmission development projects, including the China-Germany joint development of the first front-wheel-drive 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT) and a power-split hybrid transmission. My roles covered mechanical design, hydraulic system simulation, and intercultural project management.
- Subsequently, I went into corporate world and assisted the Chinese automotive component supplier Tianjin Tanhas in establishing its German subsidiary (later acquired by Changzhou NRB, a bearing manufacture). I held the senior management position and was fully responsible for overseeing local operations and business development. The company’s product portfolio included drivetrain components such as synchronizers, gears, planetary gearsets, forgings, and various types of bearings. In this role, I maintained close technical communication and commercial cooperation with several well-established European OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, actively promoting product sales and supporting market development. During this period, I also gained hands-on experience in quality management through several VDA 6.3 implementation projects.
- From 2022 to mid-2024, I worked in international sales for packaging machinery of GEA Group, focusing on clients across China and Southeast Asia. Although unrelated to the automotive sector, this role strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills and broadened my understanding of Asian business practices — valuable assets for any international engineering collaboration.
- Now, as I embark on my freelance journey, I’m eager to take on new challenges where I can apply my technical expertise, international perspective, and professional network to enable engineering Innovation - particularly in automotive and powertrain systems - across Europe and China.
Dipl.-Ing. Wei Qu
Crafting Bridges
As a freelance engineer, I offer a range of professional services rooted in hands-on project experience, deep technical understanding, and strong intercultural competence:
- Transmission System Concept Review & Consulting
Provide expert insights during early-phase development of automatic or hybrid transmissions — based on proven project experience and system-level understanding.
- Hydraulic Architecture Evaluation & Feasibility Check
Support the evaluation of transmission hydraulic systems through conceptual analysis, simulation review, and technical plausibility checks.
- Cross-border Project Management
Bridging communication between European and Chinese teams, ensuring project alignment, efficient coordination, and cultural clarity.
- Technical Documentation & Translation
Creation and translation of technical documents (English/German/Chinese), ensuring accuracy and alignment with engineering standards.
- Supplier Communication & Evaluation
Support for supplier scouting, technical discussions, and quality reviews — leveraging experience in both OEM and Tier-1 communication.
- VDA 6.3 Quality Management Support
Practical knowledge in preparing for VDA 6.3 audits and implementing process improvements in line with German automotive standards.
- Technology & Industry Research
Background research and benchmarking in the automotive and driveline sector, with focus on innovation trends and feasibility studies.
- Interim Representation in Europe or China
Acting as a technical contact or local liaison for cross-border partners during early-stage cooperation or business expansion.