Slovenian JV firm seeking growth at trade fair

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Blaz Stefe, CEO of the Chinese-Slovenian joint venture APG-Elaphe Propulsion Technologies, told Xinhua that his company will explore new possibilities for technological innovation and market expansion during the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Reflecting on his past eight years with the Hangzhou, Zhejiang province-based company, Stefe highlighted China's remarkable innovation speed and its cohesive industrial ecosystem.

The Chinese-Slovenian JV, established in 2016, is a collaboration between Stefe's private company, Elaphe — an innovative in-wheel motor technology firm — and Zhejiang Asia Pacific Mechanical and Electronic Co Ltd, Asia's leading brake producer. It is involved in auto parts production, supply, testing, market development and technical support.

In an interview with Xinhua in Ljubljana, Slovenia, last week, Stefe said his company is looking forward to showcasing its products and technology at the seventh CIIE. He fondly recalled the company's positive experience and feedback from both the market and the Slovenian government at the expo's first edition in 2018, saying, "We established connections and cooperation with industrial partners as well as government officials."

Elaphe's technology, based on patents developed in the 1990s by Slovenian inventor Andrej Detela, has led to significant achievements. In 2018, it produced a highly efficient vehicle with in-wheel motors.

The company also hopes to find new business opportunities for its vehicle control electronics at the CIIE. Stefe said the expo demonstrates China's openness to foreign companies and its commitment to high-quality imports. "We're not only bringing products to China, but also localizing them. We bring technology and know-how," he said.

Stefe described China as a vast and rapidly evolving market, highlighting the competitive features of Chinese electric vehicles, such as larger batteries, higher comfort levels, improved connectivity and competitive pricing. "These advantages will be represented on the market by very good sales figures," he said, expressing confidence that China will play a vital role in the global electric vehicle supply chain.

Since its launch in 2018, the expo has become an important stage spotlighting China's new development model, a platform for high-level opening up, and a public good for the whole world.

Xinhua