Recently updated on February 21st, 2024 at 07:59 pm
Automotive industry is one of the most competitive industries in the global markets. Each brand in the industry is expected to launch every year a more advanced version of the model of the previous year. That is where professional language services come in to help manufacturers deliver their products with various language options for different local markets.
If you’re targeting the Chinese market, you can’t ignore the importance of a professional Chinese translation for automotive industry.
How Big is the Automotive Industry?
The automotive industry is one of the fastest-growing and most globalized industries in the world.
💡 According to a report done by the Boston Consulting Group, this is especially true in countries such as China and India, where in 2015 alone the vehicles that reached the market were 2 million more than in Western Europe.
These two nations are examples of Rapid Developing Economies (RDE) where automotive companies are starting to concentrate their efforts on research and development, marketing, and sales.
How Can Translation and Localization Impact the Automotive Industry?
International automotive marketing relies on clear, efficient, and accurate translations.
There are many factors affecting an automotive brand’s success in the Chinese markets and quality translation and localization play an increasingly important role.
A case in point is Tesla’s loss of 50, 000 Yuan to a consumer due to a translation mistake. The term autopilot in the driving assistance system was translated into Chinese as “zidong jiashi” which means “autonomous driving”. The customer thought the vehicle would manage autonomous driving, so he let go of the wheel which lead to an accident.
Since then, Tesla has revised its translation of “autopilot”. As you can see on its Chinese website tesla.cn,
The Chinese translation of “autopilot” has been revised to “自动辅助驾驶”, which means “Automatic Assistance Driving” in English. The word “辅助 assistance” was added to the new translation to avoid misunderstanding.
In addition, another term “完全自动驾驶 Fully Autonomous Driving” was used to differentiate cars with fully autonomous driving capabilities.
| English | Previous Chinese Translation | Revision |
| Autopilot | 自动驾驶 (Autonomous Driving) | 自动辅助驾驶 (Automatic Assistance Driving) 完全自动驾驶 (Fully Autonomous Driving) |
Providing accurate Chinese translation for automotive industry is, without a doubt, an indispensable part of the Chinese marketing strategy.
Chinese Translation for Automotive Industry: 3 Best Practices
How can you be sure that you choose the best language service provider for your automotive localization projects?
Here are some good indicators to get flawless Chinese translation for automotive industry.
Look for an Experienced LSP in the Automotive Industry
Look for an experienced language service provider that has not only been in the translation industry for many years but has been working with large car manufacturers for a long period of time.
Check References of Your Chinese Translator
Easier than other things you can do and mostly a common-sense rule, you should consider checking the reputation of your potential LSP before any deal. A well-established business with good references and reputation is more trustworthy than the rest
Pay Special Attention to Terminology
Some Language Service Providers keep a database of previously translated materials, rigorous specifications, and translation demands, translation memories, and glossaries to help maintain consistency globally and to deliver bigger volumes in shorter times.
💡 Before shaking on it, you should ask your future provider how they handle terminology, if they have any special tools for it, and if there are native linguists working on your Chinese translation for automotive industry.
Automotive Translation Services by Chinese Copywriter
Chinese Copywriter is a well-established English to Chinese translation company with enriching experience in the automotive industry since 2012. Our professional localization solutions help you communicate seamlessly with foreign business partners and engineers.
What Type of Documents Do We Translate for the Automotive Industry?
We translate all the following technical documents for the automobile sector.
- Corporate websites, advertising, and other promotional texts
- Sales and marketing documents
- Car catalogs
- Spare part catalogs
- Training manuals
- Service, maintenance, and repair-related content
- Vehicle inspection reports
- User manuals and warranty certificates
- Patents and R&D-related content
- User documents
- Technical specifications and documentation
- Equipment and raw material-related content
- Automotive insurance
English-Chinese Glossary of Automotive Terms
| English | Chinese |
| heated windshield-washer | 可加热挡风玻璃清洗系统 |
| 26-inch chrome plated alloy wheels | 26英寸镀铬合金车轮 |
| acoustic insulation systems | 隔音系统/设备 |
| active distance support | 自动测距制动装置 (ACDIS) |
| anti-sail | 抗风 |
| anti-skid system | 防滑系统 |
| autobiography finish | 个性化内装 |
| booster seats | 幼儿加高座椅 |
| bumper armature | 保险杠护/挡板/加固结构 |
| caravan industry | 露营车行业 |
| clear vision system | 清晰视野系统 |
| CNG engine management system | 压缩天然气管理系统 |
| commercial vehicle electronics | 商用车电子器件 |
| crumple zones | 吸撞缓冲区 |
| English | Chinese |
| customized cars | 定制车 |
| cycles | 循环/周期 |
| double-park | 并排停车 |
| engine covers | 发动机盖 |
| faceplate replacement | 面板备件 |
| free-form headlamp | 不规则前灯 |
| high-mileage durability | 高里程耐用性 |
| insulation | 隔热衬垫（层） |
| passenger presence detection (PPD) | 乘员检测系统 |
| passenger presence system | 载员自动监测系统 |
| people mover | MPV/多功能旅行车/客货两用车 |
| prestige colour | 尊贵色彩/彰显尊贵之色 |
| re-engineering | 再造 |
| roof rack | 车顶行李架 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big is the Chinese Automotive Industry?
China continues to be the world’s largest vehicle market by both annual sales and manufacturing output, with domestic production expected to reach 35 million vehicles by 2025.
How Big is the Electric Car market in China?
According to Counterpoint Research*, China’s EV sales is expected to exceed 8 million units in 2023.
Are you looking for Chinese translation for automotive industry? You’re at the right place. Send us an inquiry and we’ll get back to you soon.
Digital Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Chinese Copywriter
Having lived and worked in Europe for 6 years, Ting returned to her hometown Guangzhou with the mission to help international businesses succeed in the Chinese market. With 15 years of marketing / web design background, Ting has proven records of digital marketing successes in China. Ting has been featured on diverse mainstream medias in China, including Southern TV, Sina News, Toutiao News, GRT News, etc.