Vitesco Technologies is to build an R&D centre in the Chinese port metropolis of Tianjin.
The company, the powertrain business of Continental, has signed a corresponding agreement with the Administration Committee of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA).
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Vitesco will develop technologies for hybrid and electric powertrains in the new R&D centre, which is scheduled for completion in 2021.
“Our company’s strategy is clearly focused on electrified powertrains,” said Vitesco Electrification Technology business unit head, Thomas Stierle.
“As electrification pioneer we count on more than ten years of experience in electrification and we have a broad product portfolio. The new centre in Tianjin further expands our development capacities right in the centre of where we expect the biggest electrification growth over the next years.”
The new complex has a gross floor area of 9,000 square metres. In addition to an office, it will include a test lab where electric drive technologies can be tested and validated.
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By GlobalDataTianjin is one of the most important locations in China for Vitesco Technologies. The company operates a plant with automated production lines, which allow large volumes to be built.
In October 2019, series production of the fully integrated electric axle drive system for PSA and Hyundai started there. In addition, other vehicle manufacturers have chosen Vitesco Technologies to supply drive systems for battery electric cars planned to launch during the next months.
“The new R&D centre in Tianjin is another milestone for Vitesco Technologies,” added Electrification Technology business unit in Asia head, Yanfei Cao.
“It will help us to forge closer links to local customers in the world’s largest automotive market and enable us to optimally support our customers in the development of vehicles with electrification technologies.”
The new R&D centre operates in conjunction with the R&D centre in Shanghai.
The new R&D centre comprises systems, software, electronics, mechatronics and testing engineers as well as supporting functions.
Vitesco Technologies’ portfolio ranges from 48-volt mild hybrid technologies and components for hybrid to full battery-electric powertrains, such as power electronics, charging, battery management system and electric axle drive.
