Vitesco Technologies to Open New R&D Center in China, Underlining the Strategic Focus on Electrified Powertrains
- The center, which is going to be built in Tianjin, extends the research and development capacity for zero emission propulsion technologies in the Asia-Pacific region
- Vitesco Technologies already operates a modern, highly automated plant at the site, where an innovative, fully integrated electric axle drive system has been produced since 2019
Tianjin, China, Regensburg, Germany, April 21, 2020. Vitesco Technologies, the powertrain business of Continental, will build a research and development center in the Chinese port metropolis of Tianjin. The company has now signed a corresponding agreement with the Administration Committee of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA). Vitesco Technologies will develop technologies for hybrid and electric powertrains in the new R&D center, which is scheduled for completion in 2021.
Freeman Cao (l), head of the Asia Electrification Technology business unit, Vitesco Technologies, and Xianghua Jin (r), Tianjin TEDA government representative - signed the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). Photo was taken before the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Our company’s strategy is clearly focused on electrified powertrains. As electrification pioneer we count on more than ten years of experience in electrification and we have a broad, highly attractive product portfolio,” says Thomas Stierle, head of the Electrification Technology business unit of Vitesco Technologies. “The new center in Tianjin further expands our development capacities right in the center of where we expect the biggest electrification growth over the next years.”
The new complex has a gross floor area of 9,000 square meters. In addition to an office, it will include a test lab where electric drive technologies can be tested and validated with a wide array of advanced test facilities. Tianjin is already one of the most important locations in China for Vitesco Technologies. The company operates a plant with highly automated production lines that allow large volumes to be built to the highest quality standards.
In October 2019, series production of the fully integrated electric axle drive system for PSA and Hyundai started here. In addition, other vehicle manufacturers have chosen Vitesco Technologies to supply drive systems for battery electric cars that are planned to launch over the next months.
This compact, lightweight and powerful electric drive contributes to making e-mobility more affordable and thus more suitable for mass market.
Impressions: V.T.R&D center for electromobility in Tianjin, China
“The new R&D center in Tianjin is another milestone for Vitesco Technologies,“ says Yanfei Cao, head of the Electrification Technology business unit in Asia. “It will help us to forge even 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 center closely operates in conjunction with the R&D center in Shanghai.
The new R&D center comprises systems, software, electronics, mechatronics and testing engineers as well as supporting functions and attracts talents from all over of the world.
In October 2019, series production of the worldwide first fully integrated electric axle drive system from Vitesco Technologies started in Tianjin - for PSA and Hyundai.
Vitesco Technologies offers a broad range of electrification solutions tailored to the needs of customers worldwide. The portfolio ranges from 48-volt mild hybrid technologies and key components for hybrid to full battery-electric powertrains like power electronics, charging, battery management system and electric axle drive
Simone Geldhäuser
Head of Media Relations, Spokesperson Finance, Business and Technology
Vitesco Technologies