Huayu automotive R&D center breaks ground

SAIC Motor said that its Huayu automotive research and development center started construction on Wednesday, and the project is expected to be completed in 2022.

The center, which is located in Zhangjiang of the Pudong New Area and costs around 1 billion yuan (US$142.25 million), will employ around 1,400 R&D professionals. It will focus on technology and experimentation for intelligent and connected vehicles, key components for new-energy vehicles and intelligent manufacturing.

SAIC Motor said that the center aims to enhance research and development capabilities for Huayu Automotive and also help Pudong build itself into a science and innovation center with global influence.

Wang Xiaoqiu, president of SAIC Motor, said that the R&D center of Huayu Automotive will not only greatly improve the hardware level and R&D facilities for the auto-parts maker, but also attract various innovative resources and talent.

Wang also added that Huayu will take advantage of the platform offered by Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Science Center. The center will provide support for Huayu to accelerate transformation into a global and future-oriented company.

Huayu Automotive is an auto parts supplier under SAIC Motor that focuses on research and development of products including intelligent driving assistance systems, intelligent cockpits, lighting and infotainment systems.

The company has established long-term cooperative relationships with major domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers such as Volkswagen, General Motors and Mercedes-Benz. Huayu has 95 overseas manufacturing and R&D bases in 21 countries and regions around the world, including Europe, North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN and Africa.