Expo visitors see the latest in auto parts

Auto parts makers are showcasing their latest products for new-energy vehicles at the expo.

German auto parts maker Webasto has a new battery system for commercial vehicles.

The company said it will leverage its expertise in mechanical design, system integration and thermo management to cooperate with local battery cell providers. The intention is to develop and manufacture local battery systems for Chinese electric vehicle equipment manufacturers. 

The auto parts supplier is also exhibiting charging and heating solutions for electric vehicles.

"Electrification is the national strategy of China as the megatrend of the automobile industry, which is in line with Webasto's strategy," the company said.

Webasto Group will invest 600 million euros (US$685.2 million) globally in the research and development of electric mobility solutions and capacity optimization in the coming three years.

This includes charging solutions, battery systems, and heating systems for electric vehicles. 

Webasto also said that a battery research and development center will be launched in China in 2019.

As the only global tire company present in the automotive pavilion of the expo, Italian tire maker Pirelli is displaying a range of tires and advanced technologies for cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

Pirelli said that through the expo, it looks forward to seizing the opportunity to further enhance its presence in China and strengthen its leadership position in technology and services.

Pirelli is showcasing a new intelligent tire system named Cyber Car.

Sensors in the tires collect data such as pressure, internal temperature, tread depth and static vertical load.

The vehicle utilizes the information to adapt its safety and control systems. 

The static vertical load information is particularly important for electric cars. 

By knowing the car’s accurate weight, the vehicle’s central control unit can calculate exactly how many kilometres can be driven before recharging is required.

“We regard China as one of our most important markets," said Giuliano Menassi, CEO-Asia Pacific of Pirelli. 

"The China International Import Expo represents a great opportunity for us to introduce and reaffirm our commitment to the country, where we aim to contribute to the Made in China 2025 strategy.”

China is one of the leading countries in the world in the development of new-energy vehicles.

In the first nine months of this year, sales of new-energy vehicles jumped 81.1 percent from a year earlier to 721,500 units.